Can Dogs Eat Beets?

Yes, dogs can eat beets. They are healthy, tasty, and nutritious, and dogs seem to love them! Beets are safe, both raw and cooked, but only without dressing, salt, and vinaigrette!

Table Of Contents

Nutritional benefits of beets for dogs
Are beets safe for dogs?
Potential risks and side effects of feeding beets to dogs
Types of beets and whether they are safe for dogs
FAQs

Beets in dog diet are not that uncommon, and I was first very surprised to see that dogs can eat them! This is mainly because we love cooking beets and seasoning with lots of vinegar and garlic, which we would never give to our dog, so it never occurred to me to share beets with Ricco! Since they are so good and there are numerous health benefits of beets for dogs, I started giving him some raw beets with apples so he can make the mess out of my white kitchen floors!

Nutritional benefits of beets for dogs

Even though they are rich in fiber and therefore can only be part of the 10% of a dog’s diet, beets are great for dogs! I love them as they are rich in iron and probably the best plant source of iron and spinach.

I also started loving raw beets in salads with arugula, cabbage, carrots, and lentils! This is something I like to share with my dog.

So, other than iron, beets are also rich in minerals and vitamins, and the skin has many antioxidant properties! Here’s a breakdown of how beets can boost your dog’s health:

A small piece of beet can provide good vitamins and minerals: Beets have vitamins A, B6, and C, which are all great for the immune system and health. They are also rich in folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

Beets are a good source of fiber: The high fiber in beets helps with digestion, can help with constipation, and keeps things running smoothly. This is especially good to know in case your dog is struggling with bowel movements or if they ate a lot of dry food and didn’t drink enough water.

Antioxidants: Beets are rich in antioxidants like betalains, which help protect your dog’s cells from damage and promote overall health.

Heart health: The nutrients in beets, especially potassium and folate, can support heart health.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Beets are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, which are especially important for older dogs.

Are beets safe for dogs?

Beets are absolutely safe for dogs to eat! However, you shouldn’t teach your dog to grab beets with leaves and dirt from the garden, but you can teach them to appreciate beets in their meals. Just be careful not to overdo it with beets. As with other veggies, monitoring fiber intake is important as too much can upset their stomach.

It is safe for dogs to eat beets (or beetroots) as long as you’re prepping beets for them and not for yourself, so that means no salt, seasonings, spices, or oil. Try it first and see if they like it. If they don’t, you can suggest other healthy veggies like broccoli, artichokes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.

Potential risks and side effects of feeding beets to dogs

Even though risks are minimal and side effects are almost non-existent, I still want to share a couple of things about beets to keep in mind.

One of the main risks of beets for dogs is digestive upset from all the fiber. Digestive upset usually includes diarrhea, gas, and a swollen tummy. So, can beets be bad for dogs? In large amounts, yes, they can lead to some side effects.

Another thing I want to mention is the high oxalate content in beets. Oxalates connect to calcium and then reduce the absorption of this mineral in the system. Then, they can create calcium oxalate kidney stones (the most common type of kidney stone). So, if your dog has kidney issues, you should skip beets and other high-oxalate veggies.

Some other high-oxalate veggies you might want to keep in mind include:

Spinach
Swiss chard
Rhubarb
Okra
Sweet potatoes
Collard greens
Parsley

These vegetables are high in oxalates, so if your dog has any kidney problems, you should talk to your vet about them and maybe skip them if your vet says so. Otherwise, in moderation, they’re generally fine for most dogs!

Are oxalates in food really a big deal?

When it comes to oxalates in food, it’s not something most of us need to worry about. Oxalates can bind with minerals like calcium and, in some cases, lead to the formation of kidney stones. But here’s the thing—most of the oxalates that end up in the kidneys are actually produced naturally by the body, not just from the food we eat. So, cutting out oxalate-rich foods like beets or spinach doesn’t necessarily solve the problem.

For dogs (or people) who are prone to kidney stones, sure, lowering oxalate intake might help reduce how many oxalates reach the kidneys, but it’s not the only thing to focus on. The real key is keeping your dog hydrated, as drinking plenty of water helps dilute the urine and prevent those oxalates from building up and forming stones. So, while it’s good to be aware of oxalates, they’re really not as big of a deal as they seem—just make sure your dog is getting enough water and you’re already on the right track!

Are oxalates in food a concern for dogs?

Oxalates aren’t a big deal for most dogs, but keeping them hydrated is key to preventing kidney stones, even for those prone to them.

Types of beets and whether they are safe for dogs

So, beets are safe for dogs to eat, but it’s important to learn which ones and how to prepare them!

Can dogs eat canned beets?

Canned beets aren’t the best choice for dogs because they usually contain added salt and preservatives. Too much sodium can lead to dehydration or high blood pressure, so it’s better to skip canned beets altogether. If you’re in a pinch, you can rinse them off to lower the sodium, but it’s still not ideal. Stick with fresh beets instead.

Safe: not really, too much salt is not a good idea

Any significant benefits: not really, there are better options

Cooked beets

Cooked beets are safe for dogs, and they’re actually a good way to serve beets because cooking softens them and makes them easier to digest. Just make sure you serve them plain—no seasoning, butter, or oil—and keep the portions small. Cooked beets can be a great occasional treat full of nutrients like fiber and vitamins, but too much can cause some stomach issues.

Safe: absolutely!

Any significant benefits: all of them!

Can dogs eat pickled beets?

Pickled beets are a no-go for dogs. They’re packed with vinegar, salt, and sugar, all of which can mess with your dog’s stomach. While pickles might be a tasty snack for us, they’re really not something we should be sharing with our dogs.

Safe: no, they are acidic and high in sugar and salt

Any significant benefits: not really.

And what about raw beets, are they okay?

Yes, raw beets are okay for dogs, but they’re a bit tough to digest. If you’re feeding raw beets, make sure to chop them into small pieces or grate them to avoid any choking hazards. Raw beets are full of nutrients, but like with anything, you should feed them in moderation to avoid digestive upset.

Safe: yes, in small pieces, and the best are shredded

Any significant benefits: yes, all the benefits you can get from beets

So, should dogs eat beets? Yes, they should, but only if they like them and it’s easy for you to prepare. Stick to plain cooked beets and give them just a tiny piece to start.

In my opinion, the best way to give beets to dogs is to shred some raw beets on top of their home-cooked meal.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat red beets?

Yes, dogs can eat red beets in small amounts. Red beets are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can be good for your dog’s health. Just make sure they’re cooked and plain—no seasonings or butter—and serve in moderation.

Can dogs eat golden beets?

Yes, golden beets are safe for dogs, just like red beets. They have similar nutritional benefits, as they are rich in fiber and essential vitamins. Make sure to cook them and serve plain. As with all beets, keep portions small so your dog doesn’t get an upset stomach.

Can dogs eat beet greens?

Yes, dogs can eat beet greens, but only in moderation. Beet greens are high in nutrients like vitamins A and K, but too much can cause digestive issues due to their fiber content and they have a high concentration of oxalates, so you may want to avoid them.