As a Pug parent, you know that there are some fruits and veggies that are good for your pooch. On the downside, there are others that can be extremely toxic to your pet. Today, we’re going to answer the question “can Pugs eat carrots” as well as the right amount to feed them.
Can Pugs Eat Carrots?
The short answer is Yes dogs can eat carrots and the best part is that this veggie can be very healthy for dogs. On top of the health benefits, carrots will help polish your dog’s pearly whites and help combat plaque build-up.
If your pooch is constantly staring at you when you’re making a salad, go ahead and give them a small piece. It’s okay, and they can make a great healthy snack for your dog!
Related: Fresh Cooked Food For Pugs!
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Carrots To Pugs?
Carrots are a great veggie snack for both humans and dogs. In fact, here are some of the reasons you should consider making them an occasional treat for your four-legged friend.
Consult with your veterinarian whenever you give them any new treats, fruits, or veggies. Changes to their diet can cause digestive issues, especially, if your pooch is sensative to foods.
Beta-Carotene
Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that helps protect body cells from damage. Several studies have shown that dogs (young ones) can absorb beta-carotene in their regular diet, which will provide them with immunological benefits.
This nutrient is known to improve and prevent vision issues. While it may not help your dog see better, it can help reduce the risk of your pooch developing cataracts.
Vitamin A
This is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in fat cells, mainly in the liver. Vitamin A is beneficial to help keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy, maintain good vision, and improve their metabolism.
Low Calories and Fat
Pugs are prone to obesity, this is why carrots are an excellent choice for a healthy snack alternative.
The best part is they are less expensive than other types of dog treats. If you have a green thumb, you can plant them in your garden in the spring.
Dental Health
If your pooch hates getting their teeth cleaned, then you should consider giving them this snack. Carrots have been proven to help polish a dog’s teeth.
Although, it is still recommended that you try to brush your dog’s teeth at least once a month with a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste.
Don’t expect to see a huge benefit from feeding your dog carrots. Dogs should be getting most of their nutrients from their dog food.
That being said, there’s nothing wrong with giving them a healthy tasty treat that they will surely love.
Related: Vegetables Pugs Can Eat
Carrot Fun Facts
Carrots are a root vegetable that comes in orange, purple, white, and yellow. (although orange is the most common type)
This veggie can be consumed in several different ways including; pulped, steamed, stewed, juiced, grated, fried, boiled, mashed, or eaten raw.
It is considered one of the most economical vegetable crops. If you eat too many carrots at one time, it can cause a person’s skin to turn yellowish-orange.
You can eat the leaves on the carrot and some people do.
Nutritional Facts
One cup chopped carrots (128 grams):
- Calories: 52
- Potassium: 410 mg
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Fat: 0.31 grams
- Iron: 0.38 mg
- Zinc: 0.31 mg
- Vitamin K: 16.9 mcg
- Phosphorous: 45 mg
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Vitamin C: 7.6
- Folate: 24 mcg
- Magnesium: 15 mg
- Fiber: 3.6 grams
Are Carrots Safe For Pugs?
Absolutely, as long as you don’t overfeed them. An average-sized dog should be able to eat two to three baby carrots a day. A small sized dog like a Pug should be fine with one carrot per day or every other day.
If you want to give your pooch more carrots, then you should consider checking different dog food brands that may have some carrots in the ingredients.
Feeding Your Pug Carrots: Possible Side Effects
Regardless of what type of fruits or veggies you feed your dog, there is always a chance of some possible side effects. Pugs are prone to allergies, so make sure that you always feed them a small amount to make sure they do not have any sensitivities to the veggie.
Pay attention to your pooch, if they don’t show any signs of an upset tummy, they should be fine. If you give them too much, it can cause gastric upset.
How Can I Feed My Pug Carrots?
There are several ways to prepare carrots, so you can serve them to your dog. In fact, here are some different ways you can introduce this veggie to your four-legged friend.
Cooked
Many people love feeding their dog carrots that have been cooked and pureed. After preparation, you can try mixing the carrots in your dog’s regular food.
Try searching the Internet for baked carrot recipes for dogs. There is absolutely no shortage of dog recipes you can use to make some homemade dog treats.
Raw
When feeding your dog raw carrots, make sure that you chop them into small bite-sized pieces. Never give your pooch a whole carrot or baby carrots as it can cause them to choke.
Some dogs will be fine eating baby carrots, just make sure you monitor them while they are snacking on vegetables like carrots.
We used to feed Mindy my black Pug shaved carrots and she loved them. Although, it was a little hard to eat the shavings, but it was funny to watch her.
Juice
Carrot juice is extremely high in Vitamin A but loses a lot of its fiber content through the juicing process. If you do feed your dog carrot juice, make sure you opt for 100% organic carrot juice or make your own with a Vitamix or juicer.
If you have any leftover, make sure you discard it after 48 hours. Most vegetable juices will not hold their nutrients after being stored in the refrigerator.
Steam and Mash Them
Grab your potato masher and mash the steamed carrots to create a blend or paste to create a tasty carrot puree. Add a small portion of the puree to your dog’s regular dog food.
Can Pugs Eat The Leaves?
Unlike other fruits and vegetables, dogs can eat every part of this vegetable. Yes, they can even eat the leafy green tops.
The leafy green top can make a great natural treat and has a good flavor that your dog may enjoy!
Alternative To Carrots For Pugs
If you feed your Pug fruits and veggies, then you may want to consider feeding them some of the following veggies that can be beneficial for dogs.
- Cucumber
- Spinach (spinach is safe for Pugs)
- Zucchini
- Sweet Potatoes
Toxic human foods you should never give your pooch are:
- Onions (onions are toxic to dogs)
- Garlic
- White Potatoes
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Carrots
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with feeding your Pug carrots, as long as you feed them in moderation.
The most important thing to remember is that your dog’s snacks and treats should NEVER consume more than 10% of their regular diet. They should be getting most of their nutrients from high-quality dog food for Pugs.
References and Further Reading
Online Library Wiley – Effects Of Age And Dietary B-Carotene On Immunological Variables In Dogs