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Ingredient file // Fruit or vegetable

Dried Carrots

A little carbohydrate and fiber, no eye cure

Dried carrots are carrot roots with most of their water removed. They add carbohydrate and some fiber to kibble. Drying reduces their carotenoids, and no study shows that dried carrots in dog food improve eyesight or gut health.

Role in the food Supporting nutrient
What it is
Carrot roots dried into pieces or meal for use in food and feed.
Made from
Fresh carrot roots
Main job
Carbohydrate and some fiber
Typical amount
Not published
Watch for
Large test amounts increased fecal water losses
Not the same as
Carrot pomace

Straight answer

Is Dried Carrots safe for dogs?

Read past the carrot line to the recipe

Look at what sits above dried carrots and check the food's nutritional adequacy statement. The ingredient list ranks weights but gives no carrot percentage. Treat dried carrots as a carbohydrate and fiber addition, and set aside promises that this one ingredient improves eyesight or gut health.

Why it is in the food
Carbohydrate and some fiber

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 13 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

8%

242 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 30 brands. 218 dry dog food, 21 wet dog food, 3 dog food topper.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 18. In the top five of 1 food, so it is usually a minor ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

23%

Usually listed after the salt, which caps it at roughly 1% of the recipe in 77% of foods.

Price per lb

Foods with it $2.91
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 168 priced foods, 10% below the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

13%

of the foods that list it are from Nature's Logic. 30 brands use it in total.

What it is

How it is made

Fresh produce growers have grade-out and surplus carrot roots that can enter the feed market. Washing, cutting and drying remove the water that makes fresh roots costly to transport and store.3,5

  1. 01 // Source Carrot roots Whole roots supply this ingredient; juice residue is a separate carrot product.
  2. 02 // Process Washed and cut In one documented drying process, roots were washed, peeled and sliced before drying.
  3. 03 // Process Hot air dried Moving hot air removes water, while temperature and drying time affect carotenoid retention.
  4. 04 // Output Dried carrots Dried root pieces, flakes or meal arrive as a lower-moisture ingredient for pet food.

What is in it

Composition, dry matter

9.3

% crude fiber

The average for dried carrot roots in Feedipedia. They contribute some fiber, but published samples vary widely.

Total sugars 39.6%4
Crude fiber 3.2-16.1%4
Crude protein 6.1-18.8%4
Ash 3.5-10.8%4
Crude fat 0.8-3.5%4
Starch 0.1-4.4%4

The sugar figure comes from one sample, while fiber and protein have published ranges. Carrot variety and processing change the mix; drying conditions also change how many carotenoids remain.3,4,5

Why it is in the bag

A small carbohydrate and fiber addition

  1. Main nutrition
  2. Supporting nutrient
  3. Does a job
  4. Mostly filler

Dried carrots bring carbohydrate and fiber. One dry matter sample held 39.6% sugars, and dried roots average 9.3% crude fiber. Bags do not give the amount, and lists run by weight, so a carrot line below most other ingredients likely adds only a little. A 4-dog trial found colon fermentation changes with carrots added at 30% of the diet. No study has tested the amount a typical food uses.1,4,6

  1. 01

    Supplies carrot carbohydrate

    One dried-root sample contained 39.6% sugars on a dry matter basis. Carrots contribute carbohydrate, although a bag does not disclose their amount in the recipe.4,6

  2. 02

    Contributes some fiber

    Dried roots averaged 9.3% crude fiber. A small dog trial found changes in colon fermentation markers at a high test amount, without measuring a health benefit.1,4

  3. 03

    Uses surplus roots

    Grade-out and surplus carrots offer growers a feed outlet. Removing water reduces the bulk and storage problems of fresh roots, though drying adds processing cost.3,5

How much A trial added dried, ground carrots at 30% of a basic diet for 4 dogs; a typical kibble amount is not published.1

Our read // The claims

What the evidence supports

Strong: controlled studies in dogs agree. Some: small or mixed dog data. Thin: mechanism or lab work only. None: nothing, or the evidence points the other way.

