Beets are a popular root vegetable known for their vibrant color and health benefits. They can be pickled or juiced, and many people wonder if dogs can safely consume them. The answer is yes, dogs can eat beets in small quantities. However, there are some precautions to consider. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of feeding beets to dogs.
Signs of a Dog Liking Beet Juice
If you decide to give your dog beet juice, you can easily tell if they enjoy the flavor. Signs that your dog likes beet juice include licking it up without hesitation, pawing at your leg, begging, drooling, licking their lips, jumping up, barking, whining, crying, pacing, spinning in circles, and staring at you intently.
Body Language
Some signs that your dog likes beet juice include staring, being alert, jumping up, wagging their tail, pacing, lip licking, drooling, and ears up.
Other Signs
Other signs that your dog likes beet juice include intently staring at the juice, pawing at your legs, excessive begging and drooling, and barking with excitement for more juice.
History of Dogs and Beet Juice
Beets and beet juice have been consumed for thousands of years, mainly for their medicinal properties. They became popular in food dishes in France in the 1800s and are still popular in cold regions. While it is uncertain if dogs were fed beets in ancient times, it is likely they consumed scraps if available.
Science Behind Dogs and Beet Juice
Beets have health benefits but also risks for dogs. Raw beets can cause obstructions in the small intestine, beet juice contains sugar and carbs that can lead to weight gain, and high levels of oxalates in beets can cause kidney and bladder stones. Beets also contain acid, which can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Giving Your Dog Beet Juice
If you decide to give your dog beet juice, choose a variety without added sugars, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. Organic beet juice is also preferable to avoid GMOs and pesticides. Limit the amount of beet juice you give your dog due to its high sugar content. It is best to feed them small, cooked pieces of fresh beet to provide some dietary fiber.
Conclusion
While dogs can eat beets, it is generally better to avoid beet juice altogether. Other vegetables like carrots, squash, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are healthier options for your dog.
“Proceed with caution: The potential risks and benefits of feeding your dog beets”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Beets and beet juice can be safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, but there are precautions to consider. Beets must be cooked before feeding them to your dog to avoid intestinal obstructions. Beet juice contains high levels of sugar, carbs, oxalates, and acid, which can lead to weight gain, kidney/bladder stones, and gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
2️⃣ Observe your dog’s reaction to beet juice to determine if they enjoy the flavor. Signs that your dog likes beet juice include licking it without hesitation, pawing at you, begging, drooling, jumping up, barking, and pacing. If your dog shows disapproval of the flavor, they may try to lick it but then exhibit behaviors like playing with the food, pawing at it, snarling, barking, or walking away.
3️⃣ If you choose to include beet juice in your dog’s diet, opt for organic beet juice without added sugars, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. Limit the amount of beet juice you feed your dog due to its high sugar content. It may be better to feed your dog small, cooked pieces of fresh beet instead, as they contain dietary fiber that can aid digestion. Other vegetables like carrots, squash, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are healthier options for dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs safely eat beets and beet juice?
– Yes, dogs can eat beets and beet juice in small quantities. They are safe and non-toxic to dogs.
2. How can you tell if your dog likes beet juice?
– Signs that your dog likes beet juice include pawing at your legs, begging, drooling, licking their lips, jumping up, barking, and staring intently at the beet juice.
3. What are the potential drawbacks of feeding your dog beets?
– Beets contain high levels of sugar and carbs, which can lead to weight gain. They also contain oxalates, which can cause kidney stones and bladder stones. Additionally, beets have a high acid content, which can cause gastrointestinal upset.
4. What is the history of dogs and beet juice?
– Beets have been grown, eaten, and used for medicine for thousands of years. They were mainly used for medicinal purposes before becoming popular in food dishes in France in the 1800s. It is unknown if dogs were fed beets in ancient times, as they primarily consumed meat and bone scraps.
5. What precautions should be taken when giving your dog beet juice?
– It is important to find beet juice without added sugars, fillers, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Organic beet juice is recommended to avoid GMO beets and the potential negative effects on your dog’s health. It is best to limit the amount of beet juice given to your dog and consider feeding them small, cooked pieces of fresh beet instead.
