Can Dogs Eat Beets?

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Beetroots or simply beets had a bad reputation due to their muddy and wood-like taste. Despite the fact that many people hate them, there are some who still find beets delicious. In fact, there are dogs that enjoy the taste of these earthy root veggies.

Regardless of their typically earthy flavor, beets have a mild sweetness that makes them interesting. The bonus part is that these vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. If your pet happens to love them, you’ll be glad to know that they are actually good for him!

Can Dogs Have Beets?

Yes, beets are definitely safe for canines. None other than the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) ruled them as being non-toxic for dogs.

While they are non-toxic for canines, beets should only be given to dogs in moderate amounts. Otherwise, your pet may suffer from diarrhea and abdominal pain since beets are loaded with dietary fiber. Canines need fiber but not as much as humans.

Remember, dogs are designed to eat meat and their diet should only consist of 25% fruits and veggies. Besides that, beets are rich in carbohydrates and as most of us know, too many carbs are not ideal for doggies.

Don’t be surprised if you see beet pulp as an ingredient in dog food and supplements. Because of their overall safety, beets can be used for making dog food. They are an inexpensive filler and they are healthy, so why not use them after all?

Meanwhile, beets can also be used in making a smoothie for your pup. You may use the beet greens in your smoothie recipe. Surprisingly, all the parts of a beet are edible although we only use the roots most of the time.

Benefits of Beets for Dogs

Beets offer a myriad of health benefits not just to humans but also to dogs. These are the ways beets can help canines:

  1. They can be good for hypoglycemic dogs. Canines with hypoglycemia or lack of glucose in the bloodstream can benefit from foods with a high glycemic index and the beets are such a food.
  2. Beets help the brain work properly.Dark red veggies are good at fighting the progression of cognitive dysfunction. In fact, studies suggest that people who regularly consumed beet juice have an increased blood flow to their brain.
  3. They can detoxify the body. Beets contain betalain pigments that are essential for the detoxification process. Dogs need detoxification too because they also get toxins from their diets and their environment.
  4. Beets can ward off cancer. They contain powerful phytonutrients that can help in preventing cancer. These phytonutrients are also responsible for the deep crimson color of beets.
  5. They can help fight inflammation. The betalains in beets don’t just help in detoxifying the body but are also anti-inflammatory and serve as an antioxidant.

This veggie has a lot more to offer! The only drawback is its high sugar content but you will like the fact this veggie is low in calories and fat – the perfect snack, isn’t it?

How to Prepare Beets for Dogs

The best way to offer beets to Fido is to give them raw and chopped. Avoid the mistake of giving dog large portions of beets because they may be a potential choking hazard, especially to puppies.

While the root itself can be given raw, the leaves should be cooked if you are planning to also give them to your dog. If you want, you can also offer your pet cooked beets. Or when you have time, why don’t you try these three recipes we shared below?

Beets Recipes for Dogs

Banana Beet Dog Treats

Bananas give this dish an extra sweetness and if you haven’t tried making banana dough for your dog before, this recipe teaches you how. We also learned that making beet dough is so easy! If you can’t wait to offer this wholesome and delicious treat for Fido, here’s how to do it:

For the banana dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, mash one banana to a tablespoon of water.
  2. Add in a cup of flour. Mix the flour and banana well until you get your desired thickness.

For the beet dough

  1. In a blender, add in one steamed or roasted beet and 2 tablespoons of water. Adjust the water accordingly. You may add a bit more if needed.
  2. Transfer the beet mixture to a mixing bowl. Add a cup of flour and stir well until the ingredients are nicely combined.

Baking

  1. Now that you have the banana dough and beet dough, place them on top of each other.
  2. Cut the dough using a cookie cutter.
  3. Place in a baking pan.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  5. Allow the treats to cool before serving them to your dog.

Beet Chips for Dogs

This vegetarian dog treat is so easy to make and you don’t need anything other than beets. It requires a can of sliced beets which you can find in the groceries store. If you prefer fresh beets, you will need to lessen your baking time for around five minutes. Instead of waiting for a total of 35 minutes, you have to let them cook in the oven for only 30 minutes to achieve the same chewiness.

  1. Place the slices of beets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they were already drained and rinsed beforehand.
  2. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
  3. Turn off the oven. Let them sit in the oven for another 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer on a wire rack to cool.

Peanut Butter and Beet Cookies

You’ll like the fact that this treat is all-natural. The maker of the recipe does not suggest using canned beets. It also requires natural peanut butter, which you can also make right in your kitchen. Here’s how to do these yummy beet cookies infused with the deliciousness of peanut butter:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, put one large peeled and pureed beet.
  2. Add in 2 large eggs and half a cup of natural peanut butter.
  3. Add 2 and ½ cups of whole wheat flour. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are combined nicely.
  4. Add around ¼ cup of water if you want to moisten it up or if the dough is too dry.
  5. Roll it on a floured surface. It should be at least ¼ inch thick.
  6. Cut the dough using any cookie cutter.
  7. Transfer in on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Important Reminders for Dogs Owners

These dog treats are made with your dog’s safety in mind but we strongly recommend that you consult your vet when giving them for the first time. If you notice anything unusual after giving any of these treats to your dog, better stop giving them.

Dogs usually thrive on a meat-based diet and regardless of the beets’ amazing health benefits, no fruit and veggies can replace a dog’s diet plan. Always seek your vet’s advice when adding a new food to your dog’s diet.

Conclusion

Dogs can eat beets from time to time. You can also experiment a little in the kitchen and use beets for making dog treats. Just remember to offer them in moderation and everything will be fine! Again, dogs can eat beets but it is not necessary to include them in their diets.

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