Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?

Yes, they sure can! But not every type of green bean is created equal.  

Plain, fresh, cooked, or even frozen green beans are perfectly safe for your pup.  

However, skip canned green beans packed in salt, no green bean casseroles with cream and fried onions, and definitely no green beans sautéed in butter, garlic, or oil. These additions might make them tastier for us, but for your pup, they’re a recipe for stomach upset or even bigger problems like pancreatitis. 

To make things easy, you can opt for store-bought dog food or treats made with green beans. Some highly rated options include: 

Plain green beans aren’t just safe for dogs; they offer nutritional benefits, too. Here are some of the main health perks: 

• They’re low in calories. Green beans are a fantastic low-calorie, healthy snack. If your pup is overweight, green beans are a great option for giving them a treat without adding to their daily caloric intake too much.  
• They’re rich in vitamins and minerals. Green beans are a good source of vitamins C and K. Vitamin C can help bolster your dog’s immune system, while vitamin K plays a pivotal role in maintaining blood clotting and bone health. Green beans are also rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision. Additionally, they contain essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese, all of which contribute to your dog’s metabolic function. 
• They’re a good source of fiber. The dietary fiber in green beans can help your pup maintain a healthy gut, promoting good digestion and preventing or alleviating constipation. 
• They contain antioxidants. Green beans offer antioxidants that fight free radicals, helping to protect your dog’s overall health. 

It’s generally safe to give green beans to your pup. However, when introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, there’s a possibility that they may experience some side effects or adverse reactions. 

Here are the primary risks associated with feeding green beans to dogs: 

• They might cause digestive upset. Digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence, are the most likely side effects of adding green beans to your pup’s diet. You can reduce this risk by introducing green beans gradually (a few bite-size pieces at a time over several days).  
• They present a choking hazard. Whole or unprepped green beans can pose a choking risk to your dog. Always prep the green beans safely before giving them to your dog.  

In addition, dogs with specific, underlying health issues may not tolerate green beans as well as healthy dogs. If your dog has a diagnosed health problem, check with your vet before giving them any new food. 

All treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced diet. 

Here are general guidelines for portions based on your dog’s size. 

If you notice any adverse reactions, such as stomach troubles or diarrhea, scale back on the amount of green beans you’re giving your dog to allow them a chance to adjust. If your dog doesn’t adapt well to green beans, don’t push it—there are other dog-safe vegetables they can have instead. 

A little prep goes a long way in making green beans safe and easy for your pup to enjoy. Follow these steps before serving them: 

1. Wash thoroughly to remove dirt and any pesticide residue. 
2. Snap off the stem and remove any attached fibrous strings.  
3. Chop the green beans into 1-inch pieces your dog can easily chew. 

Dogs aren’t typically picky eaters, but you might need to get a little more creative when serving vegetables. Try these ideas:  

• Serve them straight up. If your dog is a veggie lover, they may enjoy raw green beans as a treat. Put them in a puzzle feeder, like the Brightkins DJ Doggo Puzzle Feeder, for some extra enrichment. 

• Use them as a food topper. Chop up cooked green beans and sprinkle them onto your dog’s food. 
• Make a frozen treat. Purchase plain, frozen cut green beans to keep in the freezer, or make your own healthy “pupsicles” by laying prepped, fresh green beans on a baking sheet and freezing for one hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, like the W&P Freezer Tray, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. 

• Incorporate them into homemade dog treats. Add green beans to homemade recipes, like these pork meatballs or low-fat veggie treats. 

A few extra green beans probably won’t hurt your dog, but too many at once can give them an upset stomach. If your pup overindulges, you might notice: 

• Gas 
• Diarrhea 
• Bloating 
• Vomiting

Most mild symptoms clear up on their own but keep an eye on your pup. If the vomiting or diarrhea is severe, lasts longer than a day, or your dog seems unusually lethargic or in pain, call your veterinarian. They can help determine if treatment is necessary. 

Can puppies eat green beans? 

Yes, puppies can have small amounts of plain green beans but introduce them slowly. Their digestive systems are still developing, so they can be extra sensitive to new foods. 

Can dogs eat raw green beans? 

Yes, raw green beans are safe for dogs as long as they’re washed and cut into bite-size pieces. Some dogs prefer the crunchy texture, while others may like them cooked. 

Can dogs eat canned green beans? 

It depends. Plain canned green beans with no added salt or seasonings are generally safe. But many canned varieties contain extra sodium, spices, or preservatives that aren’t healthy for dogs.