  1. Brands say

    Dried carrots make a dog's gut healthier

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    In a 4-dog trial with 30% added carrot, fecal pH fell and fermentation markers rose. Fecal water loss also increased. The trial measured neither gut health outcomes nor effects at an ordinary kibble amount.1

  2. Brands say

    Carrot beta carotene improves dogs' eyesight

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Dogs absorbed purified beta carotene after single doses of 50 to 200 mg, but the researchers did not test eyesight. A carrot drying experiment found carotenoid losses. Neither study tested a vision benefit from dried carrots in kibble.2,3

  3. Critics say

    Dried carrots are just filler

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    A dried-root sample contained 39.6% sugars, and Feedipedia reports an average of 9.3% crude fiber. Carrots supply carbohydrate and fiber; a small feeding trial also measured digestive changes at a high test amount.1,4

  4. Brands say

    Dried carrots keep all fresh carrot nutrients

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    Removing water concentrates the remaining solids by weight, but drying does not preserve everything. In a hot-air experiment, carrot slices retained 42.2% to 66.2% of their total carotenoids, depending on drying conditions.3

  5. Owners say

    Carrots are toxic to dogs

    Outruns the evidence

    Evidence

    1. Strong
    2. Some
    3. Thin
    4. None

    The ASPCA's garden carrot plant entry lists it as non-toxic to dogs and identifies the taproot as edible. That directly contradicts a poisoning claim about the carrot root used to make this ingredient.7

Straight answers

What owners ask

  1. Q01

    Is it just filler?

    No

    Dried carrots contain sugars and fiber. A small feeding trial found digestive changes when dogs ate a large test amount. A carrot line low on a kibble list signals a limited contribution, not an ingredient with no job.1,4,6

  2. Q02

    How much carrot is there?

    Not disclosed

    Ingredients are listed by weight as they enter the recipe, but the list gives no percentages. Dried carrots below another ingredient weigh less than it in the mix; their exact amount remains unknown.6

  3. Q03

    Is this carrot pomace?

    No

    Dried carrots are dried roots. Carrot pomace is residue from processing carrots for juice and has a different starting material. Results from a pomace trial should not be assigned to dried roots.4,5

  4. Q04

    Are carrots safe for dogs?

    Yes

    The ASPCA lists the garden carrot as non-toxic to dogs and its root as edible. In the small dried-carrot trial, a high test amount increased fecal water loss; the abstract does not describe stool consistency.1,7

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Nature's Logic 32 / 32
  2. Nulo 29 / 117
  3. Simply Nourish 25 / 44
  4. Purina 21 / 185
  5. Pedigree 20 / 42
  6. Nutro 14 / 71
  7. NutriSource 12 / 91
  8. Wysong 11 / 20
  9. Blue Seal 10 / 19
  10. Pure Balance 7 / 17

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 20 more brands.

Amazon best sellers that list it

  1. #2 Purina One SmartBlend Adult Dog Lamb & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
  2. #12 Pedigree Adult Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food
  3. #22 Cesar Filet Mignon Flavor & Spring Vegetables Garnish Dry Dog Food
  4. #33 Purina One SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Formula Adult Premium Dry Dog Food
  5. #36 Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula Adult Premium Dry Dog Food
  6. #41 Pedigree Small Dog Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food
  7. #48 Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Premium Dry Dog Food
  8. #52 Purina One SmartBlend Small Bites Beef & Rice Formula Adult Premium Dry Dog Food

Rank on Amazon's dog food best seller list, checked October 2026.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Mixed Tocopherols 69%
  2. Chicken Fat 45%
  3. Natural Flavor 45%
  4. Chicken Meal 38%
  5. Chicken 38%
  6. Flaxseed 29%
  7. Turkey Meal 26%
  8. Dried Plain Beet Pulp 24%
  9. Brown Rice 20%
  10. Citric Acid 18%
  11. Barley 17%
  12. Dried Peas 17%

On the shelf

Foods that list Dried Carrots

242 foods in our catalog list it. These 60 list it highest on the label.

