Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?

As a pet parent, you know that irresistible urge to share your meals with your pooch — especially when they give you those big, puppy-dog eyes and produce a drool puddle that could rival Niagara Falls.

But it can be difficult to know what foods you can and can’t give them. 

Green beans are on the list of safe human foods for dogs, so if you enjoy this green veggie, you can share it with your best friend. Besides being safe for dogs, they’re also a low-calorie, high-fiber treat that most dogs will love. However, there are some key facts you should know before feeding this treat to your pup.

Are green beans good for dogs?

Green beans are a healthy treat replacement for high-calorie commercial treats. And because they’re low in sugar but high in fiber and water, they’re also a smart snack for dogs with diabetes.

The insoluble fiber in these beans adds bulk to stools and keeps the digestive system moving. Foods high in fiber can also help with weight loss since they keep dogs feeling fuller for longer after meals. Likewise, veggies with a high water content are hydrating and low-calorie, making them ideal for dogs who need to lose weight.

Nutritional value of green beans for dogs

In addition to fiber and water, green beans are full of essential nutrients. These beans grow in several colors, including green, white, purple, and striped. We call them string beans or snap beans if they’re not green. But they’re all from the same family and carry the same nutrients. 

A 100-gram portion of green beans contains:

• 31 calories 
• 0.2 grams of fat
• 6.9 grams of carbohydrates
• 2.7 grams of fiber
• 3.26 grams of sugar
• 37 milligrams of calcium
• 38 milligrams of phosphorus
• 211 milligrams of potassium

This makes them very healthy for dogs and humans alike. 

Health benefits of green beans

Green beans offer nutrients that boost your dog’s immune system, strengthen muscles and bones, and combat inflammation. 

Some of the healthy nutrients in green beans include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Beta carotene
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin K
• Iron
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium

Weight Loss and the Green Bean Diet

Almost two-thirds of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. Fortunately, a good diet and regular exercise can help dogs get back to a healthy weight. Due to the fiber and low calories, veterinarians have long recommended green beans as a good snack for dogs who are on weight loss programs. And in recent years, the internet has taken this to the next level with the “green bean diet,” which entails cutting up to 50% of the kibble from your dog’s diet (and replacing it with green beans) to facilitate rapid weight loss. Some pet parents swear by it, while others say their dogs regained weight quickly. 

While this diet likely works in the short-term, it isn’t recommended by veterinarians. A diet that’s 50% green beans is not complete or balanced and can lead to nutrient imbalances and malnutrition over time. If your dog needs to lose weight, check with your veterinarian on the safest and most effective way to achieve healthy weight loss in your pet.

Before trying any new pet diet you read about on the internet, run it by your veterinarian first.

Can puppies eat green beans?

Yes, puppies can eat green beans, too. The same principles you would follow for adult dogs still apply, including only making these beans a small part of your pup’s diet and looking for any signs of an upset stomach or allergies.

Risk factors of green beans for dogs

It’s generally safe to feed your dog green beans as long as you do so in moderation and serve them correctly. That being said, there are still some risk factors associated with feeding any new veggies to your pup: 

Digestive issues

These beans can cause gas and diarrhea — or vomiting — if your dog eats too many (the same goes for broccoli). Gradually introducing the beans into their diet is the best way to avoid this from happening. 

Green bean allergies

While green bean allergies in dogs are extremely uncommon, they’re still possible. So, keep an eye on your dog after feeding them the beans and look for signs of itching, skin issues, or coughing. 

Choking hazard 

Larger pieces can get stuck in your dog’s throat and pose a choking hazard. This is why it’s important to cut the beans into bite-sized pieces — especially for little dogs. 

Digestive upset

Non-organic beans may have pesticides and other chemicals, so wash them properly before feeding them to your pooch. 

If your dog gets sick from eating too many beans, you need to monitor their symptoms closely and give them plenty of water. Look out for symptoms like vomiting, itching, lethargy, or discomfort. If these symptoms persist for more than a day, take your pup to the vet.

A pet insurance plan can often help pet parents with unforeseen vet costs. So, if you want help with surprise vet bills in the future, invest in a dog insurance plan that covers your pet and your wallet.

How to safely prepare green beans

Green beans are most nutritious for your beloved dog when served raw. You can also serve them frozen, boiled, or steamed, but be aware that cooking takes out some nutrients.

To keep green beans a healthy and safe snack for your dog, be mindful of the following: 

• Serve the beans plain with no additives, oils, or seasonings; avoid toxic ingredients such as onions and garlic, which are harmful to dogs.
• Avoid canned green beans as they may contain too much salt, which is also bad for dogs.
• Always cut green beans into small pieces so they’re not a choking hazard. This is especially important for small dogs.

Green beans are a fantastic portable snack option and training treat, and you can take them along when you’re out with your pooch. They’re also a refreshing treat for a hot day and a healthy way to give your dog extra energy until dinner.

Additionally, you can prepare these beans for your dog in several creative ways, including: 

• As a food topper
• In a healthy vegetable soup (use sodium-free chicken broth)
• Dehydrated
• As frozen treats

Green bean alternatives for dogs

Here are some other veggies that dogs can eat. 

• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Pumpkin
• Celery
• Cucumbers 
• Tomatoes 

Check out our “Can My Pet Eat That?” guide to discover what else your dog can eat, including dog-safe fruits, veggies, snacks, meat, and more.

Green beans are safe for your pooch

Green beans have many health benefits for your dog. Take care to feed them to your pup correctly — raw or cooked with no seasoning.

So, the next time your pup is drooling while you’re preparing dinner, snap off a bit of a healthy green bean and give them a nibble. 

Frequently asked questions:

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