Superfoods in Your Kitchen: Carrots for Dogs

With a satisfying crunch and plenty of dietary fiber, carrots make a wonderful snack for your dog. They are a star ingredient in any fresh, homemade diet and have every nutritional benefit a healthy dog owner would dream about. 

The Stats:

A medium carrot contains about 25 calories with almost no fat, nearly 1 gram of protein, and more than 2 grams of fiber. These crunchy vegetables are also rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, biotin, and vitamin B6. In addition to their nutritional benefits, carrots have a satiating snap that makes for a healthy, natural chew toy and can also relieve discomfort in teething puppies.

The Benefits:

1. A raw carrot contains up to 95% water which, combined with their dietary fiber content, supports your dog’s healthy and regular digestion
2. Carrots are low in both calories and fat, making them an excellent and healthy treat for dogs who need to lose weight 
3. Chewing on a crunchy carrot may support your dog’s dental health by scraping away tartar and preventing the plaque buildup that leads to periodontal disease
4. Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that promotes healthy vision (keep in mind you may need to cook the carrots to maximize this particular benefit)
5. An excellent source of Vitamin A, carrots also support bone health, reproduction, and a strong immune system

How to Feed It:

There are a number of ways to incorporate carrots into your dog’s diet. One option is to simply feed him fresh baby carrots – the sliced or shaved variety will work too. To break down some of the fiber, you can try steaming or boiling carrots. For young puppies and senior dogs, puree boiled carrots and stir them into your dog’s food for a boost of fiber and essential nutrients.

Want to take your carrot game to the next level? Try making your own carrot dog snacks by mixing 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 2 eggs and a 4.25-ounce jar of carrot baby food. Knead the dough together, then roll it out and cut it into bone shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake the treats for 25 minutes at 325°F then cool before serving.

What to Watch Out For:

When feeding your dog carrots, start off with a small amount so his or her body can adjust to the increase in dietary fiber. Always wash your carrots before feeding them to your dog. Unless you’re feeding your dog organic carrots, you may also want to peel the carrots just to be sure you remove any traces of pesticides. You should also chop or slice the carrots according to your dog’s size. Larger dogs can chew on whole carrots, but smaller dogs and puppies should be given baby carrots or carrots sliced into bite-sized pieces.