Solid Gold Nutrientboost Chicken Freeze Dried Dog Food TopperSolid GoldSolid Gold Nutrientboost Chicken Freeze Dried Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef & Oat Recipe Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Beef & Oat Recipe Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 7 on the labelEarth Animal Wisdom Air-Dried From the Air Recipe Dog Food TopperEarth AnimalEarth Animal Wisdom Air-Dried From the Air Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 9 on the labelIams Adult Chicken Chunks IN Gravy Wet Dog FoodIamsIams Adult Chicken Chunks IN Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelPedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Cans, Country Stew and Chicken & Rice Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Cans, Country Stew and Chicken & Rice Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelPedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Can, Prime Rib, Rice, and Vegetable Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Can, Prime Rib, Rice, and Vegetable Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelOl’ Roy Country Chicken Stew Flavor Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog FoodOl' RoyOl’ Roy Country Chicken Stew Flavor Cuts in Gravy Can Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelIams Adult Beef Chunks IN Gravy Wet Dog FoodIamsIams Adult Beef Chunks IN Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelNutro Chicken Entreé topped with Bites of Real Chicken & Spinach Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutroNutro Chicken Entreé topped with Bites of Real Chicken & Spinach Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Grain Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Grain Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Grain Free Large Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Grain Free Large Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelNutro Chicken Entrée Paté with Tomatoes & Carrots Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutroNutro Chicken Entrée Paté with Tomatoes & Carrots Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 11 on the label
Show 48 more
Pedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Can, Country Stew Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Can, Country Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelPedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Can, Steak & Vegetable Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree Choice Cuts IN Gravy Adult Can, Steak & Vegetable Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 9 on the labelIams Adult Lamb Chunks IN Gravy Wet Dog FoodIamsIams Adult Lamb Chunks IN Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelPedigree Small Dog Food with Tender Bites, Steak & Vegetable Wet Dog FoodPedigreePedigree Small Dog Food with Tender Bites, Steak & Vegetable Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 10 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Grain Free Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Grain Free Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Small Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Small Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelRachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Dry Dog FoodRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Hearty Beef, Veggies & Brown Rice Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelNulo MedalSeries Large Breed Puppy Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodNuloNulo MedalSeries Large Breed Puppy Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 11 on the labelSimply Nourish Source High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Source High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 12 on the labelSimply Nourish Source Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Source Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 12 on the labelSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 12 on the labelRachael Ray Nutrish Dish Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe with Veggie & Fruit Blend Dry Dog FoodRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray Nutrish Dish Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe with Veggie & Fruit Blend Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 12 on the labelRachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef & Brown Rice with Veggie & Fruit Blend Dry Dog FoodRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray Nutrish Dish Beef & Brown Rice with Veggie & Fruit Blend Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelEvanger’s Super Premium New! Gamebird Recipe with Coconut Oil for Dogs - Dry Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Super Premium New! Gamebird Recipe with Coconut Oil for Dogs - Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelNutro Ultra Senior Trio of Proteins Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish with Superfoods Paté Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutroNutro Ultra Senior Trio of Proteins Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish with Superfoods Paté Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 13 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Small Breed Senior Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Small Breed Senior Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Weight Management Small Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Weight Management Small Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Puppy Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Puppy Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelRachael Ray Nutrish Real Salmon, Veggies & Brown Rice Dry Dog FoodRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray Nutrish Real Salmon, Veggies & Brown Rice Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Pure Naturals Sardine Recipe Dry Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Pure Naturals Sardine Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelPurina Beyond Simply Farm-Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog FoodPurinaPurina Beyond Simply Farm-Raised Chicken & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelPurina Beyond Simply Pasture-Raised Lamb & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog FoodPurinaPurina Beyond Simply Pasture-Raised Lamb & Whole Barley Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelEvanger’s Super Premium Game Bird Recipe with Coconut Oil Dry Dog FoodEvanger'sEvanger’s Super Premium Game Bird Recipe with Coconut Oil Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 13 on the labelPurina One SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Formula Adult Premium Dry Dog FoodPurinaPurina One SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Formula Adult Premium Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelEarth Animal Wisdom Air-Dried Chicken Recipe Dog Food TopperEarth AnimalEarth Animal Wisdom Air-Dried Chicken Recipe Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 14 on the labelPurina ONE Skin and Coat Dry Dog FoodPurinaPurina ONE Skin and Coat Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Lamb Wet Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Lamb Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 14 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Sardine Wet Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Sardine Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 14 on the labelNutro Ultra Trio of Proteins Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish with Superfoods Paté Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodNutroNutro Ultra Trio of Proteins Chicken, Lamb & Whitefish with Superfoods Paté Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 14 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelSimply Nourish Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelRachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Savory Chicken, Veggies & Barley Dry Dog FoodRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray Nutrish Big Life Savory Chicken, Veggies & Barley Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelPure Balance Grain-Free & Poultry-Free Lamb & Fava Bean Recipe Dry Dog FoodPure BalancePure Balance Grain-Free & Poultry-Free Lamb & Fava Bean Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Pure Naturals Beef Recipe Dry Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Pure Naturals Beef Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Pure Naturals Chicken Recipe Dry Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Pure Naturals Chicken Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelNature’s Logic Distinction Canine Sardine Recipe Dry Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Distinction Canine Sardine Recipe Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 14 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Turkey Wet Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Turkey Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 15 on the labelNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Venison Wet Dog FoodNature's LogicNature’s Logic Original Canine Can: Venison Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 15 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Senior Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Senior Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Weight Management Large Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Weight Management Large Breed Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Limited Ingredient Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Limited Ingredient Diet Limited Ingredient Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelSimply Nourish Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelSimply Nourish Original Adult Dry Dog FoodSimply NourishSimply Nourish Original Adult Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the labelHealth Extension Ancestry Look Out! Duck Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodHealth ExtensionHealth Extension Ancestry Look Out! Duck Grain-Free Dry Dog FoodDry // No. 15 on the label

