Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Mar 26, 2024
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We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 26, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Many of us love carrots and add them to our diet as a healthy snack.
We like to eat them raw, cook them or even steam them. Or even drink carrot juice or mash them up and make carrot cake. The choices are endless!
Carrots add a lot of vitamins and are known to help with vision due to their beta-carotene. They’re also a great natural form of fiber to add to our daily diet.
What about our dogs? Can we feed them carrots too?
The answer is YES!
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Carrots Are Safe & Even Healthy For Dogs
Carrots are a vegetable that can add some healthy, natural nutrients and vitamins to your dog’s diet.
In fact, most veterinarians even encourage carrots as a snack, particularly baby carrots, because they are healthy and low calorie. You can feed carrots either raw or cooked depending on which your dog prefers.
Carrots are also high in fiber which can help keep your pup’s stools regular by adding some natural bulk.
As with any new food, fruit, or vegetable, be careful when adding carrots to your dog’s diet and start slowly. Carrots might cause some intestinal upset if your dog isn’t used to the additional fiber. Be sure your dog drinks plenty of fresh water to help with the added fiber.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Nutritional Benefits of Carrots
Carrots are filled with Vitamin A, as well as many antioxidants, which are great for a dog’s overall health. Vitamin A is essential for bone growth, immunity as well as cellular reproduction. Just as in humans, carrots are also a great way to keep your dog’s eyes healthy and his vision sharp.
Carrots will provide your dogs with a natural boost of:
- Potassium
- Niacin
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Vitamins B, C, D, E and K
Carrots can also help your dog’s teeth by not only gently reducing the plaque but keeping the teeth white.
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Eating Too Many Carrots Could Be Bad For Your Pup
Carrots can be unsafe for dogs if they eat too many. Some dogs might experience digestive issues or have diarrhea if they eat too many carrots. The natural sugar content in carrots might be a hindrance to dogs with diabetes. (For more information, read our “Natural (and Safe) Remedies for Dog Diarrhea“).
Because of the hard texture, some dogs, particularly smaller breeds could choke on the carrots so make sure to slice them up in small pieces.
As with any new food, make sure to consult your veterinarian before adding any new food to your dog’s diet.
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How To Start Sharing Carrots With Your Dog
Every dog reacts differently to any food, human and otherwise, and it is always best to check with your vet before feeding your dogs’ carrots.
You can feed carrots either raw or cooked depending on which your dog prefers. If you are feeding carrots raw, you might want to give a smaller dog either sliced or baby carrots, so they can easily chew the carrots without choking on them. Bigger dogs will usually break the carrots into small pieces and have an easier time digesting them. But, always exercise caution!
Steaming carrots for smaller dogs might be the best way to share them as they tend to digest more readily while maintaining their nutrients.
Other Fruits & Vegetables Your Dog Might Enjoy
If your dog doesn’t like carrots or you want to sample some other fruits and vegetables, below are some safe choices:
For more ideas on what food is safe or not safe to feed your pup, our ultimate guide to safe food for dogs can share some pointers.
Final Thoughts on Feeding Carrots to Your Dog
Carrots are a healthy, high fibrous treat that you can share with your dogs in small doses. Just as in humans, carrots can help with your dog’s vision, add some fiber to their diet and fortify your pups with vitamins and nutrients.
If you decide to share carrots with your dog, make sure to slice them up in small pieces, cooked or raw, and see how your dog reacts. If your dog does eat too many carrots, he can have diarrhea or severe gastric upset.
While a dog shouldn’t have a severe reaction to eating carrots, if he eats them whole and starts to choke or you’re not sure if he ate the stem or not, make sure to get your dog to the vet. And this is a perfect example of when pet insurance can help you with the vet medical bills.
A comprehensive medical plan will help you cover this vet visit and any treatment your pup might need.
The best pet insurance companies, like Embrace, Healthy Paws and Petplan, can help pay a substantial portion of all of your medical health bills for your dog.
The best pet insurance policy is a policy that will help you to get the best care possible without your worrying about how expensive the bill is!
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are a safe and healthy snack for dogs, providing natural nutrients, vitamins, and fiber to their diet.
Are carrots beneficial for dogs?
Carrots are beneficial for dogs as they are rich in Vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber. They contribute to overall health, bone growth, immunity, and can support good vision in dogs.
Can dogs eat too many carrots?
Yes, feeding dogs too many carrots can lead to digestive issues or diarrhea. It’s essential to introduce carrots gradually into a dog’s diet and monitor their response.
What are the nutritional benefits of carrots for dogs?
Carrots provide dogs with Vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber. They can also help maintain healthy teeth by reducing plaque and keeping them white.
Can feeding dogs too many carrots be harmful?
Yes, excessive consumption of carrots may cause digestive issues or diarrhea in dogs. Dogs with diabetes should be cautious due to the natural sugar content in carrots.
How should dogs be introduced to carrots?
Dogs can be fed carrots either raw or cooked, depending on their preference. It’s advisable to start with smaller portions and monitor for any adverse reactions.
What other fruits and vegetables can dogs enjoy?
Dogs can enjoy various fruits and vegetables, including apples, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, and more. However, it’s essential to ensure these foods are safe for dogs.
Why is it important to consult a vet before adding new foods to a dog’s diet?
Consulting a veterinarian is crucial before introducing new foods to a dog’s diet to ensure they are safe and suitable for the individual dog’s health and well-being.
How can pet insurance help with veterinary bills related to dog health issues?
Pet insurance can assist in covering veterinary bills for dog health issues, providing financial support for necessary medical treatments. It is recommended to choose a comprehensive pet insurance plan.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.