ByHealthy green bean dog treats can be more than plain crunchy beans. These are soft, baked mini meatballs made with lean ground chicken, finely chopped steamed green beans, one egg, and oat flour. They take about 20 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to bake. The #1 safety rule is to cook the chicken all the way through and keep everything plain, with no salt, butter, onion, or garlic.
For more ideas like this, see my healthy treats I bake.
Plain green beans are a great snack, but my dog gets bored of them fast. So I tuck them into tiny chicken meatballs. Now she sits faster than I can say “sit.” These are soft, easy to break, and perfect for training pockets.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 18 to 22 minutes
- Total time: about 50 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: about 40 one-inch meatballs
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: 3 to 4 days in the fridge, up to 2 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Steam and finely chop fresh green beans. Mix them with plain ground chicken, an egg, and oat flour. Roll small balls and bake until the center hits 165°F. Keep them plain and count them toward your dog’s daily treat limit.
Are Green Beans Good for Dogs?
Yes. Plain green beans are safe for dogs in moderation and are low in calories.
In the American Kennel Club’s green bean guide, a vet explains that green beans are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and magnesium. She also says to avoid canned green beans because of their high salt. Another vet in the same article says the bulk and fiber help a dog feel full without adding many calories.
The ASPCA also lists green beans as a good snack. It says small amounts of lean cooked chicken, free of bones and seasoning, are okay too.
Is Chicken Safe in Dog Treats?
Yes, when it is plain and fully cooked. The AKC calls chicken a good source of protein for dogs.
The AKC adds that most sources recommend against raw chicken because of the risk of salmonella. That’s why these meatballs bake until the center reaches 165°F, the USDA’s safe temperature for ground poultry. The AKC also notes that some dogs are allergic to chicken, so start small if it’s new for your dog.
Healthy Green Bean and Chicken Dog Treats Recipe
Steaming the beans first makes them soft enough to chop very fine. Tiny pieces help the meatballs hold together.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) plain lean ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh green beans, washed and trimmed (about 4 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup oat flour (blend about ⅔ cup plain rolled oats)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Steam the green beans for 5 minutes, until soft.
- Rinse the beans under cold water.
- Pat them dry with a towel.
- Chop the beans into tiny pieces, smaller than a pea.
- Crack the egg into a large bowl and whisk it.
- Add the chicken, chopped beans, and oat flour.
- Mix with clean hands until just combined.
- Wet your hands with cold water so the mix won’t stick.
- Roll 2-teaspoon scoops into 1-inch balls.
- Set the balls on the tray, about ½ inch apart.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Check a few centers with a meat thermometer. They should read 165°F (74°C).
- Cool the meatballs on the tray for 15 minutes.
- Wash your hands, bowl, and counter well with hot, soapy water.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Fresh or plain frozen beans. The AKC vet says to avoid canned green beans because of their high salt.
- No butter, garlic, or garlic salt. The AKC says never feed dogs green beans cooked with garlic or garlic salt.
- No onion or garlic powder. The AKC’s garlic guide says dogs should not eat garlic in any form, and that powders are the most potent.
- Plain ground chicken. Skip pre-seasoned chicken, sausage mixes, and anything with added salt or broth.
- Cook it through. Use a thermometer. No pink centers.
Pro Tip: Use a small cookie scoop for the meatballs. They come out the same size, so they all finish baking at the same time.
How Many Chicken Green Bean Meatballs Can My Dog Have?
Two or three meatballs a day is plenty for a medium dog. Small dogs should get one, broken into bits.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the general rule is that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from complete and balanced food. The other 10% can come from treats and snacks.
For a simple chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day. If your dog is on a diet, my guide on how many calories a dog should eat to lose weight can help. A dog health tracker is also handy for watching activity while you cut back.
Vet Tip: Green beans are not a full diet. The AKC vets say they work best as a low-calorie treat. If your dog needs to lose weight, ask your vet for a plan before you swap out any regular food.
Are These Good Training Treats?
Yes. They are soft, smell great, and break into tiny pieces, which is just what you want for training.
Cut each meatball into 4 small bits for practice sessions. Real meat makes them a strong reward, like the ones in my post on good high-value dog treats. You can also see what treats professional dog trainers use. If you want fun games to use them in, I like this brain training program for dogs.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change this recipe for allergies, pantry items, or dog size.
Allergy Swaps
- Chicken-free: Use plain lean ground turkey instead. Cook it to the same 165°F.
- Egg-free: Skip the egg and add 2 tablespoons of plain pumpkin puree to help bind.
Grain-Free Option
Use ⅓ cup of chickpea flour or coconut flour instead of oat flour. Coconut flour soaks up more liquid, so start with ¼ cup.
Veggie Swap
Use finely grated carrot in place of half the green beans for a little color.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Roll ½-inch balls and bake 12 to 15 minutes.
- Medium dogs: 1-inch balls, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Roll 1½-inch balls and bake 22 to 25 minutes. Always check the center.
More Green Bean and Chicken Ideas
Want a lighter crunch? Try my easy green bean dog treats. For more chicken recipes, see my chicken and oat dog treats and chicken and carrot dog bites.
Need balanced meals to go with your treats? This variety dog meal plan mixes things up.
How Do I Store Chicken Green Bean Dog Treats?
Keep cooled meatballs in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freeze extras for up to 2 months.
I freeze them on a tray first, then move them to a bag so they don’t stick together. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Toss any that smell sour or feel slimy. On busy weeks, I keep some ready-made fresh dog treats as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat raw green beans?
A: Yes. The AKC says green beans can be served cooked or raw. I steam them here so they chop fine and blend into the meatballs.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Use plain frozen beans with no sauce or salt. Steam them, then pat them very dry.
Q: Can I use canned green beans?
A: It’s best not to. The AKC vet says canned green beans are high in salt.
Q: Can I use cooked shredded chicken instead?
A: Yes. Use 2 cups of plain, finely shredded cooked chicken with no bones or skin. Add a second egg so the balls hold together.
Q: Are green bean treats good for overweight dogs?
A: They can help. The AKC says green beans are low in calories and their fiber helps dogs feel full. Still count them in the daily treat limit.
Q: Can puppies have these?
A: Yes, in tiny pieces once they eat solid food. Ask your vet first if your puppy has a sensitive tummy.
Final Thoughts
These healthy green bean dog treats turn a plain veggie into a soft, meaty reward. Steam and chop the beans, keep the chicken plain, and always bake to 165°F. Then grab a pocketful and go practice a few tricks. Want to see how your dog behaves while you’re out? A dog camera lets you check in and say hi.
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