Can dogs eat beets?

Updated 25/04/2024

Adding a pop of color to salads, a sweetness to ploughmans and a serious nutrient kick to your pre-run smoothie, it's safe to say that beets sit firmly in the world of 'people food'. And with such an array of health benefits, we're not surprised that many pet parents are wondering - can dogs eat beets too? Luckily for your snack-loving pup, beets are safe for dogs to snack on every now and then. So to find out how to prepare beets for dogs and for some of the health benefits your pooch could reap from eating the veg, take a look below.

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Are beets poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat beets without any worries, or is the veg in any way dangerous to dogs? We're happy to let you know that beets don't contain any compounds harmful or toxic to dogs, so if you follow a few simple precautions (which we'll explore below), it's pretty smooth sailing when it comes to beet snacking. On the toxicity front, the main thing to be cautious of with beets and dogs is to make sure they're served completely plain - many of the ingredients we commonly cook with (like onions and garlic) are toxic to dogs. 

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Are beets good for dogs?

So, can dogs eat beets and get any nutritional kicks out of them? Certainly - not only is the veg pretty top notch for human health, it's also packed with vitamins and minerals that will benefit your pooch as well. These include vitamin C, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium and iron. And while the skin is rich in antioxidants, we don't recommend feeding this to your pooch - not only is it bitter, it can also be difficult to digest.

Plus, if your pooch is overweight, we recommend sticking to the dog food that's been advised by your vet, and avoiding vegetables like beets. Why? Well they're high in sugar and carbohydrates, which adds a bulk of calories to your pup's diet if over-consumed, and can result in obesity.

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Health benefits of eating beets for dogs

As you'll probably know, while many of the vegetables we humans have on our plates regularly might have a host of health benefits for dogs, it's not necessary you add them into your pup's diet. Why? Well the dog food you choose for them will have been formulated specifically to meet all of their nutritional needs, having been adapted for their age, breed and health status. But, if you'd like to add something a little extra to their diet, beetroot is a pretty healthy choice. It's packed with fiber (which is of course great for digestion), along with calcium, magnesium and potassium, which promotes your pup's bone strength and muscle functioning. It's also high in vitamin C which will help to strengthen your dog's immune system and fight off free radicals. 

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Feeding your dog beets

When it comes to feeding your pooch beets, there are a few simple precautions you’ll need to take before serving up the treat. Once you’re sure it’s safe to feed your specific pup additional treats, start by preparing your beet by removing the skin - while packed with nutrients, it’s unlikely your pup will appreciate the bitter taste. Next, serve it either cooked and chopped into bite-size pieces or grated. And when it comes to portion size, serve beets as an occasional treat, never letting their treats take up more than 10% of their daily calories.

Can dogs eat cooked beets?

Beets are a hard vegetable, so boiling your beets before serving up to your pup will make them easier to digest, and less of a choking hazard.

Can dogs eat beets raw?

Raw beets are hard to digest and pose a choking hazard, so it's best to serve them cooked.

Can dogs eat pickled beets?

We don't recommend serving pickled beets up to your pup - the brine is too salty and acidic and will cause tummy upsets leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

Can dogs eat canned beets?

Canned beets can be safe for dogs if they're simply stored in water, but they're often preserved alongside a heap of sodium which is bad news for our furry friends. If feeding canned beets drain and wash the beets well and then they are safe to eat in small amounts. 

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Other beetroot products

Dogs and beets can be a match made in pup snack heaven, but we don't advise you serve up any of your beet-based favorite meals. So if you were wondering - can dogs have beets cooked into falafel or blended into your famous homemade hummus, give it a miss from your dog's bowl - it's likely to contain ingredients toxic to dogs, such as garlic.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we've settled your question - can dogs have beets - take a look below to explore more foods dogs can eat.

• Ginger
• Brussels sprouts
• Zucchini