A Superfood For Fido – Top Dog Tips

June 28, 2023 Kar-Bay-Inc

As a responsible fur parent, you always want to feed your dog healthy food.

When choosing veggies to include in your woofer’s household diet, carrots may come to mind.

And you may be wondering, “Can dogs eat carrots? How many carrots can a dog eat?”

The good news is that this sweet, crunchy, orange veggie is totally dog-friendly!

It’s not just rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but it’s also a low-calorie superfood for your canine friend.

This article discusses how you can serve it to your dog, how much they can eat, and when it might be good or bad for them.

So without further ado, let’s learn everything there is to know about this crispy veggie treat!

Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

Carrots are a perfectly safe and nutritious treat for your dog.

Not only are they non-toxic, but they also offer our woofers a variety of health benefits.

In fact, both nutritionists and vets advise giving your furry friend this crunchy treat!

Did you know that carrots are especially good as snacks for obese dogs?

Due to their lower calorie content than biscuit treats, carrots make excellent treats and are a better choice for Fido.

Since carrots almost entirely lack fat, they are great for older and obese dogs.

Having said that, you might want to feed it to him in between meals, especially if you’re trying to keep him in shape.

But remember, you shouldn’t make carrots your dog’s go-to veggie because they also contain sugar.

As with other treats we’ve covered in other articles, you should offer carrots to your furbaby in moderation.

Are Carrots Good For Dogs: Health Benefits

1. Improve Eyesight

Have you heard that carrots can improve your vision in the dark?

That’s not quite accurate, though.

They do, however, contain a wealth of vitamins and nutrients that are good for both your dog’s and your own eyes.

This is mostly attributed to beta-carotene, the orange component that gives carrots their color.

Fido’s body converts beta-carotene into Vitamin A to strengthen his immune system and provide him with healthier, shinier skin and coat.

Just be careful, though.

Although your woofer needs vitamin A to survive, there is such a thing as ‘too much of a good thing.’

This fat-soluble vitamin can accumulate in his body and become hazardous if he consumes too much.

RELEVANT READ: 7 Vitamins for Dogs That All Dog Owners Need to Know About

2. Help Prevent Chronic Disease

Carrots have other antioxidants besides beta-carotene that are very good for your canine friend.

A few of these are:

Lutein
Lycopene
Vitamin C
Anthocyanins

Let’s have a brief and simple scientific explanation of how antioxidants work, shall we?

Fido’s body experiences oxidative stress brought on by free radicals when its antioxidant levels are low.

How do free radicals affect my dog’s body?

Free radicals are unsteady atoms that can harm the cells in your woofer, leading to disease and aging.

Antioxidants now serve a purpose in this situation.

Antioxidants can donate electrons to counteract free radicals. By giving up their electrons, they can halt or slow down cellular deterioration.

See how antioxidant-rich foods such as carrots are important to our furry friends?

Without these antioxidants, long-term damage can result in chronic conditions, including arthritis, heart problems, and even cancer.

SUGGESTED READ: How to Prevent a Dog Heart Attack

3. Can Improve Digestive Health

Dietary fiber helps your furbaby’s digestive system function better and maintain regularity.

It has also been connected to lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Well, what else is a good source of fiber content?

Both soluble and insoluble fiber are abundant in carrots, and each has specific benefits.

Soluble Fiber

When soluble fiber is added to water, it dissolves and forms a gel that aids in our dogs’ better digestion and helps to treat their diarrhea by firming up their feces.

It can also aid in blood glucose control, reducing the chance of developing diabetes.

Insoluble Fiber

Because insoluble fiber won’t dissolve in water, it attracts water into your woofer’s intestines to soften stools and relieve constipation.

Are Carrots Good For Dogs’ Teeth?

I heard carrots naturally remove plaque and serve as a natural toothbrush. Does it apply to my dog?

You can improve the oral health of your four-legged buddy by giving him carrots to chew on.

Eating a carrot requires a lot of chewing, which may contribute to the cultivation of strong teeth.

This cavity-preventing orange veggie is rich in calcium, vitamin C, and keratins, all of which are good for Fido’s teeth.

When combined with his saliva, carrots help wash food particles and stain-causing germs away.

