Carrots are a popular food among humans, and for good reason. They’re nutrient rich, low cost, and versatile. That’s why lots of Maltese owners wonder if they can feed carrots to their four-legged friends.
The short answer is “Yes!” But there are lots of questions that go along with that simple answer. In this post, we’ll dive into every question you might have around feeding carrots to your Maltese. We’ll start with the most obvious:
Are carrots safe for the Maltese?
Yes, carrots are usually safe for Maltese to eat. However, they should be introduced into a Maltese’s diet slowly and in moderation, since your Maltese may not be used to digesting this food. You should also cook the carrots before giving them to your Maltese, since raw carrots can be difficult for Maltese to digest. If it is the first time you are feeding carrots to your Maltese, watch for any abnormal signs (like diarrhea or vomiting), since some Maltese may have an intolerance or allergic reaction to this food. If you notice any of these symptoms after giving your Maltese carrots, consult with a veterinarian immediately.
Benefits of carrots in Maltese
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in vision, bone growth, cell health and maintenance, reproduction, and immune system functioning.
Vitamin K is a critical factor in blood clotting and wound healing. It also helps prevent calcification of soft tissue.
The B vitamins are essential to maintaining healthy skin and muscle tone, promoting cell growth and division, supporting the immune system and nervous system function, metabolizing protein carbohydrates, fat and water-soluble vitamins.
Fiber aids digestion, maintains healthy bacteria levels in the gut and may protect against colon cancer. Fiber also aids weight loss by keeping your Maltese feeling full longer.
Carrots are rich in potassium (important to heart health) and folate (essential to fetal development).
Lycopene is an antioxidant thought to be linked with sun protection and lower risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Do all Maltese like carrots?
While many Maltese do enjoy carrots as a healthy snack, not all of them are going to share your love for this crunchy treat.
Maltese, like humans, have their own food preferences, and just like you might think brussel sprouts smell like death and your best friend can’t get enough of them, some Maltese are all about the carrots while others won’t even come close to a carrot stick.
If your Maltese doesn’t seem interested in sharing a carrot with you, don’t force it! If your Maltese is comfortable eating vegetables, try offering other vegetables that are high in fiber and low in fat, such as peas or green beans. If your Maltese still doesn’t want to touch the stuff you’re offering him, we recommend consulting with your vet before introducing any new foods into his diet.
Can my Maltese have carrots every day?
Yes, your Maltese can eat carrots every day if they like it. There is no rule on how often you can feed them carrots. We recommend varying the treats you give your Maltese, though, because if you just give them one treat all the time, they’ll get bored with it. Also, different treats have different ingredients, so it’s a good idea to switch things up now and then to make sure your Maltese gets the nutrients they need.
Can Maltese puppies eat carrots?
Yes, Maltese puppies can eat carrots. However, the first two months of a puppy’s life are best spent on a specialized puppy diet, so hold off on feeding your pup carrots until at least two months of age. At that point, start with just a small bite of cooked carrots once or twice a week and see how it goes—puppies have delicate digestive systems and you’ll want to consult with your vet before introducing any new foods to their diet.
How many carrots can Maltese eat?
It’s always important to consult with your vet before introducing new foods or treats into your Maltese’s diet. But as a general rule of thumb, you should always check the serving size on the label and adjust according to your Maltese’s weight, age and activity level.
Carrots are a great low calorie treat for Maltese. They are very good for their skin and coat, as well as their eyesight. Carrot sticks are also a great chew toy for teething puppies. However, portion control is important for your Maltese’s diet and treats. Start out with a small piece and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more.
General rule of thumb is smaller pup breeds (<20 lbs) a few carrot bites or 1 baby carrot while large pup breeds (>20 lbs) 2/3 baby carrots.
Remember that all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve carrots to your Maltese?
In our house, we have a rule: everyone has to eat their vegetables! And that includes our four-legged friends.
However, you do want to check with your veterinarian before you change your Maltese’s diet, as some Maltese have sensitivities to specific foods.
If the vet says it’s okay, here are some ways you can serve carrots to your Maltese.
It is safest to only feed organic carrots to your Maltese, as pesticides and other chemicals may be harmful for them. When preparing the carrots for your Maltese, make sure they are clean and not covered in dirt or chemicals. You also want to make sure they are peeled and cut into bite-size chunks so they are easy for your Maltese to chew.
You can serve carrots raw by simply washing them and then grating them over their regular food. Or you can juice them and add that too! You can even freeze the carrot juice in an ice cube tray and use it on a hot day as a treat. Carrots can also be frozen without juicing or cut up into bite-size pieces, or steamed and then mashed.
When are carrots bad for Maltese?
Carrots are good for Maltese! They’re a rich source of Vitamin A, and they’re low in calories. However, like most things, overindulgence can be a bad thing. If you feed your Maltese too much carrot, he or she could develop gas, but this is usually easily remedied by cutting back on carrots and increasing the amount of fiber in your Maltese’s diet.
Also, carrots should not be given to Maltese who have diabetes or allergies, as they may contain allergens or trigger a reaction. Finally, avoid giving your Maltese canned carrots because they often contain added sugar or preservatives which can be harmful to pets.
What happens when your Maltese too much carrots?
Nausea: Carrots aren’t toxic to Maltese, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for them to eat too many. Too many carrots can cause your Maltese to vomit or have diarrhea.
Diarrhea: If your Maltese eats too many carrots, all that fiber can also cause diarrhea. This is because, unlike humans, Maltese don’t have the enzymes necessary to break down fibers and sugars in vegetables properly. If your Maltese has diarrhea, monitor them for signs of dehydration—or contact a vet if the diarrhea persists for over one day.
Abdominal Pain: Eating too many carrots can also lead to abdominal pain in the Maltese. If you notice your Maltese exhibiting signs of abdominal pain (e.g., groaning or whining), take them to a vet as soon as possible, since this could be a sign of a more serious health condition.
Obesity: Eating too many carrots can also lead to obesity in the Maltese. Even though they’re low in calories, they’re high in sugar—and when combined with the starch already present in most Maltese foods, that sugar can cause weight gain.
Choking Hazards: Carrots can also be a choking hazard for Maltese if they try to eat too many at once.
What to do if your Maltese eats too many carrots?
Hello! Don’t panic.
If you notice that your Maltese have eaten too many carrots, stop feeding them and get any remaining carrots away from them. Monitor your Maltese for abnormal behavior, and if they’re exhibiting any, contact your vet immediately.
Can Maltese eat carrot cake?
Carrot cake is not toxic to Maltese, as long as it does not include ingredients like raisins, chocolate and other nuts that are toxic to canines.
But carrot cake might upset their stomachs, even if it’s made with food-grade carrots. The high sugar content is likely to cause a digestive upset in your Maltese, along with the milk used in most recipes.
It’s best just to keep all processed foods out of your Maltese’s reach — that way they don’t risk eating something that will harm them.
Other human foods Maltese can eat
What other human foods can Maltese eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Maltese can eat.
So, can Maltese eat carrots?
Yes! Your Maltese can absolutely eat carrots.
Carrots are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, antioxidants, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus—making it an excellent treat for Maltese. They’re also packed full of fibers, which can help to keep your Maltese’s digestive system in check.
Since carrots contain carbohydrates and sugars, though, you don’t want to overfeed your Maltese. As a general rule of thumb, make sure that 90% of your Maltese diet comprises normal protein-rich foods. The remaining 10% should comprise fruits and vegetables like carrots.