Can dogs eat lettuce? Believe or not, yes they can eat it and they like it. The taste and the odor are appealing for all dogs and they can eat a ton of it. For us, humans, lettuce is healthy and delicious, but for dogs? It is also beneficial and desirable food. Below we will explain why lettuce is more than just good for dogs of all breeds.
Not only dogs can eat lettuce safely, they can also eat in all forms. Regardless of the form or a meal where lettuce is present, your pet will love it. Try to remember that lettuce isn’t extremely easy to chew and digest, so you don’t want to feed your dog in massive amounts too frequently.
Can dogs eat lettuce: Crunchy or soft parts?
Now you know that all dogs can eat lettuce and there are no issues associated with their health. But, which part of lettuce they prefer? Some dogs like crunchier, harder parts of the plant. They enjoy chewing it and they will like doing it all the time. Others, like softer parts, so we cannot generalize the matter!
In order to determine in which group your dog feels, give him separately each piece of lettuce, and monitor which piece he will eat like a happier dog. There is another, interesting method to determine this mystery. You can give him both pieces at the same time. Watch which one he will eat the first. If he eats softer one, he prefers softer parts of lettuce or another way around.
We must point out that before giving the lettuce to a dog, wash it completely. By doing so, you will remove bacteria and dust from it. In some cases, you will also reduce chemicals that are accumulated on the leaves.
Lettuce in a salad
You probably adore lettuce added to a salad and your dog will have the same opinion, probably. It is important to know that salad which contains lettuce shouldn’t be given to dogs! The main concern isn’t in the lettuce, it is in dressings.
Almost all salads are given as leftovers to dogs. Depending on a dressing, it may be dangerous for your pet. For example, we all like garlic or onions in a salad, but they are not safe for dogs.
The best thing you can do is to give him lettuce in the simplest form like it is. By doing so, you eliminate the risk of causing health issues due to some ingredients and he will get the most from the diet. Don’t think that dogs prefer lettuce in salads. They are perfectly happy when getting it in the simplest possible form. As we have mentioned at the beginning, they like the taste of lettuce.
When we are discussing this matter, we should add that lettuce must be cut into small pieces before giving it to a dog. Whole leaves or lettuce in large pieces can be dangerous. A dog may choke or he will definitely have problems digesting a meal. This applies to all vegetables and fruits. Dogs cannot digest large pieces as easily as smaller ones, so you will have to cut them into small pieces.
Steamed lettuce is the best alternative
If you are a dedicated dog owner, you will want only the best for your furry pet. This means that steaming lettuce should be taken into consideration. Just in case, we will explain why this method is the best and the safest. Raw lettuce is difficult to chew and digest, so it may not be as useful as steamed one.
When you steam lettuce, all the minerals and all the vitamins stay preserved. Obviously, a dog will lose the crunchy feel, but the essence of the lettuce will be preserved. In other terms, a dog will get all the advantages of lettuce but not a single drawback.
Steamed lettuce has one benefit more. It is so easy to digest, that dogs will need less time to do it. In professional terms, a dog will use less energy to digest and to obtain all the ingredients form lettuce. The bottom line is that steamed lettuce is the best of the best options. Just try it once in order to see will your dog like it.
Perfect amount of lettuce for your dog
If consumed in large amounts, lettuce may cause diarrhea. That’s why it is mandatory to start with a small amount, one tablespoon of small pieces of lettuce. Monitor the results. If a dog doesn’t develop diarrhea but he likes lettuce so much, you can increase the amount. In any other way, you will have to reduce it.
Try to remember that lettuce isn’t substituted for other foods usually found in dog’s diet, so it cannot be a replacement for other vegetables, fruits, and main foods. Other than that, you will have to pay close attention to frequency of giving lettuce to a dog. A few times per week is perfectly fine and safe. Giving it every day, on the other hand, isn’t. We recommend you 3-4 times per week, with a pause of a day between.
What makes lettuce so beneficial for dogs?
We explained that lettuce is good for all breeds of dogs, but we must include why. Basically, it is due to ingredients found in it. Lettuce is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It is rich in beta carotene and folate.
Low in calories and fiber, lettuce is safe for dogs and cannot increase their weight. On the other side, it will improve their digestion. Lettuce is highly recommended for dogs with constipation.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat lettuce? They must eat lettuce would be the best answer. This vegetable is perfectly healthy and brings a lot of different health benefits. There are no reasons to be a concern nor you can do anything wrong. Just remember to steam it, cut into small pieces and feed a dog 3-4 times per week. In no time you will notice how dog fur is healthier and he has more energy. All what a dog owner wants.
