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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
Yes, beetroot (beets) is safe and healthy for dogs and cats in small amounts. It provides fibre, antioxidants and minerals that support digestion, circulation, the liver and the kidneys. Because it's a root vegetable, it needs to be gently cooked or steamed, then puréed, so your pet can digest it. Choose organic whenever possible, and feed it as a small part of a balanced diet.
What's in beetroot?
Beetroot contains fibre, potassium, manganese, magnesium and folate. It also contains betalains, the antioxidants that give beetroot its deep red colour.
Benefits for your pet
Digestion
Fibre helps keep stools regular and feeds good gut bacteria.
Antioxidants
Betalains help calm inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. Read more in why oxidation matters.
Circulation
Natural nitrates in beetroot help blood vessels relax and support healthy circulation.
Kidney support
Better blood flow helps the kidneys do their filtering work, and beetroot's antioxidants help protect kidney cells from oxidative stress.
Liver support
Beetroot supports the liver's natural detox processes.
How to feed beetroot
Choose organic beetroot whenever possible, and wash it well.
Gently cook or steam it until soft, then purée it to a baby-food consistency. Beetroot is a root vegetable, so it's hard for pets to digest raw, and dogs can't break down tough plant cell walls on their own. Cooking and puréeing make its nutrients much easier to absorb.
Keep it small. Beetroot should be a small part of the vegetable portion of a balanced diet, not a main ingredient.
Plain only. No pickled or canned beetroot, which often contains salt, sugar or vinegar.
Introduce slowly to avoid tummy upset.
Red poop or pee? Don't panic. Beetroot can turn stools and urine pink or red, which is harmless. But if you see this and your pet hasn't eaten beetroot, see your vet.
Oxalates: beetroot contains oxalates. Cooking or steaming helps lower them, and keeping portions moderate matters, especially if your pet is prone to calcium oxalate bladder stones.
Natural sugars: beetroot is sweeter than most vegetables, so keep amounts small for diabetic or overweight pets.
Fitting beetroot into a fresh-food diet
Beetroot is one of many colourful vegetables that can go into a fresh, balanced diet. If you'd like help working out the right mix and amounts for your pet, that's what my PawNutrition feeding framework is for.
A treat with beetroot
CocoTherapy Coco-Milk Bones Red Velvet are vegan, grain-free biscuits made with organic beets and coconut fibre, with no added sugar. They're an easy way to give your dog a little beetroot goodness as a treat.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat beetroot?
Cats are carnivores and need very little plant matter, so only a tiny amount.
Is beetroot powder OK?
Small amounts of pure, organic beetroot powder are fine as a topper.
How often can I give beetroot?
A small amount a few times a week, as part of a varied diet, is plenty for most pets.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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