Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?

A dog needs a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals, but it doesn't require nutrients from vegetables. Dog food products are made with a nutritional balance that a dog needs to stay healthy and active. Small amounts of food from the dinner table, such as meat scraps, are a nice treat for a pet. Even some vegetables are also safe for your dog to devour, such as lettuce.

  1. Lettuce Varieties

    • Lettuce grows in many varieties, but from Boston to Romaine, all of them are safe for dogs. Some varieties, such as Boston, have a sweet, buttery flavor, while dark lettuces are more bitter. The type of lettuce you choose depends on your dog's taste. But in any case, the lettuce must be clean and free from pre-made salad dressings. These may contain preservatives that could be harmful to your dog.

    Dogs Eat Grass

    • A dog will eat other green foods beside lettuce, such as grass; this is because dogs are not carnivores, they are omnivores. When a dog munches on grass it is getting necessary nutrients that may be lacking in its diet, such as vitamin C. A dog with an upset stomach may also chomp on grass to induce vomiting and relieve its achy belly. If you notice your dog eating grass more than usual, try adding some lettuce to its diet. But if the habit is constant it could be a sign of a serious, underlying illness and requires veterinary attention.

    Salad for Dogs

    • Add an extra boost of vitamins to your dog's diet by incorporating salads as a daily meal. Dark, leafy lettuces are dense in nutrients and make a good salad base. Add steamed vegetables, such as zucchini, to the mix with one tablespoon of olive oil. Stir the salad and pour in the dog's food dish for a healthy treat.

    Harmful Vegetables

    • A dog's digestive system isn't equipped to handle all types of vegetables. Onions and garlic, for example, can cause severe stomach problems. Tomatoes have the potential to cause a heart arrhythmia in some dogs. Mushrooms and broccoli can also have negative affects on a dog's health.