You probably know that beets are chockful of vitamins and minerals and great for humans. But can dogs eat beets and get the same benefits?
As it turns out, beets have a lot to offer to our furry friends. There are some things to consider, though.
Let’s find out more about the place of beets in a dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Beets?
Yes, dogs can eat beets! ASPCA lists beets as non-toxic to dogs. The best option are cooked beets, finely chopped, pureed or mashed, and fed in moderation.
Beets can be great for your dog since they are rich in nutrients, dogs love them, and you can mix them with regular food. Cooked beets are easy on dogs’ stomachs and unlikely to cause digestive problems.
Are Beets Good for Dogs?
Yes, beets can be pretty good for dogs. If you add a moderate amount to the dog’s diet, you will be giving them additional vitamins and minerals.
Beets are good for a dog’s immune system because they contain vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are responsible for many bodily functions and proper functioning of the organism.
Beets are also rich in alpha- and beta-carotene, and vitamin A. These nutrients are important for dog’s eyesight and prevent infections.
Additionally, beets are high in vitamins B6 and B12, and niacin. Vitamin B is important for nerves and cognitive functions. B-complex vitamins guard against heart disease and cancer. They also contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat.
To top it off, beets are also low in calories. One cup of beets contains only 60 calories, so they are ideal for dogs on weight management.
To sum up, beets are a nutritional powerhouse with many health benefits for your furry friend.
Are Beets Bad for Dogs?
No, beets are not bad for dogs. They can provide health benefits if they are cooked, chopped, and occasionally offered in moderate amounts.
You should watch out for raw beet greens because these can be both a choking hazard and too acidic for your dog. Beet greens contain a high amount of oxalates, and ingesting too many can lead to poisoning.
Symptoms of oxalate poisoning include pawing at the face, vomiting, diarrhea, foaming. Swelling of lips, tongue, and oral cavity can also occur.
If you notice these, call the veterinarian immediately.
Different Types and Parts of Beets
While beets are generally safe for dogs to consume, a few parts should be avoided. Let’s look at which parts are safe and which ones can be toxic.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Beets?
Don’t feed your dog raw beets.
They can be a choking hazard for dogs. Chunks of raw beets might also cause an obstruction in the small intestine.
If you plan on serving them, it’s better to cut them or shred beets into smaller pieces that are more easily digestible. Even then, you should monitor your dog. In some dogs, raw beets can cause digestive problems and stomach pain.
Symptoms of intestinal obstruction include vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. A visit to the vet is necessary if you think your dog is suffering from this condition.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Beets?
Dogs can safely eat cooked beets.
Cooked beets offer some health advantages for dogs and can be a nice addition to their diet.
It’s easiest to feed your dog beets if you chop them into tiny pieces and cook them. Only offer your pet a few cooked beets at once to avoid stomach upset.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Beets?
No, dogs should not eat canned beets.
Canned vegetables are frequently high in salt and preservatives. Dogs are susceptible to salt poisoning since they need less sodium than humans. Salt poisoning can lead to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure, coma, and even death of the pet.
Can Dogs Eat Pickled Beets?
Pickled beets should not be fed to dogs.
They contain an excessive amount of salty brines, which is harmful to your dog’s health. Too much salt leads to salt poisoning, which can cause your dog to become dehydrated and suffer from organ failure.
In fact, dogs should avoid most canned human foods because of their ingredients.
Can Dogs Have Beet Juice?
Yes, beet juice is safe for dogs. But, how much beet juice should dogs consume?
You should only offer them a small amount of it. Too much beet juice can upset a dog’s stomach and cause digestive issues.
If you’re offering your dog industrial beet juice, check the ingredients and make sure there are no artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
Can Dogs Have Beet Pulp?
Yes, dogs can eat beet pulp.
Beet pulp is the material remaining after the sugar has been extracted from sugar beets. Beet pulp does not have any sugar and it is gentle on a dog’s stomach.
As a matter of fact, beet pulp is among the best sources of fiber for both cats and dogs. Commercial dog foods often contain beet pulp.
Can Dogs Eat Red Beets?
Dogs can eat red beets, but they are best cooked.
The traditional sort of beets that most people consume are red beets. Dogs can enjoy them, but they should be cooked completely and finely chopped.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal issues.
Can Dogs Eat Golden Beets?
Dogs can safely eat golden beets.
Golden beets are a sweeter variety of beet with an earthy flavor. Dogs can eat golden beets without risk. Simply monitor your dog and check for signs of flatulence or other gastrointestinal issues.
One thing to be mindful of: golden beets can be higher in sugar. So we would still opt for the red ones.
