Green beans (also called French beans or Runner beans in British English) are the young, unripe form of any kind of bean. They are nutritious and easy to grow, and like all beans they add nitrogen to the soil, enriching it. 

They are in the same family as black beans and kidney beans. They consist of a green pod with small seeds inside, and both are usually eaten together as a single unit.

Green beans (including green, snap, and wax varieties) are moderately high in calcium and potassium and relatively high in dietary fibre. They are naturally low in calories, fat, and sodium.

Green beans and other legumes are considered high-risk foods, especially when served raw. Several food safety concerns surround the products, which require close monitoring by food handlers.

Green beans may be a traditional side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving, but the veggie doesn’t always get a lot of love for regular weeknight meals. The truth is though green beans are a great dish to add to your table. Green beans are a good source of fibre, low in sodium, and have protein, vitamins, and minerals. 

Most dogs love treats and they are a great low-calorie way to reward your dog for good behaviour… or “just because.” But some traditional treats have low nutritional value along with too many calories.

Green beans weigh in at around 30 calories per cup, which makes them a good choice. Their high fibre makes it an added advantage because it will help them get filled easily.

Your dog will feel full with green beans than a 30 calories treat like cheese and cookies 

Green beans can also help your dog maintain a healthy weight and they are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.

Before you give green beans to your dogs, make sure they are well prepared, remove the stems and wash the beans very well.  You can decide to serve the beans steamed but do not add any seasoning or spices, you can also serve it raw, plain unseasoned beans are the best for your dogs.

As a dog owner, note that if you are giving your dog green beans for the first time, be sure that your dog doesn’t have a history of digestive issues, some dogs may find it difficult to digest the fibre in green beans and the only way to help them is by giving them the bean bit by bit and watch their reaction to it.

If your dog experiences any digestive issues like constipation after eating green beans, then you have to stop feeding them Immediately.

Nutritional Value Of Green Beans 

Green beans are a common staple in households across the country. They are a great source of nutrition for dogs. 

They are low in calories and high in fibre, which makes them a great option for dogs that need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Green beans are also a good source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog’s health.

Here are some of the nutritional benefits of green beans for dogs:

1. Low In Calories

Green beans are a good option for your dogs, especially the ones that need to lose weight or maintain weight, green beans have fewer calories than most of dog treats. One cup of green beans contains only about 30 calories, which is much lower than other dog treats or snacks.

2. High In Fiber

Green beans are high in fibre, and the high fibre content can help regulate your dogs and keep them full for a longer period of time. Fibre can also help ease constipation and other digestive problems. 

One cup of green beans contains about 4 grams of fibre, which is about 14% of the recommended daily intake for dogs.

3. Rich In Vitamins And Minerals

Green beans are a good source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog’s health. They are particularly high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. When we talk about Vitamin C, it is an antioxidant that helps to boost the dog’s immune system while vitamin K is good for blood clotting.

One hundred grams of green beans contain 20% of the daily recommended intake value of vitamin K. Vitamin K can improve calcium absorption in the bones. As a result, it can make the bone stronger and improve bone health.

4. Low In Fat

Green beans are a low-fat food, which makes them a great option for dogs that are prone to weight gain or have a history of pancreatitis. One cup of green beans contains less than 1 gram of fat, which is much lower than other dog treats or snacks.

5. Low In Sodium

Green beans are naturally low in sodium. One cup has only 6.6 milligrams (mg). Too much sodium in your diet may increase your blood pressure.

This makes them a great option for dogs that are on a low-sodium diet. 

6. High In Antioxidants

Green beans are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your dog’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

Antioxidants help to reduce illness and cell damage, and they are more important for older dogs because they help to prevent age-related diseases 

7. Good For Dental Health

Green beans are a crunchy, and crunchy food that can help to clean your dog’s teeth and promote healthy gums and prevent dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.

