In short, yes, green beans can be a healthy treat for your dog. Read on to learn the safest ways to prepare this veggie for your canine pal.
Whether you like green beans or squirm at the thought of them, there’s no denying their health benefits for humans. High in fiber and protein, the vegetable can lower cholesterol and improve your immune system. But what about slipping our dogs some of these stringy delights? Are they as nutritious for our four-legged friends as they are for us?
The short answer is YES, you can safely feed your dog green beans as long as they are plain. This means no added salt (as is the case with most canned green beans), oil, spices, or toxic human foods mixed in like onions or garlic. For this reason, you’ll also want to avoid whipping up a green bean casserole for your dog.
Veterinarians not only consider the vegetable to be non-toxic, but a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet. And many dogs love them because of their crunch and semi-sweet flavor. But that doesn’t mean feeding your dog plain green beans is as simple as forking a handful over to them. Read on for the safest ways to supplement your pup’s diet with this healthy veggie.
Dogs are omnivores, just like their humans, and green beans are just one of the many “people foods” our pups can safely enjoy (or not enjoy, depending on their preferences). You can rest assured that all plain green beans are safe for your furry friend to consume, whether they’re frozen, chopped, steamed, roasted, or dehydrated.
It’s also okay for dogs to consume raw green beans, as long as they’ve been rinsed well. You’ll want to avoid canned green beans, as they tend to have sodium or other preservatives that can increase the risk of heart disease or high blood pressure (Trusted Source).
You may be asking yourself if there are any nutritional benefits in feeding your dog green beans. While the vegetable doesn’t contain all of the nutrients essential for a balanced canine diet, it does have several health benefits.
Because they’re low in calories, there’s a popular fad among pet parents known as the “green bean diet”. Essentially, owners of overweight dogs will try to get their dogs to rapidly shed pounds by replacing 10% of their dog’s meals with green beans and then gradually increasing it to 50% over a week. However, veterinarians consider this to be an unhealthy method of obesity management.
Though packed with vitamins and nutrients, the green beans will leave your dog short on their daily nutritional and caloric needs, possibly resulting in dietary deficiencies and a weakened immune system. This is why green beans should only be given to dogs in addition to their regular diet, not as a meal replacement.
Ideally, owners should look to green beans as a healthy treat to replace store-brand biscuits and dog treats that are higher in calories. As discussed, these vegetables are also a good source of fiber, which makes dogs feel full quicker and for longer, so you don’t have to give them as much. One good idea is using green beans as a food topper to entice less food-motivated dogs to eat their meals.
This all begs the question of just how many green beans we should be giving to our dogs. As with any new food you’re introducing to your pet, you should always ask your vet for guidance on how to portion it according to your pup’s weight and any other health issues unique to them, such as an underlying illness.
The following chart is our guide on how many green beans a dog should generally eat per their weight, though recommendations may vary depending on the individual dog(s).
Okay, great, let’s eat, right? Not so fast. Green beans are only truly safe for dogs when prepared properly to minimize adverse reactions like choking or stomach upset. Follow these simple steps to ensure your pup is safely consuming this healthy snack.
Green beans aren’t the only natural food that dogs can try. Here are some of the best organic produce that can be used as low-calorie, highly nutritious snacks, treats, and supplements.
Introducing new things to your dog – whether it be foods, toys, or destinations – can be nerve-wracking to owners. But as long as your vet signs off on it, you can rest assured the next time you pick up green beans at the supermarket that they’re not only a healthy treat for your best friend, but one they commonly enjoy!
While green beans can serve as a low-calorie alternative to store-brand treats in weight management, they should never be given as a replacement for a dog’s diet. Although they’re healthy, they don’t have all the essential nutrients necessary for your pup, such as amino acids and certain minerals.
The amount of green beans you feed your dog should be per their weight, with smaller dogs being fed fewer pieces than larger dogs. For example, a dog 20 pounds or less can have 1-2 pieces, whereas a dog over 90 pounds can have a handful.
Dogs should only eat green beans that are plain with no added salt, oil, or spices. Rinse them thoroughly, then trim off the stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Only give your dog a little at first and monitor their reaction.
Feeding large, whole green beans to dogs can be a choking hazard, so it is recommended that you chop them into smaller pieces before serving.
In addition to fresh green beans, dogs can have them frozen, roasted, or steamed, so long as they are plain. Avoid canned green beans that have added salt.
