Dogs tend to like eating anything that they can get their mouths on, whether it’s freshly baked bread, leftover chicken nuggets, or even something from the garbage. So, it isn’t a big surprise that most dogs would eat green beans if given the opportunity to. You may have even seen your dog eat a green bean or two, which might have you wondering whether canines can be allergic to these legumes.
Dogs can be allergic to green beans, but rarely. In fact, green beans can be healthy additions to most canine diets. Here’s what you should know!
Many Foods, Including Green Beans, Can Cause Allergic Reactions in Dogs
Dogs can develop allergic responses to just about any kind of food. Some foods more commonly affect a dog’s immune system than others, but everything from green beans to eggs can cause allergy problems.
- Beef
- Chicken
- Wheat
- Soy
A veterinarian should diagnose a green bean (or any other food) allergy, as this is the only way to confirm it. That said, diagnosing a food allergy can be challenging. A physical exam typically takes place to check for the clinical signs of a food allergy. Sometimes, a veterinarian will also want to do a food trial to see if there is any kind of response.
Food trials need to last at least 8 weeks and can involve eliminating certain foods from the diet or sticking to a short list of ingredients. If your veterinarian does diagnose a green bean allergy, the best way to get rid of allergy signs is to simply avoid feeding green beans to your dog and make sure no green beans are included in any food or treats that you buy for them.
Signs of Green Bean Allergies in Dogs
Several signs might present if your dog is allergic to green beans or any other type of food, for that matter. Some are mild, while others are more serious and if left unchecked, could lead to dire consequences.
- Frequent skin and ear infections
- Excessive skin itchiness
- Feet licking and/or chewing
- Hives
- Unintended weight loss
- Vomiting
If any of these arise, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible or make an appointment for a checkup.
If Your Dog Isn’t Allergic, They Can Safely Enjoy Green Beans in Their Diet
If it turns out that green beans are not the cause of your dog’s allergy signs, this food can safely be included in their overall diet. Not only are green beans safe for dogs to eat, but they also have several health benefits. They are full of nutrients that dogs need for happy and healthy lives, such as protein, calcium, and vitamins C, K, and A. They are also packed with fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
If your dog’s diet is already healthy and well-rounded, they don’t need green beans to maintain their health. However, green beans won’t hurt your pet if they are enjoyed in moderation.
What to Avoid When Feeding Green Beans to Your Dog
There are a few things to avoid when feeding green beans to your dog, whether as part of a meal or as a snack. The most important thing to remember is that dogs should not eat green beans that include added ingredients unless you know exactly what those ingredients are and that they won’t harm your pup.
- Canned green beans with added salt
- Green beans cooked with spices or oils
- Green beans cooked with onions and /or garlic
Be sure to consider the size of the green bean to the size of a dog. If a small dog is to eat green beans, their serving should be cut into pieces that are no more than about 1 inch long. Otherwise, they can be a dangerous choking hazard.
Conclusion
In general, green beans are not dangerous to dogs and in fact, can be healthy additions to their diets. However, it is possible for dogs to become allergic to green beans, though this is more rare. If you suspect that your pup is allergic to green beans or any other food, contact your veterinarian to schedule a checkup appointment.
Featured Image Credit: leonori, Shutterstock
