Are Carrots Good For Dogs?

Carrots are absolutely good and nutritious for the dogs, but this vegetable should be given in moderation. Canines are sensitive when it comes to food digestion as they are not made with features same with humans, therefore, they need special food. However, carrots are proven very nutritious for them and dog owners must not prohibit giving carrots to their canine companions.

Generally, dogs are fond of eating raw carrots. It can be a better substitute over conventional junk dog foods that are loaded with high calories and fat content. When your furry friend needs vital nutrients, carrot can be a good snack for him to munch on.

In addition to vegetables, there are many fruits like peeled apple slices, blueberries and slices of orange that are good and healthy for the canines. Dogs can also eat cottage cheese which gives them a source of low-fat indulgence. Vegetables and fruits are safe to feed on dogs; however, there is precaution with regards to some vegetables and fruits that are fatal for the dogs’ health.

• How to feed carrots to dogs

Dogs love cooked carrots, but they can also eat uncooked or raw carrots. Be prepared to clean up a mess because dogs just chew up carrots and leave bits all over floor. Always remember not to over-feed your canine companion with carrots, as he might get sick. Your canine companion will not consume carrots of the same amount as you (of course), but they will get some of the same benefits.

• Benefits of Carrots

Some benefits of carrots for dogs are as follows:

1.Improved Vision

Carrots contain large amount of beta-carotene therefore it is good for the eyes. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the liver, and Vitamin A is transformed in the retina to rhodopsin, which is a purple pigment necessary for night vision. Further, beta-carotene has been shown to protect against senile cataracts and macular degeneration.

2.Cancer Prevention

Various studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. Carrots contain falcarindiol and falcarinol chemicals which have anticancer properties.

3.Anti-Aging

The high level of beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant which protects the cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It help slows down the aging of cells.

4.Dog’s coat

Carrots can protect the coat of your dog from the inside. Antioxidants and vitamin A protect the dog’s coat and keep it shiny. Vitamin A also prevents acne, dry skin, premature wrinkling, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.

5.Prevent infection

Carrots are known to prevent infection in dogs. They can also be used on cuts – shredded raw or boiled and mashed.

6.Some other benefits:

Some other benefits of carrots are:

Regular feeding of carrots can reduce risk of heart disease in canine but remember moderation is the key.

It reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.

Vitamin A in carrots assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the dog’s body.

It reduces the bile and fat in the liver.

Fibers present in carrots help clean out the colon and fasten waste movement