As cat owners, we want to provide our feline friends with optimal nutrition. But with cats being obligate carnivores, it can be confusing to know which human foods are safe and healthy for them. What about green beans? Can cats eat green beans?
The short answer is yes, green beans can be fed to cats in moderation as an occasional treat. Green beans are non-toxic for cats and contain beneficial nutrients. But they should never make up a large portion of your cat’s diet.
Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of feeding green beans to cats, which types to choose, and the best way to incorporate them into your feline’s meal plan.
Are Green Beans Safe for Cats?
Green beans belong to the legume plant family Fabaceae The varieties most commonly eaten by humans are cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris like ‘Blue Lake’ and ‘Contender’
When given in small amounts, fresh or cooked green beans are generally safe for cats to consume. According to the ASPCA, green beans are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
But just because a vegetable is non-toxic for cats does not automatically mean it provides any health benefits. Green beans do contain some beneficial nutrients for cats when fed in moderation.
Nutritional Value of Green Beans for Cats
Here is the nutritional breakdown for 1 cup of cooked chopped green beans (from USDA data)
- 31 calories
- 6.4 g carbohydrates
- 3.4 g fiber
- 0.4 g fat
- 2.0 g protein
- Vitamins: A, C, K, B6, thiamin, riboflavin
- Minerals: manganese, potassium, iron, calcium
Compared to many human foods, green beans are low in calories and fat They contain no cholesterol or sodium. Their main macronutrients are fiber and carbohydrates
The fiber in green beans may help support digestion and regularity. The vitamin A is beneficial for vision, vitamin C boosts immunity, vitamin K aids blood clotting, and B vitamins assist with energy metabolism.
Green beans also provide antioxidant compounds like carotenoids and flavonoids that can help neutralize harmful free radicals.
So while green beans should not be a major component of your cat’s diet, the nutrients they contain can be beneficial in small amounts as part of a balanced feline diet.
Potential Concerns with Feeding Green Beans
Though considered safe, there are some potential downsides to feeding green beans to cats:
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Carbohydrates – Green beans contain a fair amount of digestible carbs, which cats do not require in their diet. Excess carbs can lead to obesity.
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Oxalates – Green beans have a moderate oxalate content. In large amounts, oxalates may increase the risk of calcium oxalate bladder stones in susceptible cats.
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Choking hazard – Some cats may gulp down beans before properly chewing them, posing a choking risk. Always monitor your cat when feeding beans.
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Gastrointestinal upset – Too much fiber and other compounds found in beans may cause gas, loose stools, or vomiting in some cats.
So green beans should only be fed occasionally and in limited quantities. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for any signs of intolerance.
What Type of Green Beans Can Cats Eat?
You have choices when it comes to selecting green beans to feed your cat:
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans available in the produce section are a healthy option. Look for crisp, brightly colored beans without blemishes. Remove ends before cooking.
Wash fresh green beans thoroughly to remove dirt and any chemical residues from non-organic produce. Chop beans into small pieces to reduce choking risk.
Frozen Green Beans
Frozen green beans retain more nutrients than their canned counterparts. Check for added ingredients like salt or preservatives. Thaw beans before feeding to cats.
Canned Green Beans
Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned green beans. Avoid those packed with added sugar, flavors, or other ingredients. Rinse canned beans before feeding to reduce sodium content.
Cooked Green Beans
Steaming or blanching helps soften fresh green beans’ tough cellulose and hemicellulose fibers so they are easier for cats to digest.
Avoid seasoning beans with butter, oils, spices, herbs, or salt. Plain cooked green beans are healthiest for cats.
How to Feed Green Beans to Cats
When introducing green beans to your cat for the first time, follow these tips:
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Start with very small portions of about 1-2 teaspoons.
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Mix chopped green beans into your cat’s regular food so they get used to the new flavor blended with familiar foods.
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Gradually increase portion sizes over a period of days or weeks as tolerated. Kittens, older cats, and those with sensitive digestion may need to take it slower.
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Cats should not be fed beans daily or in large amounts. Limit portion sizes to a few times per week. Green beans should be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple.
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Avoid giving beans to diabetic cats due to their carbohydrate content. Consult your vet first.
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As with any human food, stop feeding immediately if your cat has an adverse reaction like vomiting or diarrhea.
Monitor your cat closely when first feeding green beans. Make sure they chew thoroughly before swallowing to reduce choking risk.
How Much Green Beans Can Cats Eat?
There are no definitive guidelines on exact amounts of green beans cats can safely consume. As general best practice:
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Treats like green beans should comprise no more than 10% of your cat’s total daily calories.
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For an average 10 lb cat, that equates to about 1-2 tablespoons of cooked green beans, 2-3 times per week at most.
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Start with even smaller amounts and adjust based on your cat’s individual tolerance.
