Can dogs eat
Beets?
In moderation
Yes, in small amounts. Plain cooked beets are safe for most dogs as an occasional treat. They can turn urine and stool pink, and they are high in oxalates, so dogs prone to urinary stones should skip them.
Why it’s fine in small amounts
Beets are not toxic to dogs, and both PetMD and the AKC say most dogs can eat them. They also appear in some commercial dog foods. They supply fiber along with folate, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C, and the AKC notes that the skin holds betalain pigments, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A dog on a complete diet does not need them, though.
There are real downsides. Beets carry a lot of oxalic acid, which PetMD and the AKC say can contribute to urinary crystals and stones, so dogs prone to these should avoid them. They are also high in natural sugars and carbohydrates, and their acidity can bring gas or diarrhea.
Then there is color. PetMD says beets can turn stool, urine and even skin pink. The AKC says pink or red urine from beets usually clears within 12 to 24 hours and is harmless, but if it lasts longer than a day it could point to a urinary tract infection, stones or cystitis, and you should call your vet.
Benefits
- Supply fiber plus folate, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C
- The skin contains pigments with antioxidant properties, though it is usually removed
- May support digestion, skin and coat in small amounts
- Mild flavor that many dogs accept when cooked
Risks
- Rich in oxalic acid, a contributor to urinary crystals and stones
- High in natural sugars and carbohydrates
- Acidity can cause gas or diarrhea
- Can turn stool, urine and skin pink or red; urine that stays discolored for more than a day needs a vet check
- Raw beets are a higher choking risk, and pickled beets often contain sugar and onions
How to serve it safely
PetMD says most owners cook beets, which is the simpler route: scrub and peel fresh beets, bake, roast or boil them, then chop or mash them with no seasoning. Raw is possible if you scrub and peel the beet and grate it very finely. Canned beets are acceptable only if they contain no added salt or other ingredients. Avoid pickled beets and beet juice.
Offer beets no more than two or three times a week, as a small addition to a balanced diet. PetMD's guide for beet puree runs from about 1 to 2 teaspoons for a dog under 20 lb (9 kg) to around 5 tablespoons for a dog over 90 lb (41 kg). Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories. The pigment stains, so serve raw beets outdoors if you can.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked plain beets | In moderation | The best way to serve them; peeled, chopped or mashed. |
| Raw beets | With caution | Must be scrubbed, peeled and very finely grated; a higher choking risk. |
| Canned beets | With caution | Only if there is no added salt or other ingredients. |
| Pickled beets | No | PetMD says to avoid them, as they often contain sugar and onions. |
| Beet juice | No | PetMD says concentrating it makes it too sugary. |
If your dog already ate it
If your dog ate some plain beet, pink urine or stool is the most likely result. Offer water and watch. Gas or a loose stool can also occur.
Call your vet if pink or red urine lasts longer than a day, if your dog strains to pee or seems to be in pain, or if your dog has a history of urinary stones. If your dog ate pickled beets that contained onion, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Do beets turn dog pee and poop pink?
They can. PetMD says beets can turn stool, urine and skin pink, and the AKC says urine usually returns to normal within 12 to 24 hours.
Can dogs with bladder stones eat beets?
Ask your vet first, because the answer is usually no. PetMD and the AKC link the oxalic acid in beets to urinary crystals and stones.
Can dogs eat raw beets?
They can, but PetMD says raw beets must be scrubbed, peeled and finely grated or cut very small, and they are a higher choking risk. That extra work is why most owners cook them instead.
How often can dogs eat beets?
PetMD says no more than two or three times a week, as a small addition to a balanced diet.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy