Carrots: cheap, cheerful and healthy

 

You ask me what life is? It is like asking what a carrot is. A carrot is a carrot, and nothing more is known.

― Chekhov

Carrots are cheap, cheerful and healthy. It’s claimed that carrots were originally purple and white – and that the orange character did not appear until the 17th century, when it was purportedly cultivated to honour the Dutch Royal family. It’s a great story, but whether it’s true …

Carrots have been linked to eyesight since World War II, when the British issued press releases to the effect that the success of British pilots was down to their excellent night vision – from the abundance of carrots in their diet. The idea was to conceal the latest radar technology from the Germans, who were persuaded that carrots were behind the pilot accuracy. And so a myth was born. In fact, carrots can improve night vision – but they can’t help you see in the dark!

To the food facts…

Widely recognized for their nutritional value and health benefits, carrots are frequently found in both commercial dog foods and home-produced food. Carrots are versatile: they can be used raw or roasted, steamed, puréed or used in toppings and baked treats. Some vets have recommended that they be grated or steamed to improve digestibility. Although raw carrots are popular with some dogs because of their crunchy texture, mine isn’t a great fan so I generally steam carrots lightly before feeding.

Their benefits extend to digestive health, energy production, immune support, and even dental hygiene. Whether served raw, cooked, or as part of commercial dog foods, carrots offer a flavourful and beneficial option for enhancing overall health and well-being. And they are a great way of providing a low-calorie, healthy treat. In moderation, of course.

Nutrient Breakdown

Antioxidants
Like many other coloured vegetables, carrots contain various antioxidants, in the form of such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and support overall cellular health in dogs. Lutein in particular is important for healthy vision.
Fibre: Carrots are notably rich in dietary fibre, which plays a crucial role in canine digestive health. The fibre content aids in regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation, and promoting overall gastrointestinal function. Additionally, it contributes to weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness without excess calories.

Vitamins

Carrots boast a variety of vitamins important for canine health:
Vitamin A
Carrots are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This nutrient supports vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.
Vitamin C
Acts as an antioxidant, supporting the immune system and aiding in collagen production for healthy skin and joints.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C is crucial for brain function and brain development. It is important for proper cognitive function and mood regulation and also plays a part in energy metabolism, the nervous system and helps to support a healthy coat.

Minerals

Key minerals found in carrots include:
Potassium: Supports muscle function, nerve transmission, and electrolyte balance.
Manganese: Manganese is important for antioxidant function and bone health and is also used to produce energy, make fatty acids and to aid digestion and the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. Important for bone health, metabolism, and antioxidant function.
Phosphorus: Essential for bone and teeth health, energy metabolism, and acid-base balance.
Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function and for maintaining strong bones.

 

Benefits – Key Takeaways

Digestive Health Support

Carrots are rich in dietary fibre, which is crucial for maintaining healthy digestion in dogs. The fibre helps to regulate bowel movements, ensuring smooth transit through the digestive tract and aiding in the prevention of both diarrhoea and constipation. Regular consumption of carrots can significantly benefit dogs with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues, promoting overall gastrointestinal health and comfort.

Energy and Vitality

The varied vitamins and minerals found in carrots contribute significantly to the overall energy and vitality of dogs. Carrots provide essential nutrients that support metabolic processes and energy production, helping dogs maintain an active and energetic lifestyle. The natural sugars in carrots also offer a quick energy boost, making them an excellent snack for active dogs.

Eye Health

Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, a vital nutrient for maintaining good eye health. Vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye (cornea) and is essential for good vision, especially in low light. Additionally, the lutein found in yellow carrots helps protect the eyes from sun damage and can reduce the risk of cataracts and other age-related eye diseases.

Immune Support and Anticarcinogenic Properties

Carrots enhance the immune system due to their high content of antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and boosting immune health. Furthermore, the phytochemicals in carrots, including falcarinol, have been studied for their potential anticarcinogenic properties, which might help reduce the risk of cancer in dogs.

Wound Healing

The vitamin C in carrots plays a crucial role in the production of collagen, which is vital for wound healing. Collagen helps in the formation of new tissue, thus speeding up the healing process of wounds. The presence of vitamin K also supports the body’s blood clotting ability, which is essential in the early stages of wound healing.

Joint Health

Carrots contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for dogs with joint issues such as arthritis. Regular inclusion of carrots in a dog’s diet can help alleviate inflammation and support joint health, contributing to better mobility and less discomfort.

Cardio Health

The fibre helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and supports heart function. Potassium, also found in carrots, aids in regulating blood pressure, which is crucial for heart health. Regular consumption of carrots can contribute to the overall cardiovascular wellbeing of dogs, helping to prevent heart disease and improve circulation.

Dental Health

If your dog likes them raw, the crunchiness of raw carrots can help clean teeth and massage gums, promoting dental health and reducing plaque buildup in dogs. Some vets recommend giving puppies frozen carrots to relieve teething pains.

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Want to know more? These studies might be useful:

  • Khyati Varshney, and Kirti Mishra. An Analysis of Health Benefits of Carrots. ISSN: 2350-0557, Volume-9, Issue-1, February 2022 https://doi.org/10.55524/ijirem.2022.9.1.40 Article ID IJIR- IRP229126, Pages 211-214 www.ijirem.orgt
  • Roles of plant‐based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health. Jirayu Tanprasertsuk, Devon E. Tate, Justin Shmalberg. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2022 May; 106(3): 586–613. Published online 2021 Sep 8. doi: 10.1111/jpn.13626. PMCID: PMC9291198
  • Rasheed H., Shehzad M., Rabail R., Kowalczewski P., Kidoń M., Jeżowski P., Ranjha M.M.A.N., Rakha A., Din A., Aadil R.M. Delving into the Nutraceutical Benefits of Purple Carrot against Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer: A Review. Appl. Sci. 2022;12:3170. doi: 10.3390/app12063170
  • Chew B. P., Park J. S., Weng B. C., Wong T. S., Hayek M. G., Reinhart G. A. Dietary β-carotene is taken up by blood plasma and leukocytes in dogs. Journal of Nutrition. 2000;130(7):1788–1791.
  • Green AS, Fascetti AJ. Meeting the Vitamin A Requirement: The Efficacy and Importance of β-Carotene in Animal Species. ScientificWorldJournal. 2016;2016:7393620. doi: 10.1155/2016/7393620. Epub 2016 Oct 19. PMID: 27833936; PMCID: PMC5090096.

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Nutritional information:

Carrots, raw, 100 g

For full nutrient content see Food Data Central

 

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 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!