Can dogs eat green beans?
Yes, dogs can eat green beans. In fact, green beans are so high in a variety of different vitamins and minerals, that they can be added to the ever growing list of superfoods for dogs!
Superfoods are a collection of different foods, such as green beans, that are not only super in name but are super in nature! This is due to their nutrient-dense properties.
So, let’s have a look at green beans in more detail and find out why they are so good for our dogs to consume.
Table of Contents
Are green beans good for dogs?
Yes, green beans are good for dogs. Green beans have a variety of health benefits for our dogs and can be beneficial if they are added into their diet.
Keep in mind that a well-balanced and reputable dog food should contain all of the goodness that your precious pooch needs in order to function correctly.
Superfoods, such as green beans, can then be used to add an extra boost of vitamins and minerals to their diet.
Green beans can provide our dogs with a variety of health benefits:
- Great source of dietary fiber:
Packed with fiber, green beans can help to firm up feces and keep bowel movements regular. Firmer feces can help with ailments such as constipation and anal gland issues.
- High in Vitamin C:
Green beans are brimming with Vitamin C and even though dogs can create their own source of Vitamin C, it is always good to give them an extra boost. Vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation and slow down the aging process.
- Powerful natural antioxidant:
Green beans help to protect the cells in our dogs bodies from damage due to its powerful antioxidant properties. It could be said that green beans can even help to prevent different types of cancer!
- High in potassium:
If your dog was to have low levels of potassium, it would be unlikely that they would be able to move and function properly. It just so happens that green beans have high levels of potassium which help to aid in nerve and muscle impulses, including keeping the heart beating.
- May promote oral hygiene:
Due to greens beans being crunchy in texture, they can actually help to remove plaque from your dog’s teeth. This can improve the smell of their breath and improve gum health.
- Contains Vitamin K:
Green beans contain high levels of Vitamin K. This helps to support the clotting process within the body. If your dog was to sustain a cut and they had low levels of Vitamin K, their blood would struggle to clot and form a scab.
- Great for weight management:
Thanks to green beans being low in calories and fats, they make a fantastic and healthy snack for your dog. You can feed your pooch plenty of green beans, in moderation, without having to worry about them gaining weight.
- Can boost hydration levels:
Green beans can be a fantastic way to offer your dog water on a hot day. In fact, raw green beans consist of around 90% water!
Can dogs eat raw green beans?
Yes, dogs can eat raw green beans. In fact, offering raw green beans to your dog offers the highest concentration of nutritional availability, as no goodness will be lost as a result of cooking.
Raw green beans should be prepared correctly before offering them to your dog. Make sure that they are washed thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or chemicals.
It is best to purchase organically grown green beans, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try growing your own!
Before offering your dog raw green beans, make sure to cut each end off the bean pod as these are more fibrous and difficult to digest. Once they are prepared, cut the green beans into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Can dogs eat canned green beans?
Yes, dogs can eat canned green beans, but ensure that you purchase the correct type of preserved beans. Often, canned green beans can contain high levels of preservatives, such as salt.
Additionally, canned green beans can contain additional flavorings and seasonings which can be toxic to dogs, including garlic and onions.
When purchasing canned green beans for your dog, make sure to select a zero or low-sodium option. Canned green beans should also be preserved in water instead of oil or any other fatty substance.
Before offering canned green beans to your dog, ensure that they are drained and thoroughly washed under running water. This will help to wash away any additional preservatives.
Can dogs eat cooked green beans?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked green beans as they are often easier to digest. There are different ways that you can cook green beans for your dog.
When cooking green beans for your dog, make sure that you do not use any additional seasonings, such as salt and pepper. Seasonings and flavorings may not only be toxic to your dog, but they will offer no nutritional benefit and may cause more harm than good.
Steamed
Steaming is one of the best ways to cook green beans. Steaming allows a good concentration of vitamins and minerals to stay within the vegetable. Place green beans above a pan of boiling water using a steaming basket or use a steaming appliance.
The cooking time of green beans can vary and can range between 5 – 10 minutes. The longer the green beans are cooked, the softer they will be in texture.
Boiled
Green beans can be boiled in order to cook them and give them a softer texture. After they have been washed and trimmed, place the green beans into boiling water and cook for 6 – 8 minutes.
Roasted
Roasted green beans can make a great snack for your dog. Green beans should be washed, trimmed and mixed with a small amount of olive oil (which also has its benefits!)
Spread the green beans evenly on an oven tray and cook at 425 fahrenheit for 10 – 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so that they do not burn.
What other vegetables can my dog eat?
There are tons of veggies that your dog can enjoy the benefits of, including: Cucumbers, kale, broccoli, bean sprouts, edamame, artichokes, beets, plantains, okra, seaweed, and carrots!
Click through to the articles to read more about how to prepare and feed them safely.
Can dogs eat green beans: Final Thoughts
Green beans make a brilliant addition to our dog’s diets. They are packed full of vitamins and minerals, as well as acting as a powerful antioxidant. As with any new foods, always introduce green beans slowly into your dog’s diet and monitor for any adverse reactions.
