Can Dogs Eat Beets? Benefits, Risks & How to Serve Them
Yes – dogs can eat plain, cooked beets in moderation. Beets are non-toxic and provide fiber and vitamins. The cautions: cook them (raw is tough), serve plain (never canned or pickled), and keep portions small. Don't be alarmed if beets temporarily turn your dog's pee or poop reddish.
The short answer
- Safe? Yes – plain, cooked, and chopped.
- How much? A small spoonful to a couple, depending on dog size (treats = max 10% of calories).
- Watch out for: raw beets (tough), canned/pickled beets (salt/vinegar), and harmless red-tinted pee.
Are beets good for dogs?
Plain cooked beets offer some real nutrition in small amounts:
- Fiber – supports healthy digestion.
- Vitamin C and folate – support immune health and cell function.
- Manganese and potassium – support metabolism and overall health.
- Antioxidants – help protect cells.
They're a fine occasional veggie treat, though dogs don't need them – their regular food already covers these nutrients.
How much beet can a dog eat?
Use the 10% treat rule with cooked, plain beet:
| Dog size | Example weight | Safe serving (cooked, chopped) |
|---|---|---|
| Toy / very small | under 10 lb | ~1 teaspoon |
| Small | 10-25 lb | ~1 tablespoon |
| Medium | 25-50 lb | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Large | 50 lb+ | 2-3 tablespoons |
Introduce slowly and watch for any tummy upset.
How to serve beets safely
- Cook them – boil, steam, or roast plain until soft. Avoid raw (too hard).
- Peel and chop into small pieces, or grate finely.
- Serve plain – no salt, butter, oil, or seasoning.
- Skip canned and pickled beets entirely.
Risks: raw, canned, pickled, and oxalates
- Raw beets are tough – a choking hazard and hard to digest.
- Canned/pickled beets add too much salt, vinegar, sugar, and sometimes onion.
- Oxalates – beets (and especially beet greens) are relatively high in oxalates, which in large amounts may contribute to bladder/kidney stones in prone dogs. Keep portions modest.
- Red urine/stool – harmless but normal; don't mistake it for blood.
Can puppies eat beets?
A tiny amount of plain, well-cooked, mashed beet is generally okay for puppies on solid food. Keep it minimal and introduce gradually.
When to call your vet
Beets are low-risk, but call your vet if your dog:
- Ate a lot of raw beet and is choking or straining,
- Has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea,
- Or has a history of bladder/kidney stones (ask before feeding beets).
Poison control: ASPCA (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
The bottom line
Plain, cooked beets are a safe, fiber-rich treat for dogs in small amounts. Cook them, chop them, skip the canned and pickled versions, and don't panic over a little red in the litter – it's just the beets.
Related guides
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- Can dogs eat asparagus?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat raw beets?
Raw beets are very hard and tough, making them a choking hazard and difficult to digest. It’s safer to cook beets (plain, no seasoning) and cut them into small pieces, or grate them finely.
Can dogs eat canned or pickled beets?
No. Canned beets are often high in sodium, and pickled beets are full of vinegar, salt, sugar, and sometimes onion. Stick to plain, fresh-cooked beets.
Will beets turn my dog’s pee or poop red?
Yes, beets can temporarily tint urine or stool pink or red. It’s harmless, but it can be alarming if you don’t expect it – and don’t confuse it with blood.
How much beet can a dog eat?
Keep treats under 10% of daily calories – a small spoonful of cooked, chopped beet for a small dog, a bit more for a large dog. Too much can cause stomach upset.
Are beet greens safe for dogs?
Beet greens are not toxic but are high in oxalates, which in large amounts may contribute to kidney or bladder stones in susceptible dogs. Offer only small amounts, if any.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian before adding new foods, especially if your dog has a health condition.
