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Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? Vet Approved Facts & FAQs

Written by: Shana Loven

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Shana Loven

Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? Vet Approved Facts & FAQs

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

The good news is that, yes, dogs can eat lettuce. Iceberg lettuce, arugula, and romaine are all varieties of lettuce that your dog can eat. Although lettuce is okay for your dog to eat, it doesn’t provide much nutritional value to your pet as it’s made up of about 90% water.

Dogs can eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as treats, or as part of a regular diet. Read on to learn which fruits and vegetables you can feed your favorite furry friend.

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Is Lettuce Healthy For Dogs to Eat?

To be safe and to prevent digestive upset, make sure to wash the lettuce thoroughly and cut it up into smaller pieces for your pet to munch on more easily. Always keep an eye on lettuce recalls for Listeria or E. coli so you don’t inadvertently feed your dog, or yourself, contaminated lettuce.

It’s a good source of fiber and contains beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body. Dogs should only have lettuce in moderation as it causes diarrhea if too much is consumed.

lettuce
Image By: Jef Wright, Unsplash

What Other Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Now that you know dogs can eat lettuce, you may be wondering what other vegetables are safe for your dog to eat. Here is a list of safe vegetables for your pet’s snack time:

  • Carrots are a surefire winner with most dogs. Packed with vitamin A-producing beta-carotene, carrots are also packed with fiber and give your dog a satisfying crunch when they bite into them.
  • Green beans are another winner for dogs—as long as they are served plain. You can serve them raw, steamed, or chopped up as they contain loads of fiber and are packed with vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your pup. You can even serve them canned green beans, but make sure you grab either no-salt or low-salt options.
  • Broccoli is safe for dogs to eat, as long as it’s chopped up into small enough pieces to avoid any obstructions when swallowing. This green veggie is high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a nutritious snack for your pup. Broccoli has been reported to cause mild to severe gastric issues in some dogs, so try a small amount at first to see how your dog responds.
  • Brussels sprouts are another green veggie that are safe for your pup to eat as they’re loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. They can cause gas in pups if they’re given too much, so don’t overfeed them these tasty greens.
  • Peas are another tasty option for dogs that they can have in small amounts as they’re high in fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Sugar snap peas, green peas, English peas, snow peas, and garden peas are all acceptable for dogs to eat.
  • Celery is safe for dogs to eat and freshens doggy breath. Celery is a source of potassium and promotes heart health in your pup.
  • Spinach is okay for dogs in small amounts, but it contains oxalic acid, which can cause the body to no longer absorb calcium. Avoid feeding your pup large amounts of spinach for long term.
miniature schnauzer dog standing on sofa and eating dog food from bowl
Image Credit: DegrooteStock, Shutterstock

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

There are also a variety of fruits that dogs can eat safely. Here is a list of the top fruits you can feed your pup without worry:

  • Bananas are a great option for pups to eat in moderate amounts. They’re a source of potassium, fiber, vitamins, copper, and biotin. They are high in sugar, so they should only be given as an occasional treat.
  • Raspberries contain antioxidants, and are low in sugar and calories, making them a good option for an occasional treat for any dog. They’re high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese and can help dogs with aging joints because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Feed less than a cup of raspberries to your dog at a time, as they do contain a small amount of xylitol.
  • Strawberries are a good choice of fruit for your pup as they contain fiber and vitamin C. They do contain sugar, so dogs should only have them as a treat in smaller amounts.
  • Blueberries are considered a superfood for both canines and humans alike. They are high in fiber and antioxidants, which have been known to prevent cell damage.
  • Apples are low in fat and protein making them an excellent option for snacks for senior dogs. They are a source of fiber and are also a good source of vitamins C and A.
  • Cucumbers are a great snack option for dogs struggling with obesity, as they contain no fats, oils, or carbohydrates. Dogs can benefit from cucumbers because they contain vitamins C and K,  potassium, and magnesium.
  • Pears are also a good snack for a dog, as they’re high in fiber, and vitamin C. Make sure to remove all seeds and the core, as they contain traces of cyanide.
  • Oranges are okay for dogs to eat if they show an interest in this citrus fruit. They contain fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Oranges should be peeled, all seeds extracted, and only the flesh fed to your dog.
  • Mangos are packed with a variety of vitamins, namely C, E, A, and B6. They contain beta-carotene, potassium, and alpha-carotene. Make sure to remove the pit, as it contains small traces of cyanide. Mangos are high in sugar and should only be given as a treat sometimes.
  • Peaches are also safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. Frozen or cut-up peaches provide vitamin A and fiber. Make sure the pit is safely removed.
  • Fresh and dried cranberries can be fed to dogs in small amounts if your dog is interested in this tart berry.
  • Cantaloupe is a tasty treat option that can provide fiber, water, and nutrients to your pup. It’s low in calories but high in sugar, which is why cantaloupe should only be given to dogs occasionally.
  • Pumpkin is an excellent fruit for your dog for a variety of reasons. It can help with your dog’s overall digestion and help keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy.
  • Watermelon is okay to feed your dog as it contains a high water content and is full of potassium, as well as C, A, and B-6 vitamins. The rind and seeds should be removed before feeding your dog any watermelon.
light green Lettuce
Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay

What Fruits and Vegetables Should Dogs Not Eat?

There are a few fruits and vegetables that should never be fed to your dog, as they are toxic or cause other adverse effects on their health.

Fruit that should be avoided include grapes, avocados, tomatoes, and cherries.

Veggies that you shouldn’t give to your dog include garlic, onions, chives, and leeks.

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Conclusion

If you’re wondering if your dog can eat lettuce, the answer is yes. They can have romaine, iceberg, and arugula.

If you’re looking for some additional healthy snacks for your pet, you can choose some tasty options from the fruits and vegetables on our list. Always make sure to thoroughly wash and cut up any fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards or digestive issues.

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