Are Green Beans Good for Dogs?

If your pup is like most, he’s happy to eat just about anything you give him. And unlike small children, dogs even love veggies like green beans! But are green beans good for dogs? It turns out green beans can make an excellent all-natural treat for dogs. But like anything, you should only give green beans to your dog in moderation.

Here are some considerations when feeding your dog green beans:

Are Green Beans Good for Dogs?

First, let’s answer this question a bit more thoroughly. Green beans are very nutritious and packed with many beneficial vitamins and minerals. All the same good stuff we get out of green beans our pups can as well!

Here are just some of the nutrients green beans offer:

• Protein
• Fiber
• Iron
• Folate
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Antioxidants

Another benefit of green beans is that they are low in calories. So if you have a doggo that is a bit overweight, you may want to consider giving him a few green beans as a tasty treat instead of a few higher-calorie dog biscuits. 

And that brings us to another important question…

Is the Green Bean Diet Safe for Dogs?

The Internet is a bit like fire. Fire cooks our foods and heats our homes. Fire can also destroy acres and acres of forested land.

The Internet can be an excellent place to find important information and learn new things. It can also be a source of dangerous misinformation.

You may have seen something on the internet about the “green bean diet” for overweight dogs and wondered if it worked. BE AWARE: The green bean diet is NOT a valid or safe diet for weight loss in dogs.

To start, this diet does not offer your pup the required animal protein they need each day to be healthy and strong. Second, the diet does not provide essential nutrients. Dogs on this diet for any length of time can become malnourished.

A general rule of thumb is to use green beans as an occasional treat and be sure they do not make up more than 10% of your pup’s diet. As always we recommend you speak to your vet about safe ways you can help your dog lose weight through diet and exercise.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Green Beans?

Yes, dogs are able to eat and digest raw and cooked green beans. Both are safe and offer vitamins and minerals. Having said that, cooked veggies tend to offer less of the vitamins and minerals. But again, you’re really only giving these as a treat, not to ensure your dog is getting enough of a certain vitamin or mineral. All of what your dog needs should be provided in their dog food.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Green Beans?

It’s not a good idea to feed your dog canned greens beans because they contain high amounts of salt! Too much sodium over time can lead to health issues like heart disease and high blood pressure. Stick to fresh or frozen green beans. If you insist on canned green beans, make sure you find a “no-salt added” can.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Green Beans

It’s important to always wash fresh green beans and carefully remove any stems or strings. You should also cut your beans into small bite-size pieces. You can toss a few pieces into his bowl as a treat, or use them as a food topper to his regular meals.

Cooked

Some dogs like the texture of cooked green beans better than raw green beans. Feel free to boil, steam or microwave the green beans for your pup. When done, make sure you allow them to cool completely, chop them into small pieces and use as a treat or food topper.

Dehydrated

Dogs love things that crunch! If you have a food dehydrator, cut up some green beans and dehydrate them for your dog as a fun and healthy snack.

Final Thoughts

Green beans are low in calories and high in beneficial vitamins and minerals. They can be an excellent snack or food topper to give your pup. Remember, avoid the green bean diet as it is unhealthy and dangerous for your dog.

Also, as always, check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, even if those foods are healthy. What may be okay for one dog may not be for another depending on their age and health history. 

Pet Insurance – Even Healthier Than Green Beans!

Our pups are a big part of our family. And that’s why many pup parents are choosing to sign up for pet health insurance. A pet insurance plan can help you give your pup the care he needs without going into debt to do it.

It only takes two minutes to get a customized quote from multiple providers.

References:

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-have-green-beans/ “Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?”
2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-green-beans “Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?”

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.