Can degus eat lettuce?

Yes, but only a little: degus can eat lettuce. PDSA lists lettuce only in very small amounts, while the TVT puts leafy lettuces first in winter. Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) says washed leafy lettuces should be the main fresh food in winter – dark green kinds such as oak leaf lettuce, lamb’s lettuce and arugula. The Swiss animal welfare society (STS) lists lettuce among fresh foods, and the Zurich animal welfare society (Zürcher Tierschutz) lists lamb’s lettuce among foods for occasional feeding. PDSA suggests lettuce once or twice a week and says it can cause bloating, so we err on the side of caution.

How to serve it: washed, a small amount (PDSA)

Good to know: PDSA suggests a small portion of leafy greens and vegetables only once or twice a week, and the Swiss animal welfare society (STS) 2 to 3 times a week in small pieces.