Crispy lettuce greens are a must-have in salads, you can even grow them in pots easily. Lettuce leaves are healthy for human as they’re 90 percent water, low in calories and rich in fiber. But the more relevant question is whether you can include this leafy green in your dog’s diet? Is lettuce safe for dogs? Can dogs eat lettuce?
Is Lettuce Safe for Dogs?
The first and foremost thing that you need to know about lettuce is whether it’s toxic to dogs or not. The answer is no! It does not contain any harmful toxin and completely healthy for dogs. You won’t even have to worry about the varieties as all are safe and nutritious. Some of the common varieties you can choose are butter lettuce, romaine or iceberg. Learn everything about growing lettuce here.
Nutrition in Lettuce
Just like humans, dogs also need nutrition in their diet. Including lettuce in their meal will ensure that their diet is rich and healthy. Here is the list of nutrients they’ll get from eating lettuce:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Folates
- Beta-carotene
- Fiber
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce? Lettuce Benefits for Dogs
As mentioned above, lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals, which is good for the overall health of your dog. Lettuce is also rich in fiber that facilitates smooth bowel movement and thus aids in constipation.
According to a study, leafy greens increase “good” bacteria and promote health. This increase in beneficial gut flora in the intestine also boosts the immune system. Including lettuce in dog’s diet also lower’s the blood pressure naturally. It’s low in calories and thus is a good option for preventing excess weight gain in your pooch.
Also Read: 22 Leafy Greens to Grow in Pots
How to Give Lettuce to Dogs
More than half of the dogs in the United States are obese, giving them lettuce can help in reducing weight. Along with lettuce, you can also substitute other safe fruits & vegetables like green beans and broccoli florets in your dog’s diet. Also, check out these 19 Dog-Friendly Plants.
You can feed the whole lettuce, in pieces or in the form of salad (without dressing) with other veggies that are unharmful. Serving steamed lettuce to your pet is also an option.
Side Effects of Eating Lettuce
Lettuce is no exception to the rule that too much good is bad. Overuse of everything is harmful, and that includes feeding too much lettuce to dogs. One such less common side effect is dogs can choke if they chew on a large portion of lettuce.
Diarrhea is also a common side effect of overeating this leafy green. Dogs can also have a stomach upset or vomiting due to overeating lettuce. So, to be on the safer side, start off with a small quantity, and see if your dog is liking that and his stomach can digest that. If any side effects occur, consult a vet!
Also Read: 34 Toxic Indoor Plants for Dogs
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