Can Dogs Be Fed Carrots?

by James Glover
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My 15 week old westie loves raw carrots, are they ok for her? Are any other vegetables suitable for her? At the moment we feed her on pedigree complete and fresh cooked chicken. I would prefer to give her a raw carrot as a change from a chew /dog biscuit. Thanks in anticipation. (Brett McCormick - United Kingdom)

It is an excellent idea to supplement your dog's diet with fresh vegetables, and especially in substitution for a chew. Many dogs like carrots, and there is nothing harmful about providing the odd raw carrot. Their diet, as in humans, should consist of a lot of different things in moderation. Your dog can eat most vegetables that humans eat, provided that they are in moderation. A little left over vegetables from the family meal the night before are an excellent addition to your dog's meal. Vegetables known to be toxic to dogs include onion, garlic, green parts of tomato plants, potato peelings, raisins, grapes, rhubarb leaves, broccoli and pips or stones from many household fruits.

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Readers' Comments (Newest to Oldest)

junk1958

California

Junior Member

Added on Oct 21st, 2009
My Glen of Imaal Terrier never fails to amaze me about food. I must supplement his dog food (canned Blue Buffalo + Bench and Field kibbles) with shredded boiled or baked chicken to ensure he eats it all. But he would eat raw carrots, raw apples (no seeds/core), lettuce, and cooked sweet potatos all day if I let him.

He probably likes other fruits and veggies too, but we haven't experimented with those yet. Of course, he adores his chicken and beef, but for an afternoon snack, he's just as happy sharing my fruits and veggies with me.

Noahsmommy

Florida

Bronze Member

Added on Sept 18th, 2009
My little Noah loves his veggies. His favorite are peas though. He's loved them since he was just a little pup.

woofnmew

California

Silver Member

Added on Aug 7th, 2009
My elderly Golden Retriever has been a carrot fanatic since he was little, and his new companion, a 9 mo. old Lab mix, enjoys them, too. Every morning I take two carrots to the barn. The horse gets one for himself and the dogs share one. Recently the horse dropped his carrot. My Lab rushed over to grab it and growled at the horse. Not a good idea: the horse stomped his foot and blew his nose on the dog, who did a quick re-think and backed off. The dogs also enjoy Nicker Makers, a grain and molasses horse treat.

Jenn70Fran

New York

Junior Member

Added on May 14th, 2009
Dogs can and should be fed vegetables! There are a few that they shouldn't eat which have been listed for you here but veggies should be a normal part of their diet. Pedegree is also a very poor dog food. You should get an Iams kibble and mix it up with some tasty cooked (for digestion) green beans, carrots, peas, and potatoes or lentils. This is a great mix and you will have a very healthy dog! I like to roast a whole chicken in a bag in the oven once a week also. I tear that up and mix it with cooked veggies and my dog has dinner all cooked and ready for the week!

MochasMom

Canada

Junior Member

Added on Feb 4th, 2009
I once had a dog who loved carrots so much, she would dig them up out of the garden, eat the carrot... but leave the greens on the lawn.

lfallonfive

New York

Junior Member

Added on Jan 16th, 2009
My westie has loved carrots ever since she was a pup. Anytime I get out my salad ingredients out, she comes running in. Also, she now has my maltese loving them. I dont think they can hurt, i dont give them big pieces, just usually break off a small piece and an even smaller one for my Maltese..