Can dogs eat carrots? +10 foods dogs can't eat

Last Updated on October 2, 2022 by Editorial Team

Can dogs eat carrots? Taking care of a canine diet is essential to ensure more health and well-being for your pet. But that’s why it’s normal to be in doubt about what dogs can and can’t eat.

First, it is generally not recommended to offer any food not explicitly developed for dogs. Thus, always pay attention to what dogs can and cannot eat, and if you don’t know much about it, our blog’s Dog Food section will help.

Being omnivorous like us humans, dogs have an organism prepared to digest different types of food, including fruits and vegetables. However, it would help if you were careful when choosing what to give your dog since some foods are toxic and harmful. Therefore, we will talk more about whether carrots are good for dogs and how to serve this treat to them.

Can dogs eat carrots?

Yes, you can give carrots to a dog without any problems! Rich in vitamins and minerals, carrots are very beneficial food for dogs. In addition, it has a slightly sweet taste, which is very pleasant not only for us but also for our furry friends. Therefore, it is possible to serve it as a delicious and healthy snack.

Read also: Can dogs eat pineapple?

Health benefits of serving carrots to your dog

Before talking about carrots’ benefits, know that high-quality commercial rations already guarantee a complete and balanced diet. Therefore, if you offer this type of food, it is unnecessary to supplement the canine diet with other foods to provide a dog with all the vitamins and minerals they need.

On the other hand, if you intend to change the ratio between homemade food or Raw feeding, know that it is not enough to know which foods are allowed. It is also essential to talk to a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition.

After an evaluation, they will prescribe an appropriate diet, with all the necessary foods, to guarantee the fundamental nutrients to the canine organism. Now, back to the benefits of carrots for dogs. Among the primary nutrients of this tasty root, we find:

Vitamin A: also known as retinol, Vitamin A is related to good vision, participates in the synthesis of hormones and the regulation of skin functions;
Vitamin E: has a strong antioxidant function, helping to fight free radicals and, therefore, premature cellular aging;
Vitamin K: participates in blood clotting and protein metabolism;
Potassium: is very important for the acid-base balance of the organism. Furthermore, it participates in the conduction of the nervous impulse, enzymatic reactions, and the transport of molecules across the cell membrane;
Phosphorus: is essential for bone structure and teeth. It is also a fundamental component of the cell membrane, DNA and RNA,
Calcium: is one of the primary nutrients for maintaining bone structure. It also participates in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Another nutrient present in carrots is vitamin C. However, as explained by Dr. Eduardo Braghirolli, a veterinarian specializing in animal nutrition and metabolism, dogs do not depend on the intake of ascorbic acid since canines metabolize it from glucose in their liver.

Carrots are also high in fiber and relatively low in calories. However, pet parents need to pay attention to diabetic dogs because carrots are rich in sugars; it contributes to the worsening of such a condition despite being low in calories.

Can I give my dog raw carrots?

Another common question is whether dogs can eat raw carrots, and the answer to that is yes; you can serve this food both raw and cooked, as long as you don’t use seasonings in the cooking process. When served raw, it will encourage chewing, which helps maintain oral hygiene and dental cleanliness.

When you serve it raw, it becomes more than food, as the little ones will enjoy its texture and help clean their teeth. So it is no wonder that whenever a dog eats raw carrots, we see much of it later in their feces.

Because they do not chew very well, dogs do not enjoy raw carrots as well as when you cook them. Therefore, it is best to serve them cooked, grated, or crushed into small pieces. After that, you can boil the carrot in water until it softens a little, or, if you want, you can add a drizzle of olive oil, for example.

Read also: Can dogs eat broccoli?

Different colored stools can be observed when your pet eats carrots, but don’t worry: this is because of the beta-carotene (it gives this food its typical color).

How to include carrots in your dog’s diet?

Again, it is essential to note that if your dog eats a high-quality commercial food, there is no nutritional need to introduce carrots daily. However, it is an excellent healthy occasional snack! It can be served raw or cooked, and the latter is easier for digestion.

Carrots are another healthy snack that your dog can have as a “treat.” However, if you have doubts about any pathology that would make carrots contraindicated for your beloved animal, you should talk to your veterinarian before including it in their diet.

Beware of excess!

Because it is a food rich in nutrients, serving many carrots to your four-legged friend can lead to some health problems. In this sense, one of the main concerns is hypervitaminosis A.

As it is linked to the regulation of skin functions, vitamin A in an amount above the recommended amount can contribute to hair loss and skin lesions. Furthermore, carrots should also be offered in moderation to old, obese, and diabetic dogs because it is very rich in sugars.

Before making changes to your friend’s diet, talk to a veterinarian.

Foods that dogs can’t eat

Being careful when choosing the type of food your pet will eat is essential, as there are some foods that dogs cannot eat at all. Simply put, their body is not prepared for their digestion.

Read also: Can dogs eat Cucumber?

Many foods that are harmless to us can cause severe damage to your pet’s health, as is the case with some common vegetables, such as onions.

Here’s a list of 8 foods that dogs CAN NOT eat:

Milk: many pet parents have doubts about whether dogs can drink milk or not, especially puppies. But know that cow’s milk is not recommended for canines, as dogs produce a small amount of lactase, an enzyme used to digest milk; so they develop an intolerance. Ingestion of cow’s milk and dairy products can cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
Onion and garlic have n-propyl disulfide, a substance that can cause severe poisoning to dogs as it destroys red blood cells.
Coffee and tea – have neurotoxic alkaloids; that is, they can cause changes in the heart and brain.
Xylitol – Diet sweeteners that use xylitol can cause liver problems.
Avocado – the fruit has persin acid, which can cause intestinal problems and vomiting.
Yeast – Eating raw pasta can cause gas and abdominal pain in the dog.
Green tomato – has glycoalkaloids, a substance toxic to dogs.
English potato – has solanine, which can cause depression and gastrointestinal disorders.
Chocolate – contains theobromine, which causes intoxication.
Fried foods – can cause intestinal problems and lead to pancreatitis.

Best Dogs’ snacks that thousands of canine owners buy religiously

Image	Title	Prime	Buy
Top	Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats, Beef, 40 Ounce	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	GREENIES Original TEENIE Natural Dog Dental Care Chews Oral Health Dog Treats, 36 oz,130 Count (Pack of 1)	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Good'N'Fun Triple Flavored Rawhide Kabobs for Dogs, 1.5 Pound (Pack of 1)	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Milk-Bone Original Dog Treats Biscuits for Large Dogs, 10 Pounds (Packaging May Vary)	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Dog Treats, Chicken, 25 Ounce	PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	GREENIES PILL POCKETS Soft Dog Treats, Chicken, Capsule 15.8-oz. 60-count pack	Prime	Buy Now
	Milk-Bone Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, Small Biscuits, 7 Pounds	PrimeEligible	Buy Now