Are Carrots Good For Dogs’ Health?

Carrots are a healthy food. As with people, the benefits of carrots on dogs are many and varied. However, it is good to keep in mind some considerations: the consumption of this vegetable has contraindications. Like any other food, moreover, eating in excess can be terribly unfavorable for the animal.

The benefits of carrots for dogs

The natural nutritional values ​​of this vegetable are vital for good dog health.

As for benefits, carrots are packed with vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, among others. They also contain various minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium and chlorine. In short, a good combination of natural elements suitable for strengthening the immune system.

They are also an excellent complement to dental health, along with of course the habit of brushing teeth and the use of toys made of nylon or rubber. Chewing carrots frequently helps dogs to expel residues accumulated in the teeth, molars, fangs and between the gums.

Carrots are very useful for dogs who tend to always have an appetite. Furthermore, given their low calorie intake, absence of fat and high moisturizing properties, their use in overweight specimens is particularly recommended.

Important benefits of carrots for dog health

For more nervous animals, carrots calm anxiety and regulate the nervous system.

The regenerative properties on the skin of dogs are also proven, as well as their ability to reduce the incidence of skin diseases. Some specialists consider them a viable option in dogs that have suffered burns, as a food supplement.

As for the eyesight of our animals, carrots can be used to treat eye irritation and reduce the risk of cataracts forming.

They are also great for pregnant bitches, as they increase blood flow and stimulate the production of breast milk.

These vegetables are also rich in beta-carotene, an organic compound known as Pro-Vitamin A that works as an antioxidant against free radicals generated by the organism itself or by external agents. This is the case of the sun, tobacco or environmental pollution.

They also have a positive effect on the strengthening of bones and actively prevent the formation of tumors or the development of cancer.

Raw or cooked carrots?

Dogs can eat both raw and cooked carrots. Some veterinarians recommend giving them in their natural state, as the food can lose some of its properties during cooking. When the carrot becomes soft, among other things, it can no longer be used as a tool for cleaning teeth.

If you decide to cook them, make sure you don’t overcook them and don’t use salt or any type of seasoning.

In any case, the vegetable must first be washed carefully, to remove any traces of pesticides or other chemical substances used during the harvest.

Raw or frozen, they are a great substitute for the prize sticks that are usually offered to domestic dogs. In addition to being super cheap and easy to store, their nutritional benefits are unmatched. Dogs can spend hours chewing on a carrot without getting bored.

Many families have young children in the process of learning how to eat vegetables. In these cases, it is possible to invent games to make the baby and the animal eat carrots together.

When dogs eat carrots it is normal for their feces to take on an orange hue.

Contraindications

Not all dogs can eat this vegetable. Its consumption is strictly prohibited in the case of specimens with diabetes or digestive problems.

One of the reasons why excesses should be avoided is that carrots can considerably raise the blood sugar levels of diabetic dogs.

Dogs’ intestines are also susceptible to irritation if too many carrots are ingested. Excessive consumption can cause difficulties in disposing of all the components of the vegetable, consequently generating diarrhea.

There are also other side effects related to carrot abuse in dogs. Too high levels of vitamin A can in fact result in bone problems and muscle weakness.

Most experts see no drawbacks in eating carrots in dogs, even just as a snack or as a treat.

Part of the specialists claim that dogs can tolerate this food no more than twice a day, every day. Conversely, another group argues that they should only eat it once a day every two or three days. At the moment there are no unanimous opinions on compliance.