Beetroot for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Every variety of beetroot we eat today evolved from the sea beet, a hardy plant native to the coastlines of the Mediterranean, Atlantic Europe and the Middle East. Interestingly, ancient civilisations did not cultivate the plant for its root. Instead, they harvested its nutrient-dense leafy tops, which were the precursor to modern Swiss chard.
Around 200 AD, Roman agriculturalists began cross-breeding leafier varieties with European strains. This initial selective breeding expanded the taproot, turning it from a thin, carrot-like root into a sturdier food source. But still for centuries, if the root was eaten at all, it was typically white or black. The bulbous, vibrant ruby-red table beetroot we recognise today did not appear prominently until the 1500s and 1600s in Italy and Germany.
Can dogs eat beetroot?
Yes, dogs can safely eat beetroot, says our in-house dog nutritionist. Beetroot is a nutrient-rich vegetable rich in essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre which supports healthy skin, coat and digestion.
Health benefits of beetroot for dogs
Beetroot is a nutrient-dense vegetable that offers dogs significant health benefits. It acts as a natural superfood that supports a dog’s digestion, immune system and cardiovascular health.
Key health benefits of beetroot for dogs:
- Improves digestion: beetroot’s high fibre content regulates bowel movements and prevents constipation.
- Fights inflammation: beetroot contains betalain pigments which act as powerful anti-inflammatories for joints.
- Boosts immunity: beetroot is packed with vitamin C, manganese and folate to support cellular repair.
- Enhances coat health: the micronutrients in beetroot help clear up skin irritation and promote a shinier coat.
- Supports heart health: natural nitrates in beetroot improve blood flow, boosting oxygen delivery and stamina.
- Aids detoxification: beetroot contains betaine, a compound that helps the liver flush out toxins.
Beetroot is very high in oxalates. Avoid feeding beetroot if your dog is prone to kidney stones, bladder stones or belongs to predisposed breeds like Miniature Schnauzers or Yorkshire Terriers.
Beetroot has a high natural sugar content. Avoid feeding to diabetic or overweight dogs.
Do not panic if your dog’s stool or urine turns a pink or reddish colour after eating beetroot; this is a harmless side effect of the natural pigments.
How much beetroot can dogs eat?
When feeding your dog beetroot, stick to the 10 percent rule of homemade dog food.
Essentially, that means that no one individual fruit or vegetable should exceed 10% of your dog’s overall daily diet.
Other dog-safe vegetables
- Broccoli. Nutrient-dense canine superfood.
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Green beans. Low calorie, high fibre, vitamin rich.
- Leafy greens
- Parsnips
- Celery
- Beetroot
See the full range of dog-safe vegetables here.
Search Beetroot recipes:
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How to feed a dog beetroot
Beetroot is an outstanding nutritional choice for dogs. It is packed with nitrates (which convert to nitric oxide to support healthy blood pressure and oxygen delivery), folate, manganese and potassium. Most notably, beetroot contain betalains, a unique class of pigments that give the root its intense magenta colour. Betalains act as powerful antioxidants that support liver detoxification and help reduce systemic inflammation.
Here are four creative, dog-safe ways to incorporate beetroot into your dog’s diet:
1. Ruby Red Liver & Heart Topper
Raw beetroot can be difficult for a canine stomach to digest, often passing straight through their stool whole. Pureeing cooked beetroot creates a silky, eye-catching gravy that coats any food perfectly.
- Steam or boil fresh beetroot chunks until completely soft and pierceable with a fork. Toss them into a blender with 4 tablespoons of warm bone broth.
- Puree the beetroot until perfectly smooth. Pour a warm ladle of this vibrant purple gravy directly over your dog’s regular food to add instant hydration, antioxidants and a sweet, rustic flavour boost.
2. Frozen Pink Panther Probiotic Bites
Because beetroot puree blends well into dairy bases, it can be used to turn plain white probiotics into striking, nutrient-dense summer treats.
- Whisk 2 tablespoons of cooked beetroot puree into 100ml of low-fat Greek yogurt or goat’s milk kefir until it turns a bright, uniform pink.
- Spoon the colourful mixture into silicone moulds and freeze for 3 hours. Pop them out as a refreshing summer treat that delivers both prebiotics and gut-healthy probiotics.
3. Sticky Beetroot & Pumpkin Lick Mat
The thick, smooth consistency of cooked beetroot puree slides perfectly into the small, intricate rubber crevices of an enrichment toy, extending your dog’s licking time.
- Take a tablespoon of cooked and mashed pumpkin. Mix it thoroughly with one tablespoon of cooked beetroot puree.
- Use a spatula to press the deep red paste firmly into the crevices of a rubber lick mat. Freeze flat for 45 minutes before serving to soothe your dog and provide mental stimulation during stressful events like grooming.
4. Baked Oatmeal & Beetroot Ruby Drops
You can use beetroot puree to add moisture, fibre and essential amino acids to a batch of sturdy, beautifully coloured home-baked cookies that won’t crumble in your pocket.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of cooked beetroot puree, one medium chicken egg and 120g (1 cup) of oat flour.
- Roll the dough into tiny, marble-sized balls and flatten them slightly with a fork onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 to 25 minutes until firm. Allow them to cool completely before rewarding your pup.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs eat beetroot every day?
A. In small quantities, yes. Just bear in mind that beetroot contains more natural sugars and carbohydrates than many other vegetables, which can cause weight gain or digestive issues if overfed. Ensure that beetroot makes up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Q. What are the health benefits of beetroot for dogs?
A. Beetroot acts as a nutrient powerhouse:
- Digestion support: the high dietary fibre in beetroot promotes healthy, regular bowel movements.
- Antioxidants: beetroot is rich in betalain pigments, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits and support skin and coat health.
- Essential micronutrients: beetroot contains Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and magnesium to support immune function and cell health.
Q. What are the health risks of feeding too much beetroot to dogs?
A. The two main risks are gastrointestinal upset and bladder stones. Beetroot contains high levels of oxalic acid (oxalates). In large quantities, oxalates can bind to calcium in the body, potentially leading to calcium deficiencies or the formation of bladder and kidney stones.
Q. Is raw or cooked beetroot better for dogs?
A. Cooked beetroot is the safest and easiest option for dogs to digest. Boiled, steamed or roasted beetroot becomes softer and easier to digest. If you want to serve it raw, it must be finely grated or chopped into tiny pieces.
Q. Can dogs eat pickled or tinned beetroot?
A. No, never feed your dog pickled beetroot. The vinegar, added sugars, spices and high sodium content used in pickling can severely irritate your dog’s stomach or lead to sodium toxicity. Standard tinned beets should also be avoided unless they are explicitly labelled as having zero added salt or preservatives.
Q. Can dogs eat beetroot leaves (beetroot greens)?
A. Absolutely. Beetroot greens are the most nutritious part of the plant.
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