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Feed beans sparingly as an occasional snack or meal topper, not as a major part of the diet.
Consult your vet about the appropriate amount to feed your specific cat based on their health status, weight, and other factors.
Can Kittens Eat Green Beans?
Kittens can start to eat small amounts of green beans once they are eating solid foods, usually around 4-6 weeks old. Check with your veterinarian.
When introducing green beans:
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Mix just a few slivers into their regular food at first.
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Gradually increase quantity every few days as tolerated.
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Limit portions to a teaspoon or two maximum per feeding.
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Kittens should not eat beans daily since they need protein from meat.
Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset when adding new foods to their diet. Cook beans thoroughly until soft to prevent choking.
What About Cats with Special Dietary Needs?
For cats with certain health conditions, talk to your vet before offering green beans:
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Diabetic cats – Avoid feeding beans or any starchy vegetables to cats with diabetes as they can destabilize blood sugar levels.
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Kidney disease – Phosphorus in beans may need to be restricted for cats with advanced kidney disease. Check with your vet.
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Urinary issues – Due to the oxalate content, limit feeding beans to cats prone to calcium oxalate bladder stones.
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Food sensitivities – Cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or food allergies/intolerances may react poorly.
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Overweight cats – Too many extra calories from beans could hinder weight loss efforts.
For most healthy cats, occasional small portions of cooked green beans can provide beneficial nutrients without posing much risk. But tailor your approach based on your individual cat’s needs.
Are Green Bean Plants Safe for Cats?
While green beans themselves are cat-safe, other parts of the bean plant are toxic or hazardous:
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Raw, underripe beans contain lectin phytohemagglutinin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and other adverse effects if eaten. Only feed your cat cooked, fully mature beans.
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Bean plant foliage and stems contain alkaloids that could cause toxicity if directly ingested by cats. Keep cats away from bean plants.
So be careful when growing green beans at home. Keep plants out of reach and only harvest fully mature, cooked beans to feed your cat.
Troubleshooting Issues with Green Beans
When feeding green beans to your cat, watch for these potential signs of intolerance:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Increased gas or flatulence
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Gagging, trouble swallowing beans
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop feeding beans and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist. Introduce any new foods slowly and incrementally to allow your cat’s digestive system time to adjust.
Some cats may never take to the taste of beans. Don’t force the issue if your picky feline turns up their nose. There are plenty of other healthy treat options to try.
Other Veget
What kinds of beans can cats eat?
As a treat, you can give your cat plain, cooked green beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
Can cats eat beans safely?
While giving a cat a bean isn’t going to poison them, they have no need for beans and legumes in their diet. House cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they primarily thrive on eating animal protein such as meat, fish, and other animal products. Regular cat food typically caters to a cat’s need for high amounts of animal protein. Cats don’t require plants or a high fiber diet in order to be healthy, and fiber is one of the primary nutritional benefits of beans. So your feline friend doesn’t gain much nutritional value when they eat beans as a snack or as part of their meal.
Beans are chock full of fiber and have a low calorie content. If a cat eats beans, the extra fiber they contain might help them lose a few extra pounds, or the beans may help with digestive problems they already have. However, it’s extremely important to consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet. Switching things up without their expertise could throw off your cat’s nutrition and/or cause more harm than good.
Because cats are obligate carnivores, their bodies are hardwired to digest meat, but not much else. Cats don’t process the variety of foods a human eats in the same way that humans do. It’s not a good idea to give cats beans often, as it can disrupt a cat’s digestive system. If our feline friends eat too many beans, they might have bad reactions like diarrhea, gas, or vomiting.
Can Cats Eat Beans? The Answer Will Surprise You!
FAQ
Why does my cat eat green beans?
What vegetables do cats like?
Are any beans toxic to cats?
Can cats eat green bean plants?
Can cats eat green beans?
Many other green vegetables are perfectly safe for your cat to eat and can play an important role in a healthy diet, including peas and green beans. Fresh or frozen green beans (when cooked) can have many health benefits. If you are opting for canned green beans, make sure they are low in sodium, as too much of this can be bad for your cat.
Can one eat beans raw?
Most beans and many other legumes are unsafe to eat raw. They contain a compound called lecithin, a glycoprotein that, when undercooked or raw, is toxic.
Can cats eat beans?
Beans are a food that some cats can tolerate, but they contain a high amount of carbohydrates. This may contribute to obesity in cats. Cats who are already overweight should not eat any high-carbohydrate foods, including beans.
Can green beans reduce weight in cats?
As I mentioned earlier, green beans have an effective effect on reducing weight in overweight cats. NOTE: You should not replace a daily meal with green beans in order to reduce obesity in cats. Without proper advice from a vet, it could be dangerous. How to reduce obesity in cats using green beans?