JohnnyLettuce is super-low in calories and fat, which makes it an ideal part of any diet. Of course, it is much tastier with a little bit of dressing, if you do not mind a few extra calories. The question is:
Can you share it with your pet? Can Frenchie Bulldogs eat lettuce?
If you want to see if the lettuce is safe for canines and whether it will be good for your Frenchie Bulldog, stay with us to the very end, and we’ll find out together!
Is Lettuce Healthy Or Toxic For Your Frenchie Bulldog?
As we’ve already implied, lettuce is not toxic for canines – French Bulldogs included. If your little pooch enjoys eating it, it’s perfectly safe to offer some from time to time.
Is lettuce healthy for canines, though?
Considering that it is 90 percent water, feeding lettuce to your dog can be an excellent alternative method to keep it hydrated, especially if your pup doesn’t drink enough water throughout the day.
Besides, lettuce contains a fair amount of vitamin C, A, and fiber that your pooch can benefit from. Yet, if we’re being perfectly honest, as far as minerals and vitamins go, there are far better options. The same goes for radishes.
If you want to secure a massive boost in the health department, forget lettuce and opt for far more nutritious veggies such as carrots, spinach, or green beans.
How Should You Feed Lettuce To Your Frenchie Bulldog?
You can serve lettuce raw or cooked. If you opt for the former, it would be best to buy only organic lettuce, though.
Canines are prone to pesticide poisoning, and thus you must try your best not to endanger your Frenchie’s health.
Both raw and cooked lettuce should be cut into small pieces before you serve it to your Frenchie Bulldog. It’s much easier to digest that way.
Most dogs enjoy raw lettuce due to its crunchiness. However, cooked lettuce is far easier for them to digest and does not present a choking hazard as much as raw lettuce does. It doesn’t take long to cook, either – since the goal is to preserve most of the nutrients.
For this reason, we recommend you feed cooked lettuce to your Frenchie.
Oh, and by the way, it’s usually not safe to feed your dog with a leftover salad from your lunch or dinner. The only exception to the rule would be plain raw lettuce.
If your salad had onions, salt, pepper, or dressing, throw it away.
Are There Some Possible Side Effects If Your Frenchie Bulldog Eats Too Much Lettuce?
As we’ve already established, lettuce is not toxic for your Frenchie Bulldog. However, if your pet overdoes it, it can experience some health issues.
French Bulldogs are small dogs – and they can easily ingest more lettuce than they should if you’re not careful. And if your dog has way too much lettuce for its tiny body, you can expect the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
To avoid dealing with these issues, consult your vet before including any new food in your Frenchie’s diet – lettuce included. Your vet will limit the amount of food you give your dog. Same goes for cauliflower.
Can French Bulldogs Eat Lettuce - FAQ
An educated dog owner is a good dog owner. So, let’s get over some of the most frequently asked questions that have to do with feeding lettuce to Frenchie Bulldogs – and, well, dogs in general.
Q: What is the nutritional value of lettuce?
A: 100 grams of raw green leaf lettuce contains only 15 calories and 95.1 grams of water. For all the other nutrients information, check out the following table:
Dietary Fiber | 1.3 grams |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 58.0 mg |
Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 24.0 mg |
Sugar | 0.8 grams |
Protein | 1.4 grams |
Carbohydrates | 2.8 grams |
Vitamin A | 7404 IU |
Vitamin C | 18.0 mg |
Vitamin K | 174 mcg |
Folate | 38.0 mcg. |
Niacin | 0.6 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
Choline | 13.4 mg |
Betaine | 0.2 mg. |
Pantothenic Acid | 0.1 mg |
Calcium | 36.0 mg |
Iron | 0.9 mg |
Magnesium | 13.0 mg |
Phosphorus | 29.0 mg |
Potassium | 194 mg |
Sodium | 28.0 mg |
Phytosterols | 38.0 mg |
Manganese | 0.3 mg |
Q: How much lettuce should your Frenchie Bulldog eat?
A: It depends on your dog size, but in general, no more than one or two tablespoons every three to four days.
Q: How to serve lettuce to your Frenchie Bulldog?
A: You can cook lettuce or serve it raw, but always cut it into small pieces first. If your dog refuses to eat it on its own, you can try sprinkling some shredded lettuce over his or her main meal.
Q: How can you tell if your Frenchie Bulldog is having an allergic reaction to lettuce?
A: It’s highly uncommon for any dog to have an allergic reaction to lettuce. However, it does happen sometimes. The symptoms you should be on the lookout for are the following:
- Itchy, red eyes
- Itchy, runny nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
You should best contact your vet as soon as you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Turn to the vet if you notice any unusual symptoms and behavior that we have not listed here, too.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Final Words: Can I Give My Frenchie Bulldog Lettuce?
As you can see, lettuce is a low-calorie veggie packed with beneficial fiber and some valuable nutrients like vitamins A and C. And as such, it makes a superb occasional treat for all dogs – Frenchie Bulldogs included.
As long as you keep the salad portions small and serve it only once or twice a week, lettuce is perfectly safe – and even beneficial – for your four-legged friend.
Frenchie Bulldogs are prone to obesity, and food such as lettuce can help them lose extra weight. Yet, it’s far from the most valuable veggie you can serve to your furry companion. Other veggies will provide more nutrients your Frenchie needs to thrive.
Lettuce can be served both cooked and raw, but if you do not want your dog to choke on it, better stick to the former. Raw lettuce can be hard to chew – and thus calls for caution.
Lettuce is not toxic to Frenchie Bulldogs, but it can cause problems like loose stool or vomiting if your pet has too much of it. Also, while allergic reactions are extremely rare, you still need to be careful when introducing lettuce for the first time and report any unusual reactions to your vet.
If you would like to add something, please do. Dog lovers need to stick together and support each other. Feel free to leave a comment and join the discussion! We would appreciate you sharing this article, too!