8. Great For Hydration

Green beans are a good source of water and your dogs need water to stay hydrated. Hydration is not just important for dogs, its highly beneficial for dogs too, especially the dogs are active or spend alot of time outdoor

One cup of green beans contains about 125 millilitres of water, which is about 10% of the recommended daily intake for dogs.

9. Versatile

There are various ways to serve green beans which makes them versatile, you can decide to serve it raw, caned or cooked, and you can also decide to use it as a topping for your dog’s treat.

Canned green beans are also a great option, as they are easy to store and can be served as a quick and healthy snack.

10. Safe For Dogs’

Green beans are a safe food for dogs to eat, but you have to serve it in moderation even though they do not contain any harmful chemicals or additives. Just avoid serving then seasoned green beans because the flavourings might be harmful to your dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Green Beans

Feeding your dog green beans can be a healthy and nutritious addition to their diet. Green beans have a lot of benefits and are essential for your dog’s diet.

However, it is very important to know how to safely feed your dogs green beans.Dogs have different digestive systems than we do, so not all of the food preparation we practice is good for them. 

For instance, we may love salting our vegetables, but that should be avoided when feeding dogs. Read carefully and try to follow these tips for the safety of your dogs.

1. Start with small portions

If you’re introducing green beans to your dog’s diet for the first time, it’s important to start with small portions. This will help to prevent any digestive issues or upset stomachs. Also pay attention to a few green beans and gradually increase the amount over time.

At the process of giving them the green beans, watch out for reactions or allergy symptoms and know when to contact a veterinarian.

2. Cook the green beans

Raw green beans are not advisable for your dogs, they can be difficult for dogs to digest and can cause stomach upset. Therefore, cook or boil your green beans before serving them to your dogs. 

3. Avoid seasoning the green beans

It’s important to avoid seasoning the green beans with salt, butter, or other flavourings. These can be harmful to your dog’s health and can cause digestive issues. Instead, serve the green beans plain or with a small amount of olive oil.

4. Serve the green beans as a snack or as part of a meal

Green beans can be served as a snack or as part of a meal. They can be chopped up and added to your dog’s food as a crunchy topping. Cooked green beans can be mashed up and mixed in with your dog’s food for added flavour and nutrition. Canned green beans are also a great option, as they are easy to store and can be served as a quick and healthy snack.

5. Monitor your dog’s reaction

It’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction to green beans. This will help you to know when they are allergic to green beans and when they find it difficult to digest. If at any point you notice symptoms of digestive upset, stop feeding your dog green beans and consult with your veterinarian.

6. Serve green beans in moderation

While green beans are a healthy and nutritious food for dogs, avoid giving them too much of it as it can cause digestive upset and even lead to weight gain. As a general rule, green beans should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

7. Store green beans properly

If you’re storing green beans for your dog, it’s important to store them properly and where it will be unreachable to dogs, they can have an excess of it in your absence. Fresh green beans should be stored properly to prevent spoilage.

Health Benefit Of Green Beans For Dogs

While they may be low in calories, green beans contain many important nutrients that provide several health benefits. The legumes are full of antioxidants, including vitamin C, flavonols, quercetin, and kaempferol.

1. Low in calories

Green beans are low in calories, which makes them a great option for dogs who are overweight or prone to weight gain. They are also a great alternative to high-calorie treats, as they are a healthy and nutritious snack that won’t contribute to weight gain.

2. High in fiber

Green beans are high in fiber, which is important for your dog’s digestive health. Fiber helps to regulate your dog’s bowel movements and can prevent constipation. It can also help to keep your dog feeling full, which can prevent overeating and weight gain.

3. Rich in vitamins and minerals

Green beans are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for your dog’s health. They are a great source of vitamin C, which can boost your dog’s immune system and help to prevent illness. They are also a great source of vitamin K, which is important for your dog’s bone health.

4. Promotes healthy teeth and gums

Green beans are a great snack for promoting healthy teeth and gums in dogs. Chewing on crunchy vegetables like green beans can help to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, which can prevent dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay.

5. Supports healthy weight management

Green beans are low in calories and high in fibre, it will help your dog to feel full and prevents overeating in dogs.

They are also a great alternative to high-calorie treats, as they are a healthy and nutritious snack that won’t contribute to weight gain.

6. Helps to regulate blood sugar levels

Due to the high levels of fibre and low glycemic index(GI), evidence suggests that green beans can benefit people with type 2 diabetes

The antioxidants vitexin and isovitexin in mung beans also work to lower blood sugar and help insulin work more effectively

7. Promotes healthy skin and coat

Green beans are high in the mineral silicon, used to support the integrity of our connective tissue including cartilage, ligaments, skin and bones.

It helps to fight acne and inflammation, repair skin damage, strengthen skin elasticity, and soothe dryness.

Other Healthy Treats For Your Dogs – Recipes

1. Cheese And Green Bean Dog Treats

6 ingredients 

40 minutes

39 Calories 

Prep – 10 mins

Serving – 48

Ingredient: 

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup green/ yellow string beans
• 3 ½ cup wheat flour
• 88 ml beef broth
• ½ cup milk (fat-free)
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin oil

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350° F.
• Gently toss the cheddar cheese and the flour in a large bowl. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, mash the green beans.
• Stir in the broth, milk, and olive oil to the green bean mixture.
• Make a well in the centre of the cheese flour.
• Pour in the green bean mixture and mix thoroughly.
• Knead the dough in the bowl until combined.
• Fold out onto a floured surface and continue to knead using extra flour.
• Knead until you have a firm dough.
• Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out preferred shapes.
• Place the cutouts on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
• Pour 1/4 cup of beef broth into a small bowl.
• Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the broth onto the cutout cookies.
• Bake for 30 minutes.

Storing – These homemade dog treats will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3 weeks. They will be good in the freezer for 6 months.

2. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

Yield: About 2 dozen small treats

Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs1
• 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain-free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain-free flour)
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten-free flour
• 3 tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
4. Pour onto a floured surface and roll the dough out to 1/2 thick. Cut out using a cookie cutter.
5. The dough will be a little sticky, a dusting of flour for your hands and the rolling pin will help! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
6. Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.

Read More: Can Dogs Eat Shortbread Cookies?

3. Home Made Dog Biscuits

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:20 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Servings12 biscuits

Calories129kcal

Author: Liren Baker

Ingredient:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup oats

1/2 cup flaxseed see notes

1/2 to 1 cups beef broth

1/4 cup peanut butter

Instruction:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats and flaxseed. Mix in 1/2 cup beef broth and peanut butter. Mix well, adding additional beef broth if necessary to bring the mixture together to a thick dough. Form into a ball and turn out on a lightly floured surface.
3. Roll to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out to the desired shape. 
4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway. 
5. Cool completely, then keep in an airtight container for about one week.

4. Green Beans Treat

Ingredient

• 2cups dry dog food
• 14 1⁄2 ounces green beans

Direction:

1. Check with your vet to see what amount of dry dog food your dog should eat daily. For a lab mix, it is exactly one cup, two times a day. Don’t buy special dog food, just use whatever kind your dog likes.
2. Open the can of green beans and add half of the juice and half of the beans to one cup of dry dog food at breakfast time. No need to heat it!
3. The green beans add a healthy dose of fibre to your dog’s meal, which makes him feel full. Plus, the dog thinks he’s getting something special – people’s food!
4. Give the other half of the can with the second cup of food for supper.

5. DIY Doggy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb fresh Organic Green Beans
• 1/4 cup Grass-Fed Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 cup Grass-Fed Whole Milk

Directions

1. Heat milk until nearly simmering in a small sauce pot.
2. Add shredded cheese to milk and whisk until fully melted and incorporated. Turn off the the heat.
3. Heat another pot of boiling water, add green beans and cook until slightly soft. About 5 minutes.
4. In a medium-sized bow, toss green beans and cheese sauce.
5. Let cool slightly and serve.

