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Lettuce
Vegetables
- Safe Dog
- Safe but low nutrition (mostly water). Romaine is better than iceberg.
- Safe Cat
- Safe. Some cats enjoy it as a crunchy snack. Low calorie.
- Safe Bird
- Romaine and dark leafy lettuces are good. Avoid iceberg — almost no nutrition.
- Caution Reptile
- Iceberg is useless (water, no nutrition). Use dark greens like romaine, dandelion, or collard greens instead.
- Safe Horse
- Safe in small amounts. Not a significant food source.
- Safe Rabbit
- Romaine and leaf lettuce are great daily greens. Avoid iceberg (causes diarrhea, no nutrition).
- Safe Small pet
- Romaine is safe for guinea pigs. Avoid iceberg for all small pets.
- Caution Ferret
- Ferrets can't digest plant matter well. No nutritional value.
If your pet ate something dangerous
- Stay calm. Note what your pet ate, how much, and when.
- Call your vet or emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 A consultation fee may apply.
- Call Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 A consultation fee may apply.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed by a professional.
- Bring packaging or a sample of what was ingested to the vet.
About SafeBite
SafeBite is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding your pet new foods, especially if your pet has known allergies, health conditions, or dietary restrictions. Toxicity can vary by species, breed, size, age, and individual health. When in doubt, contact your vet or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Data sources: ASPCA, FDA, Pet Poison Helpline, and peer-reviewed veterinary literature.