Can Dogs Eat Beets? Everything You Need to Know

The short answer to the question of whether can dogs eat beets is yes, they can. While it’s certainly not a main part of their diet, beets are generally safe for your pup to consume in moderation and can provide nutritional benefits.

Beets are another human food that has a variety of health benefits for your pup.

Let’s take a look in more detail at how they can benefit your dog and also any cons to feeding beets to your dog.

What are the Benefits of Beets for Dogs?

Beets are a root vegetable (just like sweet potatoes) that can provide numerous health benefits to our furry friends.

They are high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and regulate bowel movements.

Beets also have a moderate amount of natural sugar content and a low salt content, making them a healthy snack option for dogs.

Moreover, beets are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, and dietary fiber, which can help support a balanced diet.

The anti-inflammatory properties of beets can also help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Vitamin C

Beets are a rich source of vitamin C, which can provide numerous health benefits to dogs.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that can help boost the immune system and improve overall health.

It also plays a crucial role in collagen formation, which can promote healthy skin, bones, and joints in dogs.

By incorporating beets into your furry friend’s regular diet in moderation, you can ensure they receive the benefits of this vital nutrient.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that is essential for various functions in the body, and beets are a great source of this nutrient for dogs.

Potassium plays an important role in maintaining proper muscle function, including the heart muscles, and can help regulate blood pressure.

Additionally, potassium helps with waste removal, which can keep your furry friend’s kidneys healthy.

Including beets in your dog’s diet can provide them with a natural source of potassium, which can contribute to an overall balanced and healthy diet.

Manganese

Manganese is a mineral found in beets that has numerous benefits for your furry friend.

This essential nutrient plays a vital role in maintaining your dog’s bone health, and it also helps regulate their metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Additionally, manganese is crucial for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and supports the development of connective tissues.

By incorporating beets into your dog’s diet, you can provide them with a natural and easy-to-digest source of essential manganese.

Iron

Beets are also a fantastic source of extra iron, which is essential for many bodily functions in dogs and great if your dog has an iron deficiency.

Iron helps transport oxygen to their cells, supports healthy immune system functioning, and aids in the production of certain hormones.

Additionally, iron can help prevent anemia in dogs by promoting the production of red blood cells.

Fiber

Beets are an excellent source of dietary fiber content, which can provide a range of health benefits for dogs.

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body. Instead, it passes through the digestive system intact, adding bulk to the stool and keeping the digestive system healthy.

Dogs who eat a diet high in fiber are less likely to suffer from constipation, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.

Additionally, fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of obesity.

Therefore, feeding your furry friend beets in moderation can be a great way to ensure that they receive enough dietary fiber in their regular diet.

How to Prepare Beets for Dogs

Beets are a nutritious root vegetable that can provide a range of health benefits to both humans and dogs.

While dogs can safely consume beets, pet parents should take some precautions when feeding their furry friend this healthy treat.

Now that you know the basics, here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare beets for your furry friend:

Choose Organic Beets

Organic beets are free of pesticides and other chemicals that could be harmful to dogs.

Make sure to buy organic beets from a reputable source to ensure that they are safe for your furry friend.

Wash Beets First

Washing your beets before preparing them for your furry friend is an essential step to ensure their safety and health.

Beets may have dirt, or if not organic, it will help remove residue from pesticides or chemicals.

Washing them thoroughly can remove any contaminants that can harm your pet.

Use clean water and a scrub brush to carefully wash the beets before cooking and serving them to your canine friend.

Cook and then Purée or Mash Them

Pureeing or mashing beets can be a great way to incorporate this root vegetable into your furry friend’s diet.

This method involves cooking the beets and then blending or mashing them into a smooth consistency.

This can make it easier for dogs to digest the beets and absorb the essential nutrients they offer.

Skip the Seasoning!

When it comes to feeding beets to your furry friend, it is best to skip the seasoning altogether.

Many seasonings, particularly salt, can be harmful to dogs in excessive amounts.

It’s important to remember that your dog’s taste buds work differently than yours, and what may be delicious to you may not be suitable for your pet.

Therefore, it’s best to stick to plain beets without any added seasonings when preparing them for your pup.

Use in Dog Treat Recipes

Beets can be a great addition to homemade dog treats, adding both nutrition and flavor.

When using beets for dog treats, it’s best to stick to a consistent beet mash mixed with other ingredients.

Our dogs love beet cookies like our homemade Banana Beet Dog Treats! And, we feel good about the healthy ingredients in these tasty dog treats!

Can You Feed Dogs Raw Beets?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat raw beetroots.

But before you let your furry friend munch away on a fresh beet, there are a few things to consider.

Raw beets are more difficult for dogs to digest than cooked beets.

Dogs don’t have the same enzymes that humans do that break down raw vegetables, so it can take a while for their bodies to process raw beets. 

It is recommended to keep beet serving sizes small, as larger pieces can be difficult to digest and also pose a choking hazard.

Again, our recommendation is for them to be served cooked rather than raw.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Beets?

Canned beets may be convenient but are NOT healthy or safe for your pup.

Beets in the can come with added sodium giving them unhealthy levels of salt. They also have preservatives you should avoid.

Therefore, it is not a good idea to feed canned beets to your dogs and it should be avoided.

The same goes for canned or pickled beets.

Always Use Moderation

Beets, being a root vegetable, are a great source of essential nutrients however, pet parents need to exercise caution when feeding their furry friend with beets.

While beets contain natural sugars, too much intake can lead to an upset stomach and digestive tract issues such as stomach pain and diarrhea.

Also, beets contain oxalic acid, which may lead to the formation of bladder or kidney stones in some dogs.

As such, pet parents should provide beets in moderation to the diet or as a special treat.

Cons of Feeding Beets to Dogs

Beets contain oxalic acid, which may lead to the formation of bladder or kidney stones in dogs.

Raw beets can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause an upset stomach. Moderation is the key!

Beets are high in natural sugars, so overfeeding them can lead to digestive issues such as stomach pain and diarrhea.

Beet pieces may pose a choking hazard if not served in small, bite-sized pieces.

Always Consult Your Vet

As a responsible pet parent, you want to ensure that your furry companions are healthy and happy.

This is why maintaining a balanced diet for your pet is essential.

While beets can provide health benefits, it’s crucial to remember that every dog is unique, and their nutritional needs may vary.

Keep your dog safe by talking with your vet before adding beets to their diet or treats.

This is especially true for dogs with health disorders.

A trained veterinarian can assess your pet’s specific health issues, allergies, and dietary requirements.

This will help you determine if beets would be a good addition to your pet’s meal plan.

In Conclusion

Beets can be a great addition to your dog’s diet if served in moderation or as an occasional treat. Moderation is the key to everything, right?!

It is important to note that raw beets can be difficult to digest and may cause an upset stomach.

It is also best to keep serving sizes small and provide them cooked (preferred method) rather than raw.

Additionally, it is ALWAYS best to consult your vet before adding beets to your pet’s diet or treats.