Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Find Out What Experts Say

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Absolutely yes! Dogs can eat carrots as they are affordable, simple and healthy snacks which will be loved by your dog. Most of the minerals and vitamins which are healthy and safe for humans are also beneficial for the dogs. As carrots are healthy and safe for your pups, they will also enjoy the taste. We can say that carrots are very much friendly to dogs and that it is a common addition to your pup-food. Learn the pros and optimal quantity for your dog. 

Let’s get the pros together! 

Are carrots adequate for dogs?

Like many other veggies and fruits, dogs can also eat carrots. The best thing is that carrots are beneficial from the main to the green leafy top. Most of the dogs like carrots, also it is natural and a good treat for dogs. If you wanna make your dogs daily food alternatives, carrot must be your choice. 

Nutritional content of carrot contains:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin K
  • Beta carotene
  • Iron 
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • High fiber content

Health benefits

Cardiac health: The management of blood cholesterol level is done by soluble fibers of carrots. 

Supports digestion: For toxin’s removal and bowel movement management, insoluble fibers in carrots play a huge role. 

Improves vision: In the liver, beta carotene transforms to vitamin A. This vitamin A travels to the retina from the bloodstream and nourishes the rods and cones which are aware of light and makes communication with the brain. Ultimately improves vision and night vision. 

Skin & coat health: Carrots have antioxidants and vitamin A to support shiny coats and manage the skin health.

Can a dog eat cooked carrots?

Some veggies become more nutritious when cooked, carrot is one of them. So you can give cooked carrots by making sure the carrots are not too hot to burn your dog’s tongue. Also make bite size slices of cooked carrots. 

Note that onion and garlic are toxic for dogs. Also avoid adding any spice, oil, seasoning, fats or butter. 

When would carrots be harmful for dogs?

Carrot is a low-calorie treat, so it will be healthy in moderation while often feed can cause issues. Natural sugar is present in carrots just like any other fruits and veggies. So often feeding the dogs can lead to high sugar content, weight gain and other health issues. 

Your dog’s diet must have 90% absolute and balanced dog food and the rest 10% can be the treats. The treat may include dog safe table food like bananas and carrots or usual dog food like dental chews, raw hides. 

How to serve your dog carrots?

Whenever you are going to give your dog some new content, make sure to ask your veterinarian for optimal serving. According to the dog size you can slice the carrot round, cut into sticks, also small or large pieces. 

If your dog likes raw crunchy carrots, it will be good. Otherwise go with cooked ones. The mineral and vitamin content will not have a major change if you steam or slightly cook the carrots in the microwave. While boiling, all the nutrients vanish. Make sure to have your veterinarian advice before all that. 

Optimat carrot quantity for your dog

Size of dogWeight of dog Carrot slices Examples 
Extra small2 to 20 pounds 1 or 2 slices Pugs. Chihuahuas. Shih tzus. Yorkies, Pomeranians. 
Small 21 to 30 pounds Up to 3 slices Miniature Australian shepherds. Beagles. Basenjis. 
Medium 31 to 50 pounds 5 or 6 slices Siberian huskies. Border collies. Basset hounds. Australian cattle dogs.
Large 51 to 90 pounds Handful of slices Labrador retrievers. German shepherd. Australian shepherd.  Pit bulls.
Extra large 91 plus pounds Large handful of slices St.Bernards. Bernese mountain dogs.  Great pyrenees. Newfoundlands. 

Conclusion

If you think carrots are just for humas_you might be wrong on this ladder. As the mineral and vitamin content which a carrot holds are beneficial for your dogs also. Although your dog will love it, make sure to give in moderation as the excess feed can lead your dog to put on high weight and other health issues like that. Give your dogs healthy bite sized carrot slices to make them healthy. 

FAQs

Is raw carrot good for dogs? 

Absolutely yes! You can give your dog raw carrots. Make sure to rinse the carrots properly and make bite sized slices. Do not feed your dog whole raw carrots as it can cause choking issues and intestinal blockage. 

Can I give my dog a frozen carrot?

It is a big no for frozen carrots to feed your dog. Frozen carrot pieces can cause choking risk. It also has negative impacts on your dog’s health. 

Is carrot cake good for my dog?

No! Don’t even try to give your dod a carrot cake. The sugar content is too high for their tolerance and can cause stomach issues in them. Carrot cake can also have toxic substances like nutmeg, xylitol and other ingredients like that. 

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