Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Yes! They Actually Ruff It!

Most of the time, our dogs go heavy on the treats, and it’s hard to cut back on them. Honestly, how can you not give your dog treats when you see them being such a good boy? What we could do instead of being in this dilemma, though, is to choose a healthier alternative to treat them with. Their good behavior needs appreciation, and the treats are going to keep them healthy and strong. What else could you want? Green beans are the perfect low-calorie treat substitute that could solve our treat troubles. But the question arises, can dogs eat green beans?

Nutritional Information

Green beans are packed with nutrients that help your pupper stay healthy. Here is the nutritional value of 1 cup of raw green beans:

• 31 Calories
• protein: 2 g
• fiber: 2.7 g
• sugar: 3.6 g
• vitamin K: 43 mcg
• thiamin: 0.1 mg
• niacin: 0.7 mg
• vitamin B-6: 0.14 mg
• vitamin E: 0.41 mg
• calcium: 37 mg
• iron: 1.03 mg
• magnesium: 25 mg
• phosphorous: 38 mg
• potassium: 211 mg
• zinc: 0.24 mg

These magical green veggies are full of healthy minerals and vitamins. It is rich in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. They are low in calorie but packed with fiber which help dogs feel fulfilled when on a diet. 

If your dog is already getting its necessary nutrients from a balanced commercial diet, then green beans may be extra support. But instead of dog biscuits and the unhealthy treats that we are too guilty to cut off can be replaced by green beans. 

NB: green beans may be highly nutritious, but dogs are inherently carnivorous, and they require a 75-85% meat-based diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?

You may have Googled can dogs eat raw green beans? or can dogs eat canned green beans? or can dogs eat cooked green beans?

In any of its forms, steamed, canned, raw, or chopped, all green beans are safe for dogs to consume. This green vegetable is not just safe for dogs. Veterinarians rather recommend it as a wholesome treat option for dogs. The best part is dogs love it. 

Green beans are sometimes prepared with other ingredients which could be potentially toxic to dogs. Here are some of the green beans combo that you must be wary of:

• Green beans cooked in oil and spices 
• Feeding the dog large pieces of green beans could be a choking hazard
• Canned beans with added salt
• Green beans cooked with other vegetables like onions and garlic that dogs can’t tolerate

How To Prepare Green Beans For Dogs

Adding green beans to your dog’s meals entails a few cautions. Dogs have a different digestive system than humans, and it’s not necessary that they will be able to digest every food that we can. We love to sprinkle salt on our vegetables, but it should not be done in the case of dogs. 

They can take green beans in any form, but you must introduce it into their diet slowly. 

Here are some tips on how to go about offering your dog green beans:

1. Always choose organic veggies so you can be rest assured about chemicals in their food. And if you do buy non-organic beans, be sure that you wash the greens thoroughly before preparing. 
2. Do not add any seasoning, such as salt, herbs, oil, butter, onions, or garlic. 
3. If your dog is averse to eating green beans, feed him the veggies along with his regular meat or other vegetables he likes. 
4. Try to introduce the greens gradually. Feeding them too much too quickly can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or vomiting. 
5. To avoid any untoward effects, try giving your dog beans once or twice a week. 

The Green Bean Diet

It is possible you had someone tell you about the “green bean diet.” It is known to help dogs lose weight. This diet plan is created to slowly but steadily substitute, based on its needs, about 50% of your dog’s daily intake. 

It is done by supplementing 10% of a dog’s regular meal with green beans, which is steadily taken upto 50% until the target weight of the dog is achieved. Following which, the dog goes back to its normal diet. 

This may sound really easy and feasible, but Ken Tudor, veterinarian writing for PetMD, warns of the risk of attempting this diet without vet supervision. Usually, when dogs gain weight suddenly or face difficulty shedding weight, it has underlying concerns that cause this condition. Certain health issues, such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism, can cause unexplained weight gain in dogs. 

If you still think your dog may be gaining weight because he eats a lot, Dr. Tudor says, “Regular food is inappropriate for weight-loss patients. Although weight-loss patients are fed the calories appropriate for their ideal target weight, they still need amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals for their present weight.”

A sudden over-consumption of these greens could lead to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances that could mess with their metabolism, leading them to regain their weight once they get back to their normal diet. 

Tudor ends by saying that green beans can be an effective measure for weight loss, so long as your vet is involved and an overall wellness plan to help your dog lose weight without complications is ensured. 

Green Beans- Good Or Bad?

If you are looking for a nutritious option that has low calories, green beans are your best best. If you do not have other things to worry about, as we mentioned above, green beans can be the best treat your dog can indulge in.

Just like all the other types of treats, avoid exceeding the 10% mark of your dog’s daily diet while monitoring any signs of allergic reactions or a stomach upset. 

Breed and Beans

There is a general guideline on what is the safe amount of beans to be had for each size and breed of dog. Given that each “piece” is about an inch in length, here is a rough idea of the quantity for each type:

• Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 1-2 pieces of green beans (Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus)
• Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 pieces of green beans (Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds)
• Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 5-6 pieces of green beans (Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies)
• Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = small handful of green bean pieces (Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds)
• Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = large handful of green bean pieces (Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees)

Ruffing Up!

Green beans are undoubtedly healthy for your dogs, and your dog will love them too. But you should consult a vet before giving your dog anything that is not part of their regular diet, especially when you know that your dog could be having other underlying issues. 

If you have thoughts to share or stories to tell on how your dog loves green beans, leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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