Summary: In this blog, we learn whether dogs can eat beets! We’ll discover whether dogs can eat pickled beets, beets that have been cooked or raw beets and if there are any benefits to sharing beets with your dog…
Can Dogs Eat Beets?
Yes, dogs can eat beets! But, only in moderation. Beets aren’t toxic to dogs, but should only be shared with your pooch as an occasional snack or in addition to their main meal and alongside a healthy routine of regular exercise.
However, beets also have high levels of sugar in them so may be worth avoiding with diabetic dogs or overweight pups as if they’re fed beets in excess, this could make their condition worse.
Beets are also fairly high in oxalates which can cause the risk of kidney stones to increase. If you’re a pet parent to a Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso, or Miniature Schnauzer, be aware of this as these breeds are the most likely to develop kidney stones.
If you want to serve beets to your dog and are unsure if it’s a good idea, just ask your vet!
Are Beets Good For Dogs?
Beets are high in nutrients and therefore they can benefit a dog’s health! A beet’s nutritional load includes fiber, zinc, vitamins C, A, B6, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron which can all benefit your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Beets can help encourage your dog’s immune system, help support healthy digestive functions and promote a healthy condition of their skin and coat.
When serving your dog beets, make sure you cut the pieces up into bite-size chunks to prevent the risk of choking your pup. And, keep your serving sizes small… A dog doesn’t need more than a few pieces of beet per day.
Dogs can eat beets raw or cooked, but cooking them even slightly will take the edge off how tough the vegetable can be to gnaw on. You could even mash them or puree them! Just make sure not to add any of your own seasonings to the beets you intend on serving to your dog, as these can make your dog unwell! So, always serve beets to a dog plain and unseasoned.
That all said, it’s also not advisable to feed your dog beets from a can, as canned vegetables can be high in sodium (salt) and other preservatives which aren’t good for a dog. A dog should not eat pickled beets.
Always thoroughly wash your beets before sharing them with your dog to be sure any pesticides used on them during their farming and growth have been cleaned away.
Most dogs really enjoy beets, but remember, every dog is different and some may show more interest in a raw beet over a cooked beet or vice versa. If your dog doesn’t seem to be into beets, there are lots of alternative fruits and vegetables you can try that are safe for dogs like green beans, cucumber, cooked sweet potato, and banana.
If you’re curious about further foods and beverages you shouldn’t give to your dog, check out our PetLab Co. guide below which lists all items that are known to be toxic to dogs so you know which foods to avoid allowing your dog to eat:
Sources
Author Sarah “Can Dogs Eat Beetroot?” Mad Paws, Jul 01. 2021 https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/can-dogs-eat-beetroot/
“Can Dogs Eat Beets? Benefits Of Beets For Dogs” Raw Bistro, Mar 18. 2021 https://rawbistro.com/blogs/raw-bistro/can-dogs-eat-beets
