Should I feed my dog cooked or raw carrots?

I cook for both my dogs. Each day they get a mixture of brown rice, cooked carrots and boiled chicken with perhaps a bit of grated yellow apple. Sometimes I will grate the carrot in raw. Is one better, cooked or raw? I am trying to get my 6 year old Doberman mix to gain weight. Also, what else can I add as filler? I recently started boiling string beans and adding them also. Any suggestions on what else I can add to bulk up my dog in a healthy way? What about something crunchy?

  • Vetinfo

    By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    If your dogs are generally healthy and you have no small children or other immunocompromised household members, you may want to consider switching them to a completely raw diet. As far as carrots go, both cooked and raw are completely acceptable. Raw whole carrots or carrot slices will add a crunch to the diet. Other vegetables that would be good to add are broccoli, cauliflower and squash such as pumpkin. For the Doberman mix who is underweight you will need to add some more calorie dense foods as everything you are feeding at the moment is fairly low-fat. Beef or pork meat is generally higher fat and may be a good choice for him. You can also add an oil supplement such as fish oil. One other important observation is that if you are not feeding a balanced diet, or are not confident that you are feeding a balanced diet, be sure to add a quality balanced vitamin/mineral supplement for dogs. These are available through veterinarians or at many pet stores. Erika, DVM

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    We put a little milk in our dog's dry food. We replaced the canned moist food with the milk. They really seem to like it. Is this okay to do? By the way they are rotties, 6 yrs. old. This has helped with the amount of gas they pass, it is almost nonexistent now. Please let me if they are any side effects, and if I can still do this. Thank You.

  • Is it bad if my dog swallows raw hide?

    My dog swallowed a large piece of raw hide and is sick. Took him to the doctor, got xray and showed nothing was there. Doctor gave me antibiotic and stool softener, but my dog has been throwing up for two days. Taking back to doctor today.

  • Why does my dog eat grass?

    My 4 year old lab/ boxer mix is always chewing on grass when we go for walks, am I missing something in his diet?

  • Are Kosher dill pickles toxic to dogs?

    My 2 year old sheltie has developed a taste for dill pickles. I cut the pickles in 4 strips length wise and I don't give her much, just maybe a couple 1/2" pieces. Will this hurt her? She really likes them.

  • Dry vs. canned food for canine kidney disease

    I have a 15 year old Schipperke, diagnosed with kidney disease last year. I have been feeding him Hills kd canned dog food, but have been slowing switching him to dry, due to ease of feeding while he is in a kennel or staying with friends. He has been drinking more water. I realize canned has more water, but am I harming him by feeding the dry kd and having him drink more? Thank you.

  • Dog diet for UTIs

    Hello, my cat has had 3 episodes of UTI's with Struvite crystals in the past year. Last November he got a PU surgury and has recovered well. He is not a fan of prescription wet food and eats science diet C/D Dry.He currently has a UTI and I was wondering if there is any other non prescription wet food that would be acceptable to feed him? I feel that he does not get enough water and he may be a bit dehyrated, so it's probably best if I keep him on the prescription dry and find him a wet food too.

  • Is dog food made with turkey good for dogs?

    A lot of people have told me that turkey is not good for dogs but I see a lot of dog foods that are made with turkey. Are they ok for a dog to eat?

  • Does switching dog food lead to higher water consumption?

    My mini-chihuahua is drinking much more water...is this normal after changing dog food to duck from chicken?

  • Dog diet for high pH level

    High pH level in urine. I have a 3month old female Lab. Her pH level in her urine is high, 7.5-8.5 I have changed her food 3 times, from nutro , to innova to nutro lamb and rice, the test results came back struvite crystals, but NO Bacteria...so I'm confused on what to do. My vet keeps telling me to keep changing foods to it levels out. There is nothing they can do about it. I give her crancaps also. Should I switch to an all natural food?

  • The difference between hill's prescription diet i/d and pedigree + healthy digestion

    I was wondering what is the difference between hill's prescription diet i/d and pedigree + healthy digestion besides the veterinary prescription and price.

  • Dog allergies to eggs?

    If my dog is allergic to chicken, will she most likely be allergic to chicken eggs also?

  • Does Balance It dog supplements have a safe record for quality?

    Does Balance It dog supplements have a safe record for quality? control since many of their ingredients are imported {China}. I'm concerned about the ingredients since this company imports many ingredients from foreign countries. It was recommended as a supplement to a homemade diet.Thank you

  • Can dogs eat vegetables or fruits?

    If so, which ones can they eat and which ones can they not?

  • What is the best diet for dog kidney disease?

    My great pyrenees is almost 9 yo and has had a slightly elevated bun and creatinine for a couple years but no other symptoms of kidney disease. A recent test has shown they are elevated more so they are going to run specific gravity in a couple weeks. What diet is best for him to be on to control any further strain on the kidneys? Something homemade or one that can be purchased. What is the brand name and where can I purchase it? Should anything else be done for him? Specialist? Thank you, Heidi

  • What form of garlic for dogs can be used for immune building?

    My dog is getting over kennel cough. The vet gave antibiotics, the that course is complete. He is much better, but I want to build up his immune. Can I use a little garlic oil, or garlic and parsley perls? I didn't want to use raw garlic.

  • Bad food for dogs?

    Can broccoli or cauliflower make dogs ill?

