Beets are considered a superfood for humans because of their ability to boost energy, detox the body, fight inflammation, and more. Dog owners may wonder, can dogs eat beets too?
The answer is yes! This nutrient-packed vegetable is generally safe for dogs and will give them a boost of vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium.
Don’t be intimidated by feeding dogs beets. We’re here with a guide outlining their benefits for dogs, plus tips and recipes to start feeding dogs beets today!
How do beets benefit dogs?
In a past post, The Ultimate Guide to Vegetables Dogs Can Eat PLUS Our Top 4 Favorites, beets landed on our list of top four favorite vegetables for dogs because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.
There are 3 main ways in which beets benefit your dog’s health!
- Beets improve digestion
- Beets are full of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system run smoothly AND feeds healthy gut bacteria.
- Although beets are low in calories and high in water content, they actually make dogs feel fuller because of the fiber.
- Beets improve immune system function:
- The nutrients in beets support both preventing diseases and maintaining healthy immune system function.
- Betalains are the phytonutrients in beets that give them their vibrant red color. These phytonutrients support overall health with their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Beets improve skin and coat health:
- The nutrients in beets, including vitamin C, contribute to healthy skin and coat by supporting cell growth and by protecting cells against free radical damage.
Can dogs eat beets of any kind?
It is best to avoid canned beets. Canned beets could contain large amounts of sodium, preservatives, and additives. The same goes for pickled beets, which may contain sugar and salt.
When choosing vegetables for dogs, it is always best to go with the most natural option. In this case, choose organic beets so you can be sure that the beetroot and green tops have not been exposed to harmful chemicals.
It is best to feed dogs red or golden beets, rather than white beets, which have a higher concentration of sugar.
Can dogs eat beets raw and cooked?
It is not recommended to feed dogs raw beets because that may pose a choking hazard or be difficult to digest.
Instead: Scrub and peel the beets, cook or steam them, and cut them into small bite-sized pieces or mash them before serving. If you do feed your dog raw beets, just be sure to shred them.
Also- Remember not to use seasonings when cooking beets!
Are there any potential dangers of feeding dogs beets?
Not necessarily, although beets do contain high levels of oxalates. This naturally occurring chemical can lead to kidney stones when combined with calcium in their urine. If your dog is predisposed to bladder and kidney stones, beets may not be the best vegetable for them.
Keep in mind that beets stain just about everything they touch! Be sure to feed your dog beets in an area away from anything that could be stained and keep an eye on your pup while they eat.
How can dogs eat beets?
Beets are becoming a more common addition in dog food formulas to add fiber and vitamins. These formulas use dried beet pulp. It is just as easy to incorporate beets into homemade foods!
Ideas and Recipes:
The simplest way to share beets with your dog is to serve it plain- add shredded raw beets on top of their food or serve bite-sized or pureed steamed beets!
When you buy a beet plant, don’t toss those beet greens, which are full of extra vitamins and minerals! Dogs can eat beet greens just as you would prepare other dog-friendly greens like spinach. Cook the greens to make them easier to digest and serve in moderation.
We’re working on some recipes that make it easy to incorporate beets into your dog’s diet- coming soon to the blog:
- Beet Dog Treats with Oat Flour & Banana
- Red Velvet Dog Cupcakes
- Beet Cookies
- Beet Chips
