Carrot tops

Oft-discarded carrot tops – the leafy greens of the carrot – are actually an exceptionally nutrient-rich part of the plant. Their mild bitterness reflects their high concentration of chlorophyll and minerals, while their vibrant green colour signals the presence of carotenoids and antioxidants.

In nutrition, carrot tops contribute valuable vitamins, minerals and fibre, supporting digestion and immune function, as well as skeletal and muscle health. Their nutritional profile is quite different from the carrot root, which is known for its natural sugars; tops contain vitamin K, vitamin C and minerals like calcium and potassium, giving them a quite different nutritional balance. And they can easily be added, for example, to slow cooker stews and toppings.

Main Benefits

Gut Health
Helped by dietary fibre and plant polyphenols that support beneficial gut bacteria and healthy digestion.
Immune Support
Strengthened by vitamin A, which help combat oxidative stress and support immune defences.
Bone and Muscle Health
Supported by calcium, magnesium and vitamin K, essential for skeletal development, nerve transmission and muscle repair.
Skin, Coat and Eye Health
Promoted by vitamin A, vitamin E, lutein and chlorophyll, which support vision, skin elasticity and cellular protection.
Detoxification and Cellular Health
Chlorophyll aids detoxification and wound healing, while antioxidants help protect cells from damage and support tissue regeneration.
Blood cells
Chlorophyll also supports blood vitality due to its structural similarity to .

Note on Oxalates:

Carrot tops contain oxalates, natural compounds that can bind with minerals, particularly calcium, reducing their bioavailability. Synergy from pairing with other ingredients also helps achieve the full benefits of vitamins like folate. So when cooking carrot tops, consider the following:

Combines well with:
Carrot tops are rich in the fat-soluble Vitamin and other carotenoids. The absorption (bioavailability) of these nutrients is significantly increased when fed alongside a source of fat (like olive oil, salmon oil, or the fat naturally present in meat). They also pair well with sources, which works alongside Folate to ensure proper synthesis and production.

Avoid combining with:
Pairing with other high-oxalate vegetables (e.g., raw spinach) should be done sparingly or in rotation, as combining them increases the overall oxalate load, which can further impede calcium absorption. The raw, unprocessed form does not allow the dog to access the nutrients effectively, making preparation essential.

 

Main nutrients and their functions

Fibre

Fibre is a non-digestible carbohydrate that plays a vital role in canine digestive health. It supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helps regulate bowel movements, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Soluble fibre absorbs water to form a gel that slows digestion and supports nutrient absorption, while insoluble fibre adds bulk and aids stool consistency.

Chlorophyll and Antioxidants

Carrot tops are rich in chlorophyll and powerful antioxidants like lutein and polyphenols. These bioactive molecules work to neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular protection. Additionally, chlorophyll contributes to detoxification and wound healing, while lutein specifically supports eye health and the immune system.

Main Vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting the immune system and promoting skin integrity. It is also involved in cell differentiation and growth, making it vital for the proper development of tissues and organs in puppies and active dogs. As an antioxidant, vitamin A helps protect against oxidative stress and safeguard cells from damage. Dogs can convert vitamin A from foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in blood clotting, ensuring wounds heal properly and preventing excessive bleeding. It also supports bone health by regulating calcium and driving protein synthesis needed to maintain bone density. Some studies suggest it may also contribute to cardiovascular health. Dogs obtain vitamin K mainly in two forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) from green leafy vegetables, and vitamin K2 (menaquinones) from animal products and fermented foods, with smaller amounts also produced by gut microbes. Because vitamin K is not stored in large quantities, regular dietary intake is important, and factors such as gut health or antibiotic use can influence how well dogs maintain sufficient levels.

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble vitamin. Whilst dogs can synthesise some folate, dietary intake is crucial for optimal health. It is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division and the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. Folate is involved in the breakdown and utilisation of amino acids, ensuring efficient protein synthesis. It is vital for maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system function. Some studies suggest links to cardiovascular, joint and even cognitive health and mental wellbeing in dogs, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits. Dietary sources include leafy greens, legumes and liver.

Chopped green waste (cauliflower leaves, carrot tops, cauliflower and cavolo nero stalks)

Main Minerals

Calcium

Calcium is a major mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a central role in muscle contraction, nerve transmission and blood clotting. In dogs, calcium works closely with phosphorus to maintain skeletal structure and ensure proper growth and development. Adequate intake supports heart health, as calcium is involved in the normal contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle.

Magnesium

As a major mineral and cofactor, magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions, supporting energy production, protein synthesis and muscle and nerve function. For dogs, it is vital for healthy muscle activity, nerve transmission and strong bones. Magnesium also plays a key role in cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and heart rhythm, in blood coagulation and in supporting the immune system.

Potassium

Potassium is a major mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body, aiding hydration and supporting performance during physical activity. It is essential for normal muscle and nerve function, contributing  to the proper functioning of the heart muscle to support cardiovascular health.

Iron

Iron is a vital trace mineral for dogs, essential for producing red blood cells. It is an essential component of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the bloodstream, and myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle tissue, thus supporting energy levels, stamina and overall vitality.

Manganese

Manganese is a trace mineral vital for skeletal growth, the formation of healthy bone tissue and the maintenance of connective tissue, particularly ligaments and cartilage. It is essential for energy production and the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption and overall metabolism.

Want to know more? These studies may be useful:

  • Bardakçi MS, Özçelik A, Karacabey E. Does Daucus carota leaf provide a high potential as a source of bioactive constituents: A case study about the influences of process/storage conditions. Food Sci Nutr. 2024 May 27;12(8):5882-5889. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.4232. PMID: 39139950; PMCID: PMC11317672.
  • Ragothaman, Venkataramanan & Gunasekaran, S & Chirukandoth, Sreekumar & Anil Kumar, Rishipal & Mathagowder, Iyue. (2015). NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND SUITABILITY OF CARROT WHOLE TOP AS GREEN FODDER R. Venkataramanan, S. Gunasekaran, C. Sreekumar, R. Anilkumar and M. Iyue Indian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Research 44 (1) 49 – 52, January – February 2015. Indian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Research. 44. 49-52.

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!