Can Dogs Eat Cooked Beets? Your Ultimate Guide

Beets are incredible.

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These tasty, nutrient-packed veggies are nutritious and versatile.

With the rising need for healthy foods, they are a staple in many households.

While serving some cooked beet, you may be tempted to give it to your dog, who is looking on the ground for some droppings.

However, you’re a responsible dog owner who can’t afford to give anything they aren’t sure about.

So, can dogs eat cooked beets?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked beets.

They contain fiber, vitamin A, iron, antioxidants, and betaine.

However, you should feed them in moderation because too much can cause stomach upset.

This article will look into the health benefits, ways to serve, other healthy fruits, and whether different dog groups can eat cooked beets.

Health benefits of cooked beets to dogs

Helps with digestion

Beets help with digestion by helping to keep the bowels regular and increasing bile production.

The fiber content also helps keep stool soft and bulky while preventing constipation in dogs suffering from this condition.

Help regulate blood sugar

Beets help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption.

If your dog has diabetes mellitus or hypoglycemia, beets may help stabilize their blood sugar levels.

Promote healthier skin and coat

Beets promote healthier skin and coats by adding more moisture to dry skin cells which helps them retain their elasticity and flexibility.

It also prevents any splitting or cracking, which can cause infection.

Enhanced eye health

Beets contain betalain pigments that help protect against oxidative stress and damage from ultraviolet light.

Therefore, it makes them an excellent option for dogs with sensitive eyes or those who spend time outdoors.

It helps dogs maintain a healthy weight.

Beets can also help your dog lose weight if you feed them regularly.

Fiber helps dogs feel full longer, which means fewer snacks between meals.

Other healthy vegetables for dogs besides beets

Carrot: Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage.

They also contain fiber, making them an excellent option to help keep your dog’s digestive tract in good shape.

Spinach: Spinach contains iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential for your dog’s health.

Iron helps prevent anemia, calcium regulates muscle function, and magnesium supports heart function.

Broccoli: Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties in dogs.

It also contains vitamin C and fiber, both beneficial for keeping your dog’s digestive system healthy.

Kale: Kale contains manganese, and vitamins A, B2, and C.

It also has antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Cucumber: Cucumbers contain silica — an essential mineral that supports connective tissue health — along with vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin K (phylloquinone).

Can Puppies Eat Cooked Beets?

Yes, you can give your puppy cooked beets.

They provide essential nutrients for growing puppies.

However, you shouldn’t feed them too much because they may cause diarrhea in some dogs.

Puppies under four months should not eat cooked beets because their digestive tracts aren’t fully developed.

They must eat puppy food specially formulated for their nutritional needs until they turn four months old.

After they’re four months old, you may slowly introduce them to cooked beets by mixing small amounts with their regular puppy food.

If your puppies don’t experience any adverse side effects from this change (such as diarrhea or vomiting), then they’re probably ready for beets.

Can diabetic dogs eat cooked beets?

Yes, diabetic dogs can eat cooked beets but sparingly.

Beets contain natural sugar, which may spike blood sugar if too much is consumed.

They also contain fiber which helps in regulating blood sugar.

If your diabetic dog eats lots of cooked beets, call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Unlike healthy dogs, don’t wait for symptoms to show because it can be fatal if sugar spikes in diabetic dogs.

Ways to cook beets for dogs

Boiling

You can boil beets whole or shredded.

The latter method is easier to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Boil the beets for about 15 minutes and then strain them.

You can add a little chicken stock to flavor the meat if desired.

Steaming

If you’re not into boiling your dog’s veggies, try steaming them instead of fresh or frozen beets for about 10 minutes until they’re tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Remove from heat and allow them to cool before serving them to your canine companion.

Roasting or baking.

You can roast or bake beets without peeling them first.

Just wash them well, cut off the tops, wrap them loosely in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour until tender (or longer if needed).

Remove from the oven and let cool before feeding your dog.

Microwaving

Microwaving a beet is a simple and convenient way to cook them.

The microwave will soften the beets so that your dog can chew through the beet without cutting their gums.

To microwave, the beets, place them whole in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with water.

Do not add salt or oil to the water.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and cook on high for approximately 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork or knife.

How many cooked beets should I feed my dog?

The amount of cooked beets your dog should eat depends on his weight and activity level.
For example, if he weighs 20 pounds and is moderately active, give him about 1 cup of cooked beets daily.
If he weighs 60 pounds and is very active, give him 2 cups per day (1/4 pounds)
You should also consider the treat rule, which states that beets should not exceed 10% of the dogs’ diet.
Too many beets can lead to stomach upsets.

Conclusion

We hope this article has answered your question on whether dogs can eat cooked beets.

Next time you prepare this delicious and healthy veggie for your family, don’t forget your fluffy friend.

You only need to ensure that you don’t overfeed them because it would pose health problems.

If the dogs sneak into the kitchen and steal some cooked beets, relax and observe them for 24 hours.

If any symptoms appear, call the vet doctor for advice.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.