This might sound like a funny question, but many are wondering if they can feed their fur baby their favorite brightly colored vegetable! Can dogs eat beets?
The short answer is yes, but dogs are a lot more complicated than that! To understand more about how beets interact with dogs’ digestive systems, we need to look at what a dog’s diet normally consists of.
What makes up a dog’s diet?
Dogs are carnivores, so the bulk of their diets should be meat. However, they may eat fruits and vegetables in small quantities. Their bodies are optimized for digesting meat but can also digest carbohydrate-based foods!
Dogs enjoy eating fruits and vegetables as treats as they are higher in sugar than their normal diet of meat. Dogs aren’t the best equipped to digest raw fruits and vegetables, so juicing or chopping and lightly steaming increases their ability to absorb all the wonderful nutrition they contain.
How should I feed beets to my dog?
Beets are safe for your dog to eat in moderation. Beetroot contains a lot more sugar and carbohydrates than their normal food sources, so don’t give them to them for every meal. Beets are a great treat for your dog. Here are some ideas for serving beets for your dog:
- Steam and mash beets for a treat
- Add beets or beet juice to homemade dog food
- Grate beets or pour beetroot juice over store-bought dog food
- Make these adorable red velvet pupcakes!
What are the benefits of beets for dogs?
Beet benefits for dogs include:
- Healthy source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, manganese, and potassium
- Great for digestion health
- Can boost immune system
- Supports healthy skin and coat
Can dogs have beet allergies?
Though rare, some dogs might have a beet allergy. If you’ve never given beets to your dog before, make sure to monitor them closely when you do. Look for signs of itchiness, hives, swelling, inflamed skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and sneezing. Read this article to find out more about how to identify and treat dog allergies.
What fruits and vegetables are toxic for dogs?
Dogs definitely can’t eat some fruits and vegetables. Those fruits and vegetables include:
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Tomatoes
Can dogs eat beets?
Taking into consideration your dog’s diet, allergies, and preferences, you should be able to determine whether beets are good for your dog! Use them tips to find out if they’re a great treat for your dog.
