Can Dogs Eat Beets? What Pet Parents Should Know

Yes, dogs can eat the flesh of beets in moderation. The leaves, however, can contain oxalic acid, a compound that is toxic to dogs. Remove them and discard them in a location that’s inaccessible to pets. Beets are even an ingredient in some dog treats and food. Before feeding your pup this vegetable, there are some considerations to keep in mind. And remember to always consult your vet before adding new food to your pet’s diet, even if it’s just an occasional treat.

Are beets good for dogs?

Beets are a great source of these vitamins and nutrients:

• Magnesium
• Folate
• Fiber
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
  

n addition, the pigment that gives beets their bright red hue also has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, which can help support cells.

As with most human food, beets should be fed only in moderation and only if your dog’s vet approves. Remember, your pup should get their daily requirement of vitamins and minerals from a complete and balanced commercial dog food. If you have questions about your dog’s diet, read our article All About Feeding Your Dog.

Can a dog eat beets? Yes, in small quantities on occasion. Should beets be your pet’s main source of certain nutrients? No. Your dog’s dog food should meet all of their nutritional needs, and too many beets can cause both stomach upsets and a nutritional imbalance.

Your vet may advise against feeding beets if your dog has certain health concerns. Beets are high in oxalates, which can accumulate and form urinary crystals and bladder stones. If your dog has been diagnosed with either condition, beets should not be in the snack rotation. For alternatives, browse our guide Healthy Snacks for Dogs.

Can dogs eat beets? Yes, in moderation as an occasional treat. Note that feeding beets can add a bright red hue to your dog’s stool. If your dog has had a recent beet snack and will soon be visiting the vet, be sure to inform the office to avoid unnecessary alarm.

How to Feed Beets to Your Dog

Before anything else: always get your veterinarian's OK before adding any new food to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has kidney issues or a sensitive stomach.

Once you have the green light, keep it simple. Plain beets — fresh or home-cooked, with no seasoning, oils or added ingredients — are the way to go. Even a small amount of spices, garlic or onion (common in prepared beet dishes) can make your dog sick, so plain is the only option worth considering. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

What to Serve — and What to Skip

Simple Ways to Serve Beets

Once you've prepped plain beets, here are a few easy ways to work them into treat time — remembering that treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet: https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-treats

• Grated over food. Finely grated raw beet is easier for many dogs to digest than larger chunks and mixes easily into a meal.
• Small bite-sized pieces. Cut fresh or cooked beets into pieces sized right for your dog — smaller for small breeds, to reduce any choking risk.
• Frozen pupsicles. Blend plain beets with a dog-safe ingredient like plain pumpkin or watermelon, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze for a colorful warm-weather treat.
• A quick snack while you cook. If you're chopping beets for your own meals, set aside a small plain piece before any seasoning hits the cutting board.

Pro tip: Beets are deeply pigmented — they will stain. Wear gloves when prepping, and don't be alarmed if your dog's urine or stool takes on a reddish hue after eating them. This is harmless and temporary. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat beets every day? No — beets should be an occasional treat, not a daily addition. Too much can cause stomach upset and nutritional imbalance, since your dog's complete and balanced commercial food should supply the bulk of his daily vitamins and minerals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

How much beet can a dog eat safely? Think of beets the way you would any treat: no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. For most dogs, that means a tablespoon or two of plain, cooked or fresh beet a few times a week at most — and only with your veterinarian's approval. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

Are beet greens (leaves) toxic to dogs? Yes, beet greens should be kept away from dogs. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be harmful and may contribute to urinary crystals or bladder stones if ingested. Always remove and discard the leaves somewhere your dog cannot reach them before offering any beet flesh. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can dogs eat canned beets? Canned beets are not toxic, but they are often high in sodium, which is not ideal for dogs. Plain fresh or home-cooked beets (prepared without seasoning, salt or oils) are the better choice. Always check the ingredient label — added spices or vinegar make canned beets a hard pass. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-foods-feeds/pet-food

Why does my dog's stool turn red after eating beets? The natural pigment (betalain) that gives beets their vivid color passes through your dog's digestive system and can temporarily tint his stool a bright red or pink. This is harmless, but do let your veterinarian know about any recent beet snacks before a wellness visit so it isn't mistaken for blood.

Should dogs with bladder stones avoid beets? Yes. Beets are relatively high in oxalates, which can accumulate and contribute to urinary crystals and bladder stones. If your dog has been diagnosed with either condition — or has a history of urinary issues — skip beets entirely and consult your veterinarian about safer treat alternatives. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.