Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Why Are Cooked Carrots Better?

Carrots are healthy veg for dogs. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, potassium, and iron. Carrots provide many nutritional benefits, and they strengthen a dog’s immune system.

If you are planning to include carrots in your dog’s diet, here are some things that you should know beforehand:

Are carrots good for dogs?

Yes, carrots are not only one of the best human foods, but they are also crunchy and nutritious treats for dogs. Not to mention, most dogs love carrots.

Here are a few health benefits of carrots for Fido:

Low in calories

A medium carrot contains only around 25 calories, while a baby carrot only has 4 calories. Carrot is a low-fat and low-calorie snack that is suitable for overweight dogs.

High in fiber

Carrots are packed with soluble fiber. Dogs that have loose stools can benefit from this vegetable. Giving your dog a carrot will add bulk to his stool, making it firmer.

Promotes dental health

Carrots help get rid of tartar and prevent plaque build-up on a dog’s teeth. Chewing on carrots scrapes off food particles stuck to the dogs’ teeth.

These carrots also make cheap chew toys for dogs, especially puppies. Vets also recommend giving frozen carrots to teething puppies.

Letting your puppy munch on them will alleviate his teething pain. However, chewing carrots should only be a supplementary dental routine and must not substitute for daily teeth cleaning.

Improves eyesight

High levels of beta-carotene are found in carrots. It aids in preventing eye diseases such as macular degeneration. Since senior dogs are prone to eyesight deterioration, carrots can be given as a dog treat.

Can dogs have carrots?

Some fruits and vegetables are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, garlic, and onions. Fortunately, carrots are non-toxic and safe for dogs to eat. However, some dogs suffer from food allergies from consuming carrots.

If you are uncertain whether your dog is allergic to carrots, only introduce small amounts of this vegetable into his meal. Then, watch out for any signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, itchiness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these symptoms do appear, take your dog to the vet right away.

Can dogs eat raw carrots?

You can feed your dog raw carrots, but beware that hard raw carrots are a potential choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Chopping carrots into small pieces will keep them from accidentally getting lodged in your dog’s throat.

Keep in mind to wash the carrots beforehand. This will remove any harmful chemicals such as pesticides.

Can dogs eat cooked carrots?

Yes, cooked carrots are good for dogs. Their texture is quite softer than raw carrots, making them easier to chew and less likely to cause choking. Cooked carrots also provide many nutritional benefits. Cooking breaks down the vegetable’s cellular walls. This allows better absorption of nutrients into a dog’s body.

When cooking carrots, avoid adding butter, salt, and spices. Although these add flavor, too much salt and fats can cause the development of diseases, including obesity and pancreatitis.

Can dogs eat canned carrots?

No, do not feed canned carrots to your dog. Canned foods commonly have high amounts of sodium, which could cause high blood pressure and heart disease.

Artificially flavored carrot food and drinks should be kept away from your dog as well. These are high in sugar and full of preservatives and additives that can harm your dog’s health.

How many carrots can a dog eat?

Carrots are safe and healthy for dogs, but they should always be served in moderation. A 10-pound dog can have a maximum of 1 tablespoon of carrots. For a 30-pound dog, serve him ¼ cup at most. A 70-pound dog can have up to 1/2 cup of carrots.

Don’t allow your furry pal to overindulge in carrots. These veggies are slightly high in sugar. A cup of chopped fresh carrots contains around 6 grams of sugar. Feeding your dog too much of this vegetable can lead to weight gain.

Carrots are also packed with digestive fiber, which can cause digestive system problems if ingested in large amounts.

Moreover, allowing your dog to overeat carrots puts him at risk of vitamin A toxicity. This results from having exorbitant amounts of the said vitamin in his body.

How to Prepare Carrots for Dogs

Let’s have a quick rundown of what you should do when preparing a carrot for your furry friend.

1. Pick organically grown carrots. These are less exposed to harmful chemicals such as pesticides, making them healthier and safer options.
2. No need to peel off carrot skins. Just make sure to wash them well to remove the chemicals and bacteria.
3. Chop the carrots into small pieces and serve them to your dog.
4. If you opt for cooked carrots, it is best to steam them instead of boiling them. Doing so will sap away the vegetable’s nutrients.
5. Start by boiling 2-3 inches of water in a saucepan.
6. Place the sliced carrots in the steamer basket over boiling water and cover the saucepan.
7. Lightly steam the carrots for about 8–10 minutes. Use a colander to drain the carrots and serve them to your dog. You can also mix them with dog food.

Carrot Dog Treats Recipe

Spice up fresh sliced carrots by turning them into tasty carrot dog treats your pooch will surely enjoy.

Carrot Oat Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 apple, cored
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1/4–1/2 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Procedure

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a cookie sheet.
3. Using a food processor, grate the apples and carrots.
4. Combine flour, oats, and brown sugar in a bowl.
5. In another bowl, beat the egg. Then add in the grated apples and carrots, oil, and water.
6. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Mix with a spatula until properly incorporated.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough.
8. Bake for at least 40–45 minutes.
9. Take the biscuits out of the oven and allow them to cool.
10. Serve them to your furry friend. Store any leftovers in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container and put them in the fridge.