Dogs are our greatest companions and owning a GSD is like staying with a guardian angel. Being a dog parent it’s important to know what you can feed them and whatnot. These furry creatures have been bred and domesticated for ages to meet human requirements. Over the ages, while living near humans they have developed and evolved to adapt to a mixed diet.
Although all human foods are not advisable for them, GSD can still eat various vegetables among which carrots are the healthiest.
This article will help you understand how to feed a carrot to your GSD or when to feed and many more useful tips.
Table of Contents
Nutritional facts of carrots
Carrot is not only good for dogs it’s good for humans too. This versatile vegetable has many dietary benefits and can be consumed in several ways. Before going any further let’s have a look at why carrots are considered to be healthy.
Complete nutritional information of carrots
Per 100 gm of carrots contain the following key nutritional components
| Protein | 0.9gm |
| Carbohydrate | 10 gm |
| Dietary Fibre | 2.8 gm |
| Sugar | 4.7 gm |
| Sodium | 69 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 |
| Saturated Fat | 0 |
| Monosaturated Fat | 0 |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 gm |
| Tran Fat | 0 |
| Vitamin A | 334% |
| Vitamin B 6 | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 9% |
| Vitamin D | 0 |
| Magnesium | 3% |
| Calcium | 3% |
From the above dietary explanation, it is clear that carrots have great nutritional value and some of its component is very beneficial for your German Shepherd’s health and well being which are as follows
1. Vitamin A
Carrots contain a high amount of Vitamin A. Well, the good news is Vitamin A is extremely important for dogs. It is recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that a dog needs around 5000 I.U. of vitamin A daily.
It keeps their eyes and muscles healthy and aids healthy natural luster to their coat and fur. Moreover, it is important for healthy neurological function.
2. Vitamin C
The 2nd important component of carrot is Vitamin C. Unlike humans, a dog can produce Vitamin C on its own so it’s not necessary to include it in its diet. A healthy adult dog produces 18 mg of vitamin C per pound of body weight.
But sometimes dogs show certain clinical conditions like stress, distemper where Vitamin C is used as a supplement. Too much vitamin C is also bad as it causes diarrhea. So moderation is necessary while feeding him with carrots.
3. Potassium
Another key component of carrot and also good for your fur baby is potassium. The daily need for potassium in a grown-up GSD is 220mg. Potassium has many nutritional benefits. It keeps the muscle strong and also maintains bone strength. It also maintains the healthy nervous system and helps to increase metabolism.
4. Sodium
The daily need for sodium for an adult healthy GSD is 60mg, Sodium should be given in moderation and lack of which causes loss of appetite due to a decrease in gastric juices. As the sodium content in carrots is a bit high, overfeeding is not recommended.
5. Magnesium
There are quite a few things to keep in mind while including carrots as a part of your dog’s diet. Carrots contain a moderate amount of magnesium. Similar to Potassium, Magnesium is one such crucial element that your dog needs for its body to operate properly.
Magnesium has many blessings on a dog, from managing its hormone functions, metabolic functions, electrical balance in membranes, nervous system transmission to absorption into the body or movement to muscles of other natural elements such as calcium, potassium, Vitamin C, and E, phosphorus, sodium, etc.
6. Calcium
It is common among humans to be concerned about their calcium intake. However, it is equally important to be concerned about one’s dogs’ calcium intake. Like humans, calcium for dogs is also essential for building bones among other important factors to consider.
Calcium is also important for growing fetuses in pregnant or lactating dogs. Similar to other animals, dogs also require calcium during their growing period. Calcium deficiency in dogs can become life-threatening and you need to be very cautious to catch the early sign. On the flip side, abnormal calcium levels can also turn out to be harmful. The balance is important. An adult dog requires approximately 1.25mg/kg calcium within their daily diet.
7. Vitamin B complex
These vitamins have multiple benefits in maintaining the health of your four-pawed friend such as
- It helps to breakdown fat
- Makes the coat soft and shiny
- Reduce cholesterol
- Increase stamina
- Increase the formation of adrenaline hormone and many more
How to feed carrots and in what amount to your German Shepherd?
Carrot is beneficial for your dog but, after all, it is a human food so it is essential to feed it in moderation and to maintain the certain process of feeding.
We all know the golden rule that your dog should be fed with 90% meal and 10% treat. An adult dog can eat a max of 2 or 3 small-sized carrots. Moreover, carrots are recommended for growing puppies as a treat to get relived from teething.
Carrots can be given either raw or cooked. Although raw carrots are more beneficial but should be chopped before giving them as a treat to your paw baby, as they might get choked.
Possible Side Effects
Till now we have learned the immense benefits of eating carrots, but if it is not fed in moderation it can cause certain health hazards.
Can cause obesity: Carrot contains 10 gm of carbohydrate among which 4.2 gm of sugar in per 100 gm of serving. So, if it is fed in large amounts it might cause the potential risk of weight gaining.
Too much Vitamin A: Consuming too many carrots will lead to ingestion of too much Vitamin A. Taking Vitamin A more than the recommended amount can cause nausea in your dog.
Indigestion: Consuming large pieces of carrots might cause indigestion to your GSD as carrots are sometimes hard to digest. Even consuming large bites can increase the risk of choking. So, it is advisable to chop into small pieces before feeding.
Harmful for diabetic dog: As carrot contains a good amount of sugar so overfeeding it can be a potential threat to your GSD. It’s better to consult your vet before feeding. Although it also contains fiber still it is advisable to take a vet’s expert advice
Final Verdict
Carrots are a wonderfully natural and healthy treat that you can give to your GSD. This versatile vegetable can be given either cooked or raw but you should keep an eye on the portion size. If your dog is suffering from certain health alignments like diabetes or obesity, then it better to ask your vet before feeding. Overall to enjoy maximum health benefits of carrots feed your GSD with carrot in moderation