Carrots?

Why it’s safe

Carrots are not toxic to dogs and are one of the easiest vegetable treats to share. Both raw and cooked carrots are healthy options, and they are an excellent source of vitamin A and a low-calorie snack.

Chewing on carrots may also help dental health, but it is a bonus and not a replacement for dental care. Cold or frozen carrots are sometimes recommended by vets for teething puppies.

The main risk is physical. Whole carrots and long carrot sticks can be a choking hazard, so cut them into bite-sized chunks. The right amount varies by dog, so talk to your vet about how many carrots to feed per day, especially if your dog has diabetes or needs a weight-loss plan.

How to serve it safely

Wash and peel if you like, then cut into bite-sized chunks suited to your dog: thin sticks or small coins for small dogs, bigger sticks or chunks for large dogs. Always supervise, and avoid long whole carrots for dogs that swallow food without chewing. Cooked carrot is softer and easier on puppies and seniors.

Serve plain, with no butter, oil, salt, garlic or onion. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories; for most dogs that means a few small pieces rather than a whole carrot. Large frozen carrots can serve as edible chew toys and may soothe a teething puppy, but supervise so nothing breaks off in large pieces.

If your dog already ate it

A normal amount of carrot needs no action. If your dog ate a lot and has an upset stomach, offer water and watch for improvement.

If your dog is choking, gagging, vomiting repeatedly or seems in pain after swallowing big pieces, contact your vet or an emergency clinic straight away. Carrots cooked with onion, garlic or heavy seasoning are a different problem; in that case call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Do not make your dog vomit at home.