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Yes, dogs can eat carrots!
Carrots are one of the vet-approved vegetables that are safe and healthy for dogs to snack on, either raw or cooked. You’ve probably noticed your packaged dog food regularly includes carrots in the ingredients, and that’s because they’re affordable, nutritious, and loved by pups.
The benefits of carrots for dogs
Low in calories, carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, essential elements for a healthy dog’s eyesight, immunity, fur and coat, and digestive regularity.
While you can serve both raw and cooked carrots to your dog, the nutritional benefits are more readily digested in lightly cooked or steamed carrots (remember: no spices, salt, pepper, or additives—these could be dangerous for your dog). Start by serving alongside plenty of fresh water to help aid in digesting the fiber, and feed in moderation (start with only one or two carrots a day, depending on the size of your dog). You can also include them in treats (one of our favorite recipes is from The Produce Moms: Carrot Dog Treats).
Carrots can also double as chew toys: teething puppies can gnaw on a cold carrot and feel relief; frozen carrots work wonders for the toughest set of chompers. Bonus: chewing on a carrot improves dental health by gently scraping the teeth and preventing plaque buildup!
Sharing carrots safely
One note of caution: carrots (as with most all treats and toys) can pose a choking hazard, so make sure you cut them up into bite-size chunks, especially for small dogs, or keep an eye on your dog while they are chewing. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, call your vet immediately.
Curious about what is okay and not okay for your dog to eat? Check out our comprehensive guide on what human foods are safe and not safe for dogs.
