Beterraba
Often used in soups, salads, and detox juices, beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a root vegetable known for its vibrant red colour and earthy taste. These roots are versatile, economical, and widely available year-round. But can they be added to pets' diets?
Betalain: A Pigment with Antioxidant Potential
Betalain is a water-soluble plant pigment that contains nitrogen and comes in two forms: the red-violet betacyanins and the yellow-orange betaxanthins, both found in beetroot. The redness of beetroot depends on the ratio between these two phytochemicals. But beyond providing a vibrant colour, these compounds also contribute to beetroot’s health benefits.
Beetroot is considered one of the richest sources of betanin, a type of betacyanin. According to the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, betanins exhibit antioxidant defence mechanisms and gene-regulating activity. They may also help inhibit DNA damage and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a marker of heart disease.
In a study published in the journal Metabolic Brain Disease, the neuroprotective effects of betanins were evaluated in rats with motor dysfunction similar to Parkinson’s and neurodegeneration. The results showed that betanins exhibit neuroprotective effects by increasing levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, and inhibiting the increase of malondialdehyde (a naturally occurring marker of oxidative stress), which in turn reduces the production of free radicals.
Beetroot Offers Powerful Carotenoids and Phenolic Compounds
“The carotenoids found in beetroot, such as lutein and beta-carotene, act as antioxidants, anti-carcinogens, and immune system enhancers.”
Studies published in the journal Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology confirmed that lutein supports both cell-mediated and humoral responses in cats and dogs. Beta-carotene, on the other hand, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other chronic health conditions. Research also suggests it may benefit cats with kidney failure by helping reduce DNA damage.
Additionally, beetroot contains large amounts of phenolic compounds that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties, including epicatechins, caffeic acid, hydrated catechin, and hydroxybenzoic acid. According to a study published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, these phenolics, along with betalains, may have positive effects on gut microbiota and overall gastrointestinal health.
Beetroot Helps Boost Heart-Protecting Nitric Oxide Levels
Beetroot is one of the richest sources of dietary nitrates (over 250 milligrams per 100 grams of fresh weight), which are converted in the body into nitric oxide, a compound that acts as a “potent vasodilator and anti-inflammatory” signalling molecule, helping to promote proper endothelial function. This, in turn, reduces the risk of your pet developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, nitric oxide also supports adequate blood supply to the brain. Therefore, it is important for various neuronal functions, such as those involved in learning and memory processes, food intake, and immune response, among others. In fact, low levels of nitric oxide have been associated with cognitive deficits in rats, chicks, and fish.
Another study published in Research in Veterinary Science found that inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis in cats resulted in higher blood pressure and increased renal vascular resistance, which could lead to kidney damage and eventually kidney failure. This highlights the importance of nitric oxide in feline renal haemodynamics.
Beetroot is Rich in Various Health-Boosting Vitamins
According to an article published in the Journal of Nutritional Medicine and Diet Care, beetroot is rich in vitamins C, E, and K. One cup of beetroot contains 6.66 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant essential for tissue growth and repair, and 0.054 mg of vitamin E, which also helps inhibit oxidative stress and supports proper immune function.
Meanwhile, vitamin K is present at 0.272 micrograms per cup of beetroot. This vitamin plays a key role in blood clotting.
Beetroot also contains B vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B4 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). B vitamins have interrelated functions that support your pet’s cellular function, from converting food into energy to supporting a proper immune response.
Beetroot Provides Soluble and Insoluble Fibre
Beetroot is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibres, providing a total of 0.24 grams per tablespoon. Soluble fibre dissolves in water and binds to fatty acids, helping to slow digestion and reduce blood sugar levels. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, adds bulk to stools, helping to promote regular bowel movements.
However, keep in mind that healthy dogs and cats do not need excessive amounts of fibre. So, be sure to limit the amount of beetroot you give your pet if you decide to add it to their diet. All treats and food supplements, including healthy additions like beetroot, should make up only a small percentage of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
The Role of Beetroot in the Processed Pet Food Industry
Beetroot is often found in processed pet foods. Specifically, manufacturers use beet pulp, a by-product of sugar beet processing and one of the most used plant fibres in dry and canned pet foods, alongside peanut hulls, other grain hulls, and even feather meal. This ingredient is also used to increase the protein content of processed food, as beet by-product is much cheaper than using animal protein.
Feeding your pet processed foods containing beet pulp not only exposes them to an ingredient loaded with toxic chemicals but also adds too many fillers to their diet, including excessive fibre, which can impair the absorption of essential nutrients, predisposing animals to deficiencies.
What to Keep in Mind When Feeding Beetroot to Your Pets
There is a lot of misinformation online about many healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
In the case of beetroot, a common concern is that pieces of this vegetable could get stuck in animals’ digestive tracts. This can be avoided by steaming the beetroot and then mashing or cutting it into small pieces before using it as treats or part of a nutritionally complete homemade meal.
Another common cause of concern is beetroot’s oxalate content, which can bind to calcium and form oxalic acid crystals. To reduce oxalate levels, simply cook the beetroot before feeding it to your animals.
Finally, make sure that beetroot is given occasionally and avoid feeding large amounts every day. Ideally, rotate various vegetables and give only appropriate amounts for your pet’s size. If your pet is predisposed to calcium oxalate bladder stones, it’s best to restrict high-oxalate vegetables, including beetroot, to less than 2% of their homemade recipe’s ingredients and use them in moderation.
References
· Betanin – a food colorant with biological activity, Mol Nutr Food Res, 2015 Jan
· Benefits of betanin in rotenone – induced Parkinson mice, Metabolic Brain Disease, 2021 August
· Nutritional support for immunity in animal patients, Innovative Veterinary Care, February 2021
· Beets, raw, Food Data Central USDA
· This Colorful Root Crop Provides Your Pet With Antioxidants, Bark & Whiskers