Carrots
Are Carrots a Good Treat for Dogs?
If the idea of feeding your pet carrots doesn’t appeal to you, it might be time to reconsider. Steamed or raw, carrots can be enjoyed as a delicious treat and are much healthier than most commercial dog biscuits. In addition to being a treat, carrots can also be part of a nutritionally balanced diet appropriate for your dog’s species. However, you choose to include carrots, it will be a win for your pet, as long as portion size is controlled.
Carrots Improve Digestive Health
Fiber is an important part of a dog’s diet. It helps maintain regular bowel movements and improves digestive health. Fiber-rich diets are even associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.
Carrots are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, each offering unique benefits.
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. Instead, it draws water into the dog’s intestines to help soften stools, which can be especially helpful for dogs with constipation. It also supports diabetes management by improving insulin sensitivity.
Soluble fiber, like the pectin found in carrots, dissolves in water and forms a gel that:
Improves digestion
Firms up stools to reduce diarrhea
Helps control blood glucose to reduce the risk of diabetes
Soluble fiber is also a prebiotic fiber, which is fermented by bacteria in the dog’s gut, producing short-chain fatty acids that:
Reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the gut
Protect the intestinal lining and help prevent dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome
Strengthen the immune system
Aid in nutrient absorption
Carrots also contain a good amount of magnesium, which can help improve bowel movements, especially in dogs suffering from constipation.
Carrots Help Prevent Chronic Diseases
Carrots are not only rich in fiber but are also packed with antioxidants, including:
Beta-carotene
Lutein
Lycopene
Anthocyanins
Vitamin C
Carrots also contain other phytochemicals, such as phenolics and polyacetylenes. According to a 2019 study, these substances offer several benefits:
"These chemicals help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-modifying, and antitumor properties."
These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases, including:
Diabetes
Arthritis
Premature aging
Chronic inflammation (linked to many diseases)
Cancer
Oxidative stress occurs when your dog has too many free radicals in the body. Free radicals are damaged cells with unpaired electrons. To become complete again, they steal electrons from healthy cells, creating a chain reaction that damages more cells.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent further damage. Although dogs can produce their own antioxidants, it’s not always enough to keep free radicals in check. That’s why it’s important to add antioxidant-rich foods to your dog’s diet.
The Key Phytonutrient: Beta-Carotene
Carrots’ biggest claim to fame might be their beta-carotene content, a precursor phytochemical (as well as a carotenoid) that converts into vitamin A in dogs (cats need to consume preformed vitamin A directly from meat sources). Beta-carotene is also responsible for the common orange colour of carrots.
Beta-carotene may be one of the most important nutrients for boosting your dog’s immune health. In a notable study, researchers reached this encouraging conclusion about beta-carotene for dogs:
"In summary, older dogs have lower immune responses compared to younger controls. Beta-carotene supplementation significantly restored immune responses in older dogs compared to their age-matched controls and younger counterparts."
As dogs age, they can develop vision problems, just like humans. However, beta-carotene, along with other carotenoids, can help reverse this issue. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that dogs receiving carotenoids showed improvements in several vision functions.
In addition to supporting eye health, vitamin A also aids in:
Healthy skin and coat
Sun protection
Bone and tooth formation
Protection against infections
Proper reproduction
What to Consider Before Giving Your Dog Carrots
Before sharing a carrot with your dog, there are a few precautions you should consider.
- Large pieces of carrot can be a choking hazard. Be sure to cut them into small pieces.
- Carrots contain more natural sugars compared to other vegetables, but they also have a low glycemic index. This means moderation is key, especially for diabetic dogs.
- Dogs can suffer from vitamin A toxicity. If you're feeding your dog a pre-made diet with added vitamin A, avoid giving too many vitamin A-rich foods like carrots.
How to Prepare Carrots for Your Dog
Carrots can be a nutrient-packed addition to your dog’s diet, but to ensure your dog gets the most benefit, they need to be prepared correctly to enhance their bioavailability.
Carrots can be hard to digest. (That’s why they often come out looking the same as they went in.) To help your dog get the most benefit, they should be cooked first. In fact, one study showed that raw carrots release 41% of beta-carotene. When cooked, this number increases to 65%.
It's important not to overcook them. Overcooking carrots can reduce their nutritional value. Instead, cut the carrot into small pieces and lightly steam them.
If needed, you can also grate, crush, or mash carrots. They won’t be as nutritious as steamed carrots, but it will be easier for your dog to digest and help release more nutrients.
If your dog isn't used to high-fiber foods, introduce carrots gradually. Too much fiber, especially insoluble fiber, can cause digestive upset.
It's also important to remember to feed carrots in moderation. Carrots are best used as an occasional treat, whether as a reward for good behaviour or a delicious addition to a meal.
References
· Dogs Naturally, Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
· Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits, Nutrients. 2013 Apr; 5(4): 1417-1435
· Medical Treatmente of Constipation, Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2005 May
· Bark & Whiskers, Carrots: Healthier Than Many Treats, a Nutrient Win for Your Pet
· Phytochemicals in Daucus carota and Their Health Benefits – Review Article, Foods, 2019 Sep