Are Carrots Good for Puppies?

Not all "people food" is bad for dogs. In fact, dogs get many of the same health and nutrition benefits from fresh whole foods that people do. Carrots are among the vegetables that are safe for dogs to eat. In addition to other benefits, carrots provide the dog with healthy antioxidants and plenty of soluble fiber.

  1. A Balanced Diet for Puppies

    • A healthy diet for a puppy includes protein, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals; phosphorus and calcium are especially important. Commercial dog foods are associated with meat, but dogs are true omnivores, so vegetables are included in most store-bought foods and are also a good supplement. Between the ages of 4 to 12 weeks, puppies should be fed three times a day.

    Benefits of Carrots

    • Carrots and other fruits and vegetables provide needed fiber, which aids a dog's digestive health. Just as people think of carrots as a "diet food," they are good for dogs that need to slim down as well since they're low in fat and calories. For this reason, carrots are a good treat choice for breeds most vulnerable to weight problems, such as pugs and other smaller dogs. Carrots are also a carbohydrate, an important component of a healthy canine diet, and dogs can convert the beta carotene in carrots into Vitamin A.

    Raw Carrots Vs. Cooked Carrots

    • An adult dog can handle the crunchy texture of a carrot; in fact, it's a good substitute for a less healthy dog biscuit. Puppies have more delicate digestive systems, however, as well as smaller teeth. When feeding a puppy carrots, first shred the carrot or cook it to make it softer and more easy to digest. Dog owners who are also gourmands can also check out recipes for dog biscuits, stews and other meals that incorporate carrots.

    Vegetables to Avoid

    • Although carrots are perfectly safe for dogs, some fruits and vegetables are toxic and should be avoided. These include onions, garlic, raisins, grapes and tomato greens. Some vegetables with shells can be difficult for dogs to digest, including peas and corn. Corn cobs are also bad for dogs and should be carefully disposed of.