Why only in moderation for dogs
Beetroot is not toxic to dogs. It contains fibre, folate, potassium and other minerals, and beet pulp is used in commercial dog food recipes too.
Beetroot is still high in natural sugar and in oxalates. Oxalates can contribute to urinary stones, so a dog that has had them should not be given beetroot. The red pigment in beetroot can turn urine and stools reddish. This is harmless, but if you are not sure it is not blood, contact a vet.
How to give it
- Wash and peel it, then cook it or grate it finely.
- Give it without salt, vinegar, oil or spices.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Give it only now and then, as a treat.
What to watch out for
- Too much beetroot can cause diarrhoea or bloating.
- Oxalates: take care with a dog prone to urinary stones or with kidney problems.
- Pickled beetroot, borscht and salads contain vinegar, salt, garlic or onion.
- A dog may swallow a large, hard piece of raw beetroot without chewing it.
- Reddish urine or stools after beetroot can be alarming: if you are not sure it is not blood, contact a vet.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Pickled beetroot
Not safeIt contains vinegar, salt and sugar, so it is not suitable for dogs.
What to give instead
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin flesh without sugar or spices is fine for dogs, but not the skin, the stem or pumpkin pie filling. Safe
- Sweet potatoes Yes, plain boiled or baked sweet potato without salt, butter or spices is fine for dogs, peeled and cut into small pieces. Safe
- Courgettes Yes, courgettes are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, without oil, salt or spices, they make a light, low-calorie treat. Safe
Looking for a treat?
The "Dog treats" category compares prices for 10,376 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.