Basically, it works as a polishing agent or ‘natural toothbrush’ that keeps the smile of your pawed pet sparkling and healthy!

Are Carrots Good For Dogs With Diarrhea?

If your dog has diarrhea, carrots will help his feces become firmer and absorb extra water.

We can all agree that diarrhea in dogs is a challenging aspect of being a fur parent.

Well, mine always occur at the worst possible of times!

Fortunately, you can change your woofer’s diet to include foods that can lessen his episodes of diarrhea—and a carrot is a wise choice!

When reintroducing food to your furbaby after a bout of diarrhea, carrots work well when they are boiled and mashed.

As previously mentioned, this veggie contains a lot of dietary fiber; one medium-sized carrot (61 g) has 2 grams!

Can Puppies Eat Carrots?

Carrots are safe for puppies to consume, too.

Vitamins and minerals are abundant in carrots, and most pups also like the flavor.

Even though this veggie is good for your pooch, only offer him a little bit at a time.

Given that carrots are high in sugar, it is better to avoid giving them to a puppy that is insulin sensitive.

Can I Give My Puppy A Carrot For Teething?

Carrots make great teething aids for your pup!

To prevent the risk of choking, slice them into bite-sized pieces and place them in the freezer for a few hours.

We promise the wait will be worth it! Pups will enjoy the soothing effect of frozen carrot chunks on their painful gums and teeth.

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Peel?

Yes, carrot peels are safe for dogs.

It doesn’t matter if you peel the carrots beforehand, as the peels only carry a small amount of nutrients.

So even after you skin a carrot and throw away the peels, the majority of its nutritious content will still be there!

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Tops?

Yes, your dog can eat carrot tops.

In fact, your woofer can eat the entire veggie, including the carrot itself and the lush green tops.

When used as healthy treats for Fido, carrot tops and stalks also help cut down on household food waste!

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Carrots?

Cooked carrots are safe for your dog to eat if you cook them without using any oils, butter, or seasonings.

Dr. Michelle Burch, a veterinarian at Paramount Pet Health, said adding spice and additives may be poisonous or upset the dog’s stomach.

Cooked carrots taste sweeter and are easier for your canine friend’s digestive system.

You could also serve it boiled or steamed; either way is fine! Just find the manner of presentation that Fido finds more appealing.

But does its nutritional value remain if I cook them?

Don’t be concerned that boiling carrots will reduce their nutritional value.

According to Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS:

“By steaming or minimally microwave-cooking carrots, you’re not majorly changing the vitamin and mineral content.

Boiling carrots, on the other hand, tends to leech out nutrients. Whichever way you serve them, however, carrots are safe for dogs.”

In addition, it has been found that even pureed carrots increase the absorption of beta-carotene.

Can Dogs Eat Juiced Carrots?

Does Fido not like eating vegetables?

Don’t worry! You can juice the carrots instead of feeding them to your dog.

Given that most dogs enjoy the sweetness of carrot juice, you may give your woofer this delicious and healthy treat.

Even though carrot juice loses some of its fiber, it is a rich source of vitamin A.

In this case, you may want to add some pulp back into their juice before giving it to Fido in order to preserve all of its nutritional value.

Also, remember that your furbaby ought to consume it the same day that it is juiced.

Steve Doerr, Research and Development Scientist at Redbarn Pet Products advised:

“If you happen to have leftover carrot juice, make sure to discard it after 48 hours. Carrot juice, and most vegetable juices for that matter, do not store well even when refrigerated.”

Are Frozen Carrots Good For Dogs?

For puppies that are teething, some vets advise freezing carrots to ease their discomfort.

When your pooch begins to teeth, his mouth feels achy and almost painful.

So they begin to chew to help their teeth grow more quickly and reduce their discomfort.

As a bonus, you can give it to your furbaby as a cool-down snack in hot weather.

It’s actually easy to freeze carrots for your dog!

Before steaming or boiling the carrots, wash them first. Give them time to cool after cooking.

To ensure that not too much water is taken with them when they have cooled, allow them to drain briefly.

Put them in a freezer-safe container big enough to hold the carrots. Once sealed, put it in the freezer.

