Carrots are a popular food among humans, prized for their sweet flavor and low cost. Carrots are also nutrient rich, which is why many Pomeranian owners want to feed them to their pups as well.
But can you feed carrots to your Pomeranians? The short answer is “yes,” but you do need to take some precautions. Luckily, in this article we’ll answer every question you might have about feeding carrots to your Pomeranians—from how many carrots they can eat, to the best way to prepare them.
Let’s start with the most basic question:
Are carrots safe for Pomeranians?
Yes, carrots are safe for Pomeranians and are low in fat, carbs, and calories. They also have an abundance of vitamin A, which is good for your Pomeranian’s eyesight.
However, it is best not to feed your Pomeranian too much carrots at once as some Pomeranians may experience diarrhea or gas. Carrots can also be hard on their teeth and stomachs if you feed them raw, so it is best to cook the carrots before giving them to your Pomeranian.
If you are feeding your Pomeranian carrots for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. While rare, some Pomeranians can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to carrots. If you observe any abnormal symptoms after feeding your Pomeranian carrots, stop feeding them immediately and contact your veterinarian right away.
Benefits of carrots in Pomeranians
Carrots are a healthy, nutrient-rich food for Pomeranians.
Vitamin A: Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for the health of your Pomeranian’s bones and teeth, as well as their skin, eyesight, and immune system.
Vitamin K: Carrots are also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and wound healing.
Vitamin B complex: Vitamin B complexes are important for cell health and digestion, as well as nerve function.
Fiber: The fiber in carrots can help with digestion and can also help prevent overweight Pomeranians from gaining more weight.
Minerals: Carrots contain potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium—all of which play an important role in your Pomeranian’s overall health.
Lycopene: Lycopene is an antioxidant that protects against UV rays from the sun and also has a protective effect on heart health and a lower risk of cancer.
Do all Pomeranians like carrots?
Unfortunately, no, not all Pomeranians like carrots. Your Pomeranians may not like carrots because of their texture or because they are used to eating kibble, which differs from raw vegetables. Pomeranians have food preferences, and some just will not be interested in new foods. If your Pomeranian does not like carrots, do not force it on them, as you may end up with a picky eater. You should consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Pomeranian.
Can my Pomeranians have carrots every day?
There’s no rule on how often Pomeranians can eat carrots, but we recommend you vary their treats from time to time. If a Pomeranian has too many carrots, they might develop diarrhea or an upset stomach. Carrots also don’t provide your Pomeranian with all the nutrients it needs for a balanced diet. But if your Pomeranian enjoys eating carrots and you’re careful about how much you give them, it’s fine to give them the recommended amount per day.
Can Pomeranian puppies eat carrots?
Yes. But wait until at least two months of age. (Not from a human food perspective, but from the perspective of your puppy’s optimal health.)
Pomeranian puppies should be on specialized puppy food during their first two months of life. Specifically, they need “milk replacer” for their first four to six weeks of life (not cow milk, which can cause diarrhea), followed by a gradual switch to specialized puppy food for their first several months. So, it’s best to wait until your puppy is at least two months old before introducing carrots.
When you do introduce carrots, start with just a small bite of cooked carrots once or twice per week, gradually increasing the amount over time as long as there are no digestive issues.
Be careful, though: puppies have a delicate digestive system and may react badly to any new foods you introduce into their diet. If this happens with carrots, stop feeding them immediately and consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your puppy’s diet in the future.
How many carrots can Pomeranians eat?
Carrots are a great treat for Pomeranians, as long as they’re given in moderation. In general, you want to consult your vet first to find out the best serving size for your Pomeranian’s age, size and activity level. As a rule of thumb, small pup breeds (<20 lbs) like Pomeranians can eat a few carrot bites or 1 baby carrot, while larger pups (>20 lbs) can have 2/3 baby carrots.
Portion control is important for your Pomeranian’s diet and treats, so start out with a small piece and see how your pet reacts. If there are no negative reactions, you can offer more. Remember that treats should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve carrots to your Pomeranians?
For veggies, you’re probably used to feeding your Pomeranian more meat, but there are definitely some benefits to mixing veggies into your Pomeranian’s diet. Carrots are one of the most recommended vegetables for Pomeranians, and you can prepare them in a bunch of different ways.
