If you’ve wondered whether green beans are good for your dog, the short and sweet answer is YES! As long as they are plain and unseasoned. Most dogs love this low-calorie, high-fiber treat — a healthy supplement to your dog’s diet.
Caught your kids sneaking their greens to your pup under the table and wondered if dogs can eat cooked green beans. Or you want to add greens to your pet’s diet, but you’re looking for answers to can dogs eat green beans.
Whatever your reasons, the answer is — yes, green beans are good for dogs!
Ever since Twitter user Eyeofre7 found that her dog loves green beans, there’s been no looking back. “Much cheaper than dog treats,” she says.
And she’s right.
Raw or cooked green beans, minus any seasonings, are safe for dogs.
They are a rich source of nutrition and fiber —little wonder vets recommend them as healthy snacks for dogs.
So, why can dogs have green beans? Read on to find out.
To reiterate – yes! Green beans are known for their nutritional value, not just for you. They are equally good for your canine. But as long as they are fresh.
Preserved or seasoned beans might not be the best or safe alternative.
Wait, what about canned beans?
Canned foods may be labeled safe and nutritious, but most food cans are lined with Bisphenol A (BPA) plastic that can seep into the food and be harmful to pets.
BPA in canned food may affect your dog’s hormones, blood, brain, heart, and reproductive health. This means healthy green beans, when canned, may do more harm than good.
The best route is to simply buy fresh, frozen, or dried green beans and serve them raw or cooked. But if canned food is the only option, refer to the food scores on the EWG Website for food brands that use BPA-free packaging.
Your pet will also benefit from low sodium BPA-free canned food.
Also, most dogs tend to gulp down their food. And since green beans are large, they are potential choking hazards. Cut them up into smaller pieces, especially if you have a small dog.
Also, too much green beans can cause gas, diarrhea, or vomiting, so moderation is key.
Every 100 g (3.5 oz) serving of fresh green beans contains:
| Calories | 31 |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 6mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 2.7g |
| Sugar | 3.3g |
| Protein | 1.8g |
| Vitamin C | 12.2mg |
| Vitamin A | 35mcg |
| Vitamin K | 43mcg |
You’ll agree everyone’s going gaga over green beans with good reason. These slender veggies are chock full of essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen your pet’s immune system and enhance their ability to fight illnesses.
They are also rich in iron, protein, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your dog’s bone and brain health.
Quora user and dog mom Laura Turner advocates the inclusion of green beans in your dog’s diet. “Peas, carrots, and green beans are in many dog foods. I give small amounts of veg most days,” she adds.
Even good things need to be taken in moderation. Since dogs are naturally carnivorous, their diet should ideally include 75-80% of meat.
— animals going goblin mode (@mischiefanimals) July 3, 2022
These delicate veggies may not seem like much, but they have many good things going for them. Let’s look at how they can contribute to your pet.
Green beans are packed with Vitamins A and C as well as flavonoids, beta carotene, and other powerful antioxidants that keep free radicals at bay. They fight oxidative damage to cells and help boost your dog’s immune system.
Vitamin A is vital in keeping your dog’s nerves, muscles, and skin in optimum condition.
Green beans are a source of Vitamin B6 that helps optimize your dog’s metabolism and nervous system and Vitamin K, which promotes healthy blood coagulation and supports bone health in dogs.
Dogs are generally active and therefore prone to bumps and bruises. These nutrients can help strengthen their bones and speed up the healing process.
Green beans are low in calories and high in insoluble fiber. They help flush away toxins from your dog’s gut, add bulk to stools and enable a smooth digestive process, keeping your dog free of constipation.
Beans have high water content making them good for regulating your dog’s weight. They keep your dog feeling full sans the calories.
Obesity is a major health crisis for dogs according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, which state that almost 56% of dogs in the US are obese.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), dog obesity can cause health risks like diabetes, some forms of cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and kidney issues. Being overweight also predisposes them to arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries.
There’s a buzz that green beans are an effective way to help dogs shed pounds. Many swear by its effectiveness in dog weight loss.
Laura Mitchell, a Doberman Rescue Volunteer from Ohio, swears by their effectiveness in bulking up your dog’s meal without adding empty calories. “They make an excellent filler for dogs who need to lose weight,” Mitchell adds.