Consider using freezer-safe zip bags as well.

For the carrots to be completely frozen, it is better to freeze them overnight.

RELATED: Recipe: Easy Frozen Dog Treat

How To Feed Carrots To Your Dog?

There are several ways to prepare carrots, from raw to steamed, and no matter how you serve them, your dog will likely enjoy this veggie’s sweet flavor.

However, before you give your four-legged friend carrots, keep the following in mind:

Raw

You can either cut up the large carrots into sticks or feed your pooch baby carrots.

It’s crucial that you chop them into bite-sized pieces to prevent your woofer from choking on them.

In order to help in breaking up the cellulose that is difficult for dogs to digest, you can also grate them over their food.

Besides, the more broken down you can make them, the more your woofer can take in the nutrients from raw carrots effectively.

Cooked

To make carrots easier for Fido to eat and digest, steam them for around 10 minutes.

Do not give your dog cooked carrots that have been seasoned or salted.

Important: To ensure your carrot is pesticide-free, try buying organic ones whenever you can.

Non-organic carrots should be rinsed before being fed to Fido.

Can My Dog Eat Carrot Cake?

Your dog may consume very little portions of carrot cake as long as it doesn’t contain any of the following:

Raisins – can cause sickness and kidney failure
Xylitol – an artificial sweetener that can cause fatal liver failure
Walnuts – can harbor fungi which can cause neurological damage
Sultanas – like raisins with slightly less water removed, but just as toxic
Chocolate – contains compounds called theobromines, which are toxic to dogs

Actually, the sugar content can still cause weight gain and diabetes, even in the absence of these harmful ingredients.

Have we already mentioned fat?

Fat, whether it comes from butter, oil, or egg yolks, is a vital ingredient in any kind of cake.

Your dog’s pancreas may get overloaded by too much fat, requiring veterinary care.

Many recipes for carrot cake also include extra flavors.

Perhaps you enjoy baking your own carrot cake and including flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a more flavorful and sophisticated treat.

Sadly, all of these might be harmful to your dog.

Ensure not to feed your woofer this dish if you intend to keep your recipe!

SUGGESTED READ: 10 Cancer-Causing Ingredients in Dog Foods

How Many Carrots Can A Dog Eat?

You might be wondering, “How many carrots should my dog eat? Is it fine to give it as a daily treat?

Keep in mind that carrots have their drawbacks. Because they contain a lot of natural sugars, it’s crucial to limit how much you give your furbaby.

This can cause your dog to gain weight or become obese, which can shorten his lifespan and cause health problems.

The ideal serving size will vary depending on Fido’s size and diet right now.

But as a general guideline, the treats shouldn’t account for more than 10% of your dog’s required daily intake of calories.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots: FAQs

Can dogs eat carrots raw?

Yes, dogs can eat raw carrots. Just be sure to give them a good rinsing and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Vitamins C and A, which both help Fido’s gums stay healthy, are abundant in raw carrots. They also do a terrific job of whitening his teeth.

Is it OK to give your dog carrots every day?

It’s safe to serve daily and can be a great complement to regular dog food, a training reward, or a tasty treat.

You can serve them raw, cooked, or frozen as long as they’re not hard on the teeth and don’t pose a choking threat.

Do dogs digest carrots easily?

While most dogs have no issues digesting carrots, some do. To ensure that Fido receives the nutritious advantages, you need to cook them first.

In fact, while some veggies have more nutrients when consumed raw, cooked carrots contain more nutritional benefits.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots: Final Verdict

Can dogs eat carrots?

The answer to this question is yes! Carrots can be a nutritious treat, regardless of your dog’s breed, size, or age.

Either raw or cooked is a safe alternative that adds nutrition to Fido’s meals.

Carrots can keep your dog’s teeth clean, improve his vision, and support healthy skin and fur, just to name a few of the many health benefits this veggie offers.

To avoid upsetting their stomach, make sure you chop it into bite-sized pieces and that there is no added sugar or salt.

In addition, keep an eye on their sugar intake to prevent any issues.

And that’s it! A yummy snack awaits you and your pup!

Follow the mentioned guidelines and watch your four-legged buddy enjoy this crunchy, nutritious treat.