Can dogs eat green beans?

Updated 13/04/2024

Naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients essential to our health, green beans are a great accompaniment to any of the dishes we humans love. And as a source of plant-based protein, you might be wondering- can dogs have green beans? Well as you might know already, our friends of the canine persuasion are omnivores, which means they need nutrients from both plants and animals to stay healthy. And that's great news on the green bean front - dogs can have green beans safely as a treat - they don't add a heap of calories and they contain vitamins and minerals essential to your dog's diet. So now we've cleared up the question - can dogs eat green beans - let's get into the details on the safest ways to share the vegetable with your canine companion.   

Related article: Can dogs eat raspberries?

Are green beans poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs have green beans and experience any symptoms of toxicity, or are green beans fully safe for our canine companions? Well we're pleased to let you know that there's nothing poisonous about green beans for your furry friend. In fact, they're a pretty healthy choice on the snack front. The only thing to be cautious of is allergies. Like us humans, there's a slim chance that dogs will be allergic to any foodstuff you put in their bowl. So, when trying your pooch with anything new, simply keep an eye on them for any allergic symptoms (think redness, swelling, hives and itching), and contact your vet immediately if you notice any reactions in your pup.

Related article: Can dogs eat bananas?

Are green beans good for dogs?

And can dogs have green beans and experience any of the health benefits we humans can? Or are green beans good for dogs theoretically (because they contain lots of vitamins), but shouldn't really be added to the canine diet? Well out of the many human foods, green beans are a healthy choice for your furry friend, namely because they're low calorie and packed with vitamins and minerals. But, like with any safe 'people food' that's not dog food, treats should only make up 10% of your pup's calorie intake. Why? Well the dog food that makes up most of their diet is formulated for their age, breed and any health concerns they've got going on, so there's really no need to add any extras, unless you (or let's face it, your pooch) are particularly curious about their culinary preferences.  

Related article: Can dogs eat avocado?

What about the green bean diet for dogs?

If your furry friend is overweight, obese or you're simply curious about all things canine, you might have heard about the so-called green bean diet for dogs. It's designed to help dogs lose weight by substituting 10% of their calorie intake with green beans, and gradually increasing that to 50% until the dog reaches the desired weight. The diet certainly isn't recommended by vets and can even be detrimental to your pup's health. So, while green beans are a safe treat for your furry friend, you shouldn't be taking your pup's weight loss into your own hands, especially with something rather dangerous like the green bean diet. Instead, consult your vet to help your pooch get back to a healthy weight, and for an assessment as to whether their excess weight is due to any other underlying health issues.  

Related article: Can dogs eat mushrooms?

Health benefits of eating green beans for dogs

So, now we know that our furry friends are safe to snack on a green bean or two in moderation, let's take a look at some of the nutritional benefits they could reap from the vegetable.

• Vitamin A. Supports with healthy vision, bone growth and immune response. 
• Vitamin C. Helps to fight free radicals in your pup's body and reduces inflammation. 
• Vitamin K. Helps with the functioning of blood clotting.
• Manganese. Helps with the growth of healthy bones and joints.
• Potassium. Helps with the maintenance of the electrical charges of the heart, nerves and muscles.
• Phosphorus. Supports healthy teeth, metabolism, and bones 
• Folate. Helps with bodily functions, like red blood cell production.
• Calcium. Contributes to healthy bones and teeth, as well as heart and nervous system functioning.
• Fiber, which contributes to healthy digestion

Related article: Can dogs eat yogurt?

Feeding your dog green beans

Now onto maybe the most important part - can dogs have green beans cooked up in any way? Or is there anything specific you need to know? Well below find answers to questions pet parents often have on the topic, plus follow our rule of thumb when cooking for dogs. Simply make sure the vegetable is cut into bite-size pieces to avoid choking, and serve either raw or cook it plain without any seasonings or fat.

Can dogs eat raw green beans?

Can dogs eat string beans if they're raw? Certainly, just wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides and cut into bite-size pieces to dodge the risk of choking.

Can dogs eat canned green beans?

You'll need to check these on a case by case basis with your vet. Some green beans will be stored with additional preservatives and salt which are of course bad news for dogs, so only feed your pooch canned green beans if they're completely plain.  

Are frozen green beans for dogs safe?

We wouldn't advise feeding frozen green beans to dogs as they pose a serious choking hazard, and can potentially cause intestinal blockage. 

Can dogs eat fresh green beans?

Fresh green beans are the best option for your pup - if they're not canned or cooked previously, you'll know exactly what's on them and whether they're safe for canine consumption.

Can puppies eat green beans?

Raw or cooked green beans are safe for puppies, so long as they're served plain and in bite-size pieces. Just be sure to monitor your young pup after serving up anything new, as there's a slim chance of allergy with any foodstuff.

Other green beans products

And can dogs have green beans if they're cooked into some sort of dish? Well while it might seem that dogs and beans are a match made in pup heaven, you shouldn't be putting any of your favorite dishes into your dog's bowl. While tasty, many of the ingredients we humans cook with are toxic to dogs, so only serve up plain green beans to your pooch.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs have green beans - explore our blogs below for advice answering - what 'human' foods can dogs eat?

• Corn off the cob
• Oatmeal
• Honey

Meet our veterinary expert, Jnanee

This article has been checked by veterinarian Jnanee Krishnasamy, BVSc (Massey). Dr Jnanee is a small animal veterinarian. She was born in sunny Singapore and spent her formative years there, before studying veterinary medicine at

Massey University. Since graduating from vet school, Dr Jnanee has worked in a variety of settings that include private practice, shelter medicine, and veterinary telemedicine. Due to her varied experiences, she is well-informed on many aspects of the veterinary industry!