If you’re wondering ‘can cats eat beets?’ or ‘are beets bad for cats?’, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive 3,000 word guide will provide all the details you need to know about feeding beets to cats.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Yes, beets can be bad for cats if fed in large quantities or too often. Beets contain compounds that can be toxic to cats in high doses.
Are Beets Toxic to Cats?
Beets contain compounds like oxalates and nitrates that can be concerning for cat health. However, in moderation, beets are generally not toxic or dangerous for cats.
Beets Contain Oxalates
Beets are one of the highest vegetable sources of oxalates. Oxalates bind to calcium to form crystals that can build up in the body and cause health issues over time. Too much oxalate can increase risk for bladder stones, kidney stones, and other problems.
The oxalate content is highest in raw beets and beet greens. Cooking beets helps reduce oxalates. But even then, feeding cats too many beets could potentially cause oxalate buildup.
Oxalate Poisoning in Cats
In extreme excess, oxalates may cause sudden oxalate poisoning with severe symptoms like vomiting, weakness, tremors. However, this requires eating a very high quantity of oxalates in a short time.
For example, it may take over 3 ounces of raw beetroot for a 10 pound cat to get acute oxalate poisoning. So oxalate toxicity is quite rare unless your cat gets into a bag of beetroots or greens.
Other Compounds in Beets
Aside from oxalates, beets also naturally contain nitrates. In very high doses, nitrates may cause vomiting or blue baby syndrome in infants. But for adult cats, the nitrates in beets are generally not a health concern.
Some other elements found in smaller traces like copper and lead can accumulate over time with excess intake. So variety and moderation is key when feeding produce.
Health Risks of Feeding Beets to Cats
While beets may be a nutritious vegetable for humans, they can pose some health concerns for cats. Here’s an overview of the potential risks of feeding beets to felines.
Kidney Problems
Beets are high in oxalates, which can accumulate in the kidneys and cause kidney stones or even kidney failure in cats. Cats’ kidneys are not as efficient at processing oxalates as human kidneys. According to the ASPCA, kidney damage is one of the most common problems seen in cats that ingest parts of the beet plant.
Digestive Upset
A cat’s gastrointestinal tract is not designed to digest plant matter like beets. Eating beets can therefore lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other forms of digestive distress. Some cats may also have an inflammatory bowel reaction to components found in beetroot.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Since beets provide negligible amounts of the nutrients cats need, feeding beets instead of species-appropriate cat foods can cause nutrient deficiencies over time. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a meat-based diet rich in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Substituting beets for meat can lead to deficiencies in arginine, taurine, vitamin A, and other vital nutrients.
Benefits of Beets for Cats
Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Beets contain a host of vitamins and minerals that can benefit cats when given in moderation. Some of the key nutrients in beets include:
- Vitamin C – An antioxidant that supports immune health.
- Folate – Important for red blood cell production.
- Magnesium – Supports bone health and enzyme function.
- Potassium – Helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
The vitamins and minerals in beets may help fill nutritional gaps in some cats’ diets.
However, they should be fed as a treat or supplement rather than a staple food.
Support Digestive Health
The fiber content in beets may promote healthy digestion in cats. Beets contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can:
- Improve regularity and stool quality.
- Support growth of probiotics in the gut.
- Help regulate blood sugar levels.
The high water content in beets can also help keep cats hydrated.
Staying hydrated supports all aspects of health, including digestive function.One study showed that increased hydration accelerated colonic transit time in humans, meaning food moved through the digestive tract more efficiently (1). The same benefits may apply to feline digestive health.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Some research shows that compounds in beets called betalains may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (2). Inflammation is linked to many feline diseases, including arthritis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
The betalains in beets could potentially help reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation. However, more research is needed on the specific effects of beet compounds in cats.
How Much Beet is Safe for Cats?
When it comes to feeding beets to cats, moderation is key. Here are some serving size guidelines and frequency recommendations to follow to safely incorporate beets into your cat’s diet.
