Wild cats live on raw meat from their prey, so are raw food diets for cats safe? Although domestic cats can eat raw meat, that may not provide all the nutrients they need. Learn more about raw diets for cats here.
Carrots are an abundant source of nutrition for humans, but what about your dog – can he eat carrots too? Purina experts say yes! Below our experts explain why carrots are good for dogs, how much nutrition they offer, and different alternatives to serve them.
Can My Dog Eat Carrots?
Like many other fruits and vegetables, dogs can definitely eat carrots. In fact, every part of this vegetable, from the carrot itself to the leafy green tops are safe for dogs to eat.
How Nutritious are Carrots for My Dog?
Carrots are a healthy source of nutrition for your dog. They can provide him with an excellent source of fibre, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, like beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A), vitamin K, and potassium. However, carrots are not a complete source of nutrition for your dog, so it’s important that you continue to provide him with a well-balanced diet.
Do Carrots Make Good Treats for My Dog?
Yes, in moderation carrots are a very healthy, low-calorie treat for your dog. The average 100g carrot has only 41 calories and is an excellent alternative treat for good puppy behaviour. However, “the same rules apply to serving carrots as they do with any other treat,” says Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey – carrots should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. This ensures that your dog receives balanced nutrition in his diet and maintains a healthy body weight.
Will Carrots Clean My Dogs Teeth?
Despite their crunchy nature, carrots are not abrasive enough to clean your dog’s teeth as he eats. We still recommend that you brush your dog’s teeth daily and offer specialty treats designed specifically for keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy, like Dentalife.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Carrots to My Dog?
There are a number of excellent ways that you can consider introducing carrots to your dog’s diet, including the following:
- Raw: You can simply slice carrots into bite-size rounds or sticks, keeping in mind your dog’s size to avoid any risk of choking.
- Cooked: If your dog prefers softer foods, you can offer him some cooked carrots. Try gently steaming or cooking the carrots in the microwave, versus boiling, to reduce any risk of the vitamins and minerals leaching out.
- Frozen: If your puppy is teething, he may find that cold or frozen carrots help relieve his discomfort. Large frozen carrots also make for inexpensive and edible chew toys.
Always follow your veterinarian’s advice, even with people foods safe for dogs. Doing so helps to protect your pup from digestive upset, weight gain and other health problems. If your dog loves carrots, consider giving him Beyond Grain Free Chicken, Carrot & Pea Wet Dog Food or Beneful Chopped Blends with Chicken, Carrots, Peas & Wild Rice.
