When we think of carrots, we think of extremely healthy, delicious, and nutritious vegetables that can truly enrich most dishes. But can dogs eat carrots? The good news is that yes, you should feed carrots to your dog - they are just as beneficial for them as they are for you! e
When introduced into a balanced and appropriate diet, carrots can be a vital source of fibers, vitamin A, beta carotene, and antioxidants. However, finding the perfect balance between a nutritious diet for dogs and carrots can be challenging.
Here is all you need to know about introducing this vegetable to your dog’s diet.
5 Biggest Benefits of Carrots for Dogs
All the main benefits of carrots for dogs derive from their unique nutritional profile. In 100g of carrots, you will find around 40 calories and no fat. These characteristics make carrots ideal for weight management - but don’t let these facts fool you! Carrots are so nutritious that they make a great addition to your dog’s diet.
They contain:
- Carbohydrate (9.6g)
- Protein (0.9g)
- Calcium (33mg)
- Potassium (320mg)
- Folate (19mcg)
- Vitamin A (835mcg)
- Alpha Carotene (3477mcg)
- Beta Carotene (8285mcg)
- Vitamin K (13mcg)
All this, added to the fact that dogs naturally love carrots, makes them the ideal snack.
1. Provide Your Dog With Water and Fiber For Digestion
Fiber is just as necessary for dogs as it is for humans. Fiber is a part of plant-based foods that your dog’s digestive system cannot process. Passing through undigested fibers can bulk out stools, making them easier to pass, and protect the health of the whole digestive system.
Carrots, which contain just under 3g of dietary fibers in every 100g, are high-fiber, low-fat foods that can encourage regular digestion and gut health.
2. Good Source of Vitamin A For Your Puppy's Immune System
Vitamin A is one of those compounds vital for general health. Just like in humans, Vitamin A covers many roles in maintaining your dog’s health, from protecting vision and bones, strengthening the immune system, and ensuring proper functioning of kidneys, lungs, and heart.
Commercially produced dog food likely contains Vitamin A already, as this is a common additive. However, carrots represent an irreplaceable natural source your dog shouldn’t do without!
3. Carrots Are Rigid and Promote Dental Health
Similar to apples, carrots offer many benefits also thanks to their texture and consistency. Being rigid and crunchy, fresh and frozen carrots are the perfect snack for your teething puppy - and can help dogs of all ages maintain impeccable dental health.
When chewing on carrots, your dog can scrape away tartar residues - which is essential to prevent plaque buildups and related dental issues such as periodontal disease.
4. Contain Beta-carotene For Your Dog’s Vision
For many dogs, decreased eyesight and impaired vision are problems related to aging. However, some dog breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies, are particularly prone to eye diseases and vision loss.
Introducing carrots into your pup’s diet can be a great way to promote eye health. This product is packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that repairs damaged cells and promotes perfect vision.
5. Packed With Essential Phytonutrients To Prevent Free Radicals
Last but not least, carrots contain high levels of phytonutrients, which are nutrients produced by plants and appreciated for their unparalleled antioxidative effects on dogs. Some of the phytonutrients contained in carrots include lycopene and lutein, which can protect your dog from the damaging effect of free radicals. By repairing damaged cells, these nutrients can decrease the risk of cancer, protect body tissues against UV rays, and might help prevent heart disease and stroke.
The Importance of Serving Size and Moderation
As we have seen, carrots are a great addition to your dog’s diet, and they are the perfect low-calorie treat. However, because of their sugar and fiber content, moderation is key. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when serving carrots to your dog:
- Start with a small amount, giving your dog’s digestive system the chance to adapt to the high levels of fibers.
- Carrots should make up for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie allowance. Higher quantities can lead to high sugar intake and weight gain.
- Carrots are high in natural sugars and can lead to cavities and dental decay if served in large amounts.
- Select organic carrots to avoid adding unwanted chemicals and pesticides to your dog’s diet.
- Always wash and peel the carrots to remove traces of chemicals and pesticides that might affect your dog’s digestion.
- Always cut carrots into sticks or chunks to prevent suffocation or choking.
Not all dogs will respond in the same way to carrots - make sure you start with small portions to ensure that your dog’s digestive system is making the most of this new addition. If you are unsure about the right carrot portions for your dog, consult your vet and learn more about potential side effects.
Fun Ways To Add Carrots to Your Dog’s Diet
Carrots are not only delicious but also highly versatile and easy to prepare in many different ways. If served minimally prepared or raw, carrots retain their essential nutritional values. However, if your dog does not appreciate the texture or taste of raw carrots, don’t hesitate to cook them.
Most dog owners don’t have a problem finding the right way to feed carrots to their pets - especially because they usually love them, both as food and like toys (check out this video to know what we mean!)
Juicing Carrots for Dogs
Juicing carrots is a great way to feed this vegetable to your dog while maintaining all of its nutrients intact. Carrot juice is refreshing, sweet, and healthy - the perfect drink for the summer months!
Top tip: don’t forget that juicing can affect the fiber content of carrots. Add some pulp back into the juice to restore the natural fiber content of this vegetable.
Cooked Carrots for Dogs
Cooking carrots makes them easier to digest, bite, and chew. You can easily boil or steam carrots, create a paste or puree, and then add them to your dog’s food - in moderation, of course!
Give Your Dog Raw, Frozen Carrots
If your puppy is going through the struggles of teething, frozen carrot chunks can help them relieve discomfort and protect their oral health. If your puppy loves frozen carrots, opt for full-grown produce, as baby carrots can represent choking hazards for smaller dogs.
Incorporate Them Into Meals
Thanks to their sweet and earthy taste, and versatile texture, carrots can be an ingredient in most dog-friendly recipes. From Carrot Delight Dog Treats to Carrot Cake Dog Muffins, there are plenty of recipes to try out to treat your dog. And, if you prefer them to follow a grain-free diet, don’t forget to check out Gluten-Free Blueberry and Carrot or Apple and Carrot dog treats.
Try Some Of Our Best Selling Dog Meals That Feature Carrots
If you are not so much of a chef but you don’t want your dog to miss out on the benefits of eating carrots, The Honest Kitchen products are for you. Within our range, there is an option for any pup.
From the One-Pot Stews to Jerky Harvest Mini Bars and Dehydrated Whole Grain Fish and Oats, each of our products is packed with natural, human-grade ingredients designed to offer the most benefits to your dog.
