Yes - dogs can eat fresh beetroot, the root vegetable famous for its intensely purple colour! Not only is beetroot safe to feed a pooch, it’s actually very healthy, and crammed full of nutritional benefits to keep a dog’s body strong and well-functioning. Let’s answer all your burning questions about whether dogs can eat beetroot…
Is beetroot good for dogs?
Beetroot is a very healthy food for your dog, when it’s prepared in the right way. A lot of us think of beetroot as the pickled kind you get in jars - but this should actually be avoided when it comes to dogs, as it could contain salt and additives that will mess with their sensitive digestive system. Fresh or raw beetroot, however, is packed full of goodness and is great for digestion.
What are the health benefits of beetroot?
Here’s why feeding beetroot to your dog can boost their health:
-
Loaded with Fibre to aid digestion and boost gut health.
-
Packed with Minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium; vital for your dog’s bone strength, muscle function and electrolyte balance.
-
The skin contains Betalain Pigments, which are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These do an important job in improving a dog’s skin and coat, reducing gut stress and supporting their immune system
-
Great source of Vitamin C, also great for immunity and promotes a dog’s collagen production.
When are beets unsafe for dogs?
Fresh beetroot is the best kind to feed dogs, as the beetroot you get in jars are pickled in vinegar - and are generally considered unsafe. Definitely avoid any beetroot that comes soaked in sauces, oils or other seasonings, it won’t sit well with your dog’s tum and could cause irritation.
Important: If your dog has a calcium deficiency or is prone to bladder or kidney stones, get in touch with your vet before feeding them beets, as they could be a riskier snack than for healthy dogs (read on for more on this.)
As with any snack, beets should be fed in moderation to your pooch, and served plain and chopped into pieces - perhaps scattered over their food, or on its own. Don’t use beetroot alone as a replacement for their regular dog food.
Can dogs be allergic to beetroot?
Dogs can be allergic to any food, beetroot included. If you’ve never fed it to your pooch before, start out with a small serving and keep an eye on them for the rest of the day. If they show any adverse reactions, listed below, you should assume they don’t respond well to beetroot.
- Reddening, itching or a rash on the skin
- Swelling
- Breathing issues (wheezing, etc.)
- Ear infections or irritation
- Severe or consistent vomiting and diarrhoea
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Change in behaviour (seeming down, less energetic than usual)
Can beetroot make dogs sick?
Yes, if you serve a dog too much beetroot they may become sick with it. This is because its high oxalate content is linked to developing crystals which create kidney stones. High oxalates can also create calcium deficiencies. Because of this, it’s extra important to only feed beets in moderation - and if your pooch already has an issue with kidney stones, chat to your vet before adding them to their diet.
If beets aren’t fresh, or they’re served up with added seasonings, this could cause your pup harm. If your pooch is allergic to beetroot, they might also become sick. If you’re concerned about how your dog responds when you feed them beetroot, don’t give them any more and if symptoms persist, get in touch with a vet.
How to safely give beetroot to your dog?
Fresh, raw beetroot looks like a deep purple-coloured root vegetable, shaped like an onion, often with leaves attached. This is the kind of beetroot to feed your dog, not the classic jarred or tinned kind, or any that is vacuum packed in vinegar or seasoning.
Always wash the bulbs before preparing, as they may have dirt or pesticide residue still stuck to them and you want them to be as clean as possible.
Cooking the beetroot is the best option as it will be softer for your peckish pooch to munch on. You could oven roast or boil the beetroot, then chop it and sprinkle onto their food. If you serve it raw, you should cut it into easily digestible pieces, or maybe grate it onto their regular food.
How much is safe to give your dog?
A tasty portion of beetroot is very healthy for a dog, but it should still be considered a snack or treat. The ideal serving size will depend on your dog’s breed, age and health condition, but in general, treats should take up around 10% of a dog’s diet. Use these guidelines when whipping up this purple snack for your pup.
Can puppies eat beets?
Yes, though raw beetroot will be tricky for their young tummies to digest. Cook some fresh beetroot, and cut it into tiny pieces for their puppy mouths to munch easily. It should go down a treat and as it’s full of vitamins and antioxidants, provide lots of lovely health benefits for a puppy’s growth and development.
What types of beets can dogs eat?
There are a good few types of beetroot your dog could get their teeth into, so let’s discuss which beets are safer for dogs to eat…
Can dogs eat cooked / boiled beetroot?
Absolutely - though raw beets are more nutrient dense, cooked beetroot is great as it’s easier for dogs to munch and digest. Serve up small pieces of boiled or oven roasted beetroot, plain with no added seasoning, and either sprinkle it over your dog’s food, or on its own as a snack. Be sure to wash the beets first to get rid of any pesticides… and buying organic beetroot is even better.
Can dogs eat pickled beetroot in vinegar?
No - avoid canned or pickled beetroot for dogs. Though they seem to be whole and similar to fresh beets, they’re more likely to contain salt and other additives and preservatives, which are detrimental to a pooch’s sensitive digestive system. Fresh is best.
Can dogs eat raw beetroot?
Fresh raw beetroot is the most nutritious way to serve beets to your dog - grated over their regular food, for instance, is a nifty way to get those beet nutrients into their diet.
Cooked beets are easier for your dog to chew and digest, but as with all fruit and vegetables, raw beets retain their nutritional goodness which can sometimes deplete through cooking.
Can dogs eat beetroot leaves?
It depends. If your pooch has urinary issues or is prone to oxalate stone - they should be completely avoided! This is because the leaves contain the most oxalates, and can be dangerous to those pooches that are vulnerable. However, beet leaves are full of goodness for dogs without urinary problems. If you want to beat food wastage (no pun intended), use all parts of the beetroot including the greens. Rinse the whole beetroot thoroughly, cut off the greens and chop up into munchable pieces. Cook them off in a pan, similar to spinach - just avoid any butter, salt or seasoning. Hopefully your dog should devour them with the rest of the beets.
Can dogs eat beetroot powder?
Maybe. Beetroot powder is a clever supplement that offers a condensed shot of the micronutrients you’d get from beetroot. In theory, adding beetroot powder to regular food should provide a boost to the immune system and aid digestion.
However, it’s not recommended to offer a human supplement to dogs - it could contain ingredients that dogs don’t react well to. Unless the beetroot powder is made specifically for dogs, it’s a better idea to feed your pooch fresh beetroot.
Can dogs eat canned beetroot?
No. Canned beets and beetroot that’s pickled in a jar aren’t recommended as part of a dog’s diet. These pickled beets tend to absorb lots of sodium, preservatives and extra hidden ingredients that aren’t good for a dog’s health, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues.
Can dogs eat beetroot juice?
There’s not really any reason to give beetroot juice to your dog. Several beets are needed for one serving of beetroot juice, which is just an unnecessary quantity of beetroot that will probably go way over their recommended sugar and fibre levels. Stick to a fresh, whole beetroot so you can be sure of portion control.
Conclusion
In summary, beetroots get a big thumbs up as a healthy snack for dogs - they’re packed full of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants. Whether they’re cooked or raw, fresh beetroot is the safest bet for your pooch; avoid pickled or tinned beetroot. Chop fresh beets into manageable pieces, and be sure to give them a good rinse before serving to get rid of any pesticides or dirt.
What other foods can dogs safely eat?
If you like the idea of feeding your dog beetroots, there are some other great alternatives for healthy, nutrient-rich snacks and supplements too:
Looking to supplement your dog’s diet with healthy, nutritious foods? Check out our range of natural, grain-free food for dogs, and healthy, grain-free dog treats. They’re packed full of whole ingredients to keep your pooch strong, happy and care-free.
