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Tailwise

Vegetable

Can dogs eat carrots?

Yes Safe

Raw or cooked carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack, good for chewing and full of beta-carotene.

Photo: Eisbäärchen (CC0) via flickr

How much, how often

A whole baby carrot for a small dog; a large carrot for a big dog.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Wash well
  • Cut into sticks or coins for small dogs
  • Steam for cats and elderly dogs
  • No butter, salt or seasoning

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs Safe

Yes. Raw or cooked carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack, good for chewing and full of beta-carotene.

How much: A whole baby carrot for a small dog; a large carrot for a big dog.

Cats Safe

Yes, cooked. Soft cooked carrot is safe for cats in small amounts; raw pieces can be a choking hazard.

How much: A teaspoon of soft, cooked carrot.

Can cats eat carrots?

The details

Frozen carrots are popular with teething puppies. Because carrots are low in calories, they are a good swap for biscuits in overweight dogs.

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat carrots?

Yes. Raw or cooked carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack, good for chewing and full of beta-carotene.

How much carrots can a dog have?

A whole baby carrot for a small dog; a large carrot for a big dog.

What should I do if my dog ate carrots?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Is carrots safe for cats too?

Yes, cooked. Soft cooked carrot is safe for cats in small amounts; raw pieces can be a choking hazard.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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