Can dogs eat beets? Are beets good for dogs? These are questions that dog owners have asked themselves time and again. Unfortunately, there has been plenty of misinformation regarding the use of beets as a dog treat. It’s time to separate fact from fiction and see if beets can actually benefit your dog in any way.
Can Dogs Eat Beets?
Yes, dogs can eat beets! In fact, beets are safe for dogs to eat and offer numerous nutritional benefits. They can function as a healthy dog treat for a pet with a taste for human food. Dog owners can safely serve small pieces of beets to their pets, either mixed in with dog food or given separately. Some pet owners choose to feed their canine companions the tops of the beet plant, which is also safe and nutritious.
Nutritional Value of Beets for Dogs
Did you know that beets are actually a nutritional powerhouse for dogs? Just like their human counterparts, dogs can benefit from the high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in beets.
Here are some of the nutritional details that you can expect with raw beets (per 100g):
Water: 87.58g
Energy: 43 cal
Protein: 1.61g
Total fat: .17g
Carbohydrate, by difference: 9.56g
Fiber: 2.8g
Sugars: 6.76g
Calcium: 16mg
Iron: .8mg
Magnesium: 23mg
Phosphorus: 40mg
Potassium: 325mg
Sodium: 78mg
Zinc: .35mg
Vitamin C: 4.9mg
For full details on what beets provide, take a look at this handy chart from FoodData Central.
Health Concerns of Feeding Your Dog Beets
Although beets are safe for dogs to eat, there are a few health concerns to be aware of. First, beetroots are high in sugar and can cause weight gain if fed in large quantities. Secondly, beets can be a choking hazard for small dogs. Finally, beeturia (the condition of having red or pink urine after eating beets) is harmless but may be a sign that your dog is not digesting the beetroot properly. If you have any concerns about feeding your dog beets, please consult with your veterinarian.
Here are just a few of the ways that beets can improve your dog’s health -Beetroot juice has been shown to lower blood pressure in humans with hypertension. It also offers protection against heart disease and helps prevent strokes. These benefits may also help your dog as well!
-Beetroot contains nitrates which have been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels in humans. They do this by promoting healthy blood vessels and reducing platelet aggregation. Nitrates may offer similar benefits to dogs too!
-Beetroot is rich in fiber which is important for digestive health because it helps maintain stool consistency. It also acts as a natural laxative which can be beneficial for those pets who suffer from constipation or diarrhea.
-Just one cup of cooked beet provides 20% of your pet’s daily need for folate, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair. Folate is especially crucial during pregnancy when it protects babies’ neural tube cells. As an expectant mother would do anything she could to protect her baby, so should we provide adequate folate to our pets while they’re pregnant!
-Beetroots contain significant amounts of manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron and copper.
Everything you need to know about feeding your dog beets
While beets are generally safe for dogs to eat, there are a few health concerns that dog owners should be aware of. First, beets can be a choking hazard for small dogs. Cut the beet into small pieces or shred it before giving it to your pet.
Secondly, some dogs may be allergic to beets. If you notice your dog has any adverse reaction after eating beets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, stop feeding them to your pet and consult your veterinarian. Thirdly, too much of anything can be bad for your dog. As with any new food, start by giving your dog only a small amount of beet to see how they react before feeding them more. Lastly, although unlikely, it is possible for a dog to develop an intolerance to beets.
HOW TO PREPARE BEETS FOR DOGS
One way to give your dog beets is to mix them in with their regular food. If you’re doing this, make sure to chop the beets up into small pieces so that your dog can easily digest them. Another option is to bake the beets and then let your dog have a small piece as a treat. You can also give your dog raw beets, but again, make sure to chop them up into small pieces first. And finally, always make sure there’s plenty of fresh water available for your dog to drink when they’re eating beets. The following are step by step guide on how to prepare beets for your dogs:
1. Prepare raw beets by chopping them up into small pieces.
2. Bake the beets at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and tender
3. Let your dog enjoy a small piece of these baked beets as a tasty healthy snack or serve it alongside his or her normal mealtime food.
4. Never feed your dog cooked beet greens because these contain nitrates which may cause hemolytic anemia in some breeds of dogs.
How To Serve Beets To Your Dog
- Rinse the beets to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut the beets into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the beets until they are soft.
- Allow the beets to cool before giving them to your dog.
- Mix the beets with your dog’s food, or serve them as a treat.
- Monitor your dog for any adverse reactions after eating beets.
- Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding beets to your dog
What Benefits Can You Expect From Feeding Your Dog Beets?
When you think of beets, you probably don’t think of them as being particularly healthy. But the truth is, they’re packed with nutrients that can be beneficial for your dog. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from feeding your dog beets Beets provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help maintain a strong immune system
Beets offer high levels of fiber and potassium which both promote good digestive health
High in vitamins A and C, beets also have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals in the body which cause cell damage
A great source of iron for dogs who need extra protein , Beets are also high in vitamin B6, an important vitamin that helps with converting food into energy. Since it’s a root vegetable, it also provides calcium and magnesium which support bone growth and strength.
The only downside to beets is the possibility of your dog becoming constipated if he eats too many raw or cooked beet roots all at once. You’ll want to introduce them gradually over time to avoid this side effect.
Are There Any Side Effects Or Dangers When Feeding My Dog Beets?
While there are many benefits to feeding your dog beets, there are also some potential side effects to be aware of. If you’re considering adding beets to your dog’s diet, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you determine if beets are a good option for your dog and how much to feed them. Side effects may include red stools or black tarry stool which is due to the presence of molasses in the beet pulp. The color change will not cause any harm but should not be ignored as the color may indicate other health problems.
Conclusion
Yes, dogs can eat beets! This root vegetable is safe for dogs to consume and provides numerous health benefits. Beets can function as a healthy dog treat for a pet with a taste for human food. When feeding your dog beets, it is important to cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding any new food to your dog’s diet.
