Vegetables are important and need to be included in every human’s diet. It’s packed with so many essential nutrients our bodies need. They make you healthy and provide the energy you need to have a meaningful life. Beets are also beneficial for humans.
Can dogs eat beets as well?
Yes, dogs can also eat beets and it will be good for them. If you’re looking for a nutritious snack for your canine, beets should be it. They contain a lot of micronutrients that will benefit canines. Beets can give you vitamin C, manganese, potassium, folate, and fiber. It’s for dogs’ healthier skin and shinier coats.
Health Benefits and Risks of Feeding Beets to Dogs
Many vets recommend feeding beets to dogs with conditions such as fur loss, unhealthy skin, or digestive issues. Beets will help your dog to look and feel healthier again. It contains betalain pigments that have anti-inflammatory properties and powerful antioxidants. That will help canines with skin conditions to heal.
As a dog owner, you always want what’s best for your pup. Maintaining a balanced diet for canines is great. Giving your dog beets for snacks will help them to improve their skin and coat. It also aids digestion so that your pup will get all the nutrition it needs from its diet.
There are a good number of health benefits beets can provide for dogs. However, there are risks present as well. Beets have a high content of oxalic acid. It can form bladder, kidney, and urinary stones. This acid will also cause calcium deficiency in canines. Before offering beets to your dog, ask your vet to be safe.
Only offer a small number of beets to your pup. It’s high in both sugar and carbs so give it an occasional treat. This can cause obesity or pancreatitis. It’s an acidic vegetable that may cause diarrhea or gas. Beets are good for dogs but they should not be a part of their diet.
Nutrition Facts of Beets Per 100 Grams
- Water: 87.58g
- Energy: 43 cal
- Protein: 1.61g
- Total fat: .17g
- Carbohydrate, by difference: 9.56g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugars: 6.76g
- Calcium: 16mg
- Iron: .8mg
- Magnesium: 23 mg
- Phosphorus: 40mg
- Potassium: 325mg
- Sodium: 78mg
- Zinc: .35mg
- Vitamin C: 4.9m
Properly Preparing Beets for Dogs
Properly preparing beets before feeding your pup can be a crucial process. It depends on how your dog likes it. Try different preparations and test them out. It will help you to know if your pup prepares it fresh or cooked. Don’t worry, once you know what your dog wants it will be a lot easier next time.
1. Go for Organic
Organic is the best way to go when looking for beets or other veggies. It may seem that canines can eat anything. If you give them beets with pesticides, it can cause health issues for them. It’s best to avoid exposing your pup to chemicals. Choosing organic beets will benefit dogs more than getting the other option.
2. Wash Thoroughly
Make sure to wash the beets thoroughly before cooking them. Fresh produce is transported from the farm. They will go through a lot before ending up in the supermarket. Cleaning the beets will ensure that your dog will not be eating germs or bacteria. Washing the veggies will get rid of impurities to be safe to eat.
3. Mash or Purée
Vegetables like beets may not be easy for your pup’s stomach. It will be harder to digest huge chunks than smaller ones. If you’re planning to give raw beets, mash or puree them instead. That way, it will go down smoothly. It will also avoid choking.
Before mashing beets, make sure to soften them first. Cut in small bite-sized pieces and you can boil or just blanch the beets. If you want to puree it, use a food processor or a blender. It will be easier to add them to your dog’s meal. This will also be a safer option to do.
4. Never Add Seasonings
Seasonings are essential for cooking human food. People always like to eat delicious food. For dogs, seasonings might upset their stomachs. Fresh beets can be eaten by dogs as it is. Avoid doing this to other veggies as well. Dogs have different tastes from humans.
5. Give Beets as a Snack or Treat
Beets are nutritious vegetables for humans and even for dogs. Although it’s not a good idea to include them in your dog’s diet. Veggies like this should only be given as an occasional snack. Dogs have different needs from humans. Giving beets to your dog all the time can be a health hazard for them.
Best Way to Offer Beets for Dogs
The best and easiest way to offer beets to your dog is to give them fresh. These veggies can be eaten by your pup either raw or cooked. Giving raw beets to canines is better. It means that it’s more nutritious than other vegetables. Cooked beets will also be fine. Add these to your dog’s meal to make it easier.
Beets should be washed, scrubbed, and cleaned before peeling them. If your dogs prefer them raw, you can grate a few. Feeding raw beet to your pup should be done outside the house. Its natural color beets can stain your clothes and everything in the house. That can end up in a disaster so better do it outside.
Onions, garlic, and other ingredients can end up toxic for dogs. It’s best to avoid adding these to your pup’s snack. Don’t forget, moderation should be applied when it comes to giving your dog beets. Even if this vegetable is nutritious, eating beets all the time is not good for canines. Offer raw and cooked beets alternately.
If you feed your dog with too many beets, it will only cause stomach aches. The size of the beet slices depends on the size of your pup. Add beets to a salad or your dog’s regular meal. It should only serve as an occasional treat for your dog to avoid it from having health issues.
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Raw Beets
