Can dogs and cats eat green beans?

25 May 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat green beans?

Green beans are a nutritious food option for dogs that provide numerous health benefits. Dogs can safely consume green beans, whether raw or cooked, without any adverse effects. Just make sure they're plain and unseasoned.

Green beans are low in calories but high in fibre content, which makes them an ideal addition to your dog's diet if you're trying to help them maintain their weight. These crunchy and tasty legumes also contain vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and folate, which help support your dog's immune system while preventing various diseases.

Moreover, green beans are rich in antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation and promoting better heart health by regulating blood sugar levels. Green beans have been shown to reduce the risk of cancerous growths thanks to the presence of lutein, a carotenoid that offers abundant protection against different types of cancers such as colon cancer.

Just keep in mind: When introducing new foods into your dog's diet, it's always best practice to do so gradually and monitor their reaction closely over time. Starting with small amounts will give them time to adjust and minimise the chance of gastrointestinal issues that can result from sudden changes in diet, such as vomiting or diarrhoea.

If your pet requires veterinary care due to something they ate, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat green beans?

Green beans can be a valuable addition to a cat's diet, and they are generally safe for feline consumption. These legumes offer several nutritional benefits that can help keep cats healthy and happy.

Green beans are rich in fibre, which helps promote digestive health and prevent constipation. They also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, as well as beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body for healthy vision.

Moreover, green beans have low carbohydrate content and are a low calorie food option, which makes them great snacks during weight management programs or if your furry friend has diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).

While it’s true that some cats may not enjoy the taste of green beans, or may experience gastrointestinal upset after eating this vegetable raw, cooked or steamed plain fresh green beans without any additives such as salt or seasoning should be safe for the majority of cats to consume. However, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your cat's diet — especially If your cat has any underlying medical conditions like kidney disease, which may mean that vegetables need to be avoided.

If your pet requires veterinary care due to something they ate, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet