When are Carrots Bad for Dogs?
Carrots are only unhealthy treats for dogs if fed too often. In moderation they’re a healthy, low-calorie treat.
Like other fruits and vegetables, carrots contain natural sugar. This is why carrots are so tasty to dogs and humans alike. Too much sugar can cause weight gain and other health issues, though.
“Ninety percent of your dog’s diet should consist of a complete and balanced dog food,” says Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS. “The remaining ten percent can consist of treats.” Treats include anything other than your dog’s usual food—raw hides, dental chews and dog-safe table food like carrots or bananas.
Raw or Cooked Carrots – Which is Better for Your Dog?
Dogs can safely eat both raw and cooked carrots. In fact, every part of the carrot is safe for your pooch to eat, including the leafy greens at the top.
Note: If possible, buy organic carrots to make sure they don’t contain any pesticides. If you buy non-organic carrots, be sure to rinse them before feeding them to your dog.
Grating carrots on top of your pup’s meal is an excellent low-prep option that adds extra deliciousness. Just wash the carrots before grating them. There’s no need to peel them; in fact, when peeling carrots for yourself, you can save the peels for your canine companion and cook them into a tasty carrot puree.
It should be noted though that raw carrots have a wall of cellulose that isn’t digestible by dogs, so it might be better to cook them in order to reap the full nutritional benefits for your pooch.
Carrot juice is very rich in vitamin A, but the dietary fiber is lost during juicing. You can return some of the pulp back into the juice to ensure that your furry friend doesn’t miss out on the beneficial fiber. Again, you don’t need to peel – simply wash the carrots and run them through a juicer. If your pooch doesn’t consume the carrot juice immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for one day.
Although raw carrots are very tasty, pups can’t break them down like we can, which means that you may find carrots in their stool in the same condition they went in. That’s why, in order to take advantage of all the health benefits, raw carrots should be broken down to a fine mush or flakes before you freeze them into cubes.
The healthiest way to cook carrots is to steam them for about 10 minutes. This method of cooking enhances the carrots’ flavor while retaining most of the nutrients.
Another way to cook carrots is to bake them. Carrots are perfect for baking because of their natural sweetness. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange the sliced carrots onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the carrots are tender and golden brown.
Even though the ingredients usually found in carrot cake are not toxic to dogs, the high sugar content and the presence of milk might lead to digestive upset.
Carrots are a tasty, affordable addition to your pup’s diet. They’re safe to serve on a daily basis and provide a healthy, low-calorie alternative to other dog treats.
Both raw or cooked carrots can be a great addition to regular dog food, a training reward, or a tasty snack. However, make sure to feed them to your pooch in moderation as too much fiber and sugar can have unwanted side effects.
Carrots can also pose a choking hazard, especially for small dogs and young puppies, so make sure to give them small slices.
Always follow your vet’s advice, even when it comes to people foods that are safe for dogs. Doing so will help you protect your pooch from weight gain, digestive upset, and other health issues.
How Many Carrots Can Dogs Eat?
Even though carrots are quite healthy, your dog should only eat them in moderation. In fact, any treats you feed your dog should only make up 10% of their diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
We’ve listed some general guidelines below for safe feeding portions based on your dog’s weight and breed size. Each carrot slice should be about 1/4-inch thick.
- Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus
- Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
- Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies
- Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
- Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
If your dog accidentally eats too many carrots, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach. Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog:
If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, call your veterinarian and take your dog to the vet immediately:
Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Is it good for their Health?
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
If you’re looking for a healthy, simple, affordable treat that your dog will probably love, carrots are the answer! Carrots are both safe and healthy for dogs, and most canines absolutely love them. Check out the health benefits and proper feeding portions below.
Carrots are a safe and healthy treat for both puppies and adult dogs, as long as they are cut up into ¼-inch thick slices. And as with any treat, moderation is key.
Carrots promote eye health in dogs and humans, and the crunchiness is great for satisfying a dog’s primal urge to chew. It’s a low-calorie snack, plus your dog can benefit from these vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in carrots:
Carrots have a significant amount of insoluble fiber, which can help regulate stool, and the vitamin A and antioxidants can help improve the skin and coat.
Yes, dogs can eat raw carrots. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse them, and cut them into bite-size slices.
If you allow your dog to eat an entire large carrot, it could become a choking hazard, or even lead to an intestinal blockage.
Dogs can eat cooked carrots, too. In fact, while some vegetables have more nutrients in their raw state, carrots provide more nutrients when cooked.
It’s important that the carrot isn’t too hot for your dog, or it could burn their mouth. And make sure to cut the cooked carrots into small, bite-size slices.
If you’re planning on feeding cooked carrots to your dog, don’t add any butter, oils, fats, seasonings, or spices. These are all unhealthy additions for your dog. And beware that garlic and onion are toxic to dogs.
Frozen carrots are not good treat options for your pup. These pieces are choking hazards and can also damage a dog’s teeth.
Sorry, but carrot cake for your dog is a no-no. The amount of sugar is way too much for them to handle, and they may get an upset stomach. There could also be ingredients in the carrot cake that are toxic to dogs, like xylitol or nutmeg.