Meat & fish
Can dogs eat lamb?
Plain, cooked, lean lamb is a good source of protein for dogs. Fatty cuts and cooked bones are the problems.
By Maya HartHow much, how often
A few small pieces as a treat.
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.
Cats Safe
Yes, a little plain cooked lean lamb is a welcome treat for cats.
How much: A few small pieces.
Can cats eat lamb?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 dogs eat lamb?
Yes. Plain, cooked, lean lamb is a good source of protein for dogs. Fatty cuts and cooked bones are the problems.
How much lamb can a dog have?
A few small pieces as a treat.
What should I do if my dog 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 cats too?
Yes, a little plain cooked lean lamb is a welcome treat for cats.
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
