Can Dogs Eat Beets?

Can dogs eat beets without getting sick? Find out if beets are safe or toxic before feeding your dog this vegetable.

Red beets with greens attached on a cutting board.

CAN DOGS EAT BEETS?

Yes, dogs can eat beets!

Beets, whether the traditional red/purple, golden or even candy cane beets are safe for your dog to eat.

In fact, if you look closely, many commercially produced dog treats and dry kibble utilize beets in their ingredient lists both for color and nutrition.

Maybe you’re making your favorite salad, adding some beets to it and wondering “can my dog have beets?” as they stand next to you in the kitchen.

Now you know, sharing beets with your furry companion is not only safe but can also be a healthful addition to their diet.

ARE BEETS HEALTHY FOR DOGS?

Touted as one of the most nutritious root vegetables for humans, you may be wondering if beets provide the same health benefits for your dog. And, they do!

Beets offer an array of immune supporting vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, folate, manganese and potassium.

Like many fruits and vegetables, they’re also high in fiber and therefore great for aiding in digestion.

Another benefit of feeding your dog beets is a nice healthy and shiny coat!

In moderation of course, just like celery root and parsnips, beets, beet root and even beet greens are safe for your dog to enjoy from time to time.

Related – can dogs eat turnips?

Cooked red beet cut in half on a cutting board with raw beets and beet greens in the background.

DOES FEEDING DOGS BEETS TURN THEIR PEE RED?

Ah, the question you’re probably most curious about!

If you’ve ever enjoyed some beets only to stare at the toilet bowl half a day later in horror before remembering you ate the aforementioned beets, you’re probably wondering if this same phenomenon applies to dogs.

In short, yes, it’s possible that consuming beets will turn a dog’s pee red in color or slightly pink.

Because beets should be fed in such small quantities when shared with your dog, this may or may not happen.

But, if you do notice it on a walk, keep in mind it’s likely the beets working their magic before you assume the worst.

CAN DOGS EAT PICKLED BEETS?

Since many of us enjoy beets in pickled form, you may be wondering if pickled beets are just as safe as cooked beets for dogs.

This is the one category of beet preparation we suggest avoiding when sharing with your pup.

Straight up pickling using vinegar and sugar isn’t inherently toxic or bad for dogs but usually, other ingredients are included in the pickling process especially if using store bought pickled beets.

Things like excessive amounts of salt, garlic, onions and sugars can all be added and those are ingredients to avoid giving your dog.

Therefore, it’s best to not feed dogs pickled beets.

CAN DOGS EAT CANNED BEETS?

Canned beets are another consideration.

Read the ingredient list, if it’s just beets, then canned beets can be a safe option for dogs. If there are other ingredients, even just preservatives, it’s best to avoid.

Roasting, steaming or pressure cooking your own beets at home is easy enough and a much safer way to let your dog enjoy this vegetable.

You can even make beet chips for the humans and canines in the house as a crunchy snack (leave out the vinegar for the dog portion).

CAN DOGS EAT RAW BEETS?

While cooked beets and beet greens (this simple sautéed greens recipe is a great way to use up beet greens) are your best bet, raw beets can be fed to dogs too.

It’s best, however, to limit raw vegetable consumption (especially with vegetables such as eggplant or Brussels sprouts) as digestive upset can occur if fed in excess.