Carrots, often referred to as "power vegetables", are known to be healthy for us humans. But did you know that the nutrient-rich root vegetable also has many benefits for our dogs?

Whether as a snack between meals, as a supplement to their main food or as a special treat - carrots are more than just a tasty treat for your four-legged friend. Here you can 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.

Why are carrots good for your four-legged friend?

Carrots are much more than just a sweet, crunchy vegetable that dogs love to chew. They are full of health benefits, ranging 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 the benefits of carrots either, which is why our dog food such as GREEN CRUNCH, SENIOR PEAS & HIRSE and SENSITIVE LUPIN PROTEIN contain carrots!

Healthy effects: these are the benefits

The orange color of the carrot indicates its high beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene, also known as 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 to maintain and improve a 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. Vitamin A also has many other benefits. For example, it also supports skin regeneration, as retinol is converted to retinoic acid, or vitamin A acid, in the skin 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 to reduce tartar, promoting overall dental and oral health.

Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant and can help to reduce free radicals that cause cell damage. Free radicals are oxygen compounds in the body that are produced, for example, during metabolic processes, but also by UV radiation or nicotine. Free radicals can damage the DNA of cells. Through certain chemical reactions, beta-carotene as an antioxidant can reduce this process by switching off the free radicals.

They are also rich in dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and prevent constipation. The fiber in carrots is mainly pectin, a polysaccharide that can bind toxins in the intestines. Pectin also ensures the proliferation of good intestinal bacteria. Thanks to pectin, carrots can contribute to regular bowel movements and control blood sugar levels. But that's not all! Chewing raw carrots can also help to reduce tartar and thus promote general dental and oral health.

In case of diarrhea or vomiting: Carrots for indigestion

There are situations in which your dog is struggling with stomach problems, be it diarrhea or vomiting. In such cases, cooked carrots can have a calming effect on the stomach. They are an easily digestible source of nutrients and can help to firm up the stool.

In particular for puppieswhose digestive system is still sensitive, boiled carrots can be an effective remedy for diarrhea. However, it is important to emphasize that veterinary advice should always be sought in the event of persistent digestive problems or severe symptoms..

Raw carrots as a treat for in between meals

But carrots are not only convincing in terms of health, but also in terms of taste. Our furry friends often love the crunchy, almost crispy taste of raw carrots, which can also make them a great toy. The particularly sweet taste also contributes to the fact that most four-legged friends love the raw vegetable. This makes carrots a simple but healthy treat for between meals.

Cook or leave raw: How do I prepare carrots for my dog?

Dog owners want only the best for their four-legged friends. The way we prepare food for our four-legged friends plays a crucial role in this. Especially when preparing vegetables such as carrots, there are a few things to consider so that your dog can enjoy all the health benefits that these powerful vegetables have to offer.

Raw or cooked: which is better?

The question of whether carrots should be fed raw or cooked to dogs is not easy to answer, as both varieties 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.

If you cook them, it is advisable to cook them gently for about 10 to 15 minutes so that they become softer and don't lose too many of their valuable nutrients.

Peeling carrots as a snack

It is generally 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 intestine. 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 vegetables offer many health benefits, you should not forget that they also contain sugar and should therefore only be fed in moderation.

Recipe: Moroccan carrot soup for your dog

Moroccan carrot soup is a special preparation for dogs with digestive problems. For this soup, peeled carrots are cooked for about an hour and then pureed. It not only tastes good, but can also soothe the stomach.

Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh carrots
• 1 liter of water

Preparation:

• Wash the carrots thoroughly, peel and cut into large pieces.
• Bring the water to the boil in a large pan and add the carrot pieces.
• Cook the carrots for about an hour until they are very soft.
• When the carrots are cooked, drain the water and put the carrots in a blender or food processor.
• Purée until a smooth consistency is achieved. If the soup is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Cool the soup before serving.

Note: The Moro carrot soup can be divided into portions and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When preparing larger quantities, the soup can also be frozen in smaller portions and defrosted as required.

This soup is particularly suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal problems as it is easily digestible, soothes the stomach and aids digestion.

Alternative products and snacks

There are various ways to offer dogs the benefits without always having to prepare it fresh. Carrot pellets and carrot flakes are ideal alternatives. They can simply be mixed into the daily food and offer a practical way to supplement the dog's diet with the health benefits of carrots.

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 quickly and easily give your furry friend a treat.

The power vegetable - a must for dogs

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, aids digestion and can be served both raw and cooked. It is important to pay attention to the correct preparation and dosage. Incorporate carrots into your four-legged friend's diet and give them a boost to their health and well-being.