Can Dogs Eat Beets or Drink Beet Juice?

Health Benefits of Beets for Your Dog

There is no doubt that beets are literally packed with vitamins and minerals. Beets contain a good balance of dietary fiber and carbohydrates that will give your dog energy and stamina for the day. They are great for supplying your dog with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. This vegetable can also provide micronutrients such as:

• potassium;
• manganese;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• zinc;
• selenium;
• vitamin C and B9 (folate).

So can dogs eat beets? While beets are nutritious and healthy for dogs to eat, there are a few details for you to consider before introducing beets to a canine’s diet.

These Beet Parts May Be Bad for Dogs

A cooked beetroot fed in small pieces is all your dog needs to reap the benefits of its healthy nutrients. However, some beet parts may be poisonous or harmful to dogs. Read on for more details.

Beet Pulp

Beet pulp – the leftovers from sugar beet production – can be a good source of fiber for dogs. However, it’s harmful to your dog if he eats too much of it. It contains high amounts of phosphorus, which can lead to bone problems. It can also have high levels of oxalates that can result in kidney stones if consumed in excess.

This is a common ingredient in dry dog food, but some research has shown that it can impair digestion. If your dog is prone to digestive issues, you may want to avoid feeding them products containing beet pulp. Freshly cooked beets shouldn’t have negative effects on your dog.

Beet Greens

Similarly, beet greens also contain a lot of oxalates and can lead to kidney stone formation. If you choose to give your pup beets, it’s best to remove the stems so that they’re safe for dogs to eat. You may also opt to cook the greens and add a small amount (a teaspoon) to your pup’s food.

Beet Juice

More of a byproduct than a part, beet juice is a no-no in canine diet because of its high sugar concentration. If you really want to treat your pup to it, pay attention to the nutrition tables.

What Forms of Beets Are Good for Dogs?

Whether dogs can eat beets depends largely on the preparation process. Beetroot can be a healthy food for dogs to eat if it’s prepared the right way. Here’s how to do it.

Boiled

The best way to feed your dog beets is by boiling and puréeing them before serving. You can also add boiled beets to dog food as a supplement. Just make sure not to give them too much, as excess beet fiber can reduce nutrient digestibility. Here are some tips on how to prepare beets to ensure your pup’s safety:

• Make sure that your beets are washed thoroughly before giving them to your dog.
• Remove any stems or leaves, as they can contain high levels of oxalates.
• Cook the beets until they are soft, then mash them or put them in a food processor to make them into a purée.
• Give your dog no more than one tablespoon of beet purée per day.

Cooking the beets will also make them softer and less likely to cause choking than raw beets.

Canned at Home

A healthy and delicious meal for your canine companion can be made right at home with a few simple steps! Start by washing the beetroots to remove any dirt or debris, then trim off any stems. After boiling them until soft and mashing in a food processor or using a potato masher, spoon the purée into jars – leaving an inch of headspace each time.

Process these filled canning jars in hot water before setting aside to cool completely on racks. Voilà – homemade canned beets that are just as tasty as store-bought versions!

It’s important to make sure that you follow these guidelines carefully, as improper canning can lead to food poisoning. If you’re not comfortable canning beets yourself, you can also buy beets in this form in stores. Keep in mind that store-bought canned beets might contain preservatives that are harmful to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Beets? Let’s Sum Up!

In conclusion, can dogs eat beets? The answer is a qualified yes. Beets can provide some health benefits for your dog and are generally safe to feed them, but you should always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet. And if your dog has any digestive problems, it’s best to avoid feeding them beet greens or beet pulp. Thanks for reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Beet Can I Give My Dog?

Once or twice a week is enough to boost your dog’s nutrient intake. When feeding your dog beets, aim for 1 tablespoon of the mashed or puréed vegetable at a time. This way, your dog’s digestive system won’t be overloaded with fiber and carbs.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Beets?

Cooked beets are safe for dogs, as long as they aren’t seasoned. Boil the vegetable specially for your dog instead of giving them salads or purées made for humans.

Do Beets Give Dogs Diarrhea?

Too much of any vegetable can give your dog diarrhea. This is because dogs’ digestive systems can’t digest plant foods as well as ours. While beetroot and other veggies are a fine addition to their diet, they need to be given in moderation.