You’d be hard-pressed to refute the health benefits of beets for people. They’re low in calories but high in essential nutrients that contribute to a happy and healthy existence. It’s only natural for any dog owner to question if their canine companion can join in the fun.
So, a question many of us dog lovers have is, “Can Dogs Eat Beets?” In this article, we will tell you whether dogs can eat beets. We will tell you if this food has health benefits or harmful effects on our dogs.
We will also tell you a bit more about beets.
Can Dogs Eat Beets?
The short answer is yes; dogs can eat beets, and they are a good food choice for dogs.
Many foods, such as grapes, bones, and chocolate, are not suitable for dogs. However, beets are quite safe for dogs to consume.
Beets are good food for our furry pups, and they contain several benefits for dogs.
Benefits Of Beets For Dogs
Foremost, beets are rich in certain minerals and vitamins. They are chock-full of the following nutrients:
- Folate is an essential vitamin that helps prevent things such as a fatty liver.
- Vitamin C is a vitamin vital to support canine immune systems and bones.
- Iron is a mineral that helps carry in the hemoglobin of red blood cells.
- Fiber is a nutrient that helps digestion. Foods rich in fiber, such as mandarin, can help against bowel movement problems.
- Magnesium is a mineral that regulates metabolism, and it also helps in a dog’s neurotransmission.
- Calcium is a mineral that helps develop bones and teeth. Additionally, beets can be a good source of calcium for lactose-intolerant dogs.
- Potassium is a mineral that can keep your dog’s bones strong and healthy. This makes Beets a good food for older dogs.
- Phosphorus is another mineral that can build healthier bones.
- Manganese is a mineral that promotes metabolic functioning and good bone health.
The Downsides Of Beets
Though beets contain numerous health benefits for dogs, they can still have potentially harmful effects. Beets are best for our pups when given in moderation.
First, it is best not to overfeed beets to dogs since they can be acidic. Acidic foods can cause stomach problems such as diarrhea, gas, and an upset stomach.
Beets can also be high in carbs. Although carbohydrates are the building blocks of all other nutrients, too many carbohydrates can cause conditions such as diabetes. And beets are high in sugar.
For serving ideas, it is best to blanch them in boiling water to soften them. Once softened, mash them or puree them. This will make them soft enough to digest.
In conclusion, beets are good food for dogs. However, as it is with most foods that they can eat, it is best not to overfeed your pet beets.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is a part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Up next, find out, Can dogs eat rosemary?