6. Buttery Garlic Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped in half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅛ teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning, or more to taste
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Place green beans into a large skillet and cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until beans just start to soften 3 to 5 minutes
2. Drain and return to the skillet. Add butter and stir until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic; cook until tender and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes
4. Season with lemon-pepper seasoning and salt before serving

7. Buttery French Beans

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 116 kcal
• Preparation Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• French beans: 400-500 g
• Butter: 1 ½ tbsp
• Water: 473 ml
• Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
• Salt (to taste)
• Lemon Pepper (to taste)

Methods

1. Put French beans and water in a large skillet.
2. Cover the lid and bring it to a boil.
3. Drain the water.
4. Add butter to the French beans and cook for 2-3 mins. 
5. Now, add the garlic and stir for 1-2 mins.
6. Then, add the seasoning and salt for taste.

8. Green Bean Salad

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 80 kcal
• Preparation Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Green beans: 450 g (chopped)
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Almond: 43 g
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
• Mustard: 2 tsp
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Black pepper: ½ tsp 
• Feta Cheese: 32 g (optional)
• Basil leaves: 3-4 leaves
• Salt: ½ tsp 
• Black Pepper: ½ tsp
• Red Pepper Flakes (pinch)

Methods

1. Add the almonds to a large skillet and roast for 2-3 mins. Keep aside. 
2. Add green beans, water and salt. Cook for 7-10 mins.
3. Cover the lid and bring it to a boil.
4. Drain the water.
5. Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
6. Next out in the feta cheese or a substitute.
7. Add the roasted almonds on top. 

9. Best Of Breed Dog Biscuits

Prep:15 mins

Bwke 45 mins to 1 hr

Total 5imr: hr

Yield about 42 larger (about 3 1/2″) biscuits, 60 smaller (round) biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (227g) King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 cup (89g) rolled oats, old-fashioned or quick-cooking
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup (56g) King Arthur Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (270g) peanut butter, crunchy or plain
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (128g) cold water, enough to make a cohesive dough

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Lightly grease a couple of baking sheets, or line them with parchment.
2. Mix together the flour, oats, parsley, dried milk, and salt.
3. Add the eggs and peanut butter, stirring to combine; the mixture will be crumbly.
4. Add enough water to bring the dough together; depending on the season, you may need to add a bit more (winter), or a bit less (summer).
5. To make biscuits using a dog-bone cutter, roll the dough about 1/4″ thick, and cut with a 3 1/2″ cutter (or the size of your choice). Gather and re-roll the scraps, and continue to cut biscuits until you’ve used all the dough.
6. To make dog “cookies,” drop the dough in walnut-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten them to about 1/4″.
7. Bake the biscuits for about 40 to 60 minutes, baking the smaller cookies for a shorter amount of time. When finished, the biscuits will be dark golden brown and will be dry and crisp all the way through.
8. Remove the biscuits from the oven, and cool them right on the pans.

• Can Dogs Eat Red Rice
• Can Dogs Eat Ruffles? Find Out
• Can Dogs Eat Key Lime Pie? Find Out
• Can Dogs Have Pumpernickel Bread? What You Should Know
• Side Effects Of Antibiotics In Dogs: What You Should Know

Conclusion 

Green beans are just as nutritious and safe for our dogs as they are for us! They offer a great low-calorie treat choice—in moderation—for adult dogs and puppies. Just remember that puppies have more sensitive stomachs, and too many green beans could upset their stomachs due to the high fibre.

Dogs are naturally carnivorous, and 75-85% of their diet should be meat-based. Therefore, even a healthy option like green beans must be fed in moderation.

Lastly, Many dogs love frozen green beans as it gives them something to gnaw on. Moreover, frozen beans are a perfect treat for hot summer days. Whether you decide to feed your pup frozen, raw, baked, boiled, steamed, dehydrated, or canned green beans, be sure to remove any stringy ends.

Now you know that dogs can eat green beans! Want to find out more about foods your dog can eat? check our blog for more