Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. They are a healthy, low-calorie snack, and your dog can have them raw or cooked. The main risk is choking, so cut carrots into bite-size pieces and wash or peel them first. Plain carrots are the safe choice. Skip carrots cooked with butter, sugar, or onion and garlic.

Why are carrots good for dogs?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) calls carrots a low-calorie snack with fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene. Your dog’s body turns beta-carotene into vitamin A. Carrots also show up in many store-bought dog foods and treats.

The AKC also says that crunching on carrots may help your dog’s teeth. That is a possible bonus, not a replacement for brushing.

Carrots are an extra, not a meal. The AKC notes that dogs do not need fruits or vegetables to be healthy. A complete dog food should stay the main part of the diet.

How do I serve carrots to my dog?

Follow these steps:

1. Wash or peel the carrot. This removes dirt and pesticides, according to the AKC.
2. Cut it into bite-size pieces. The AKC says whole carrots and long carrot sticks should be cut up so they are less likely to cause choking. Use smaller pieces for small dogs.
3. Start with a little. Offer one or two pieces and see how your dog does.
4. Watch your dog while it eats. This is a good habit with any crunchy treat.

How much can a dog eat?

The sources we read do not give an exact amount of carrot for each dog size. The AKC suggests asking your vet how much is right for your dog. Keep carrots to a small extra next to your dog’s regular food.

If your dog has never had carrots, a few small pieces is a good start. If your dog has stomach trouble, stop and call your vet.

Other kinds of carrots

Are raw carrots okay for dogs?

Yes. The AKC says raw and cooked carrots are both healthy. Raw carrots are crunchy, and that chewing may help your dog’s dental health. They are also the form most likely to cause choking, so cut them small.

Are cooked carrots okay for dogs?

Yes. The AKC says cooked carrots are a healthy choice and can be added to your dog’s meals. Keep them plain. Do not add butter, oil, salt, sugar, or spices.

Can dogs eat frozen carrots?

Yes. The AKC says cold or frozen carrots can help relieve discomfort in teething puppies. It even calls large frozen carrots a cheap, edible chew toy. Because a big carrot can break into pieces, stay close and take it away once it gets small.

Can dogs eat seasoned or glazed carrots?

It is best to skip them. Holiday carrots are often made with butter, sugar, onion, or garlic. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic as harmful to dogs. They can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia (too few red blood cells). The ASPCA also warns that very fatty foods may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes pancreatitis (a painful swollen pancreas). It also warns about xylitol, a sweetener in some baked goods and candy that is dangerous to dogs. Check labels on anything sweet.

What other vegetables can dogs eat?

The AKC says many dogs can eat raw vegetables such as celery, cucumbers, and green beans. Cut them small and remove seeds, pits, and stems. For apples and other fruit, see our guide on apples for dogs. For foods to keep away from your dog, see our list of foods that are toxic to dogs.