Carrots are a wonderfully healthy food for humans. They’re packed full of vitamins and minerals, and they’re tasty too – they make the perfect addition to a roast, and can also be enjoyed as a snack when cut into sticks and served with a generous helping of hummus! As they’re so good for us, you may be wondering whether they have the same benefits for our canine companions too. Keep reading to find out if carrots are good for dogs and how best to add them to your dog’s diet.
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat carrots! In fact, carrots are often included in both wet and dry commercial dog foods. What’s more, dogs can eat raw carrots and often enjoy them as a treat, as they produce an extremely satisfying crunch! It’s fine to feed dogs cooked carrots too. Many dogs just love the taste of carrots.
Are carrots good for dogs?
It’s true that carrots do contain vitamins and minerals, but your dog should get everything they need from their complete and balanced diet, so there’s no need to worry about adding carrots to their food for the nutritional benefit.
Carrots are good for dogs as a healthy treat, especially if you’re watching your dog’s waistline. Don’t feed too many though, as carrots are surprisingly high in natural sugars. Always follow the same rule as you would with feeding any other treat, and make sure that carrots and other snacks don’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
How to feed carrots to dogs
All parts of the carrot are safe for your dog to eat (yes, that includes the green top!). However, it’s important to bear in mind that large chunks of carrot could potentially be a choking hazard. For this reason, we recommend cutting the carrots into small bite-sized chunks before serving. Particularly for smaller dogs, it can be safer to grate the carrot to guard against choking risk as much as possible.
Make sure you wash your carrots before serving to remove any dirt. In the first instance, offer your dog a small bite-sized piece of raw carrot to see if they like it. If your dog doesn’t seem keen, you can try steaming the carrots instead.
Can puppies eat carrots?
Yes, puppies can eat carrots too. Follow the same feeding guidelines as for adult dogs, but make sure you cut the carrots into even smaller pieces. Again, only use them as an occasional treat.
Plus, did you know that carrots are also great for teething puppies? When given cold they can be a fantastically soothing treat for your pup’s sore teeth and gums! Cut the carrot into bite-sized chunks (make sure they aren’t too big as this can cause choking) and then pop them into your fridge or freezer. Your teething pup will thank you for it!
Now you know the answer to the question ‘can dogs eat carrots’! Looking for more nutritional advice for your pup? Find out if your dog can enjoy pineapples, next.
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