Can Dogs Eat Green Beans? Plain Is Best

Green beans are low in calories and provide fiber, so some owners use them as a filler or low-calorie reward. They are not a complete replacement for food, and a weight-loss plan should come from your vet.

Wash fresh beans, trim the ends, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. They can be given raw, steamed or boiled. Frozen plain beans are fine. Serve them unseasoned.

• Trim and cut to size.
• Steam or boil without salt or seasoning.
• Cool before serving.
• Start with a few.

The ASPCA notes that too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and, in large amounts, serious problems. Canned beans often contain salt, so check the label, buy no-salt-added, and rinse well.

Skip green bean casserole, which often contains onion, garlic, salt, cream and fried toppings. The ASPCA lists onion and garlic as harmful to dogs. Extras like this should stay a small part of the day's food. A common vet guideline is that treats and extras make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.

Because they are low in calories, green beans are sometimes used to add bulk to meals for dogs on a vet-approved weight plan. Never cut your dog's meal drastically on your own. Ask your vet to set the plan and to show you how many calories your dog really needs, and use beans only as an extra within that plan.

Fresh and frozen plain beans are the easiest options. Frozen beans can be given straight from the freezer to many dogs as a crunchy chew, but small dogs should have them thawed or chopped. Canned beans are convenient, but check labels for salt and seasoning, and rinse them well.

Plain beans are easy to include in your dog's day.

• Steamed and chopped over a meal.
• Raw as a crunchy training reward.
• Frozen as a summer chew, supervised.
• Never from a seasoned side dish.

A small handful of beans is plenty for a large dog, and a few pieces for a small one. They are low in calories, but a lot of fiber at once can cause gas or loose stools. Introduce them gradually.

Cut them into small lengths for small dogs.

Common mistakes include giving seasoned beans, canned beans with salt, and green bean casserole. Another is relying on beans to replace meals. This can leave a dog short of nutrients, so ask your vet before changing the diet.

If your dog ate a lot, offer water and watch for upset.

Puppies can have small pieces of plain cooked beans. Seniors with weak teeth do better with soft beans. Dogs with kidney problems or on prescription diets should only have vet-approved foods.

If you are unsure, ask your vet.

Some owners add a spoonful of plain green beans to meals to add bulk. This can make a meal look bigger without many extra calories. It is not a substitute for balanced food, and sudden changes to the diet can cause upset, so add vegetables slowly.

Choose fresh or frozen plain beans, or no-salt-added canned beans rinsed well. Avoid vegetable mixes with sauces and seasoning. If your dog is on a weight plan, ask your vet to set the calories and the plan, and use vegetables as part of that plan.