Carrots have many benefits when it comes to our everyday health. It is a natural vegetable that can be washed and eaten without any worries of oils, and fats unlike potato chips and chocolate bars. As a child your mother probably said something like, “eat your carrots, they’re good for your eyes.”
Unlike unhealthy foods carrots will not cause any harm unless you are diabetic and need to watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake. Also keep in mind that carrots are a healthy treat but the type of dressing you dip it in may not be healthy, and the types of seasonings you add to your carrots can also be unhealthy.
The natural benefits to carrots are the vitamins that it contains (Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1 and B6). Carrot juice also can help with some disorders if you drink the juice on a regular basis. Like, acne, cancer, emphysema, and many other disorders as well.
Carrots and carrot juice are also good for certain pets and for women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Can My Dog Have Carrots? Answer: Yes.
Carrots are a very nutritious vegetable and provide the same benefits to dogs as they do to people. Dogs can have raw carrots and they usually enjoy the crunchiness of the carrot. The crunchiness of the vegetable also helps make your dogs teeth stronger. Raw carrots is a low calorie food, however if the carrot is given in large amounts it can be unhealthy for your dog because of the carbohydrates that are found in them.
If your dog is unhealthy or has diabetes ask your vet before you give them any kind of table foods. Carrots contain natural sugars and could cause sugar levels to go up.
Carrots Are Healthy
Carrots can be given to your dog as a treat instead of foods that are unhealthy. Cooked carrots can also be given to your dog if you do not add to many spices like sugars, and salt. Since dogs like to swallow their foods without chewing first it may be best to give your dog baby carrots or cut up larger carrots to avoid your canine friend from choking.
Keep in mind your dogs body may have a hard time digesting vegetables (since dogs are naturally carnivores) and you may see pieces of undigested vegetables in the bowels of your dog. For teething puppies frozen carrots will feel good on the gums and help from teething on your favorite shoes and furniture, making it less aggravating for the both of you.
Carrots vs. Dog Treats
Help your dog stay fit by providing them with healthy foods rather than dog treats that can eventually cause your dog to grow unhealthy and even obese. Keep in mind when buying dog treats just because the box says the dog biscuits are healthy they may not be. Lets face it many manufacturers just want to make a quick buck. If you want to give your dog boxed treats for dogs look for one without artificial sweeteners, sodium, sugar, dairy, nuts, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, and of course onions and garlic.
When shopping for your dog, think about the foods and ingredients that you would eat. Dogs cannot handle many foods and often we see our dogs as a garbage disposal, but that can make your dog sick.
Carrots vs. Scraps
Many times we sneak our dog a scrap or two from the table when loved ones are not watching. This can be harmless but when a dog gets table scraps then whatever is leftover plus their dog food, we can cause the digestive system to get overworked and your dog ends up suffering with gas, a belly ache, and often times we can cause them to have diarrhea or become constipated.
If you want to give your dog a healthy treat give them carrots. Cooked or raw your dog will be benefited with vitamins instead of an upset stomach and will appreciate it later.
Healthy Dogs
Carrots are a great treat for your puppy or adult dog. Carrots make for a healthy dog, making his teeth stronger, and doesn’t cause him to be obese later in life when his digestive tract is starting to slow down. When your dog is overweight you may think your dog is just spoiled but what you may not know is your causing your dog to be unhealthy and he should be put on some type of diet to help with the excessive weight.
Other fruits and vegetables you can feed your dog in moderation is pumpkin, carrots, green beans, peas, cranberries, blueberries and bananas.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I cut up the larger carrots from my garden and freeze them in 2-3″ chunks. My 4-mo old puppy LOVES them, and they help with his teething!!
That is a great idea for carrots Susan!
I gave my first shih tzu baby carrots, and unflavored & unsalted brown rice cakes he had frequent flying miles to the
University of Penn. He had food allergies he was on a micro biotic diet so they were the only treats he was allowed.
So my new little guy he gets raw carrots & rice cakes, and he loves plain Greek yogurt.
I know a dog that jumps for carrots.
That would be my dog;)