Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Super Food For Dogs

I am NEVER content with my search for nutritious diets for my dogs, and so would you. Right?

And you might be thinking about if dogs can have carrots, which is exactly what I have researched and I will share my research as well as my experience with you.

But, first of all, if you are still unsure:

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. They are safe for our dogs and we can turn them into a nutritious treat too.

QUICK WHY: Carrots can be an easy and low-calorie treat for dogs, providing plenty of great nutrients.

Are Carrots Good For Dogs?

Carrots are good for dogs because they are low in calories and fat, and not so rich in sugar which makes them the perfect sweet treat for our friends.

This veggie helps dogs that have loose stools. The high level of soluble fiber in carrots will help bulk the stool. But you should be careful if it’s your first time giving carrots, you should start with a small amount. They may cause gas or upset stomach in big amounts.

Carrots can improve the eyesight of your doggo because some antioxidants that are in carrots can accumulate in the retina and are used as a protection against oxidative stress. Cooked carrots are easier to digest and easier to absorb the maximum of nutrients.

When Are Carrots Dangerous For Dogs?

Carrots are bad for dogs if they eat them too often and too much: like anything else.

As I have mentioned already, like every other vegetable and fruit carrots contain sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

Don’t give your dog large chunks of carrots, make them bite-sized. This way you may prevent choking.

Make sure that before feeding your dog carrots, you have washed or peeled them to clean them from all dirt and pesticides.

Can Dogs Drink Carrot Juice?

Yes, dogs can drink carrot juice.

Store-bought juices should be 100% carrot juice and if you can’t find it, then make carrot juice yourself. Only make sure to not give homemade carrot juice that stayed more than 48 hours.

It needs to be fresh so dogs can get all the Vitamin A. Although during the juicing process the high fiber content will be almost lost.

How To Feed Dogs Carrots?

While doing my research today, I found the interesting fact that actually cooked carrots are more nutritious in beta-carotene than raw ones. Depending on the way of cooking you can get up to 40% of it while from raw carrots we can get up to 3% only.

From now on I will give my dog more often cooked carrots. But let me be clear, it doesn’t mean that I will stop giving my dog raw carrots. Raw carrots are full of benefits for dogs like for their dental health. You can cut them into sticks or circles and give them to eat. Dogs will enjoy chewing them.

Frozen carrots are also a good idea for dental health by preventing plaque buildup.

How carrots can be cooked?

Carrots can be steamed, boiled, baked, or roasted with potatoes or green beans.

Steamed carrots can be turned easily in a carrot puree.

You can add a few baby carrots to your dog’s food.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots: Nutrient Value and Health Benefits

Are carrots really a superfood for dogs?

Well, yes and not only for them but for us, humans, too.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene that when consumed transforms into Vitamin A, which supports vision, including night vision.

They are full of antioxidants such as lutein, lycopene, and anthocyanins.

Vitamin A and antioxidants boost skin health and help shiny coat. Antioxidants also reduce oxidative stress, the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Carrots are a great source of magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. Rich in vitamins C and K (for proper blood clotting). They are also rich in soluble fiber that manages blood cholesterol levels and benefits the heart.

If your dog has constipation feel free to give them carrots. Due to their high fiber content, they are the perfect home remedy for constipation.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots: Dog-Friendly Recipes

Oat Carrot Dog Treats

Recipe by Three Olives Branch

Servings: 26 (2-inch) cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of oats;
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots;
• 1 egg;
• 2 tablespoons flax seed(optional);
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil;
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon;
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger;
• 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt;

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Place 1 cup of the oats in a food processor and grind until it has a flour-like consistency. Place the ground oats in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, including the whole oats, to the bowl. Stir to combine. Add more yogurt if needed until the dough just sticks together.
4. If the mixture is sticky, lightly dust the surface with flour or additional ground oats.
5. Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4″ thick.
6. Using your desired cookie cutter, cut out the treat shapes and place them on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
7. Bake treats at 350F for 20 minutes.
8. Turn off the oven, leave the cookies inside, and let them sit for two hours. This will make the cookies crunchier. For soft cookies, remove them after 15-20 minutes to cool at room temperature.
9. Store soft treats in an airtight container, kept in the refrigerator, for up to 2 weeks. Hard treats can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Carrot Cake Homemade Dog Treat

Recipe by Bellyfull.

Servings: 40 (2-inch) treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup applesauce (plain, unsweetened, without any additives);
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (raw and natural, unsalted and unsweetened, and free of any flavors and xylitol);
• 2 large eggs;
• 4 cups oat flour (plus 1/2 cup more if necessary and for dusting);
• 1 cup grated carrots (peeled first);
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened natural).

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the applesauce, almond butter, and eggs together until blended.
4. Add in the oat flour, carrots, and coconut flakes until just incorporated. (If you pinch a piece and it crumbles, add a little water. If it’s really sticky, you’ll need to add a little more oat flour, 1/4 cup at a time).
5. Transfer the dough to a surface lightly sprinkled with oat flour and knead 3-4 times until it comes together.
6. Using a rolling pin sprinkled with oat flour, roll out the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness.
7. Using cookie cutters, cut out the desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Place in the oven and bake until the treats are dry and the edges are golden about 18-20 minutes.
9. Let cool completely.

Healthy Dog Treats with Bananas and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots;
• 1 banana;
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds + 3 tablespoons of cold water (or 1 egg);
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil;
• 1½ cups (200g) of buckwheat flour.

Instructions are in the video down below.

10 Interesting Facts About Carrots

1. Carrots were first grown as medicine for an assortment of ailments.
2. The orange vegetable can also be white, yellow, red, or purple.
3. Mel Blanc, the voice of the cartoon character Bugs Bunny, did not like carrots.
4. They can be left in the ground all winter.
5. They are 88% water.
6. The raw vegetable only gives you 3% beta-carotene but cooked you get up to 40%.  So try these sweet vegetables puréed into soup, sliced thin onto a salad, braised in butter, baked, cooked until they are soft in a stew, and stuffed into poultry. 
7. China, Uzbekistan, Russia, United States are the top 4 countries that produce that vegetable.
8. Carrots were first grown in Afghanistan.
9. Carrots have seeds.
10. The 3rd of February is National Carrot Cake Day.

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