There are many human foods that dogs can enjoy, and beets, surprisingly enough, might be a tasty way for them to get some extra nutrition.
Beets for Dogs
Can dogs eat beets? The answer is yes! Beets are indeed a healthy snack for dogs that can provide all the same nutritional value they do to humans, including essential vitamins and minerals like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. Some dog food brands even include beets in their recipes.
However, when it comes to your dogs eating beets, they should enjoy them as a snack in moderation. Too many beets at once could cause a stomachache for your dog(s) in the short term, and in the long term, feeding them beets too often could lead to kidney stones and other urinary tract issues due to the high oxalic acid content in the vegetable.
If your dog shows any allergy symptoms such as panting, fatigue, or rash, make sure to take them to the vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Beets Cooked?
Feeding your dog cooked beets once in a while won’t hurt them, so long as their serving has cooled down and is thus safe to eat. If you’re looking to take full advantage of the health benefits of beets, however, it’s best to feed them to your dog raw.
Your dog shouldn’t eat more than a few nibbles of beets in a single day, and their everyday food should cover the vast majority of their nutritional needs, which means that extra snacks for vitamins and minerals should be kept to a minimum.