Here are some tips:
First things first: Before serving carrots to your Pomeranians, check with your vet. While they’re considered safe and good for Pomeranians, all Pomeranians have different needs, and there might be a reason you shouldn’t include carrots in your Pomeranian’s diet. The only way to know for sure is by talking with your vet.
You should also try to get organic carrots when possible; this will reduce the chance that your Pomeranian will consume any chemicals or pesticides leftover from the growing process.
Then, once you’ve got your carrots ready, they can be served in a few different ways. They can be served raw and grated or thinly sliced so that they’re chewable, or frozen and given as a chewy snack on a hot day. You can even juice them and pour the juice into an ice cube tray for a cool treat. You could also cook whole carrots and offer them to your Pomeranian as a treat.
When are carrots bad for Pomeranians?
There are three main reasons carrots can be bad for Pomeranians: overindulgence, underlying health conditions, and commercial canned carrots.
Overindulgence is probably the most common cause of carrot-related Pomeranian issues. Carrots are a great source of fiber and nutrients, so it’s really easy to give your pup too many carrots in one sitting. If you notice him developing diarrhea or bloating, cut back on the carrots and stick to a more moderate amount.
Overindulgence isn’t the only reason your Pomeranian may have a reaction to carrots. If he has an allergy or diabetes, you’ll need to be especially careful about giving him any carrots at all. But if he develops an allergy or diabetes after eating them, contact your vet immediately to figure out how much exposure he can tolerate.
Finally, canned carrots are not good for your pup. The reason is that they contain preservatives and other ingredients that can lead to digestive problems in Pomeranians.
What happens when your Pomeranians eat too much carrots?
We know how much you love your Pomeranian, and we want to make sure he’s healthy and happy. So, as a Pomeranian-owner, you should know what to look out for if your Pomeranian is eating too many carrots.
Here are some symptoms:
Nausea: If your Pomeranian is looking at you with sad eyes and giving you that “I’m about to puke” head tilt, it could be because of too many carrots.
Diarrhea: This one is pretty obvious, but if your Pomeranian has diarrhea, he might have eaten too many carrots (or something else entirely).
Abdominal Pain: Does your Pomeranian look like he’s in pain? Pay attention to his body language—if his posture seems off or he seems uncomfortable when you touch him, your pup might be feeling the effects of eating too many carrots.
Obesity: Carrots are very high in sugar. If you’re feeding them to your pup all the time (and not keeping him active), he might end up obese.
Choking Hazards: Carrots can get stuck in the throat and the windpipe. The last thing we want to do is scare you out of feeding carrots to your pup altogether.
What to do if your Pomeranians eat too many carrots?
I know you’re panicking. You just caught your Pomeranian eating the last of your carrot supply, and now you’re worried about what might happen to them.
My advice? Don’t panic—but take action.
First, stop feeding your Pomeranian carrots for a few days. You don’t want to risk them eating any more carrots, so get any remaining carrots out of their reach and do your best to keep them from getting into any other trouble (easier said than done, I know).
Next, monitor your Pomeranians closely and be sure to contact your vet if they show any abnormal signs.
Can Pomeranians eat carrot cake?
If your Pomeranian has a hankering for a slice of carrot cake, the answer depends on how the cake is made. A plain cake of just carrots and flour is actually great for Pomeranians, but many recipes contain things that are downright toxic to Pomeranians, like macadamia nuts or raisins.
Also, even if the ingredients are safe, keep in mind that an excess of sugar or dairy can cause digestive issues for Pomeranians. If you’d like to share some carrot cake with your pup, make sure it’s made with safe ingredients and feed them a small amount.
Other human foods Pomeranians can eat
What other human foods can Pomeranians eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Pomeranian can eat.
So, can Pomeranians eat carrots?
Yes, Pomeranians can eat carrots! But like most things, they should be consumed in moderation. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which helps keep your Pomeranian’s eyes healthy and immune system strong. They’re also low in calories, so they make a great snack for overweight Pomeranians or for keeping your Pomeranian full between meals.
But don’t overfeed your pup on carrots—too many can cause diarrhea and other stomach trouble. If you notice any negative changes in your Pomeranian’s behavior, stop feeding them carrots immediately. If you’re not sure how much to feed your pup, try following the 90/10 rule: 10% of their diet should be made up of treats.