Is Beets Safe for Pets to Eat?
Exploring the Potential Health Benefits of Beets for Pets
1. Low in Calories
Beets are a fantastic snack option for pets due to their low fat and calorie content, coupled with high water content. This makes them ideal for keeping pets feeling full without contributing excess calories. Each 100 grams of beets contains just 44 calories and 0.2 grams of fat. For comparison, beets have about onethird more calories than similar carrots but onethird fewer than similar potatoes.
2. Nitrate Content
Beets are also rich in nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. While hypertension is a common condition in humans, it's not as prevalent in cats and dogs. Beets are unlikely to cause significant blood pressure fluctuations due to their low nitrate content. For humans, regular consumption of beets can reduce the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes. Additionally, nitrates have been shown to enhance athletic performance, potentially due to improved vascular relaxation and oxygenation. While this has not been studied in dogs, incorporating beets into the diets of working or athletic dogs might yield similar benefits.
3. Fiber
Like other root vegetables, beets are a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in maintaining healthy gut bacteria and regularity, which is beneficial for digestive health. While the fiber in beets may not significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes in pets (as these conditions are not as common in animals), it still contributes to overall gut health.
4. Betalains
Beets contain a pigment called betalains, which are believed to have antiinflammatory properties in human medicine. Studies in rats have shown that beet juice can reduce kidney inflammation, and betalain capsules have been used to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. Adding beets to a pet's diet may help reduce inflammation related to arthritis or inflammatory bowel diseases.
Considerations When Feeding Beets to Pets
1. Proper Preparation
Beets should be thoroughly cooked and cut into small pieces or pureed to avoid the risk of choking. Never feed beets raw, as they are difficult for pets to chew, swallow, and digest.
2. Digestive Discomfort
Introducing new foods into a pet's diet can lead to digestive issues. Start with a small amount of beets and monitor for any adverse reactions. If gastrointestinal problems arise, discontinue feeding immediately. Overconsumption of beets can lead to diarrhea, so stop feeding if this occurs.
3. Allergic Reactions
While beets are unlikely to cause allergic reactions, it's important to monitor for any adverse effects when introducing them to your pet's diet for the first time. Stop feeding if any reactions are noted.
4. Pancreatitis
Beets should not be cooked with butter, oil, or seasonings, as these can increase calories and fats, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues or pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas often caused by the intake of fatty or oily foods.
5. Oxalate Content
Beets contain a high amount of oxalates, which can lead to bladder stones in some pets. If your pet has bladder stones or is prone to them, it's best to avoid feeding beets.
6. Color Changes in Stool
Beets can cause changes in stool color due to the pigment they contain, which may give it a red, bloodlike appearance. If your pet is eating beets and their stool changes color, this should not be a concern. However, if your pet has red or bloody stool and has not been eating beets, it's important to consult a veterinarian promptly.
How Much is Too Much?
Like any food or supplement, beets should not exceed more than 10% of a pet's daily caloric intake. For instance, if your pet requires 200 calories per day, their snacks or supplements should not exceed 20 calories per day. Consuming more than 10% of calories from beets can disrupt their balanced diet and lead to weight gain. Beets can be offered as a treat or added in small quantities to your pet's regular diet.
