Why
Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and beta-carotene, and chewing raw carrot can help clean teeth.
How to serve carrots
- Raw sticks for big chewers, or cooked and sliced for small dogs.
- Frozen baby carrots make a teething snack.
Watch out for
- Cut to a safe size so small dogs cannot choke.
How much carrots can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much carrots it buys if carrots is the only treat that day. Carrots has about 41 kcal per 100 g; 1 medium (61 g) is about 25 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max carrots a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 64 g (one medium) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 145 g (about 2 medium) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 244 g (about 4 medium) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 332 g (about 5 medium) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Carrots, raw.
Other vegetables: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | Avoid | Not unsafe, but not worth it. Asparagus is tough raw and loses most of its value when cooked soft. |
| Mushrooms | Avoid | Store-bought mushrooms are generally fine, but wild mushrooms can be deadly. |
| Tomatoes | Avoid | Best avoided. Ripe flesh is generally safe, but the green parts of the plant contain a toxin. |
| Broccoli | Small amounts | Yes, in small amounts. Cooked florets are easiest on the stomach. |
| Brussels sprouts | Small amounts | Yes, a few cooked sprouts. Expect gas. |
| Corn | Small amounts | Yes, off the cob. The cob can cause a dangerous blockage. |
| Peas | Small amounts | Yes, plain green peas in moderation. |
| Potatoes | Small amounts | Yes, plain and fully cooked, as an occasional extra. Never green or raw. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are carrots safe for dogs?
Yes. Carrots are a low-calorie, crunchy snack that is good for teeth.
How much carrots can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 145 g of carrots if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 4, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.