  • An antioxidant for dogs with some signs of canine dementia and diminshed eyesight

    I am looking for an anti-oxidant supplement for my 14 year old lab/mix. He also takes 25 mg Deramaxx every other day for arthritis. Can you recommend any specific product that would be safe for him to take while he is also taking the Deramaxx?

  • Are tomatoes harmful to dogs?

    I gave tomato sauce to my dogs. Is that harmful to them?

  • Home recipes for canine chronic hepatitis?

    Our 6 yr old Collie male has been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis following repeated bouts of gastric distress, poor appetite and a weight loss from 56 to 47 lbs in the one year he's been with us. After fruitless treatment at a reg. vet, we self-referred to a specialist in gastroenterology who did bloodwork, ultrasound and a liver biopsy. He's on meds and a high carb/low-fat diet of chicken and pasta/rice. As we're tapering off the Pred, he's becoming picky. Any suggestions for other foods?

  • Olive oil versus fish oil for dogs?

    Is it safe to give my adult and puppy westies a teaspoon of olive oil per day? Or is fish oil better? Is one teaspoon too large for the puppy (approx 5.5 pounds and 12 weeks old)?

  • Before Grain Dog Food

    Is this brand a healthy, balanced diet for dogs? The same food can be used for puppies and adult dogs - would you give it to a puppy?

  • Encouraging dog appetite?

    My dog was born with diabetes, started having occasional seizures about 4 yrs. ago, was put on phenobarbital for them. Went 2 yrs seizure free until his past April. My dog will not eat! Never has been food driven and has no appetite. 99% of the time I have to open his mouth and put the food in, hold it shut til he swallows it. What can I do to stimulate his appetite so he eats instead of having his insulin and phenobarbital in him on an empty stomach? How should everything be correctly done?

  • Small llapso mixed who is a very heavy dog

    He still gets 2 meals a day. Wet food in the morning and a handful of dry food at night. He is solid as a rock but I am concerned because he gets out of breath easy. The vet said that he is healthy. I don't know how much to feed him in the morning. He does get exercise.

  • What is the best recipe for a homemade diet for dog kidney failure?

    I need a recipe for a homemade diet for a 4 year old shih tzu with kidney disease/failure. Please advise.

  • Are there benefits of milk for dogs?

    My dog loves milk, is it ok for him?

  • What is bad and safe good dog food?

    Our full breed chocolate lab is considered obese and has been vomiting from time to time (a few times a week). What dog food would be recommended from a store? She is about 4 to 5 years old. Thank you for your time and consideration.

  • Is aloe vera bad or poisonous for dogs?

    My puppy may have chewed on an aloe vera plant. He's been bobbing around and has been sleeping alot.

  • Will my dog get sick after he ate a small piece of onion?

    He's a miniature austrailian shepard. He weighs about 11 pounds. He only ate about 1 tsp. of onion. Will he be okay?

  • Can dogs eat asparagus, or is asparagus toxic for dogs?

    Is it safe to give your dog asparagus. If so, how much can they have per pound?

  • Are raisins and grapes bad for dogs?

    Is it sake to feed your dog a grape or raisin? Is it okay if it is just one?

  • Is raw meat for dogs okay?

    I want to give my dog a raw steak for dinner is this ok?

  • Unexplained dog weight loss and dragging his butt on the ground. What's going on?

    My dog, a rat terrier, is 9 yrs old, and has been in great health, but we have noticed that he has started dragging his butt on the ground daily when he is running in the yard. He has good bowel movements, no noticable worms in them. The biggest concern is the weight loss, though. He has no noticable fat left on his body, just muscle and skin. But he eats a lot, the same as he always has.

  • Dogs and grapes. Can dogs eat them?

    Are grapes harmful to dogs? I just had someone tell me they would cause death if as few as a small handful were eaten. They cause renal failure. I have always given my dogs grapes as treats and have never had a problem but I want to make sure.

  • Why is my dog vomiting and not hungry?

    My dog has been throwing up. First it was foam, now it's brown. She usually throws up (sometimes twice) and then goes right back to normal jumping around, but now she's really quiet and doesn't even want table food, which she loves.

  • Are oranges safe for dogs?

    My miniature dachshund loves oranges. I usually eat one a day and she just goes crazy for some. I only give her about three segments at most. I just wanted to be sure that I was not giving her something that is bad for her.

  • Low protein dog food for liver failure?

    My dog almost died of liver failure a week ago. My vet recommended a low protein dog food for her but it is very expensive. Is there a comparable low protein dog food beside Medi-Cal?

  • Food for IBD dogs?

    My dog has been confirmed to have IBD, now he doesn't like what is on the market to feed him. What do I feed him if I make it at home?

  • What to feed a dog with pancreatitis?

    What kind of dog food do I need to feed my dog who has had an attack or pancreatitis? He is a 3yr old Westie.

  • Is flaxseed good for a constipated dog?

    Our beagle strains going to the bathroom. Would flax seed be beneficial?

  • Puppy diet- how much protein should be in it?

    I am feeding my border collie puppy Origen dog food which is 40% protein. Some people say that is too much protein. Is this true?

  • See all questions in Diet and Nutrition

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Please do use our site to become better informed about the medical problems your pet may have. We will do our best to ensure that information presented is accurate and up-to-date. The most current information will be at the top of each page. Remember that veterinarians often disagree about the best treatments for pets. There are often several perfectly acceptable ways to treat the same condition. Just ask a lot of questions!

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