Scientific:

Kristina Pattison and Thomas Zentall of the University of Kentucky, published in Springer’s journal Animal Cognition. The research was conducted on dogs that would willingly eat cheese and baby carrots when offered, but showed a preference for the cheese. However, when given a choice between one slice of cheese, or the cheese together with a piece of carrot, 9 of 10 dogs chose the cheese alone. That is, they chose less food over more food.

Carrots are a very nutritious vegetable and provide the same benefits to dogs as they do to people. Dogs can have raw carrots and they usually enjoy the crunchiness of the carrot. The crunchiness of the vegetable also helps make your dog's teeth stronger. Raw carrots are a low calorie food, however if carrots are given in large amounts it can be unhealthy for your dog because they are high in carbohydrates.

Too much of anything is unhealthy, even health food!

If your dog is unhealthy or has diabetes ask your vet before you give them any kind of table foods.

Carrots contain natural sugars and could cause sugar levels to go up. Carrots can be given to your dog as a treat instead of foods that are unhealthy. Cooked carrots can also be given to your dog if you do not add too many spices like sugars, and salt. Since dogs like to swallow their foods without chewing first, it may be best to give your dog baby carrots or cut up larger carrots to prevent your canine friend from choking.

Keep in mind that your dog's body may have a hard time digesting vegetables (since dogs are naturally carnivores) and you may see pieces of undigested vegetables in the bowel movements of your dog.

For teething puppies, frozen carrots will feel good on the gums and hopefully stop them from teething on your favorite shoes and furniture, making it less aggravating for the both of you.

According to some nutritionists carrots and carrot juice are also good for certain pets and for women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy.

Help your dog stay fit by providing them with healthy foods rather than dog treats that can eventually cause your dog to grow unhealthy and even obese. Keep in mind when buying dog treats, just because the box says the dog biscuits are healthy doesn't mean they actually are. Carrots are definitely healthy! 

Carrots In Dry Food

 Lets’ face it, many manufacturers just want to make a quick buck. If you want to give your K9 boxed treats for dogs look for one without artificial sweeteners, sodium, sugar, dairy or just too many fillers. Of course, if you are sometimes giving them human foods watch out for nuts, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.

When shopping for your dog, DON'T think about the foods and ingredients that you would eat. Dogs cannot handle many foods and often we see our dogs as a garbage disposal, which can make your dog sick. Many times we sneak our dog a scrap or two from the table when loved ones are not watching. This can be harmless, but when a dog gets table scraps leftovers,  plus their dog food, we can cause the digestive system to get overworked. Your dog ends up suffering with gas, a belly ache, and often times we can cause them to have diarrhea or become constipated. If you want to give your dog a healthy treat then give them carrots. Cooked or raw your dog will be benefited with vitamins instead of an upset stomach and will appreciate it later.

Carrots as Low-Fat Treats

If your dog cannot handle much fat in his diet, then you’ll also need to use low-fat treats. Carrot, apple, and banana pieces or green beans can be used, if your dog likes them. Many people buy or make dried sweet potato slices for dogs prone to pancreatitis. Rice cakes are another option. 

Other Carrot Tips

Carrots make for a healthy dog, making teeth stronger, and they don't cause obesity later in life when their digestive tracts start to slow down. When your dog is overweight you may think your dog is just spoiled but what you may not know is you’re causing your dog to be unhealthy and he should be put on some sort of diet to help with the excessive weight.

Other Great Fruits and Vegetables You Can Feed Your Dog in Moderation Are: 

Pumpkin, green beans, peas, cranberries, blueberries and bananas. The Overall BEST is steamed veggies for your dog. 

Why Steamed Vegetables Are Good For Your Dog

Steamed veggies are good for dogs for the same reasons they're good for people. Not only do they contain vitamins and minerals to help stave off cancer and other degenerative diseases, they provide plenty of fiber that can help keep your dog's digestive system healthy. Steamed veggies are an excellent alternative treat to the processed treats you buy in the store, most of which are higher in calories and offer little nutritional value.

Scientific Proof That Veggies Are Good For Your Pet

While some people can function as vegetarians, dogs by nature are carnivores and should always have meat as the major source of their diet. Vegetables, however, can and should be included. A 2005 study by the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine showed that Scottish terriers (a breed prone to bladder cancer) fed leafy green or yellow-orange vegetables at least three times a week were 70 to 90 percent less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Vegetables Your Dog Can Eat Safely

Vegetables belonging to the cruciferous (cabbage) family -- broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage -- provide cancer-fighting antioxidants as well as anti-aging chemicals important for your dog's health. Because they may be difficult for your dog to digest, they should always be steamed. Other veggies to steam for your pup include: carrots, peppers, green beans, spinach, celery, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. While potatoes are OK, they are high in carbohydrates which can add weight.

