Alice White
Beetroot is a real all-rounder when it comes to your dog’s vitamin supply. The deep red vegetables provide four-legged friends with numerous important nutrients, are low in calories, and taste extremely good for most dogs. We will explain to you what else is good in the tuber and how you can easily prepare the vegetables for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Beets?
Beetroot provides your dog with numerous vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on health. The red root vegetables ensure healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system. The vegetables also stimulate the appetite and aid digestion. At the same time, beetroot is low in calories and consists of almost 90 percent water, so vegetables are also suitable for overweight four-legged friends.
Beetroot contains these important nutrients, among others:
- Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and the body’s defenses.
- B vitamins support the nervous system.
- Iron is important for blood formation and the transport of oxygen in the blood.
- Potassium ensures a balanced blood pressure and hormone balance.
Can Dogs Have Raw or Cooked Beets?
Many dog food supplements contain beetroot, and dried beetroot flakes are also available as a feed additive. But you can just as easily feed your dog fresh beetroot to give your dog the many vitamins it contains. The preparation is very easy because the vegetables are safe for dogs both raw and cooked. Use only fresh beetroot and do not feed any pickled varieties or canned food. Simply cut the tuber into small cubes or grate the beetroot with a kitchen grater. To ensure that it is easily digestible, only ever feed a small amount of the vegetables. Alternatively, you can also juice the tubers and give the juice to your dog.
Beware of Bladder and Kidney Problems
In addition to the many healthy vitamins and minerals, beetroot contains so-called oxalates. This is oxalic acid, which in large quantities can lead to kidney or urinary stones. If your dog is prone to kidney or bladder problems, avoid feeding beetroot. In healthy dogs, the amount of oxalic acid contained is harmless to health. In any case, make sure that your dog drinks enough water.
