Can Dogs Eat Beets? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Benefits, Risks & Feeding Tips

Picture this: You’re in the kitchen, dicing fresh beets for your morning salad, when your furry sidekick trots over. Their tail thumps the floor, nose twitching at the earthy scent, and those big, pleading eyes seem to say, “Can I have a bite?” It’s a common scenario for pet parents—we want to share the healthy foods we love with our dogs, but is that always safe?

Beets are a nutritional powerhouse for humans, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. But when it comes to our canine companions, the answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s dive into whether beets deserve a spot in your dog’s treat jar, plus how to serve them safely.

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Beets? The Short Answer
2. Nutritional Benefits of Beets for Dogs
3. Potential Risks to Watch For
4. How Much Beet Can Dogs Safely Eat?
5. Healthier Alternatives to Beets
6. FAQ: Your Beet Questions Answered
7. Conclusion: Beets as a Treat, Not a Staple
8. References

Can Dogs Eat Beets? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can eat beets—in moderation. These vibrant root veggies are non-toxic to dogs and offer some nutritional benefits, like fiber and antioxidants. However, they’re not a “superfood” for pups, and overfeeding can lead to digestive upset or weight gain. Think of beets as an occasional treat, not a replacement for your dog’s balanced, species-appropriate dog food.

Nutritional Benefits of Beets for Dogs

Beets are more than just a pretty addition to your salad—they’re loaded with nutrients that can support your dog’s health when served correctly. Here’s what makes them a (sometimes) smart snack:

1. Fiber: Supports Digestive Health

Beets are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber absorbs water and helps slow digestion, keeping your dog full longer and stabilizing blood sugar. Insoluble fiber acts like a “gut broom,” moving food through the digestive tract to prevent constipation and support a healthy gut microbiome. For dogs prone to occasional constipation, a small serving of cooked beet can help get things moving gently.

2. Potassium: A Boost for Heart & Muscles

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate your dog’s heart rate, muscle function, and fluid balance. Beets contain a decent amount of potassium (about 259 mg per cup of cooked beets), which supports overall cardiovascular health—especially important for senior dogs or breeds prone to heart issues.

3. Antioxidants: Fight Inflammation

Beets get their deep red color from betalains, powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and neutralize harmful free radicals. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like arthritis, allergies, and even cancer in dogs, so antioxidants can play a role in keeping your pup’s immune system strong.

4. Folate: For Cell Health

Folate (vitamin B9) is crucial for cell repair and DNA synthesis. While dogs produce some folate on their own, getting extra from food helps support healthy growth (especially in puppies) and tissue repair.

Potential Risks to Watch For

While beets aren’t toxic, they do come with some caveats. Here’s what to keep in mind before sharing:

1. High Sugar Content: A Recipe for Weight Gain

Beets are naturally sweet, with about 9 grams of sugar per cup of cooked beets. For context, that’s roughly the same as a medium apple! While natural sugars are better than added sugars, overfeeding can lead to excess calorie intake, weight gain, or even insulin resistance over time—especially in dogs with diabetes or obesity.

2. Digestive Upset: Too Much Fiber = Gas & Diarrhea

Fiber is great in small doses, but too much can overwhelm your dog’s stomach. If your pup eats a large serving of beets, they may experience bloating, gas, or loose stools. This is especially true for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those unused to high-fiber treats.

3. Choking Hazard: Raw vs. Cooked Beets

Raw beets are hard and crunchy, making them difficult for dogs to chew and digest. They also pose a choking risk, especially for small breeds. Even cooked beets can be a hazard if not chopped into bite-sized pieces—imagine a whole beet chunk getting stuck in your dog’s throat!

4. Beeturia: The “Scary” Red Pee/Feces

Ever noticed your urine turn pink after eating beets? Dogs can experience this too! Beeturia (the fancy term for red-tinged urine or feces) is caused by betanin, the pigment in beets. It’s completely harmless, but it can panic pet parents who mistake it for blood. If you see red in your dog’s waste after feeding beets, don’t fret—it should clear up in 24–48 hours.

How Much Beet Can Dogs Safely Eat?

The key word here is moderation. Beets should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake (the rest should come from their regular dog food). Here’s a general guideline based on size:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons of cooked, chopped beets per day
• Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 2–3 tablespoons per day
• Large dogs (50–90 lbs): 3–4 tablespoons per day
• Giant breeds (over 90 lbs): 4–5 tablespoons per day

Pro Tips for Serving:

• Cook them first: Steam or boil beets until soft (no added salt, butter, or seasonings). Cooking makes them easier to digest and reduces the choking risk.
• Chop into small pieces: Aim for bite-sized chunks to prevent choking, especially for small dogs.
• Avoid canned beets: Canned varieties often have added salt, sugar, or preservatives—stick to fresh, organic beets when possible.
• Treat, not a meal: Beets should never replace your dog’s balanced dog food. Think of them as a healthy “side dish” to their regular kibble or wet food.

Healthier Alternatives to Beets

If you’re concerned about beets’ sugar content or want to mix up your dog’s treats, these veggies are great alternatives:

1. Carrots

• Why: Lower in sugar than beets (about 4 grams per cup vs. 9 grams), high in fiber, and crunchy enough to clean your dog’s teeth.
• Bonus: Rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health.

2. Green Beans

• Why: Ultra-low calorie (only 31 calories per cup), high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
• Best for: Dogs on a weight-loss plan—they’re filling without the extra calories.

3. Broccoli (Florets Only)

• Why: Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The florets are soft when cooked and easy to digest.
• Note: Avoid the stalks (tough and choking risk) and feed in moderation (too much can cause gas).

4. Sweet Potatoes

• Why: A popular dog food ingredient for a reason! They’re high in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C.
• Caveat: Also high in sugar (about 12 grams per cup), so serve sparingly (like beets).

FAQ: Your Beet Questions Answered

Q: Can dogs eat raw beets?

A: It’s not recommended. Raw beets are hard to digest, pose a choking risk, and may cause stomach upset. Stick to cooked beets instead.

Q: Are beet greens (tops) safe for dogs?

A: Maybe, but in very small amounts. Beet greens are high in oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption in large doses. If you want to share, wash them thoroughly, chop finely, and serve 1–2 teaspoons per day (cooked, not raw).

Q: Can diabetic dogs eat beets?

A: Consult your vet first. Beets’ natural sugars can spike blood sugar, so they’re not ideal for dogs with diabetes. Your vet may recommend low-sugar alternatives like green beans instead.

Q: My dog ate a whole beet! Should I panic?

A: Probably not, but monitor them for signs of digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea, bloating). A single large serving is unlikely to be toxic, but it may cause temporary discomfort. If symptoms last more than 24 hours, call your vet.

Q: How often can I feed beets to my dog?

A: As an occasional treat—2–3 times per week at most. This prevents overloading on sugar and fiber.

Conclusion: Beets as a Treat, Not a Staple

Beets can be a healthy, colorful addition to your dog’s treat rotation—when served safely and in moderation. They offer fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, but their sugar content and choking risk mean they’re not a daily snack.

As with any new food, introduce beets slowly. Start with a tiny piece and watch for signs of stomach upset. And if your dog has health issues (like diabetes, kidney disease, or a sensitive gut), always check with your vet first.

At the end of the day, the best treat for your dog is your love—and a balanced diet tailored to their needs. So go ahead, share a small, cooked beet chunk with your pup (and maybe save the rest for your salad!).

References

• American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat Beets?” akc.org
• PetMD. “Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat.” petmd.com
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control. “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Beet.” aspca.org
• Cummings Veterinary Medical Center (Tufts University). “Nutrition for Dogs.” tuftscvm.org