Green beans are a healthy vegetable that go by many different names, like string beans, French beans, or snap beans.

Can you feed your dog green beans?

Well, green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans themselves are not only safe for dogs, many nutritionists and veterinarians also recommend them as a healthy treat. Best of all, dogs seem to love them.

Can I feed my dog green beans?

Green beans are an excellent source of nutrition for your dog. They contain a good amount of several vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your dog’s health. Dogs can eat green beans as a treat or food topping in moderate amounts. 

Here are some green bean hazards to avoid:

• Canned green beans with added salt. Check the label on canned green beans; many manufacturers add sodium
• Green beans cooked with oils 
• Green beans cooked with spices or other seasonings
• Green beans cooked with harmful vegetables, such as garlic and onions
• Feeding large, whole green beans to small puppies, which can be a choking hazard

Pet Parent Tip: Any new food should be introduced into your dog’s diet gradually. You must monitor your fur buddy for adverse effects like digestive upsets, food sensitivities, and allergic reactions.

Benefits of eating green beans for dogs

If green beans are given in moderate amounts, they’ve nutritional benefits for dogs. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of green beans for dogs:

• Green beans are a good source of complex carbohydrates. They serve as a key energy source for your dog.
• There is almost no fat in green beans, which makes them a naturally fat-free food.
• Green beans are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals. They provide your dog with several key nutrients, such as vitamin A, B, C, and K.
• They support your dog’s immune health and also help with eye and skin health. Green beans are also important in bone and teeth formation.
• Green beans contain fiber that promotes gut health and motility.
• Green beans have antioxidant properties, so they help control inflammation and slow your dog’s aging process.

Green beans nutrition fact

The nutrition facts for 1 cup (100 grams) of green beans:

This combination makes them an ideal food for a diet promoting a balanced weight.

Can green beans help dogs lose weight? 

Giving your dog green beans instead of half its regular food isn’t the answer to help dogs lose weight. That won’t provide your dog with a balanced diet and it might miss out on key nutrients its body needs.

Giving green beans as a treat in place of conventional biscuits can help your dog lose weight, as long as you are also taking action to increase his exercise and moderate his regular diet. Feeding green beans will not help your dog lose weight if he is not getting enough exercise and is consuming inappropriate calories for his age, breed, and lifestyle.

Green beans – perfect healthy treat

If, however, you are just looking for a healthy, low-calorie treat to feed Fido, green beans are an excellent option. As with any treat, try not to exceed 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet, and watch for any signs of stomach upset or allergic reactions.

• Excessive intake of green beans by dogs may lead to an upset stomach and even vomiting and diarrhea.
• Some dogs have allergies, food intolerances, and sensitivities related to green beans. It may have adverse effects on their appetite. 

If your dog shows any signs of stomach upsets, you should take your dog immediately to the vet and get them checked. Always ensure a complete and balanced diet for your furry pal. 

Final thoughts – should dogs eat green beans 

The bottom line on feeding green beans to dogs? Moderation is the key. Remember, green beans are not toxic but your dog might not be able to digest its excessive amount. Feeding a huge quantity of green beans may cause some unpleasant side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Today many pet owners are preparing the food themselves for their dogs. This way, they know exactly what goes into their pet’s diets. As a responsible dog parent, you must be aware of which human food is safe or toxic for your dog.

Does your dog enjoy eating green beans? Feel free to share your thoughts. We would be happy to hear from you!

References 

Frey, Malia. (2021) ‘Green Bean Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits’, VeryWellFit, 7 August, Available at https://www.verywellfit.com/green-beans-nutrition-facts-calories-carbs-and-health-benefits-4169523 (Accessed 25 January 2022)

Burke, Anna. (2017) ‘Can Dogs Have Green Beans?’, AKC, 24 May, Available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-have-green-beans/ (Accessed 25 January 2022)

Mueller, Laura. (2020) ‘Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?’, The Spruce Pets, 24 February, Available at https://www.thesprucepets.com/dogs-eat-green-beans-4796742 (Accessed 25 January 2022)

Alexander, Vivien. (2021) ‘Green Beans? Are Green Beans Safe For Dogs?’, Dogtime, 28 January, Available at https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/70935-can-dogs-eat-green-beans-safe/amp (Accessed 25 January 2022)

Walter, Richard. ‘Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Here’s Everything You Need to Know’, Pawlicy Advisor, Available at https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-green-beans/ (Accessed 25 January 2022)

Unger, Julie. (2021), Are Green Beans Really Good For Dogs?’, DogsNaturallyMagazine, 11 December, Available at https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/can-dogs-eat-green-beans/ (Accessed 25 January 2022)