Can My Dog Eat Beets! | Harmful Foods That Will Kill Your Adorable Dog!

There are countless foods that, when properly cooked and well administered, are excellent allies for the health of our pets. Certain vegetables are very beneficial for your dog, such as beetroot. Do not miss the following if you want to know what are the benefits that it provides to your pet.

Discovering The Beetroot

The red beet – scientifically named Beta vulgaris – is a herbaceous plant, which means its stems are green. There are countless varieties of beets, many of which are of agronomic and commercial interest.

Beetroot is what we might call a table variety. Normally, it is eaten cooked, and this is when these reddish and pink tones appear in the water. Two pigments are responsible for this phenomenon: betacyanin and betaxanthin. These two beet by-products are completely harmless, despite the stubborn stains they can produce.

Beets have long been used as a supplement to animal feed. In this sense, the pulp resulting from the industrial extraction of sugar is an ideal food for certain animals, including dogs.

Beets

So, Can Dogs eat beets?

The answer is yes, dogs can eat beets  – in fact, many dog food products include beet pulps as an ingredient. According to scientists, beets are not poisonous to dogs, cats, or horses. But beets for dogs should be given in moderation.

Why? What happens if I give my dog ​​a lot of beets? Don’t worry, your dog is not going to die, because beets are not a toxic vegetable for dogs, but they will surely make their stomach a bit sick.

How to feed my dog ​​beets:

It is best to give your dog fresh beets (not canned ones) because fresh beets do not contain preservatives of any kind or added salt and are healthier. Slice the beet thin and give it to your dog as a treat.

Always give beets in moderation. do not give your dog a plate full of beets, but use it as a treat or as a complement to a dish based on meat, rice, and other vegetables.

beets

A Good Source Of Fiber

One of the greatest benefits that beetroot brings to our dog is the high amount of fiber it contains. The fibers contained in a moderate dose of beetroot – in the form of pulp or included in high-quality foods – will help regulate the intestinal transit of our animal. This can be particularly useful with diarrhea or constipation, as it improves the consistency of stools by increasing their size and moisture.

In addition, the fibers of the beet will promote better digestion and ensure good absorption of nutrients. Beets also have prebiotic activity and promote the growth of the dog’s intestinal flora.

As you can see, there are many virtues transmitted by beet fibers. It is precisely for this reason that more and more specialized and high-quality foods contain beet pulp among their ingredients.

Other Benefits Of Beetroot For Your Dog

In addition to fiber, beets contain many other nutrients and components essential for the health of your dog. For example, among the most common minerals in this plant, we find magnesium, sodium, and potassium. All of them are considered to be macro-elements necessary for the coordination of various muscular, nervous, and neurological functions.

When it comes to vitamins, red beets aren’t left out either. Folic acid – also known as vitamin B9 – is very present in this food. This element is, along with vitamin B12, responsible for the formation of red blood cells. Folic acid helps prevent certain fatal diseases, which is why it is beneficial for pregnant females.

On the other hand, red beets also contain vitamins A and C . Vitamin A, rich in retinol or retinoic acid, is fundamental for vision, the maintenance of skin epithelia, and even reproduction. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is also important for bone and dental functions, although an excessive intake of this vitamin is not necessary in the case of dogs, as they are able to synthesize vitamin C by themselves.

As you can see, the nutritional benefit of beetroot in dogs is more than proven. However, as we always do, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian before including any new foods in your pet’s diet.

Author

  • Amanda Wheatley

    Passionate about animals, Amanda draws her expertise from her training as an educator, pet behaviorist as well as her extensive experience with animal owners. A specialist in dog and cat behavior, Amanda continues to learn about our four-legged companions by studying veterinary reference books but also university research sites (UCD, Utrecht, Cambridge, Cornell, etc..) Why Trust ShelterAPet? At ShelterAPet, our collective is composed of writers, veterinarians, and seasoned animal trainers with a deep passion for pets. Our team of esteemed professionals delves into extensive research to deliver trustworthy insights on a broad spectrum of pet-related subjects. We anchor our evaluations on direct customer experiences, meticulous testing, and comprehensive scrutiny. Our commitment is to uphold transparency and integrity for our cherished community of pet aficionados and prospective pet parents.