Can Dogs Eat Beets? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners
If you're wondering whether you can share beets with your dog, the answer is yes—dogs can eat beets, but there are important guidelines to follow. Let's dive into what makes beets safe (or unsafe) for your canine companion and how to serve them properly.
Why Consider Beets for Dogs?
Beets pack a nutritional punch. They're rich in fiber, vitamin C, folate, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron. Some commercial dog foods even include beet ingredients because of their benefits for skin, coat health, and digestion. The pigments in beet skin also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that might help your pet.
How to Serve Beets Safely
- Fresh or raw beets: Always wash thoroughly, peel, and either cook or grate raw before serving.
- Cooking methods: Boil, roast, or bake without adding salt, seasonings, or oils.
- Raw preparation: Cut or grate into small pieces to prevent choking and help digestion.
- Organic is best: Choose organic when possible to reduce pesticide exposure.
Canned beets are only okay if they're free from added salt or preservatives. Avoid pickled beets entirely—pickling adds salt and vinegar that aren't safe for dogs. Beet greens (tops) are off-limits too; they're high in oxalates that can cause health issues.
When Beets Are Not Safe for Dogs
If your dog has a history of kidney or bladder stones, urinary crystals, or calcium deficiency, consult your vet before offering beets. This root vegetable contains oxalic acid that can worsen these conditions.
Beets also contain natural sugars and carbohydrates. Too much can lead to digestive upset (think gas or diarrhea), weight gain, pancreatitis, or even diabetes if offered frequently. Moderation is key—beets should never replace a balanced diet.
Serving Sizes: How Much Is Too Much?
- Tiny dogs (up to 20 lbs): 1–2 teaspoons of beet puree per serving
- Medium dogs (31–50 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons per serving
- Extra-large breeds: up to 5 tablespoons per serving
No matter the size of your dog, serve beets only a few times per week at most. Treats—including vegetables—should make up less than 10% of your dog's total diet.
Potential Side Effects & What to Watch For
- Mild gastrointestinal upset: gas or diarrhea may occur with overfeeding.
- Red-tinted urine or stool: caused by beet pigments; this is usually harmless unless it lasts more than a day.
If introducing beets for the first time, go slowly and monitor for allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, stomach pain, vomiting, or redness. If any abnormal signs appear after eating beets, stop feeding them right away and contact your veterinarian.
Avoid These Beet Products for Dogs
- Canned beets with added salt/preservatives
- Pickled beets (high in salt/vinegar)
- Beet greens/tops (high oxalate content)
Avoid giving beet juice or beetroot powder unless made specifically for dogs—these products often contain too much sugar or additives that could harm your pet.
Puppies & Special Considerations
Puppies have sensitive digestive systems. If you want to offer them beets at all, stick with cooked and finely chopped pieces—and keep portions extra small.
Other Dog-Friendly Vegetables
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potato
You can rotate these safe veggies into your dog's treat routine alongside occasional plain beet servings—just don't overdo it!
