Can dogs eat it?

Can dogs eat carrots?

Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this

Short answer

Yes, carrots are one of the best vegetable treats for dogs. They are low in calories, about 41 per 100 g, crunchy when raw and soft when cooked. Serve them plain, washed and cut to a sensible size. A medium carrot is plenty for a large dog in a day; small dogs need just a few sticks.

Raw or cooked

Raw carrot sticks give a satisfying crunch and keep a dog chewing for longer. Cooked carrots are softer and a little easier to digest, which suits older dogs or those with dental problems. Steam or boil them plain, with no butter, salt or glaze.

Whole baby carrots can be swallowed in one piece by an eager dog, so slice them lengthways for small breeds.

Using carrots for weight control

Because they are mostly water and fiber, carrots let a dieting dog keep its treat routine without many calories. A 10 cm (4 in) stick has under 10 calories, compared with 30 or more for a typical biscuit treat. Many owners carry a bag of carrot coins on walks.

Grated raw carrot can also be sprinkled over a meal to add bulk and crunch without many calories. Around a tablespoon suits a medium dog; for a small dog, a teaspoon is enough.

Carrots and teeth

Chewing on raw carrot can scrape a little plaque from the surface of teeth, but it is not a substitute for tooth brushing or dental care. Frozen whole carrots are sometimes given to teething puppies; choose a size too large to swallow and supervise the whole time.

Watching the orange output

Dogs do not fully break down carrot fiber, so you may see orange flecks in stools after a generous serving. That is normal. Loose stools after a lot of carrot usually mean the portion was too large.

Key takeaways

Carrots are safe raw or cooked and low in calories.
Slice baby carrots lengthways for small dogs.
They make an excellent diet-friendly treat.
Chewing carrots helps a little but does not replace dental care.