Should Your Dog Eat Green Beans?

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Treats play a vital part in a dog’s life. They are great for training and reinforcing the dog’s good behavior. However, many dog treats are packed with calories, and dogs that eat too much can become overweight. This is where green beans step in. If you were wondering, “Can dogs eat green beans?” the answer is - yes.

Can dogs have green beans?

Healthy dogs don’t need additional things if you already feed them a healthy diet. Industrial dog foods are packed with everything your dog will ever need. Dog food brands have invested millions of dollars in researching and developing their dog foods.

However, giving your dog some treats will not only spice up their life, but it will also make them appreciate you more. Green beans can be a perfect way of giving your dog low-calorie treats. You can use them for training or as everyday treats.

Are green beans good for dogs?

Not only are green beans good for dogs, but they are tasty to them as well. Most dogs love green beans’ taste, which is great because they are packed with healthy nutrients. The reason why green beans are good for dogs is they are low in calories. Dogs and humans can feel full, but we haven’t consumed too many calories. Some of the healthy nutrients green beans are packed with are;

1. Iron

Iron is an essential mineral in the body. It helps the body produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all body parts.

2. Protein

Protein and amino acids are the basic building material for the dog’s body. Green beans are packed with protein. The dog’s body uses protein to build and repair body tissue.

3. Fiber

Dietary fiber is necessary for digestion. It adds bulk to the stool and soaks up excess moisture. Dietary fiber is great for dogs that have diarrhea. The most popular nutritional supplement packed with fiber is pumpkin. Check out this article for more info - Pumpkin for dogs.

4. Calcium

Not only can dogs have green beans, but they will also get plenty of calcium from them. Calcium is another mineral the body needs. It helps keep bones and teeth healthy and strong.

5. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins dog’s body needs. The dog’s body uses it to keep the lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs working properly. Vitamin A also boosts the reproductive and immune systems.

6. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. It helps the dog’s body convert and store the energy it harvests from protein and carbohydrates. This vitamin found in green beans helps the body form hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

7. Vitamin C

Alongside protein, vitamin C helps the body repair and build all body tissue. It is necessary for healthy growth and plays vital part in different body functions.

8. Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps the body repair wounds. It plays an essential role in blood clotting; recent studies suggest it helps keep bones healthy.

Can dogs eat green beans of all kinds?

Green beans come in all types, and not all of them are safe for dogs to eat. You can safely give your dog green beans if you avoid spices. Too much salt can mess up the dog’s sodium levels and cause them gastrointestinal issues. These are some types of green beans that are not safe for dogs to eat;

• Green beans that were cooked or prepared with different oils and other spices.
• Canned green beans are unsafe for dogs because they are high in salt.
• Dogs should not eat green beans prepared with harmful vegetables not safe for dogs to eat - these include garlic and onion.
• Large, hard green beans present a choking hazard, especially for small dog breeds like the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian.

What type of green beans are safe for dogs?

There are plenty of ways to safely feed your dog green beans. The most precise answer to the question “Can dogs eat green beans?” is - yes, but only if they are plain. Dogs can have green beans that were chopped and boiled, or they can have raw and even canned. As long as they don’t contain spices and salt, green beans are safe for dogs to eat.

Green beans as a weight loss solution

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 60% of American dogs are overweight. Many dog owners are unaware their dogs are bigger than they should be. We might think they are cute, but obesity is a severe health risk. Obesity in dogs can lead to:

• Osteoarthritis
• Some forms of cancer in dogs
• Kidney issues
• Canine diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

The worst thing about it is - obesity shortens your dog’s life expectancy by 2 years. If that doesn’t motivate you to help your dog lose weight, we are unsure what will.

Switching dog treats to green beans can help control their calorie intake. Not only can dogs eat green beans, but it is highly recommended to replace your overweight dog’s regular treats with green beans. A popular way of helping your dog lose weight is by implementing more green beans. It is called the “Green bean diet.”

Green bean diet

The green bean diet is a healthy way to help your dog lose weight by changing a certain percentage of their regular kibble with green beans. Owners usually start with 10% and work until they reach 50% of the dog’s regular food.

However, the green bean diet is not something dog owners should try on their own. Their dogs must receive all nutrients from a balanced diet, and implementing this weight-loss solution can be risky. You should not try this without consulting your vet first.

If you want to pick high-quality dog food, check out our list of recommendations - Best dog food.

World Dog Finder team