Meat & fish
Can cats eat lamb?
A little plain cooked lean lamb is a welcome treat for cats.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A few small pieces.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, cooked, lean meat
- Trim the fat
- No cooked bones
- No mint sauce, gravy, garlic or rosemary-and-garlic rubs
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Plain, cooked, lean lamb is a good source of protein for dogs. Fatty cuts and cooked bones are the problems.
How much: A few small pieces as a treat.
Can dogs eat lamb?Cats Safe
Yes, a little plain cooked lean lamb is a welcome treat for cats.
How much: A few small pieces.
The details
Lamb is a common ingredient in dog food, and is sometimes used in diets for dogs with suspected food allergies, because fewer dogs have been exposed to it. Roast lamb from the Sunday table is more of a risk: the fatty trimmings and drippings can trigger pancreatitis, and cooked bones splinter.
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat lamb?
Yes, a little plain cooked lean lamb is a welcome treat for cats.
How much lamb can a cat have?
A few small pieces.
What should I do if my cat ate lamb?
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. If your pet ate cooked bones or a lot of fat, call your vet.
Is lamb safe for dogs too?
Yes. Plain, cooked, lean lamb is a good source of protein for dogs. Fatty cuts and cooked bones are the problems.
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
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