Can Dogs Eat Beets? What Are The Benefits

The health benefits of vegetables such as beets are undeniable for humans. Beets have low calories and carry essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling diet. With the multiple benefits of beets, it’s natural for dog owners to wonder if they can add this vegetable to their pet’s diet.

Beets are very safe for your pet dog to eat. Vegetables are a great supplement in a dog’s diet. When balanced, beets will provide multiple micronutrients to your dog. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and fiber.

The micronutrients found in the vegetable can work miracles on the canine’s digestion and immune system. Besides, beets are recommended by veterinarians to be added to a dog’s diet as they can help to repair your dog’s stomach issues or unhealthy skin.

With the many nutritional values, beets are known to have, you should feed them to your puppy; however, ensure to exercise moderation. A proper dog’s balanced diet should consist of 50% protein, 25% vegetables, and 25% bones. The vegetables in a pet’s diet are essential as it is their primary source of nutrients and vitamins.

Benefits Of Feeding Beets

Beets have multiple nutritional benefits when added to your dog’s diet. They include:

Nutritional Benefits

Beets contain a lot of nutrients that support the well-being of both you and your pet. In a canine, the nutrients target specific areas such as the digestive tract and skin, among others. Highlighted below are the most notable ones.

Fiber

Vets recommend that dogs get up to 10% fiber in each meal. The fiber in a dog’s meal helps maintain their gut health and digestive system. Fiber adds bulk to waste, thus easily pushing it through the digestive system.

Iron

Beets are a rich source of iron in a dog’s meal. It is essential to a dog, especially when it’s been diagnosed with anemia. Iron is known to help transport oxygen in blood cells’ physiological processes.

Minerals

The beets tops have many other minerals and vitamins that help a lot in ensuring the immune system of your dog is good. The minerals from the vegetable regulate and balance the pet’s pH while strengthening their fur and skin.

Weight Loss

Other than the nutritional values that the beets have, the vegetable has other important and useful benefits. Beets have a relatively low amount of calories, making them a perfect treat for pups that need to lose weight.

Pet owners have also discovered that beets are sweet enough to be used as dessert snacks for their dogs. The vegetable thus becomes a better and healthier alternative to store-bought treats that may have undesirable ingredients.

Moreover, beets have a high carbohydrate count making them the perfect feel-full meal for your dog. The beets come in handy when keeping your dog at a healthy weight.

Drawbacks Of Beets

Though beets are not toxic vegetables and have plenty of nutrients, they may not be a good option for some dogs. Beets can have a couple of drawbacks that might make them a less desirable meal to your dog.

Sugar

Beets have high levels of carbohydrates which is essentially sugar. Though known to be natural, this type of sugar is not healthy when consumed in bulk. Instead, use it as an occasional treat.

Further Reading: Best Weight Loss Dog Food 2023

Intestinal Issues

The acidic nature of the vegetable can be challenging to some dogs’ stomachs. The acidity might cause gastrointestinal issues such as gas and general stomach upset.

Stains

Other than potential health issues in some dogs, the vegetable is known for the mess it can create. When the red juice from the vegetable gets on some surfaces such as fabric, it can be difficult to get rid of the stains left behind.

How To Prepare Beets For Dogs

There are several ways that you can use to prepare beets for your dog. Try a few preparation methods to know which is easiest for you and one that your canine prefers.

Below is a common method used in beet preparation.

Use Organic Beets

Some vegetables contain a lot of pesticides and chemicals in them. To reduce the level of exposure of a dog to harmful chemicals, always use organic vegetables. Organic farming on its own is a sustainable way of feeding all living things and is better for the planet.

Always Wash The Beets

It is well known that you should wash your vegetables before eating. Similarly, you are supposed to take the same level of care in preparing a dog’s meal. The vegetable goes through a lot of transportation processes from the farm to your home and can be exposed to multiple things.

Give your beet a quick rinse in running water to remove any chemicals and germs that might be on it. Washing the vegetables will ensure that your pet is not only eating a nutritious meal but also a safe one.

Mash Them

Beets can be challenging to a dog’s digestive system when taken in large chunks. When feeding your puppy raw beets, it is recommended to mash the vegetable. The mashed beet will be soft and easily consumable by your puppy.

If you want to serve the beets cooked, first cut them into small portions and then boil them. Once the vegetable has softened, you can proceed to put it in a food processor or blender to further break it down into a paste.

Do Not Season

Seasonings add flavor and increase food consumption, but they do not have the same effects on pets. Seasonings can be irritable to a dog’s stomach.

You should always refrain from putting seasoning in pet food. The natural flavor of the beets is good enough to excite your dog.

Consult Your Vet

Beets are a great treat for your dog, as they are better than a store-bought snack. However, if your canine does not like the vegetable by any chance, do not worry, as it is not essential.

Also, if you still have doubts, perhaps due to your dog’s medical condition, consult your veterinarian for advice. There is a high probability that the nutritional benefits of the vegetable will be great for your dog, but it is always important to take precautions.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Avocados? Benefits and Risks
• Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? Everything You Need to Know
• Can Dogs Eat Yams?
• Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Are Mushrooms Safe For Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Are Tomatoes Safe For Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Tomato Sauce?