Vegetable
Can cats eat green beans?
Plain cooked green beans are safe for cats in small amounts, though most cats are not interested.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A small cooked piece.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Raw, steamed or boiled — with no butter, salt, garlic or onion
- Cut into short pieces for small dogs
- Avoid tinned beans with added salt
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Plain green beans are crunchy, filling and very low in calories, which makes them a favourite treat for dogs on a diet.
How much: A few beans a day; up to about 10% of daily calories as treats.
Can dogs eat green beans?Cats Safe
Yes, plain cooked green beans are safe for cats in small amounts, though most cats are not interested.
How much: A small cooked piece.
The details
You may come across the “green bean diet”, where part of a dog’s food is replaced with green beans to help with weight loss. Swapping more than a small portion can leave a diet short of protein and nutrients. For real weight loss, measure your dog’s food and use green beans as treats instead of biscuits — or ask your vet about a weight-loss food.
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat green beans?
Yes, plain cooked green beans are safe for cats in small amounts, though most cats are not interested.
How much green beans can a cat have?
A small cooked piece.
What should I do if my cat ate green beans?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is green beans safe for dogs too?
Yes. Plain green beans are crunchy, filling and very low in calories, which makes them a favourite treat for dogs on a diet.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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