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I am so excited for you to learn the benefits of green beans for dogs. In addition, your doggo is going to love when you make these green beans for dogs. They are healthy, crunchy and make a perfect snack for both of you. Furthermore, this recipe is so easy to make and has a little more pizazz than plain green beans.
However, if you didn’t already know, your dog will love plain green beans, too! Bella, my sweet doggo, struggles with weight. Mostly, due to congestive heart failure. Yet, she also loves to eat and loves her peanut butter treats. So, plain green beans for dogs are my “go to” for a healthy alternative for weight loss.
My first reaction to using plain green beans as a treat for weight loss was yuk. For instance, giving Bella a green bean instead of peanut butter for good behavior seemed blah! Boy, was I wrong! She absolutely loves green beans (maybe as much as peanut butter). I just can’t believe it, so I try them out on her finicky brother, Edward. To my surprise, he loves them, too!
But, plain green beans for dogs are boring, right? Now, I am on a mission to experiment with different ways to add a little more pizazz. However, before getting to the recipe, let’s look at the safety and benefits of green beans for dogs.
Are Green Beans for Dogs Safe?
Green beans themselves are not only safe for dogs, veterinarians also recommend them as a healthy treat. Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned — all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat. But, only as long as they are plain. The key word is “plain”! Therefore, I learned to pay attention to what I was buying at the grocery store.
You see, some green beans are prepared with different ingredients that are less healthy and even dangerous. So let’s look at some preparation hazards to avoid:
- canned beans with added salt
- green beans cooked with spices
- green beans cooked with harmful vegetables, such as garlic and onions
- feeding large, whole green beans to dogs, which can be a choking hazard
The Health Benefits of Green Beans for Dogs
Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals, such as:
- protein
- iron
- calcium
- vitamin B6
- vitamins A, C, and K
Green beans are also full of fiber, potassium, and magnesium and are low in calories. Therefore, this can help dogs and humans feel full when they are dieting. Dogs thrive on antioxidant rich foods such as green beans.
Making Greenie Beanies
I love making greenie beanies for Bella and Edward! They are crunchy and super easy with only two ingredients. Most of all, I get to snack right along with them. The two ingredients are both superfoods. The green beans are the star, but olive oil has its benefits, too. This antioxidant helps to give dogs more energy, improve their immune system, and reduce dry skin.
Let’s Cook Step by Step
Firstly, purchase plain green beans. I opted for the green beans packaged in a microwaveable bag. I found this in the produce section of my local grocery store.
Secondly, do not cook them yet. Just open the bag and check to make sure all of the ends have been snapped off. In the second photo, you can see where I started snapping the beans in half. I thought I needed to do this, because Bella and Edward are little. However, next time I will just leave the beans long. They shrink and shrivel up, so it doesn’t matter and will save one less step.
Thirdly, put the green beans in a bowl or a ziplock baggie. Then, add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. I like to use a ziplock baggie, because I can seal it and shake it. I think this gets the green beans thoroughly coated with the olive oil.
After that, spread the green beans out onto a wax or parchment lined cookie sheet.
Next, put the green beans in the oven at 185 degrees to cook (it’s a drying out process). The length of time is going to vary with different ovens. Mine were done in 6½ hours. You want to take them out when they are crunchy. I cooked mine on a Saturday when I was home. I’m not a fan of leaving my oven on while I’m gone. And, I don’t like leaving it on during the night while I’m sleeping, but that’s just my preference. If you are comfortable with it, then by all means do it.
Lastly, turn off the oven and allow the green beans to cool before storing them in an airtight container.
Let your fur baby tell you just how much they love these treats. This last step is the best part! It is so fun to interact with your pup by giving them something you made just for them.
Do you have a recipe using green beans for dogs? We would love to read about it in the comments below.
You might like these easy dog treat recipes from our Dog Chef section:
Homemade Baked Banana Chips For Dogs
Sweet Potato Jerky For Dogs – Humans Too!
If you would like to save this post with recipe, use one of the images below to pin to Pinterest.
Greenie Beanies
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Instructions
- Purchase green beans from the produce section.
- Snap the ends off.
- Put the green beans in a bowl or ziplock baggie and mix in the olive oil.
- Spread the green beans out onto a wax or parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Put the green beans in the oven at 185° to cook until crunchy.
- Allow to thoroughly cool before sharing with your fur baby.
Notes
- The low temperature allows for a drying out process.
- The length of time is going to vary with different ovens. Mine were done in 6 and half hours. You want to take them out when they are crunchy.
- Store in an airtight container.
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