Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Raw or cooked plain carrots are a safe, low-calorie, crunchy treat for most dogs.^1,2 The main risk is choking, so cut carrots into bite-size coins or sticks, especially for small dogs, puppies and dogs that gulp.^1,2 Skip glazed or buttered carrots and carrot cake, which can contain sugar, fat, raisins, nutmeg or xylitol.^2,3

Carrot Nutrition for Dogs

Carrots are mostly water, with some fiber, potassium and a lot of beta-carotene, which dogs can convert into vitamin A.^4,5

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw, baby and boiled carrots.^4,6,7

How Many Carrots Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^8,9 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.¹⁰ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Carrots are low in calories per piece, but a few baby carrots still make up roughly 10 to 20 percent of a dog's daily treat allowance. The serving guide below, two to three times a week, comes from a vet-reviewed pet retailer chart, because PetMD's own table wasn't available, so treat it as a rough guide.³

Calories are our estimate using USDA weights. Use the lower end on days your dog gets other treats.

Raw or Cooked Carrots?

Both are fine.¹ Raw carrots are crunchy and satisfying; cooked carrots are softer, which makes them easier for small dogs and seniors to chew. Steam or boil them plain, with no butter, oil, salt, sugar, onion or garlic.^2,3 PetMD notes cooked carrots may provide more nutrients, though the difference is small.^2,7

How to Serve Carrots to Your Dog

• Wash and trim the ends. Peeling is optional.
• Cut into coins about 1/4 inch thick, or thin sticks. Large pieces can get stuck in the throat.^2,1
• Cut baby carrots in half lengthwise for small dogs and fast eaters. A whole baby carrot is about thumb size, which is a choking risk for some dogs (our practical advice).⁶
• Use small carrot pieces as low-calorie training treats or toss a few into a snuffle mat.
• Mix grated or cooked mashed carrot into your dog's food for variety.

Frozen Carrots and Teething Puppies

Sources disagree here. The American Kennel Club says some vets recommend cold or frozen carrots for teething puppies, and a veterinary dental technician writing for vets says cold carrots may help relieve teething discomfort.^1,11 PetMD warns that frozen carrot pieces are a choking hazard and can damage teeth.² A sensible middle ground: refrigerated carrot pieces are lower risk than frozen ones. If you offer a frozen carrot, give a large piece only while you watch, take it away when it gets small, and skip frozen carrots for dogs with dental problems.

Can Carrots Give Dogs Too Much Vitamin A?

No source reports vitamin A poisoning from carrots in dogs. Carrots contain beta-carotene, not ready-made vitamin A, and dogs convert it as needed. A veterinary nutrition review notes that beta-carotene has no known toxicity and that high intakes reduce how much is converted.⁵ Too many carrots can still cause gas, loose stools or an unbalanced diet.^2,3

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Cake?

No. Carrot cake is high in sugar and fat, which can upset your dog's stomach or trigger pancreatitis, and it may contain raisins, nutmeg or xylitol.^2,3 Raisins and xylitol are toxic to dogs.^12,13 If your dog ate carrot cake with raisins or a sugar-free frosting, call your vet or a pet poison hotline now. See dog ate grapes or raisins and xylitol poisoning.

Can Puppies Eat Carrots?

Yes, puppies can have small amounts of carrot once they're eating solid food and treats, usually from about 8 weeks. Start with tiny, soft or thin pieces so they don't choke.^2,9

Are Carrots Good for Dogs?

Carrots are a good low-calorie alternative to processed treats, with fiber and beta-carotene.^1,4 One small study found purified beta-carotene supplements boosted some immune measures in Beagles, but that tested a supplement, not carrots.¹⁴ No studies show that carrots clean dogs' teeth, so they aren't a substitute for brushing.

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.^2,3 A dog that is choking and can't breathe is an emergency. See dog choking.

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