Vegetable
Can dogs eat lettuce?
Plain lettuce is safe for dogs. It is about 95% water, so it is refreshing but not very nutritious.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A few leaves.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Wash well
- Tear into small pieces
- Never salad with dressing, onion, garlic, croutons or raisins
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Plain lettuce is safe for dogs. It is about 95% water, so it is refreshing but not very nutritious.
How much: A few leaves.
Cats Safe
Yes. Plain lettuce is safe for cats, and some enjoy nibbling it — a good alternative to chewing houseplants.
How much: A leaf or two.
Can cats eat lettuce?The details
Lettuce itself is harmless; the risk is in what comes with it. Salads often contain onion, garlic, raisins, nuts or salty dressings. If your pet raids the salad bowl, check what was in it before deciding whether to call your vet.
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat lettuce?
Yes. Plain lettuce is safe for dogs. It is about 95% water, so it is refreshing but not very nutritious.
How much lettuce can a dog have?
A few leaves.
What should I do if my dog ate lettuce?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is lettuce safe for cats too?
Yes. Plain lettuce is safe for cats, and some enjoy nibbling it — a good alternative to chewing houseplants.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Onions
Carrots
Sweet potato
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Mushrooms
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation