Beetroot: an intense vegetable

 

The beet is the most intense of vegetables. … Beets are deadly serious.

Tom Robbins, from Jitterbug Perfume

 

Known for its earthy flavour, the beetroot (Beta vulgaris), has a long history. This dark purple root symbolises love, passion and even wealth. Aphrodite is said to have eaten beets as a way of retaining her beauty: with all their wonderful nutrients, maybe they did help. Beets were cooked and eaten in Roman times (and can be found in several recipes in the English translation of the first century book Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome!).

Centuries later, we’re still enjoying beets and their health benefits. They are even used as a natural colourant, though their value goes far beyond that – not least as an inexpensive yet valuable, nutritious addition to the canine diet.

Main nutrients

Fibre
Beetroot is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which is crucial for maintaining digestive health in dogs. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports gastrointestinal function. Beetroot is also a source of inulin, a soluble fibre that acts as a prebiotic.
Antioxidants
Beetroot is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and support overall cellular health. Antioxidants are crucial for protecting dogs from various diseases and promoting longevity.
Nitrates
Beetroot is rich in natural nitrates, which play a crucial role in enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.

Main vitamins

Vitamin A
Beetroot contains beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and a robust immune response.
Vitamin C
As an antioxidant, vitamin C in beetroot helps neutralize free radicals, supports the immune system, and contributes to the overall cellular health of dogs. It also aids in collagen synthesis, promoting healthy skin and connective tissues.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate plays a crucial role in cell division and red blood cell formation, promoting overall growth and development in dogs. It is particularly important for pregnant dogs to support healthy foetal development.

Minerals

Phosphorus
Vital for bone health and energy metabolism, phosphorus in beetroot supports the structural integrity of bones and teeth, making it an important mineral for growing and aging dogs alike.
Potassium
Potassium supports muscle function and electrolyte balance. It helps maintain proper heart function and muscle contractions, which are essential for active and energetic dogs.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for bone health and muscle function. It aids in the absorption of other minerals and supports the overall well-being of dogs.

Benefits – Key Takeaways

Immune Support

The array of vitamins and antioxidants found in beetroot significantly bolsters immune function in dogs. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, plays a crucial role in enhancing the immune system’s ability to fend off infections and diseases. Additionally, the beta-carotene in beetroot, which converts to vitamin A, supports the development and maintenance of healthy mucous membranes, acting as a barrier against pathogens. The overall antioxidant profile of beetroot helps reduce inflammation and supports the immune system in maintaining optimal health, thereby contributing to a robust defence mechanism against various illnesses. Anthocyanin, which gives beetroot its purple colour, is also shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Gut Health

Beetroot plays a pivotal role in promoting gut health in dogs due to its high fibre content and natural prebiotic properties. The dietary fibre in beetroot aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. This, in turn, enhances the digestive process and improves nutrient absorption. Additionally, beetroot’s fibre helps regulate bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation and promoting a smooth digestive tract. The presence of prebiotics also aids in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby maintaining a balanced and healthy gut environment, which is crucial for overall digestive health and the well-being of dogs.

Athletic Endurance and Muscle Recovery

As a natural source of nitrate, beetroot is linked to improvements in athletic performance. It is beneficial for athletic endurance and muscle recovery in dogs, particularly those that are active or involved in strenuous activities. Basically, nitric oxide widens the blood vessels and increases blood flow and enhance oxygen delivery to muscles, which can improve endurance and reduce fatigue during physical exertion. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of beetroot also aid muscle recovery by reducing muscle soreness and accelerating the healing process. The combination of essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium supports muscle function and repair, helping recovery after intense exercise.

Energy and Vitality

The combination of vitamins and minerals in beetroot supports energy production and vitality, helping dogs maintain an active lifestyle. Vitamin B1 and B6 play crucial roles in energy metabolism and nerve function, ensuring dogs have the stamina and mental sharpness needed for their daily activities.

Heart Health

Specific nutrients in beetroot, such as potassium and fibre, support cardiovascular health by maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants in beetroot also help protect the heart from oxidative damage.

Weight Management

The high fibre content in beetroot aids in weight management by promoting satiety without adding excess calories. This makes beetroot suitable for weight control diets or as a healthy treat option for overweight dogs.

 

Note:

Keep away from canned or preserved beetroots because they’re likely to contain sodium, vinegar or other preservatives that could have an adverse reaction.  If you’re considering feeding beetroots to your dog, it’s best to opt for fresh, cooked, or raw (organic) beetroots that haven’t been processed or preserved with additional ingredients. I don’t feed raw beets to my dog but always cook them first.

As with anything, feed in moderation. Don’t forget that beetroot is high in sugar.

See also Beetroot Powder.

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Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

  • Arazi H, Eghbali E. Possible Effects of Beetroot Supplementation on Physical Performance Through Metabolic, Neuroendocrine, and Antioxidant Mechanisms: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Front Nutr. 2021 May 13;8:660150. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.660150. PMID: 34055855; PMCID: PMC8155490.
  • Chen L, Zhu Y, Hu Z, Wu S, Jin C. Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity. Food Sci Nutr. 2021 Sep 9;9(11):6406-6420. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.2577. PMID: 34760270; PMCID: PMC8565237.

 

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain beetroot as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Beetroots are off-limits to dogs with diabetes because they are also high in sugar. They also contain oxalates so shouldn’t be given to dogs with kidney problems. For the same reason, stay away from beetroot juice.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.