On labels as

Dehydrated carrots: what changes

One page covers every name. Here is what each label word adds, and whether it changes anything for your dog.

Dehydrated carrots

Matters for your dog No

Dehydrated Carrots

What it means Wisconsin's pet food rule, one example of state feed law, allows the word dehydrated in an ingredient statement only for an ingredient that was artificially dried. It names a drying method and promises no set temperature, final moisture or nutrient retention.

For your dog Nothing changes compared with dried carrots. Feedipedia files dried carrot roots under the dehydrated name, so both describe roots with the water removed. The ingredient still ranks by its weight in the recipe.4,6,8

Other wording

Matters for your dog No

Dried Carrot

What it means Dried Carrot is the singular form of the same ingredient name: carrot roots with most of their water removed. The singular wording sets no different standard for how the carrots are sourced or dried.

For your dog Nothing changes. It is the same dried root ingredient, and like every ingredient it sits on the list according to its weight in the recipe, with no percentage disclosed.6

Sources

What we read

Checked September 1, 2026.

  1. 1 [Granulated carrots (Daucus carota) in dog nutrition]. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde, 1993 // Journal
  2. 2 Dietary beta-carotene is taken up by blood plasma and leukocytes in dogs The Journal of Nutrition, 2000 // Journal
  3. 3 Investigation of dynamic quality changes and optimization of drying parameters of carrots (Daucus carota var. laguna) Journal of Food Process Engineering, 2020 // Journal
  4. 4 Carrot roots, dehydrated Feedipedia (INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ, FAO), 2012 // Database
  5. 5 Carrot (Daucus carota) Feedipedia (INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ, FAO), 2016 // Database
  6. 6 Reading Labels AAFCO, n.d. // Regulator
  7. 7 Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Carrot Flower ASPCA Animal Poison Control, n.d. // Nonprofit
  8. 8 ATCP 42.32 Ingredient statement (Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter ATCP 42: Commercial Feed) Wisconsin State Legislature, n.d. // Regulator
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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