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Author: Carla Steffen
Proofreader: Veronika Hajek
Carrots, often referred to as "power vegetables," are known to be healthy for us humans. But did you know that this nutrient-rich root vegetable also offers many benefits to our dogs?
Whether as a snack between meals, as a supplement to the main food or as a special treat - carrots are more than just a tasty treat for your four-legged friend. Here you will find out why they are so good for dogs, what health benefits they have and how you can best integrate them into your pet's diet.
Carrots are much more than just a sweet, crunchy vegetable that dogs love to chew. They are packed with health benefits that range from supporting physical functions to relieving certain ailments. While dogs love the sweet aroma and crunchy bite, dog owners will appreciate the positive effects on their four-legged friend's health. We at VEGDOG don't want to miss out on these benefits of the carrot either, which is why our dog food such as GREEN CRUNCH , SENIOR PEAS & MILLET or SENSITIVE LUPINE PROTEIN contains carrots!
The orange color of the carrot indicates its high beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene, or ß-carotene, is a provitamin that belongs to the carotenoid family. The provitamin is a precursor of vitamin A, also known as retinol. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is also fat-soluble. Vitamin A is important for eye health and can help maintain and improve the dog's eyesight. In the form of retinal, vitamin A is particularly important for night vision, as retinal is part of the visual purple in the retina. Present in rods, it helps to distinguish between light and dark. But vitamin A also has many other benefits. For example, it supports skin regeneration, as retinol is converted in the skin to retinoic acid, or vitamin A acid, and thus contributes to the elasticity of the skin.
They are also rich in fiber, which can aid digestion and prevent constipation. But that's not all! Chewing raw carrots can also help reduce tartar, promoting overall dental and oral health.
Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce free radicals that cause cell damage. Free radicals are oxygen compounds in the body, for example in metabolic processes, but also caused by UV radiation or nicotine. Free radicals can damage the DNA of cells. Through certain chemical reactions, beta-carotene can reduce this process as an antioxidant by switching off the free radicals.
They are also rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can prevent constipation. The fiber in carrots is particularly pectin, a polysaccharide that can bind toxins in the intestines. Pectin also promotes the growth of good intestinal bacteria. Thanks to pectin, carrots can help with regular bowel movements and control blood sugar levels. But that's not all! Chewing raw carrots can also help reduce tartar and thus promote general dental and oral health.
There are situations where your dog is struggling with stomach problems, be it diarrhea or vomiting. In such cases, cooked carrots can have a soothing effect on the stomach. They are an easily digestible source of nutrients and can help firm up the stool.
Especially in puppies whose digestive systems are still sensitive, cooked carrots can be an effective remedy for diarrhea. However, it is important to stress that veterinary advice should always be sought in case of persistent digestive problems or severe symptoms.
But carrots are not only good for your health, they also taste great. Our furry friends often love the crispy, almost crunchy taste of raw carrots, which makes them a great toy. The particularly sweet taste also means that most four-legged friends love the raw vegetable. This makes carrots a simple but healthy snack between meals.
Dog owners only want the best for their four-legged friends. The way we prepare food for our four-legged friends plays a crucial role in this. There are a few things to consider, especially when preparing vegetables like carrots, so that the dog can enjoy all the health benefits that this power vegetable has to offer.
The question of whether carrots should be fed to dogs raw or cooked is not an easy one to answer, as both options have their own benefits. Raw ones are crunchy and can help reduce tartar, while cooked ones are softer and easier to digest, especially for older dogs or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
When cooking them, it is advisable to cook them gently for about 10 to 15 minutes so that they become softer and do not lose too many of their valuable nutrients.
In general, it is recommended to peel carrots for dogs, especially if they are fed raw. The peel can contain phytic acid, which can inhibit the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. In addition, the peel can be difficult to digest, especially for older dogs or dogs with gastrointestinal problems.
However, there are exceptions: young carrots with a thin, tender skin do not necessarily need to be peeled, especially if they are boiled or steamed, as this process makes the skin softer and easier to digest.
The size of the pieces is also important: they should always be cut into bite-sized pieces to minimize the risk of choking. Even though the vegetable offers many health benefits, it should not be forgotten that it also contains sugar and should therefore only be fed in moderation.
A special preparation for dogs with digestive problems is Moro's carrot soup. For this soup, peeled carrots are boiled for about an hour and then pureed. Not only does it taste good, it can also soothe the stomach.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Note: Moro's carrot soup can be divided into portions and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you are preparing larger quantities, the soup can also be frozen in smaller portions and thawed when needed.
This soup is particularly suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal problems as it is easily digestible, soothes the stomach and promotes digestion.
There are several ways to provide the benefits to dogs without having to prepare them fresh every time. Carrot pellets and carrot flakes are ideal alternatives. They can be easily mixed into the daily food and offer a convenient way to supplement the dog's diet with the health benefits of the carrot.
For dog owners who are often pressed for time but still want to offer a tasty snack with carrots, VEGDOG JERKEYS are an excellent choice. With these tasty snacks, you can make your furry friend happy quickly and easily.
The root vegetable is not only a valuable vegetable for us humans, but also for dogs, rich in nutrients and beneficial to health. It strengthens the eyes, promotes digestion and can be served both raw and cooked. It is important to pay attention to the correct preparation and dosage. Integrate carrots into your four-legged friend's diet and give him a boost in health and well-being.
Raw carrots are definitely good for dogs. Not only are they an excellent source of important vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the dog's body, but they also have a crunchy texture that many dogs love. Chewing raw carrots can also help clean teeth and reduce tartar buildup.
The exact amount of carrots a dog can eat each day depends on several factors, including their size, weight and general diet. While carrots are healthy, they should be fed in moderation to keep sugar levels in check. For small dogs, half a carrot is often enough, while larger dogs can be given a whole carrot or two as a snack. However, it is important to consider them as a supplement to the main diet, not a replacement.
Carrots offer many health benefits to dogs. They are rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can prevent constipation. The beta-carotene they contain is good for eye health and supports the immune system. Additionally, chewing carrots, especially raw ones, can promote a dog's oral health by naturally cleaning teeth and reducing tartar.
Tessa Zaune-Figlar
