Low in calories and full of vitamins and fiber, green beans are a go-to veggie for many people and can even help you lose weight. If you like eating steamed, pureed, or raw green beans you are probably wondering whether your dog can have some.
So, can dogs eat green beans? Yes, dogs can eat green beans in moderation. Raw, steamed, cooked, chopped, or canned green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are unseasoned. Full of essential nutrients but low in calories, green beans can be a great snack for dogs of all ages and those who need to lose weight.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of feeding your dog green beans. Keep on reading to find out more.
Are Green Beans Good for Dogs?
All types of green beans are good for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. If you decide to feed cooked green beans to your pup, prepare them without any seasoning, oil, butter, onions, or garlic since these ingredients are toxic to dogs.
Chock full of essential vitamins and minerals, but low in fat and calories green beans can be a great snack for overweight dogs. In fact, some veterinarians recommend a guided green bean diet as an effective way for obese dogs to shed pounds and reach their ideal weight.
As always, talk with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. Although the green bean diet for dogs will lead to weight loss, it may also cause more harm than good if your pooch has underlying health problems.
Talk with your vet or a canine nutritionist about designing a weight loss meal plan for your dog that will also include green beans.
Benefits of Green Beans for Dogs
When fed in small amounts or used as a substitute for commercial dog treats, green beans can be a great source of essential nutrients your dog needs.
The biggest health benefits of feeding green beans to your dog are:
1. Green Beans Support a Strong Immune System
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is necessary for many functions within your dog’s body. As an antioxidant, vitamin C minimizes the damage caused by free radicals which are linked with aging and several forms of cancer.
Vitamin C also strengthens your dog’s immune system, reducing the risk of infections and chronic diseases.
2. Green Beans Promote Good Digestion
Like many other fruits and vegetables, green beans are naturally high in fiber, which is essential for proper digestion. Fiber adds bulk to your dog’s stool, making it easier for your dog to poop regularly without straining.
Another benefit of fiber is that it can help your dog feel fuller longer and not be hungry between meals.
3. Green Beans Support Overall Health
Green beans are also a good source of vitamin B6 which is necessary for your dog’s overall health. Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, supports growth and development in puppies and helps maintain potassium-sodium balance in your dog’s body.
This vitamin also promotes cardiovascular health by reducing the hardening of the arteries which leads to heart failure in dogs (source).
Risks of Feeding Green Beans to Dogs
Dogs can eat green beans in moderation and experience all sorts of health benefits. However, eating too many green beans can cause side effects in your dog.
The biggest risks of feeding green beans to dogs are:
1. Upset Stomach
Eating raw green beans in large amounts can cause stomach upset in dogs. Like most other beans, green beans contain lectins which might cause digestive upset and lead to bloating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The good news though, is that the cooking process eliminates lectins from green beans and reduces the risk of digestive upset (source).
Please note, it’s highly unlikely that your dog will experience any side effects after eating one or two raw green beans. But if you plan to feed more than a few beans to your pooch make sure to cook or steam them first.
2. Allergies
Although they aren’t among the most common food allergens for dogs, green beans can in fact cause an allergic reaction in your pooch. If you notice that your dog is exhibiting any signs of allergies, such as itchiness, hives, hot spots, vomiting, and diarrhea, stop feeding them green beans and call your vet (source).
If your dog never had green beans before, start slowly and only feed them small pieces first. But, if your dog doesn’t show any signs of an allergic reaction, you can include green beans into your dog’s regular diet.
How Much Green Beans Can I Give My Dog?
Although most dogs love to eat green beans, human foods shouldn’t make a bulk of your dog’s diet. If you want to take full advantage of everything green beans have to offer to your dog, feed them in moderation, as treats.
Like any other treat, green beans should make only up to 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
If you don’t know exactly how much green beans your dog can eat, consult your veterinarian or canine nutritionist. They will be able to tell you how much green beans to feed your dog based on their age, size, breed, and activity level.
How to Feed Green Beans to Your Dog?
Green beans can be a great addition to your dog’s diet and offer many health benefits when prepared properly. Only feed plain, unseasoned green beans to your dog, since added ingredients such as onions and garlic can be toxic to your dog.
The best ways to feed green beans to dogs are:
- Mix cooked green beans with your dog’s food
- Offer one or two raw green beans as treats
- Feed plain, steamed green beans
- Mix pureed green beans with your dog’s food
- Feed canned green beans to your pup
- Give your dog blanched green beans
Conclusion
Teeming with vitamins and minerals, green beans are safe for dogs to eat and can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. Green beans can be a great low-calorie snack for obese dogs who are on a diet and need to lose weight.
While all types of green beans are good for dogs to eat, raw green beans contain lectin which can cause digestive problems in dogs. However, you can avoid tummy issues by cooking green beans before serving them to your pooch.
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