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Pet safety

Is Scarlet Runner Bean toxic to dogs?

Phaseolus coccineus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet runner bean as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA does not specifically list Phaseolus coccineus as toxic to pets. However, raw runner beans — especially the seeds — contain phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) lectins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause GI upset in dogs and cats if consumed raw in quantity. Cooked pods are safe for human consumption. Exercise caution with pets that may chew on raw pods or dried seeds.

What to do if your dog ate scarlet runner bean

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move scarlet runner bean out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of scarlet runner bean to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten scarlet runner bean, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is scarlet runner bean toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is scarlet runner bean toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet runner bean as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA does not specifically list Phaseolus coccineus as toxic to pets. However, raw runner beans — especially the seeds — contain phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) lectins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause GI upset in dogs and cats if consumed raw in quantity. Cooked pods are safe for human consumption. Exercise caution with pets that may chew on raw pods or dried seeds.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats scarlet runner bean?

ASPCA does not specifically list Phaseolus coccineus as toxic to pets. However, raw runner beans — especially the seeds — contain phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) lectins and trace cyanogenic glycosides that can cause GI upset in dogs and cats if consumed raw in quantity. Cooked pods are safe for human consumption. Exercise caution with pets that may chew on raw pods or dried seeds. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to scarlet runner bean.

What should I do if my dog ate scarlet runner bean?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is scarlet runner bean toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Scarlet Runner Bean is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full scarlet runner bean pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to scarlet runner bean?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full scarlet runner bean pet-safety