Can dogs eat green beans? Humans enjoy green beans in many dishes, especially those at large holiday feasts. So is it safe to share some yummy green beans with the family dog?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat green beans. That’s a good thing because one kid at the dinner table will inevitably want to hide their greens, and what better place than the dog’s stomach? Luckily, green beans aren’t harmful to dogs. In fact, they have a number of health benefits.
Of course, you must always ask your veterinarian before you share human foods with your dog, including green beans. Here’s what you should know about feeding green beans to dogs.
Why Are Green Beans Good For Dogs?
Green beans are stuffed with vitamins and iron, but they have very few calories. If your dog is looking a bit on the heavier side, slipping them a green bean might be a better idea than giving them bread or gravy.
We all want to reward our pets for being friendly and well-behaved, especially when we have guests over. Cooked green beans are the perfect treat. Unless your dog is particularly picky, they’ll probably enjoy being handed a warm green bean to munch on.
Veterinarians recommend cooked, plain green beans as a yummy snack for dogs, and for good reason! Trading high-calorie treats like biscuits for fresh veggies is a good way to give your pet love without ruining their diet. Some vets even recommend a guided “green bean” diet for overweight dogs!
When Are Green Beans Bad For Dogs?
If served raw, green beans might cause some tummy upset. This is caused by lechitin proteins, which are found in most beans. Cooking eliminates these proteins, so a quick steam solves this issue entirely.
It’s also important to note that green beans contain very few lechitins, so one or two raw beans shouldn’t be a big deal.
Cooking green beans opens up some room for issues, too, however. If you’re serving the green beans to both your guest and your dog, there might be a conflict of interest because we humans like to cook our veggies with butter, salt, spices, and onions. Many of these ingredients aren’t good for dogs.
Onions can cause blood problems, while lots of butter and salt is bad for your pup’s heart. If you plan on tossing your dog a few beans, make sure they’re plain!
Should Dogs Eat Green Beans?
Should you give your dog green beans? The answer is yes! When served cooked & plain, green beans are a wonderful snack for your dog.
Veterinarians recommend green beans as a healthy alternative to traditional dog treats, and your dog will love the change of pace.
Mix them in with their food, reward them for good behavior, or just sneak a few under the table. Green beans are one of the few mostly-worry-free dog treats.
If you want to take the guesswork out of what foods your dog can eat, you should try ordering fresh, custom meals for your dog delivered to your door from NomNomNow! Click here to get 20% off your first order!
Do you give your dog green beans? Do they like them, or is your pup a picky eater? Let us know in the comments below!
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