The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Carrots: Safe or Toxic?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat carrots in moderation, and this crunchy vegetable can offer some impressive health benefits. However, before adding carrots to your pup’s diet, there are a few important factors to consider. While raw and cooked carrots without added salt, butter, or seasonings are generally safe, some preparations—like glazed carrots or those used in human dishes—may contain harmful ingredients to dogs. Plus, what about carrot peels and tops? Are baby carrots a better option? Can too many carrots lead to digestive upset or excess sugar intake? This guide will explore the benefits, potential risks, and the safest way to incorporate carrots into your dog’s diet.

Are Carrots Good For Dogs?

Carrots can be a healthy and nutritious low-calorie dog treat when given in moderation.

Always serve carrots plain and in appropriate sizes to avoid choking—especially for small dogs. Avoid feeding cooked carrots with added butter, salt, or seasonings. Also, introduce them gradually into your dog’s diet to monitor for any digestive sensitivity.

What The Science Says

Multiple research studies have found that carrots can be a healthy and valuable addition to a dog’s diet, offering both nutritional and digestive benefits:

1. Support digestive health: A study found that when dried ground carrots were added to dry dog food, they were about 70% digestible and provided 1.2 MJ of digestible energy per 100g of dry matter. Importantly, dogs fed diets with carrot inclusion experienced decreased fecal pH and increased lactate and volatile fatty acids, which suggests improved colonic bacterial metabolism—an indicator of better gut health.^[1]
2. Natural source of vitamin A: Research demonstrated that dogs consuming raw carrots had significantly higher vitamin A levels in their liver and kidneys compared to those on a meat and rice diet.^[2] This confirms that carrots are a valuable natural source of vitamin A, which supports vision, skin, and immune health in dogs.
3. Functional and nutritious pet food ingredient: A 2024 study published in Current Research in Food Science emphasized the potential of carrots as a functional ingredient in dog food. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and dietary fiber, making them ideal for enhancing nutritional value and appealing to dogs’ taste preferences.^[3]
4. Promotes gut health: A study published in the Journal of Animal Science notes that incorporating carrot pomace into canine diets improved the digestibility of total dietary fiber, phosphorus, and magnesium, while also boosting fecal short-chain fatty acid production, a key marker of gut microbiome health.^[4]

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of carrots contains the following nutrients:

Carrot Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Carrots to Dogs

While carrots can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Can Dogs Ear Raw Carrots?

​Yes, dogs can safely eat raw carrots. The crunchy texture of raw carrots can also help support dental health by naturally reducing plaque buildup. Some dogs may have difficulty digesting raw carrots, leading to upset stomachs or gas. Lightly steam or boil carrots to make them easier to digest while retaining most nutrients. While raw carrots can help clean teeth, overly hard chunks or excessive chewing may wear down teeth over time in dogs with dental sensitivities.

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Peel?

​Yes, dogs can safely eat carrot peels. Carrot peels retain many of the same vitamins and minerals as the whole carrot, When peeling carrots for yourself, you can save the peels for your canine companion and cook them into a tasty carrot purée. ​Ensure the carrot peels are cleaned to remove any dirt or pesticide residues.

Are Dogs Allergic to Carrot?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to carrots.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Carrots

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide the quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining carrot or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Carrots to Dogs

When feeding carrots to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Carrots to Dogs

As with any new food, start slowly and feed gradually to give the digestive system time to adjust.

Best Carrot Dog Treat

For those who want to provide the benefits of carrots in a tasty way, Wet Noses Organic Crunchy Carrot & Sweet Potato Treats offer a delicious, nutrient-rich snack. These crunchy, oven-baked treats are made with USDA-certified organic ingredients, including real carrots and sweet potatoes, known for their high fiber content and rich antioxidant profile. Formulated to support digestive health and overall wellness, they are grain-free, corn-free, and soy-free, making them ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Incorporating these veggie-packed treats into your dog’s routine is a tasty way to promote vitality and a healthy, balanced diet.

Best Carrot Dog Food

If you’re looking to incorporate carrots into your dog’s diet and provide its benefits, consider Health Extension Gently Cooked Fresh Lamb & Carrot Dog Food. This gently cooked recipe is crafted with farm-raised lamb as the first ingredient, paired with carrots and other wholesome vegetables to support digestion and immune function. The formula delivers restaurant-quality, human-grade ingredients in convenient, ready-to-serve pouches free from fillers and artificial preservatives. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this meal offers a natural, balanced approach to canine nutrition, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality.

How Much Carrot Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like carrots. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning carrots based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Feed Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1–2 baby carrots or 1–2 tbsp finely chopped	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2–3 baby carrots or 2–3 tbsp chopped	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	½ medium carrot or ¼–⅓ cup chopped	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	1 medium carrot or about ½ cup chopped	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	1–1½ medium carrots or about ½–¾ cup chopped	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Carrots?

Yes, puppies can eat carrots, but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of finely chopped or grated carrot—to see how they react. Feeding too much carrot at once can lead to mild digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle with increased fiber. Stick to plain, fresh carrots—raw or lightly steamed—with no added salt, butter, or seasonings. Avoid feeding canned or cooked carrots from prepared dishes, as they may contain ingredients that aren’t safe for puppies. When introducing carrots or any new food, don’t offer multiple new items on the same day. This way, you can monitor for food sensitivities or allergies more easily. Try offering a teaspoon of plain, diced carrots and then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system responds before increasing the amount. Also, make sure carrots are cut into very small, soft, or thin pieces to prevent choking, especially for toy breeds and young puppies.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to carrots that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Carrots are a crunchy, nutritious, and low-calorie treat that can benefit your dog’s health when fed in moderation. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they make a great addition to your dog’s snack rotation—whether served raw, cooked, or frozen. Just remember to introduce them gradually, cut them into safe sizes, and avoid any added seasonings or sauces. Like any treat, balance is key to keeping your dog healthy.

Whether you’re introducing carrots or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. [Granulated carrots (Daucus carota) in dog nutrition]
2. Effect of Prolonged Feeding of Raw Carrots on Vitamin A Content of Liver and Kidneys in the Dog
3. Carrot-based functional pet food: A comprehensive study on texture, nutritional value, microbiology, and canine acceptance
4. Effects of Brewer’s spent grain and carrot pomace on digestibility, fecal microbiota, and fecal and urinary metabolites in dogs fed low- or high-protein diets