Can dogs or cats eat beets?
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Can dogs eat beets?
Does your dog march to the beet of their own drum? (Hardy har.) The good news is that in moderation, cooked beets are safe for dogs to eat. They are full of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, and folate.
Beets also contain natural antioxidants called betalains that have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect against diseases such as cancer and arthritis (in humans, at least!). The high fiber content in beets also helps regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements in dogs.
However, it is important to note that too many beets may cause digestive upset or staining of the urine due to their natural pigments. And you definitely don't want your dog to eat anything other than steamed or roasted plain beets. The pickled or canned kind contains far too much sugar and salt for them.
If your dog eats beets and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat beets?
While cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diets to survive, steamed or roasted PLAIN beets can still be safe for them to eat in moderation.
Beets contain an array of nutrients such as folate, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, which can all benefit a cat's overall health. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation (in humans, so the jury's still out on how it impacts cats).
Again, keep beets steamed and plain. Raw beets may be difficult for your cat to digest, and most commercially available canned beets tend to have added sugars or salts that aren't great for our feline buds.
If your cat eats beets and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.
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Information Purposes Only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
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Food Safety Statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet