The Green Bean Diet for Dogs

The green bean diet for dogs is an inexpensive and all-natural way to help your dog lose weight. Because most dogs like the taste of green beans, it is easy to administer as well.

Using the Green Bean Diet

Introduce the dog gradually to the green bean diet; otherwise, it might experience an upset stomach from the unfamiliar food. Start by replacing approximately 10 percent of the dog's kibble ration with green beans. According to veterinarian Jon Rappaport, after two or three days you can then replace another 10 percent of the kibble with more beans. Continue this process until half the dog's ration consists of kibble and half consists of green beans.

Prepared vs. Fresh Green Beans

Fresh green beans provide the smallest amount of nutrients for the greatest amount of fiber, since cooking breaks down the indigestible cellulose in the beans. In his article, Rappaport suggests using canned beans for kibble replacement. Author Mary Kearl, relating an interview with animal nutritionist Dr. Susan Lauten, states that the canned beans most frequently used for weight loss programs are of the low-salt variety.

Benefits of the Green Bean Diet for Dogs

Adding green beans to your dog's food to promote weight loss also adds fiber to its diet. Extra fiber in your dog's diet has several benefits. Extra fiber can make your dog feel fuller, reducing begging as you cut back on its food. In addition, this full feeling will last longer, since the fiber slows digestion. Finally, if your overweight dog is constipated, extra fiber may reduce that constipation.