I learned a year or so ago that many overweight dogs will eat green beans. Substituting generous amounts of them in your dog's bowl for higher-calorie ingredients is a way to fill him/her up without adding fat.
I used canned green beans (whatever "cut" is cheaper). If I can get "no salt" green beans economically, I use them; otherwise, I just rinse whatever kind I have.
I prepare several days worth at a time, and I use a stick blender to puree them slightly. I have also used a potato masher successfully.
I started my mini Rat Terrier, Sarge, on a teaspoon a day, and gradually went up until he overcame his suspicion of them. He is now eating over 1/2 cup per day, and "loving" them. When I am opening the cans and pureeing his "gee-bees" (that's what we call them so the little brainiac won't know they're vegetables), he is begging for them.
I think Sarge would have lost some weight by now if I hadn't been sharing portions of my snacks with him. Unfortunately, we have both gained, but that's my fault.
By Jayni from Richmond, TX
I rescued a 10 yr old 102 lb Golden Retriever. After 2 years of a green bean diet she is now 66 lbs. I use store brand frozen beans. I feel even after washing canned beans there is too much sodium.
Is fresh green beans o.k. I always plant them in my garden then freeze them. But would love to share them also with my dogs.
Our dogs love frozen green beans. Any cut will do. They'll crunch on them frozen and eat them defrosted as well. That way there's no added sodium or preservatives.