Vegetables Your Dog Should Not Eat

While vegetables add vital nutrients to a dog's diet, there are some your doggie should never sink his teeth into. Avocados (technically a fruit, but often used in cooking as a vegetable) contain a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs. Be careful because besides the fruit, persin is also found in the avocado's leaves, seed and bark. Onions, chives and garlic may cause gastrointestinal problems and also could lead to red blood cell damage.

How to Steam Veggies for Your Dog

The easiest way to make healthy veggies for your dog is to use a steamer, a two-tier cooking device. Put about a half inch of water in the bottom compartment, place your washed vegetables in the top part, and turn on the burner. Once the water boils, steam will begin to cook the veggies. Cool and serve in your dog's bowl; chop into smaller bites, if needed. Limit to about a quarter of your dog's overall food intake, and serve with protein. If your dog refuses to eat steamed veggies, try pureeing them in a blender before serving.

Your Dog's Overall Health and Happiness

As Dr. Robert and Susan Goldstein state in their book: The Goldstein's Wellness and Longevity Program,  “It’s our mission to help very sick animals, but it’s our vision to show you how to prevent disease and restore superb health by focusing on wellness,” the Goldsteins assure their readers. “We know that you want nothing less than a long, healthy, love-filled life for your animal, and we share your goals.” The immune-boosting powers of the right nutrition—and what’s wrong with most commercial dog and cat food. Learn how to rate any pet food on the strength of its proteins (beware of “by-products”), fats, additives, and more. Then, learn an amazing, easy way to enhance it—with nutritional supplements and wholesome “people” food (yes, even finicky cats will chow down on salad, hold the dressing.)

• The role of animals’ emotions on their physical health and behavior—and the toll of a human companion’s stress. Get to the root of a pet’s sudden aggressiveness.
• Find simple ways to ease a latchkey pooch’s sad-eyed loneliness.
• Take inspiration from an animal’s capacity for unconditional love and forgiveness.
• Proven holistic treatments for everything from fleas to diabetes.
• Learn how diet, exercise, herbal remedies, homeopathic measures, and a simple blood test can spare cats and dogs from the side effects of potent drugs—and be spared expensive veterinary bills.
• Pets against infectious tick-borne illnesses. 
• Recognize the early warning signs of heart disease. Learn tricks to keep an aging dog active and mentally alert.
• The healing powers of alternative therapies for dogs and cats.
• Find basic recipes and specific guidelines for using flower essences. 
• Master the arts of soothing music and massage.
• Explore the possibilities of veterinary acupuncture. 

Want to Treat Your Pet Healthier? Here Are Some Local (North East Coast) Health Pioneers to Follow:

 Andi Brown, had a cat named Spot. The little cat suffered from kidney and digestive complaints, a nasty skin rash and other problems. Veterinarians said she was incurable and recommended putting her down.

Brown, who had adopted Spot from a shelter, wouldn’t hear of it. A friend who happened to be a chef and herbalist suggested that something other than cat food from the supermarket might help. He went into Brown’s kitchen and whipped up a stew of chicken and vegetables, and the three of them sat down to eat. In 1991, she took $3,000 of her own money and started Halo, Purely for Pets, on the side, peddling natural pet care products such as herbal ear wash and natural flea dip.

At the urging of people who saw how good food could improve their pets’ lives, she rolled out Spot’s Stew in 1998 – canned dog and cat food made from the same wholesome chicken and veggies your grandma uses in her homemade soup.

Visit her web page here:  http://www.thewholepetdiet.com/

Dr. Robert and Susan Goldstein founded the Healing Center for Animals. The Goldstein’s are compassionate, healers and educators who offer expert advice, products and nutritional services.  They have over thirty-five years of clinical experience treating animals using "The Goldstein Nutrition Plan", a safe and highly effective program for the perpetuation of wellness.

Visit their web page here:  http://www.healingcenterforanimals.com/  

WEB sources:  http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com,http://canigivemydog.com, http://pets.thenest.com, http://www.whole-dog-journal.com

Books: Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats

http://www.amazon.com/dp/157954973X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_ouzCub1HF0XSK via @amazon

The Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Catsby Andi Brown http://www.amazon.com/dp/1587612712/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_dwzCub1PA26N9 via @amazonThe Nature of Animal Healingby Martin D.V.M Goldsteinhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/0345439198/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_qxzCub1N8NY8H via @amazon

The Goldstein's Wellness & Longevity Program Book - Natural Care for Dogs and Cats  http://www.earthanimal.com/vmchk/dog-books/the-goldstein-s-wellness-longevity-program-book-natural-care.html