Can Dogs Eat Orange Beets?
Orange beets is another name for golden beets. So, they are safe for dogs, too!
They are high in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation in your dog’s body.
Offer them a tiny amount at first and monitor for any signs of stomach issues.
Can Dogs Eat White Beets?
White beets are similar to red beets except that they have white meat. They are safe for dogs but not the best option.
The sugar content in white beets is the highest out of all the standard varieties. Too much sugar in a dog’s diet leads to weight gain, obesity, and even diabetes.
Instead of giving your dog the white ones, it’s preferable to give them the red ones, so they get less sugar.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar Beets?
Dogs really should not eat sugar beets.
Sugar beets and red beets are two different varieties of beet. Sugar beet is cultivated specifically for sugar production and has high sugar content.
If dogs consume too much sugar regularly, it might cause heart disease and obesity. It’s best to avoid sugar beets.
Can Dogs Eat Beet Chips?
Yes, dogs can eat beet chips.
Homemade beet chips are the best — there are several methods for preparing beet chip dog treats. Make sure that you don’t overfeed dogs with beet chips and offer them as an occasional treat.
Can Dogs Eat Beet Greens?
Dogs can eat beet greens, and it’s best if they are cooked.
The leafy portion of the beet plant is beneficial for dogs. Beet greens are high in vitamins and minerals and could help maintain your dog’s pH in their stomach.
Cooked beet greens are the best option since they are easier to digest. Cooking, however, often decreases some of the food’s nutritional value.
What about raw beet greens? These can be poisonous to dogs in high amounts because of the high oxalates content. They are especially bad for dogs with kidney problems and bladder stones, so it’s best to avoid them.
Can Dogs Eat Beet Leaves?
Yes, you can offer your dog beet leaves.
While beet leaves are fine for dogs, sensitive dogs may get an upset stomach from them.
Monitor them for any digestive upset and symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas if you find them eating beet leaves. If you notice these symptoms, don’t let your dog eat beet leaves in the future.
Can Dogs Eat Beetroot?
Dogs can eat beetroot, but you should be cautious.
The beetroot is the plant’s red bulbous portion. It has oxalates and is very acidic. Ideally, you shouldn’t feed your dog raw beetroot but only cooked.
Beetroot can disturb pH levels in the stomach and cause a host of digestive issues and an upset stomach. Larger pieces of beetroot are also a choking hazard.
How to Give Beets to a Dog
Can dogs eat beets raw? No, they are very hard, and your dog may not be able to chew them. Dogs usually love, however, to chew on them.
Ingesting raw beet pieces might also damage the lining of a dog’s stomach. Avoid feeding them raw beets in any form.
Let’s look at a few more steps you should take so your dog gets all the benefits from beets and doesn’t get sick.
Choose Organic
While they may be more expensive, if you can — choose organic vegetables! Organic beets help to reduce your dog’s exposure to pesticides.
Dogs can’t metabolize pesticides well, so feeding them organic beets makes sure that your dog consumes food free of chemicals.
Wash the Beets
It’s always good to wash veggies and other foods before cooking them. Make sure that your dog is eating the cleanest food possible.
Puree or Mash the Beets
Dogs find it difficult to digest vegetables in large chunks, including beets. As a matter of fact, these are a choking hazard and can even cause intestinal obstruction.
That’s why, if you’re going to give your dog raw beets, it’s better to puree or mash them down into a soft and ready-to-eat texture.
Before you mash or purée beets, you must first soften them. This can be done by blanching, steaming, or boiling the beets before cutting them into little pieces and putting these in a blender or food processor.
Forget About the Spices and Seasonings
Seasoning is a wonderful way to enhance food flavor, but some spices can be downright toxic to dogs.
Seasonings and spices do not have the same impact on dogs as they have on humans. Spicy foods are uncomfortable for dogs as they can cause digestive upset and burning sensations. Always avoid garlic and onion because these are fatal for dogs.
Use Beets as a Treat
While beets are safe and healthy for dogs, they should not be a regular food in your dog’s diet. Too many beets can cause digestive problems and stomach discomfort in dogs.
Feed your dog beets only occasionally. You could also mix the beets puree with the foods your dog regularly eats to introduce a little variety.
Un-Beet-Able
Dog owners can rejoice at another option for their furry friends! Beets are safe for most dogs and offer added vitamins and health benefits for your pooch.
Just make sure to offer them in small quantities and preferably cooked. It’s best to avoid raw beets and raw beets greens because they are a choking hazard and can cause health issues for your dog.
Take a look at other vegetables and human foods you can safely offer to your dog.
