Why
Carrots are low in calories and provide fiber and beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Their crunch makes them a satisfying snack, especially for dogs on a diet.
Cooked carrots are softer and easier to digest, while raw carrots give more chewing. Some owners offer chilled or frozen carrot pieces to teething puppies.
What to watch out for
- Choking if pieces are too large, especially for dogs that gulp
- Loose stools if a dog eats a lot of fiber at once
- Glazed or buttered carrots with added sugar and fat
How to serve it
- Wash and cut into bite-sized pieces or thin sticks suited to your dog's size.
- Serve raw, steamed or boiled, without salt, butter or seasoning.
- Supervise whole carrots given as a chew.
How much?
A dog can have a few pieces of carrot a day, counted as part of the 10% treat allowance.
Why are there carrot pieces in my dog's poop?
Dogs do not chew as thoroughly as people do, and raw carrot is tough plant fiber. Chunks often pass through looking almost the same as when they went in. That is normal, but it also means your dog got little nutrition from them.
If you want the vitamins rather than just the crunch, grate the carrot or steam it until soft. Grated carrot mixes easily into a meal. Add it gradually, since a sudden jump in fiber can loosen stools. Orange-tinged stool after a big carrot day is harmless on its own.
Is carrot cake safe if it has carrots in it?
No. The carrot is the least of it. Carrot cake and carrot muffins often contain raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs, and some recipes use walnuts or macadamia nuts. The frosting is usually cream cheese, butter and sugar.
Sugar-free or "healthy" bakery versions sometimes use xylitol. If your dog stole a slice, find the recipe or the label and call your vet if it had raisins, macadamias or xylitol.
- Glazed carrots: added sugar and butter.
- Carrots roasted with onion or garlic: skip them.
- Pickled carrots: too salty and often spiced.
Will carrots clean teeth or improve eyesight?
Carrots neither clean teeth nor improve eyesight in any reliable way. Chewing a hard carrot may scrape off a little soft plaque, but it does not replace brushing or professional cleaning. Hard, frozen whole carrots can also be tough on already weak teeth in older dogs.
Beta-carotene is turned into vitamin A, which the eyes need. A dog on a complete commercial diet already gets enough vitamin A, so extra carrots will not sharpen its vision.
Carrots do contain natural sugar. If your dog has diabetes, ask your vet how treats fit around insulin and mealtimes.
Common questions
Are carrots good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Carrots are low in calories and provide fiber and beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Their crunch makes them a satisfying snack, especially for dogs on a diet.
Are carrots bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: choking if pieces are too large, especially for dogs that gulp.
Are dogs allowed to have carrots?
Yes. Wash and cut into bite-sized pieces or thin sticks suited to your dog's size.
Sources
Topic references
General care and safety
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).