So let’s dig deeper and see how green beans, a nutrient powerhouse, can help with woof, weight, and wellness.
Can dogs eat green beans to lose weight? Well, here’s the big, fat truth!
The green beans diet is about substituting 50% of your dog’s meals with fresh or frozen green beans instead of using them for treats or snacks.
Because of its high water and low-calorie content, your dog will feel fuller for longer.
It is recommended to initially substitute 10% of your dog’s total calorie intake per day with green beans and increase it by 10% every two or three days until the full 50% portion is achieved.
Go with a ratio of 50% green beans and 50% regular dog food until your dog reaches its ideal weight. You can then shift to making green beans a treat or snack.
Of course, including physical activities like walking and ball chasing will also help your dog get from fat to fit in no time.
“They are useful to fill them up if they are overweight and their normal food has to be reduced,” says Tracey Ann Firth from France. “They like them (at least mine do) and they are low calorie. Mine have them with both their normal kibble meals every day,” she adds.
Can dogs eat cooked green beans? And, what about raw?
It’s a yes to both.
We boil green beans and asparagus in only water for our dinner. We do that so the dogs can get their veggie treats. They hang out by the stove while veggies are cooking.
— Michelle Blankenship (@COterriermom) July 9, 2022
Many people say their dogs love the taste of green beans. Yours might too. Here are some dog food recipes with green beans you can try.
The key is to keep things simple because it’s safer and more beneficial that way — no condiments, salt, or spices.
When it comes to dog food, the more crunch in the munch, the better.
To make green beans crunchy, pat them dry and then coat them thinly with olive or coconut oil. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Pop in the oven at 425 ℉ for 10 mins – 15 mins until you get the dryness and crunch level you’re aiming for.
Remember not to crowd the pan with too many green beans as they’ll steam instead of roast.
You may also use an air fryer for faster cooking. Roasted green beans can be refrigerated in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
If you want to add more nutrients to your dog’s diet, consider mixing green beans with other vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and zucchini.
Blend them together for a nutrient-dense veggie puree.
Or simply blanch the green beans, chop them up and add them to bone broth for a hearty and warm dish for your dog.
Most dogs love green beans. But what do you do if yours doesn’t? Try the following hacks.
Cut the beans into small bits and mash them together with the wet food.
Puree the green beans with fat-free broth and freeze the puree in ice cube trays. Thaw a cube or two and add to its food. You can also let your dog lick on a frozen puree cube for an icy but healthy treat.
Add small pieces of green beans to low sodium chicken broth for a warm, luscious treat.
Add finely chopped green beans to cooked ground meat in a 50:50 ratio.
Generally, green beans can make up about 10-50 percent of your pets’ regular food. These can be raw green beans or even sauteed, steamed, or canned.
When adding green beans to your dog’s diet, remember to increase the amount in 10 percent increments every 2-3 days until you reach the desired portion size.
Yes, dogs can have steamed, sauteed, or canned green beans.
Dogs love beans, and many veterinarians recommend them as a healthy, nutritious, fiber-packed treat. Even raw green beans are generally considered a safe food for dogs.
Cooked or canned beans should be plain and devoid of strong seasonings, garlic, or too much salt, as these could cause trouble for your pet.
Green beans can be a healthy treat, or you can make them part of your dog’s daily meals.
Use fresh or frozen green beans. They can be blanched, pureed, baked, or boiled. Stay away from spices or added flavors.
You can also try adding it to their broth or meaty meals.
With more than 19,000 varieties, there’s a wide selection of dog-safe beans available for pet parents.
However, beware of certain harmful types that can potentially be fatal. These include fava beans, broad beans, coffee beans, and raw kidney beans.
Remember, many dog-safe beans could also be toxic if served raw, except raw green beans.
Both options are good for your dog. Most dogs love them raw. For picky eaters, consider cooking green beans and mixing them in with your dog’s regular food.
Pro Tip: Don’t serve your dog uncut green beans as they are choking hazards, may not break down in their stomach, and may even cause obstructions in their digestive tract.
We’d go with fresh or frozen green beans any day. Canned green beans may contain BPA, high sodium, and other preservatives that can harm your dog.
Can dogs eat green beans? A woofing yes! They make for a wholesome addition to your pet’s meal or an occasional healthy treat and can help keep your dog’s weight and wellness on point.
So, go green for the win!
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
