Can Frenchies eat carrots safely?
These crunchy, tasty, and highly nutritious vegetables are healthy for humans.
You add them to your foods and snack on them daily.
But are they safe for your fur baby?
Read on to find answers and learn more about Frenchies and carrots.
Can Frenchies have carrots?
Yes. Frenchies can eat carrots safely. Besides being low in calories and rich in fiber, carrots contain antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin A necessary for your dog’s overall growth and development.
Carrot Nutrition Facts
- Carrots have vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A for eye health and better immunity. Vitamin K1 aids in blood coagulation and strong bones, while vitamin B6 aids in converting food to energy. Moreover, potassium regulates blood pressure.
- Carrots contain a soluble fiber called pectin, which regulates blood sugar levels, boosts immunity, and reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. Insoluble fiber aids in the digestion process.
- Carotenoids in carrots are immunity boosters.
Why do Frenchies love carrots?
Vitamin A: Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which promotes vision in dogs and protects them from diseases. Furthermore, vitamin A is responsible for a smooth and shiny coat.
Beta-carotene: This gives carrots their rich orange color. Apart from this, Beta-carotene is an antioxidant and boosts the immune system. Moreover, it is responsible for strong and healthy teeth, cancer prevention, and a healthy reproductive system.
Dietary fiber: Carrots are rich in fiber, which adds bulk to stool, thus easing the digestion process and increasing bowel movement frequency in dogs.
Low-fat, low-calorie treat: The low fat and calorie content in carrots promotes a healthy lifestyle in dogs as it aids in weight loss. Carrots are also a good training tool.
Great for the teeth: Carrots are crunchy, and as your dog chews on them, the food particles stuck in the teeth get removed.
This not only gives your dog clean teeth, but it also freshens the mouth resulting in an odor-free breath. In addition, carrots lower the probability of dogs getting cavities as they act as cleaning agents in the mouth.
Frozen carrots are good for teething as they soothe the gums and reduce the discomforts that come with teething.
How Do I Prepare Carrots for My Frenchies?
- Grate carrots: Grating makes it easier for dogs to eat them as they are bite-sized. Wash carrots before grating.
- Juice them: Carrot juice is rich in vitamin A for eyesight. However, the pulp is removed, making it less nutritious. Add juiced carrots to your dog’s food to make it tastier.
- Freeze the carrots: Frozen carrots are good for teething. The cold sensation soothes gums making teething less uncomfortable.
- Steam the carrots: Steaming not only adds flavor but also ensures that most nutrients get retained.
- Bake the carrots: Baked carrots are the best treatment for dogs due to their high levels of natural sugars.
- Make carrot chips: Carrot chips are crunchier and tastier than raw carrots.
Raw or cooked carrots – Which is better for your Frenchies?
Raw carrots
Raw carrots contain pectin for blood sugar regulation and vitamin A for eyesight. However, the outer layer has cellulose which dogs might not fully digest.
You can grate the carrots and add them to the dog’s food or cut them into smaller pieces and feed your dog directly.
Juiced carrots.
Juiced carrots are a powerhouse of nutrients; however, juicing removes the pulp, which contains fiber. For maximum benefits to your dog, add the pulp back to the juice before giving it to your dog.
Frozen carrots
The cool sensation of frozen carrots soothes your dog’s gums and reduces the discomfort that comes with teething. Cut carrots into fine pieces before freezing as dogs can choke on large carrots.
Cooked carrots
Cooking carrots breaks down the outer cellular cover, thus ensuring maximum absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, cooking makes carrots soft hence lowering the chances of choking.
When cooking carrots, do not boil; just steam so that you retain the nutrients.
Simple Carrot Treat Recipe You Need to Try
Ingredient
- 6 peeled carrots
- 6 hotdog buns
- 1 cup tamari
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cups of water
Procedure
- In a saucepan, mix the tamari, liquid smoke, maple syrup, ketchup, and water.
- Add carrots
- Bring to boil in medium heat for 10 minutes
- Turn off the heat and let it cool, then make a sandwich with the buns
When are carrots bad for Frenchies
When served in moderation, carrots are a healthy treat for dogs. However, carrots contain sugar, and high sugar intake leads to canine obesity.
Consequently, obese dogs are prone to diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
Raw carrots cause choking in dogs. Giving large-sized pieces makes it riskier for dogs.
What Vegetables Can Frenchies Eat?
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is healthy for dogs as it contains vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber for good vision, better immunity, strong muscles, and smooth digestion.
- Cabbage: Cabbage contains Vitamin B, which boosts immunity and ensures healthy hormone regulation. Vitamin K in cabbage aids in faster blood clotting. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits due to its vitamin C content.
- Celery: It is rich in fiber which aids in digestion. Vitamin A in celery gives dogs a shiny coat and soft skin. Chewing celery also freshens your Frenchie’s breath.
- Fennel: Frenchies can safely eat fennel containing vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and potassium. The vegetable also aids in digestion, freshens breath, and contributes to the overall health of your dog.
- Brussel sprouts: They contain antioxidants that replenish damaged cells. Moreover, vitamin K makes the bones strong and healthy. The vegetable further contains potassium and manganese for muscle protein.
- Broccoli: This vegetable is rich in vitamin C and fiber and has fewer calories making it a healthy treat for your furry friend.
- Artichokes: It contains vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, and folic acid, healthy for Frenchies. Artichokes also boost the immune system.
- Asparagus: it is rich in folic acid, potassium, fiber, and vitamin A which are necessary for your Frenchie’s healthy growth.
Can Frenchies digest raw carrots?
No. Raw carrots have a cellulose lining that dogs cannot digest. Consequently, you will see traces of carrot in your Frenchie’s stool since they cannot fully digest it.
Is it OK to give your Frenchies carrots everyday?
Yes. Frenchies can eat carrots daily but in small quantities. They should be given as treats and not substitute for the usual dog food. Two carrots per day are OK.
Should I peel carrots for my dog?
No. The pulp in carrots is rich in fiber. Peeling carrots removes the pulp making them less nutritious and beneficial for your Frenchie. Give carrots in their whole form.
Do carrots clean dog’s teeth?
Yes. As your dog chews on the carrot, it removes food particles in its teeth. Furthermore, chewing on tough chews like carrots reduces the chances of plaque build-up.
Do carrots make dogs gain weight?
Yes. Carrots contain lots of natural sugars, and frequent consumption can lead to canine obesity. Carrots should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake for a healthy weight.
Can carrots cause orange poop in dogs?
Yes. Carrots contain carotenoids which give them orange pigment. Your Frenchie will pass orange stool as a result of this. However, you should consult your vet to rule out pancreatitis.
Are Frenchies allergic to carrots?
Some dogs can be allergic to carrots; hence you should consult your vet before giving your dog carrots. Signs of carrot allergies include itching, vomiting, gas rashes, wheezing, and diarrhea.
Can carrots cause diarrhea?
The high fiber in carrots makes dogs have frequent bowel movements, and large consumption can make stool watery. This is because dogs do not need as much fiber as humans.
Why are there carrots in my dog’s poop?
You may notice some carrots in your dog’s poop. This results from eating raw carrots. Raw carrots contain cellulose which dogs cannot digest; hence it is passed unchanged.
Are carrots good for a dog’s liver?
Yes. Carotenoids stimulate the bile to flow, thus removing waste. Fiber and antioxidants in carrots reduce the liver workload and keep it healthy. They also provide water for flushing out toxins.
Can Frenchies Eat Carrots? Final Thoughts
Now you know everything about feeding carrots to your Frenchie.
So can Frenchies eat carrots safely?
Carrots are healthy treats to your Frenchie. Besides being a powerhouse of beneficial nutrients, carrots promote your dog’s dental health and are low in calories.
However, you should give your dog carrots as a treat and not a substitute for a well-balanced diet.
Giving your dog lots of carrots is harmful as carrots contain natural sugars, leading to canine obesity and other health problems.
Frenchies can be allergic to carrots, so you should consult a vet before introducing carrots in their diet.
Happy parenting
