Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Details About This Quality Treat

It is important to give our dogs a varied, healthy diet to avoid diseases caused by obesity (e.g. heart disease). However, it is difficult to know which foods are safe. The good news is that string beans are safe for your best friend! Here’s what you should know about green beans in a dog’s diet.

Don’t Worry: It’s Okay To Give Dogs Green Beans

Generally, vegetables as treats are okay in moderation for all dogs. Dogs are omnivores; most quality dog foods include a mixture of grains, legumes, and vegetables to ensure optimal nutrition for our companions.³

Green beans are packed with amazing vitamins and minerals. They can provide your dog:

●      Their daily dose of fiber: Raw green beans have 2.7 g of fiber.⁴ This healthy snack can aid in a dog’s digestion and overall gut health.

●      Bone and skin support: This stringy vegetable contains manganese, calcium, and potassium which may support a dog’s metabolism and anti-inflammatory abilities.

●      Aging support and a healthy coat: Greens beans have high percentages of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. These three combined may help your dog age gracefully plus keep their coats shiny and strong.

●      Brain and immune system support: Vitamin B6 is critical for nervous system function, hormone regulation, and glucose generation. Green beans contain a healthy amount of this essential vitamin that plays a critical role in your dog’s health.⁵

Despite all these awesome health benefits, green beans aren’t a cure-all for existing health issues. Any sudden, severe changes in a pet’s diet can lead to illness or stomach aches. Be mindful of the amount of green beans you give your furry companion.

How Can My Dog Eat Green Beans?

There are many ways to feed your dog green beans. Here are some ideas and considerations before introducing this treat into your pup’s life.

Can dogs eat raw green beans

Raw green beans are safe for dogs to eat. Try tossing raw green beans for your pal to catch. In addition to being fun, the tough exterior may be fun to chew. Beware that you may need to cut the beans into small, bite-sized pieces to avoid smaller dogs choking on the beans’ pod.

Can dogs eat frozen green beans

Frozen green beans are affordable and readily available to most families. You can feed it to your dog the same way as raw green beans. Your dog may not like the texture. If that happens, try throwing the vegetable into the blender if your dog is suspicious of their new green treat. You can then mix it into their normal food. They may not even notice you’re trying to give them a vitamin boost!

Can dogs eat canned green beans

Try to avoid canned green beans. While they can be affordable, canned green beans tend to be high in sodium and added sugars. The additional sodium to their diet may cause unintended harm, such as hypertension.⁶

Can dogs eat cooked green beans

Sure, they can! Place frozen or raw green beans into a skillet to soften with a small amount of olive oil. Another option is to toss the vegetables onto a cookie sheet to roast them for a few minutes. This will soften the beans if the raw veggie is too tough for your pal to chew.

Yes, Give the Furry One Green Beans

Introducing anything to your dog’s diet is nerve-wracking. Managing a dog’s diet is a delicate process because no one wants to spend hours taking care of their upset stomach. It’s best to introduce green beans into your dog's diet slowly. Look out for diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy. Remember to consult your veterinarian in person or over the phone if these symptoms persist.

When not to give your dog green beans

If you choose to cook your green beans, be aware that there are a handful of things that they shouldn’t eat. For example, do not season the green beans with garlic or onion powder. Both garlic and onions can make your dog sick.

If you are considering green beans in your dog’s diet, be sure to consult your vet. Another way to give yourself peace of mind is to explore MetLife’s dog insurance policy which can assist with increasing veterinary care costs.^1,2