That is why this time we want to clarify whether dogs can eat carrots or not, so that you can consider whether it is a good idea to include them in their diet. Let's see it!
Can dogs eat carrots?
Yes, dogs can eat carrots and, in fact, it has great benefits for them. The main reason for this is that carrots are composed of a type of starch that contains a high percentage of amylopectin, a substance that is easily digested by the animal.This is why carrots are such an easy to digest food for dogs, as compared to other options like cereals. But that's not all - carrots have multiple benefits for a dog's overall health.
Benefits of carrots for dogs
Clarified that dogs can eat carrots, let us now focus on unraveling all the benefits it brings to the dog.
It is good for their eye health
Surely you have heard throughout your life that carrots are good for your eyes. Well, it is also good for your dog's eyes.
Carrots are high in beta-carotene. When digested, they are converted into vitamin A in the body, which helps strengthen the immune system, fights cell oxidation and improves vision.
It is a natural toothbrush
When we offer a raw carrot to the dog, he will spend a long time biting it in order to eat it, which promotes the dragging of dental dirt and prevents the appearance of tartar.
Even so, the carrot is not a substitute for the tooth brushing that, as guardians, we must do to our pet.
Natural source of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a source of energy and must be present in the animal's diet. If this is not the case, certain very serious pathologies can occur.
Carrots are a source of carbohydrates, but much healthier than other foods that also provide them (such as cereals).
It is antidiarrheal
Carrots can help to restore the intestinal flora in dogs suffering from digestive problems, such as diarrhea. However, it should be given without skin because in high quantities it can aggravate the problem.
Treats for overweight dogs
Snacks and treats for dogs are your best allies when it comes to learning or, simply, when you want to give them for good behavior or whim (from time to time).
In this aspect, carrots are a perfect snack for all dogs, including those who are overweight, since they are low in fat and calories.
How to prepare carrots for dogs
We already know that dogs can eat carrots and that it is beneficial to the animal. Now, it is important to know how to give carrots to the dog so that it is really good for them.
Although raw carrots are not difficult for the dog to digest, besides helping in its dental cleaning, as it has been said, giving it cooked carrots also brings great advantages to the animal. This is because by cooking certain foods, the starch that composes them is used much better and they become even more digestible.
In both cases, raw and cooked, the carrot must be peeled, its stalk must be removed, and it must be thoroughly washed before offering it to the dog.
You may wonder if puppies can eat carrots. The answer is yes, but it should always be given cooked and well chopped in their case. The small puppies do not yet have fully developed teeth, so it is necessary to facilitate their chewing.
Can carrots be mixed with other foods?
Yes, as long as it is a homemade diet. That is to say, it is not advisable to mix carrots with commercial feed since both foods have a very different digestive process. This could cause a lot of damage to the animal.
However, carrots are one of the main ingredients in many homemade diets, such as BARF. It can be combined with meat, fish, rice, and other vegetables.
However, in each case, the amount of each food per serving should always be respected, based on the weight of the animal. For example, it is usually recommended that for every 10 kg of weight of the dog, 120 grams of meat, 30 grams of cereals, and 20 grams of vegetables should be offered.
How much carrot can a dog eat?
Even if a food is beneficial for the dog, dogs do not always respond favorably to it. Therefore, when offering carrots to your dog, start with small doses that will be increased up to the permitted daily grams if no adverse reactions are observed.
Even so, it is always advisable to vary the vegetables offered to the animal throughout the week so as not to be repetitive and to take advantage of all the good vegetables for dogs.
When not to give carrots to the dog
There are certain occasions when carrots are contraindicated or should be given in a very controlled way to dogs. Some of these occasions are the following:
- If the dog suffers from chronic digestive problems, the carrot can be offered in moderation and always cooked, because giving it raw will require more work of the digestive system to break it down and absorb it.
- Dogs with diabetes can also eat it, but in low quantities and with glucose control.
- Excessive consumption of carrots can cause inflammation in the dog's intestine and also cause diarrhea.