Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?

Lettuce isn’t toxic or harmful to dogs, making it safe for them to eat.

“Lettuce is low in calories and generally safe in moderation,” says Jessica Apted, DVM, regional medical director at Sploot Veterinary Care in Denver.

What Kind of Lettuce Is Safe for Dogs?

If you’d like to incorporate more greens in your dog’s diet, it’s always best to make sure they’re safe for your BFF. The good news? Many types of lettuce are safe for them to eat!

Lettuce varieties that are safe for dogs include:

• Arugula
• Butterhead
• Green leaf lettuce
• Iceberg
• Red leaf lettuce
• Romaine

Of these varieties, Dr. Apted recommends giving your pooch butterhead lettuce in moderation due to its higher fiber content.

As for iceberg lettuce, while not toxic, it has very little nutritional value due to its high water content and can cause digestive issues just like any variety of lettuce if fed in excessive amounts.

While spinach, beet greens, and chard are technically leafy greens and not lettuce, it’s worth mentioning that it’s best to avoid overfeeding these veggies, in particular. These, Dr. Apted says, contain oxalates and can contribute to kidney stone formation if fed in large amounts.

Lettuce is light and leafy and can be a low-calorie treat, especially for overweight dogs.

A refreshing, water-rich food, lettuce is made up of over 90% water, making it a good way to boost your pup’s hydration.

Here are health benefits of lettuce:

• Good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and regulate bowel movements
• Packed with antioxidant compounds, like vitamins E, C, and K; carotenoids; and polyphenols, which support the immune system, skin, and coat health
• Contains phytochemicals, which protect against diseases

The exact nutrition of lettuce can vary depending on the type, though.

“Specific varieties, such as romaine and green leaf lettuce, provide small amounts of folate, potassium, and beta-carotene, all of which contribute to a dog’s overall well-being,” says Dr. Apted.

As with any other dog-friendly food, too much lettuce can pose problems for our pups. Dr. Apted notes that these may include mild digestive upset, and if not washed properly, food poisoning or toxic reactions due to potential pesticides.

Signs a dog may have eaten too much lettuce include:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

“If these symptoms occur, stop feeding lettuce and consult your vet if symptoms persist,” Dr. Apted notes.

Keen on treating your canine to this fresh, crispy food?

Here are tips on how to prepare lettuce for your dog:

• Skip iceberg lettuce. Opt for romaine or green-leaf varieties due to iceberg lettuce’s low nutritional value.
• Go organic and wash thoroughly. Opt for organic lettuce and wash it thoroughly to remove pesticide residues.
• Chop it into small, bite-size pieces. This helps avoid choking risks, especially in small dogs.
• Serve plain. That means no dressings, oils, or spices, as these can be harmful to dogs.

When feeding lettuce or any food outside of their complete and balanced pet food, be mindful that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

“Lettuce can be offered occasionally as a crunchy treat but should not be a regular part of the diet,” Dr. Apted says.

Below is a general feeding guideline of how much lettuce to give your dog based on their size and weight, according to Dr. Apted. However, your vet can tell you how much lettuce is appropriate for your pet.