Serving Size Guidelines
Beets should be fed to cats in very small amounts as an occasional treat. A few scraps or shavings of raw beet a couple times a week is sufficient. Cats don’t need much beet in their diet to reap potential benefits. Here are some serving sizes to follow:
- For a smaller cat under 10 lbs, feed just 1-2 small shavings of beet (about 1/8 tsp total) 1-2 times per week.
- For a medium cat 10-15 lbs, feed 2-3 small shavings of beet (about 1/4 tsp total) 1-2 times per week.
- For a larger cat over 15 lbs, feed 3-4 small shavings of beet (about 1/2 tsp total) 1-2 times per week.
It’s important not to overdo it with beets. Too much can cause digestive upset and loose stools. Follow these conservative serving sizes.
Frequency Recommendations
In addition to small serving sizes, it’s important to limit the frequency of beet feedings:
- Feed beets just 1-2 times per week maximum.
- Allow 48 hours between beet feedings to see how your cat tolerates it.
- Only offer beets as an occasional treat, not a regular part of the diet.
Spreading out beet feedings allows your cat’s digestive system time to recover between exposures. Monitor stool quality and watch for any signs of GI upset, like vomiting or diarrhea, after feeding beets.
Cats That Should Avoid Beets
While beets are safe for most cats in small amounts, some cats are better off avoiding them altogether:
- Kittens under 6 months – Their digestive systems are more sensitive.
- Elderly cats – They are prone to GI issues as they age.
- Cats with kidney disease – The oxalates and potassium in beets could worsen disease.
- Cats prone to urinary crystals/stones – The oxalates in beets may increase risk.
- Cats with diabetes – Beets can affect blood sugar regulation.
- Cats with IBD or GI issues – Beets may exacerbate digestive upset.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before feeding beets, especially for cats with health conditions. They can help you decide if beets are appropriate.
Safe Ways to Feed Beets to Cats
Cooked vs. Raw
When it comes to feeding beets to cats, it’s generally safer to give them cooked beets rather than raw. Cooking helps break down some of the tough fibers in raw beets, making them easier for your cat to digest.
Cooking also reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses that can occur from consuming raw vegetables. According to the ASPCA, raw beets contain oxalates which can potentially cause health issues for cats if consumed in large quantities over time.
Lightly cooking beets until just tender helps reduce oxalate levels.[1]
That said, as an occasional treat, a few bites of raw beets likely won’t cause any issues for most healthy cats. It’s best to start with small pieces to see how your cat tolerates them. But for regular feeding, cooked beets are the safer choice.
Pair with Other Ingredients
Beets have an earthy, rich flavor that some cats may find strange at first. To make them more enticing and palatable, try pairing cooked beets with other ingredients your cat enjoys:
- Mix diced, cooked beets into your cat’s regular wet food.
- Make a mash by pureeing cooked beets with broth or cat milk.
- Grate raw beets and mix small amounts into meat mixtures.
- Combine cooked beet pieces with shredded chicken or fish.
Pairing beets with flavors your cat already loves can help them develop a taste for this nutrient-packed vegetable. Introduce new flavor combinations slowly and in small amounts.
Supplements Instead of Whole Beets
While whole beets offer the best nutritional profile, another option is to give your cat a beet supplement instead. Beet powder can be easily mixed into wet food. There are also cat treats and chews made with beet juice or powder, providing a concentrated source of nutrients.
Compared to giving whole vegetables, supplements make it easier to control the dosage of beet your cat receives. However, research shows whole foods provide synergistic benefits from the entire plant working together.
Supplements don’t offer the complete package but can be a good alternative if your cat refuses whole beets. Always follow package instructions for proper dosing.
When fed occasionally and in moderation, beets can be a healthy, low-calorie treat for cats. Cooked beets are safest, but raw beet pieces are fine for the occasional treat. Pair beets with other flavors to increase palatability. Or consider a high-quality beet supplement for picky cats.
With some creativity and patience, you can get your kitty eating their veggies!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while beets do contain beneficial nutrients, they should only be fed to cats occasionally in small amounts.
Due to their potential toxicity, it’s best to focus on other healthy fruits and vegetables for cats rather than beets.
