Why can’t dogs eat beets?

Beets are a nutritious and delicious vegetable that offer many health benefits for humans. However, while beets are generally safe for people to eat, they may not be the best choice to feed your dog. There are a few reasons why dogs and beets may not mix well.

Beets Contain Natural Sugars

One of the main concerns with feeding beets to dogs is that beets contain natural sugars. A typical medium-sized beet contains about 9 grams of sugar. While this sugar is not added or refined like white sugar, it can still cause problems when dogs eat too much of it.

Dogs do not process sugar as efficiently as people do. Eating too much sugar from fruits and vegetables like beets can lead to weight gain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea in dogs. Sugar can also contribute to obesity and diabetes in dogs when consumed in excess.

If your dog eats a lot of beet sugar at once, it can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can put strain on your dog’s pancreas and disrupt normal insulin function. For dogs prone to diabetes or pancreatitis, a diet high in natural sugars from produce like beets could be harmful.

Beets Contain Oxalates

In addition to natural sugars, beets also contain oxalate compounds. Oxalates are crystallized minerals found in many types of fruits and vegetables, including spinach, strawberries, and almonds.

For humans, oxalates typically pass through the digestive tract without being absorbed into the body. However, for some dogs, oxalates can build up in the kidneys and bladder, causing kidney stones or bladder stones.

Dogs with a history of bladder stones or kidney problems may be prone to oxalate buildup. The oxalates in beets could aggregrate these conditions over time.

Beets Could Cause Gastrointestinal Upset

Eating beets may simply cause stomach upset in some dogs. Signs of GI distress like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain have been reported in dogs after they ingest beets.

It is not entirely clear why this happens with beets. It could be related to the sugars, oxalates, fiber content, or simply individual sensitivities. The high fiber and sugar content of beets may cause loose stools or gas. Some dogs may have an intolerance to compounds found in the vegetable.

If your dog experiences any GI symptoms after eating beets, it is best to avoid feeding beets or beet-containing products in the future.

Beets Impact Thyroid Function

There is some evidence that components in beets may impact thyroid function in dogs. Beets contain goitrogens, compounds that can interfere with iodine uptake and slow down thyroid hormone production.

For dogs with hypothyroidism or other thyroid issues, eating beets could potentially exacerbate these problems. More research is still needed, but it may be wise to avoid feeding beets to dogs with thyroid disease.

Nutritional Content of Beets for Dogs

Now that we have covered the potential risks, what exactly is in beets that makes them nutritious but potentially problematic for dogs?

Here is an overview of the nutritional contents of beets:

Nutrient	Per 1 Medium Beet (136g)
Calories	58
Protein	2g
Fat	0.2g
Carbs	13g
Sugar	9g
Fiber	3g
Manganese	17% DV
Folate	27% DV
Magnesium	11% DV
Potassium	9% DV
Vitamin C	11% DV
Iron	8% DV
Phosphorus	6% DV

As you can see, beets contain a good amount of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the high sugar content is problematic for dogs.

Safer Ways to Feed Beets to Dogs

While whole, raw beets may be too risky, there are some safer ways dogs can benefit from beets in moderation. Here are some tips:

• Try small amounts of cooked beets. Steaming or boiling beets may make them easier to digest.
• Puree or mash beets and mix into food. This lowers fiber content.
• Use beet juice instead of whole beets. Juice contains nutrients without excess fiber.
• Opt for beet pulp. Dried, powdered beet pulp adds nutrients without extra sugar.
• Choose dog foods with beet ingredients low on the list.
• Ask your vet before feeding beets if your dog has any health conditions.

When in doubt, it may be healthiest to avoid beets and feed your dog a balanced diet with safer veggie options like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes instead.

Signs of Beet Poisoning in Dogs

In rare cases, dogs can have a toxic reaction to compounds in beetroots and beet greens. Here are some warning signs your dog may have eaten a poisonous amount of beets:

• Vomiting – Throwing up shortly after ingesting beets.
• Diarrhea – Particularly bloody, black, or tarry stool.
• Loss of appetite – Refusing food or treats.
• Increased thirst – Drinking more water than usual.
• Lethargy – Acting very tired and weak.
• Fast breathing – Panting without recent exercise.
• Elevated heart rate – Heart beating rapidly at rest.

If you observe any of these symptoms after your dog eats beets, contact your veterinarian right away. Treatment for beet poisoning usually involves inducing vomiting and providing intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and blood pressure.

Takeaways on Dogs and Beets

To wrap up, here are the key takeaways to remember about feeding beets to dogs:

• Beets contain sugars and oxalates that can be harmful to dogs.
• Eating beets may cause GI upset, kidney stones, bladder stones, or thyroid problems in some dogs.
• Cook beets thoroughly, puree, and moderate portion sizes for dogs.
• Avoid giving beet juice, greens, or pulp in excess.
• Monitor for signs of beet poisoning like vomiting or lethargy.
• Consult your vet if you have questions about feeding beets to your dog.

While beets offer nutrition, it is usually best to avoid feeding dogs large amounts of beetroots or greens. With guidance from your vet, you can try incorporating small beet servings into your dog’s diet safely. But when in doubt, stick to more traditional dog-friendly veggies instead of beets.