Carrots
1. Carrots need no description; they have been around for thousands of years and are a part of the diet in every culture of the world. Their texture and sweetness has also attracted our canine friends as well.
2. Many use carrots as a treat for their dogs but few understand all the benefits of carrots for both dogs and cats (while few use fresh carrots as a treat for cats, there are many benefits of using carrots in a balanced natural feline diet).
3. Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are thought to help protect the heart and reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Our mothers encouraged us to eat carrots for good vision. They are the richest source of beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, especially night vision. Adequate Vitamin A also helps protect humans from macular degeneration and could have the same benefit for our pets.
5. Foods high in carotenoids are thought to be beneficial for blood sugar regulation. They may be inversely associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
The benefits of carrots are many, however, one must keep in mind that too much of a good thing is not always best. Carrots have calories and too many carrots in the diet as snacks can encourage weight gain. “Everything in moderation” is the key.
