Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
Photo by Chewy Studios
Carrots are a crunchy, colorful vegetable in many households. But can dogs eat carrots—and are they good for them?
The short answer is yes, dogs can have carrots. In fact, many enjoy them because of their sweet taste and satisfying crunch. But, there are a few things to keep in mind before offering one to your pup, especially when it comes to serving size and preparation.
Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can safely eat carrots—raw or cooked—as long as they’re served plain and in moderation.
- Carrots can offer some health benefits, like improved digestion and better eye health; they can also help with digestion, thanks to their fiber content.
- Too many carrots may cause digestive upset, so keep all treats combined (including carrots) to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Can Dogs Have Carrots?
Yes, dogs can have carrots—that includes baby carrots and mature, full-size varieties. But only offer them plain carrots. Carrots that have been seasoned, glazed, or cooked with onions or garlic are harmful to dogs.
Carrots are also commonly found in dog treats, like:
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Carrot juice and carrot purée are also safe to serve in small amounts. Keep in mind that they may have higher sugar concentrations and fewer nutrients than whole carrots, so it’s best to limit them as treats.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat raw carrots. Not only are they a fun, crunchy snack for them to eat, but they can be great for dental health; their hard texture can help clean plaque off teeth, says Samuel Varon, DVM, owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento, California.
Just make sure to cut raw carrots into small pieces to prevent choking.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Carrots?
Dogs can eat cooked carrots too.
While cooked carrots don’t have the same dental benefits, they’re softer and easier for some dogs to chew and digest, especially senior dogs or those with dental issues.
You can steam, boil, or roast the carrots without any oils or added seasonings. Always keep them plain!
Can Puppies Eat Carrots?
Carrots can be a good choice for puppies, too, as long as you cut them into tiny pieces to help prevent choking, says Dr. Varon.
They can provide beneficial nutrients and especially help with teething by giving your puppy something safe to chew on.
That said, carrots should only be fed to puppies in moderation. A puppy’s diet is specially formulated to support their growth and development, and you don’t want to throw that balance off too much.
Are Carrots Good for Dogs?
When fed in moderation, carrots can pack a nutritious punch for your pup. Here are some of the top nutritional benefits:
- They rich in beta-carotene. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This supports eye health, immune function, and skin health, according to Dr. Varon.
- They’re a good source of fiber. The fiber in carrots can aid digestion and support regular bowel movements.
- They’re low in calories. Carrots are mostly water and fiber, so they can help dogs feel full without adding many calories, says Sandra Mitchell, DVM, double board-certified veterinarian and consultant for the Veterinary Information Network. Because they’re low in calories, they make a perfect healthy treat for dogs who need to maintain their weight, she adds.
- They may support dental health. Eating raw carrots may help reduce plaque buildup and improve dental health, says Dr. Varon.
Are Carrots Bad for Dogs?
Carrots are generally safe for dogs to eat, but there are a few risks to be aware of—especially if they’re eating too much of them.
Possible risks of feeding carrots to dogs include:
- Digestive upset: Too much fiber from carrots can lead to gas or diarrhea, says Dr. Mitchell. If your dog has never eaten carrots before, introduce them slowly.
- Sugar: While relatively low in sugar, carrots still contain natural sugars that could be problematic for dogs with diabetes or those prone to weight gain if given too much.
- Choking hazard: Large or whole raw carrots can become a choking hazard for small dogs or those who gulp their food, according to Dr. Mitchell.
How Much Carrot Can My Dog Eat?
While they offer many health benefits, carrots should still be considered a treat. And all treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
You can use this chart as a general guide for serving size and frequency based on your dog’s size:
| Dog Size | Serving Size | Serving Size Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | 1–2 baby carrots or ¼ small carrot | 2–3 times per week |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 2–3 baby carrots or ½ small carrot | 2–3 times per week |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 3–4 baby carrots or 3/4 small carrot | 2–3 times per week |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 4–5 baby carrots or 1 small carrot | 2–3 times per week |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 5–6 baby carrots or up to 1 large carrot | 2–3 times per week |
How To Safely Feed Carrots to Your Dog
If you want to safely feed your dog carrots, the following tips can turn this everyday veggie into a dog-friendly snack:
- Wash thoroughly. Rinse the carrots in cool water to remove dirt and pesticides.
- Don’t serve them whole. Cut raw carrots into thin slices or bite-size chunks to reduce the risk of choking.
- Cook without seasonings or oils. Plain steamed or boiled carrots are the best and safest options.
- Introduce them slowly. Give your dog a small amount of carrots so they get used to them before upping the serving size. Keep an eye out for any digestive issues.
There are different ways you can serve carrots to your dog. Here are some ideas:
- Offer raw slices as a crunchy treat.
- Mix cooked, chopped carrots into their regular food.
- Shred raw carrots and use them as a food topper.
- Use carrots in homemade dog treat recipes (just make sure they’re vet-reviewed and safe).
- Try a store-bought dog treat that features carrots as an ingredient.
Homemade Dog Treats With Carrots
If you want to make your own carrot-based treats, you can start with these recipes:
- Smashed carrots
- Farmhouse Feast KONG filling (you’ll need a KONG toy for this one)
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Store-Bought Dog Treats With Carrots
Don’t want to DIY? These carrot-based dog treats are all top-rated and nutritionally balanced:
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My Dog Ate Too Many Carrots—What Do I Do?
If your dog eats too many carrots, Dr. Mitchell says not to panic. Most healthy dogs will just have some digestive upset, like:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Reduced appetite
Symptoms are usually mild, but make sure they have plenty of fresh water available (a dog fountain, like the PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Fountain, helps!) and monitor them closely.
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Usually, symptoms will resolve on their own within a day or two. If your dog seems uncomfortable or the symptoms are severe, call your veterinarian.
FAQs About Carrots for Dogs
Can dogs eat carrot cake?
No, dogs should not eat carrot cake. While carrots alone are fine, carrot cake also contains sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices, like nutmeg, that can be harmful to dogs. Plus, the cream cheese frosting is high in fat and may lead to pancreatitis, according to Dr. Mitchell.
Simply put: Stick to plain, fresh carrots!
Can dogs eat baby carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat baby carrots. It’s best to cut them into small pieces before giving them to your dog to reduce the risk of choking.
Can dogs eat carrots every day?
Dogs can eat a small amount of carrots every day, but you don’t want to overdo it. Make sure no more than 10% of their calories are coming from all their treats combined.
How many carrots can a dog eat a day?
It depends on their size and daily calorie needs. For most dogs, one to a few baby carrots is plenty for the day. When in doubt, ask your vet before introducing any new foods for your dog.
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