The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Beets: Healthy or Deadly?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat beets in moderation, and this nutrient-rich root vegetable can offer several health benefits. However, before adding beets to your dog’s diet, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. While plain, cooked beets without added salt, oils, or seasonings are generally safe, some forms—such as pickled beets—contain vinegar, sodium, and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs. You may also wonder about raw beets, beet skins, or whether beet juice is a better option. Can too many beets cause digestive issues or stain your dog’s stool or urine? This guide breaks down the benefits, potential risks, and the safest ways to incorporate beets into your dog’s diet.

Are Beets Good For Dogs?

Beets can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation.

Always feed cooked, plain beets without added salt, oils, butter, seasonings, or pickling brine. Raw beets can be difficult for dogs to digest and may pose a choking risk if not cut into very small pieces. Avoid canned or pickled beets, which often contain high sodium, vinegar, and preservatives that are unsafe for dogs. And because beets are deeply pigmented, don’t be alarmed if they temporarily tint your dog’s urine or stool red.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of beets contains the following nutrients:

Beets Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Beets to Dogs

While beets can be a safe and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Are Dogs Allergic to Beets?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to beets.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Beets

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining beets or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Beets to Dogs

When feeding beets to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Beets to Dogs

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

Best Beet Dog Food

If you’re looking to incorporate beets into your dog’s diet and take advantage of their digestive and antioxidant benefits, consider Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe. This gentle formula pairs high-quality lamb as the first ingredient with oatmeal and nutrient-rich carbohydrates, providing a clean and straightforward recipe ideal for sensitive stomachs. While it doesn’t use whole beets directly, its limited-ingredient approach makes it easy to pair with beet-based toppers for added fiber and natural detox support. Wellness Simple supports healthy digestion, balanced energy, and overall wellness, offering a wholesome option for dogs who thrive on simplified, easy-to-digest nutrition.

Best Beet Dog Treat

For those who want to give their dogs the benefits of beets in a delicious, wholesome way, K9 Granola Factory Beet Chips offer a naturally crunchy and nutrient-rich treat. Made from simple, dehydrated beet slices, these vibrant chips provide a clean source of fiber, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. Their light, crispy texture makes them an excellent low-fat snack that supports digestion, immune health, and overall vitality—perfect for dogs who enjoy simple, fruit–and veggie–based treats.

Best Beet Dog Treat

For those who want to add the benefits of beets to their dog’s meals in a simple, wholesome way, Olewo Original Red Beets for Dogs offers a nutrient-dense and easy-to-use food topper. Made from premium, dehydrated red beets, this topper delivers a concentrated boost of fiber, antioxidants, and natural phytonutrients to support digestion, immune health, and skin and coat health. Just a small spoonful mixed with water creates a fresh, vibrant addition to any meal, making it an excellent choice for dogs who benefit from clean, vegetable-based nutritional support.

How Much Beets Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like beets. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning beets based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1–2 teaspoons cooked, diced beets	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1–2 tablespoons cooked, diced beets	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	2–3 tablespoons (about ⅛ cup) cooked, diced beets	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	¼ cup cooked, diced beets	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	⅓–½ cup cooked, diced beets	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Beets?

Yes, puppies can eat beets, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of cooked, finely diced beet—to see how they react. Feeding too many beets at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the vegetable’s fiber and natural compounds. Fresh, plain, cooked beets are the best option—avoid pickled beets, canned beets with added salt, or anything containing vinegar, preservatives, or seasonings, as these can harm puppies. When introducing beets or any new food, avoid giving multiple new ingredients on the same day so you can properly monitor for sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences digestive issues, offering only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Start by giving a teaspoon of soft, unseasoned, cooked beet, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system responds before offering more. Always ensure the beet is cooked and cut into very small pieces, as raw or large chunks can be difficult to digest and may pose a choking hazard.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to beets that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Incorporating beets into your dog’s diet can offer valuable nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, but moderation and proper preparation are key. Cooked, plain beets served in small portions are the safest option, while raw, pickled, or heavily seasoned varieties should be avoided. Paying attention to your dog’s individual tolerance, especially if they are prone to digestive or urinary issues, ensures this colorful vegetable remains a healthy treat rather than a source of discomfort. With mindful feeding and gradual introduction, beets can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s occasional snack rotation.

Whether you’re introducing beets or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.