Food check · Rabbits

Can rabbits eat lettuce?

Yes, dark lettuce such as romaine is a good daily green, mixed with others. Iceberg is a no: watery, low in goodness and linked to loose droppings.

Checked against RSPCA: What do rabbits eat?, Rabbit Welfare Association: Recommended vegetables and herbs, Burgess: What food can rabbits eat? and 5 more on

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Can other pets eat lettuce?

Yes, rabbits can eat lettuce, but the type matters. Dark, leafy lettuce such as romaine (cos) is on the RSPCA's list of greens to feed daily, as part of a mix. Iceberg lettuce is a no: it is mostly water, low in goodness, and charities link it to loose droppings. Lettuce is a side dish to unlimited hay, never a meal on its own.
Safe? Yes for romaine and dark leaves; no for iceberg
How much Part of about 1 packed cup of greens per 2 lb (900 g) of body weight a day
How often Daily, mixed with other greens
Best served Washed, whole leaves, at room temperature
Watch out for Soft droppings, especially when lettuce is new

Is lettuce good for rabbits?

Dark leafy lettuce is a good everyday green. The RSPCA names romaine lettuce among the greens rabbits can have daily, and the Rabbit Welfare Association recommends romaine and lamb's lettuce. Leafy greens should make up about 10% of a rabbit's diet, after about 85% hay and grass and a small portion of pellets. Our rabbit diet guide explains that balance.

Not all charities are keen. Woodgreen lists lettuce among foods that commonly cause loose droppings with little nutrition, PDSA and VetPartners say to feed salad leaves such as romaine in moderation, and Burgess warns that light-coloured lettuce is high in water and low in nutrition. Where sources differ, we follow the RSPCA and RWAF on which lettuce, and the cautious ones on how much: dark leafy lettuce is fine daily as one small part of a varied mix, never the bulk of it, and pale, watery lettuce is not worth feeding.

Which lettuce can rabbits eat?

Lettuce Verdict Notes
Romaine (cos) Yes, daily Named by the RSPCA and RWAF
Lamb's lettuce Yes Recommended by the RWAF
Little gem Yes, in a mix A small romaine type; use the darker outer leaves
Red and green leaf lettuce Yes, in a mix Dark loose-leaf types, on Rabbit.org's list of safe greens
Rocket (arugula) Yes, daily Not a lettuce, but a top salad leaf for rabbits
Iceberg No Watery and low in nutrition; on the RSPCA and Rabbit.org avoid lists, discouraged by the RWAF
Iceberg lettuce is the one to keep away. Burgess notes it contains lactucarium, which is harmful in large amounts, and VetPartners says not to feed it at all.

How much lettuce can a rabbit have?

Treat lettuce as one part of the daily greens. Rabbit.org suggests about 1 packed cup of leafy greens per 2 lb (900 g) of body weight a day, so a 2 kg (4.4 lb) rabbit gets about 2 cups in total. PDSA suggests an adult-sized handful twice a day, made of five to six different types. A few romaine leaves within that mix is plenty.

How to introduce lettuce

  1. Start small. Offer one leaf alongside the usual greens.
  2. Wash it. Rinse well to remove soil and spray, and shake off excess water.
  3. Check droppings. Look for round, dry droppings over the next day. Rabbit.org says to stop any green that causes soft stools.
  4. Build up slowly. If all is well, add a little more over a week or two, as PDSA advises for new fresh foods.

What to mix with lettuce

Pair lettuce with spring greens, a little kale and herbs such as coriander (cilantro), basil or mint. Spinach is fine now and then. Our rabbit safe food list has dozens of other greens, and our rabbit care guide covers the rest of daily care.

Lettuce and rabbits: questions

Why is iceberg lettuce bad for rabbits?

Iceberg is mostly water with very little nutrition, and Burgess and VetPartners warn it can cause diarrhoea. Burgess also notes it contains lactucarium, which is harmful in large amounts. The RSPCA and Rabbit.org list iceberg as a food to avoid, and the Rabbit Welfare Association discourages it. Choose romaine or other dark leaves.

Can rabbits eat lettuce every day?

Yes, dark leafy lettuce such as romaine can be part of the daily greens. The RSPCA lists romaine among greens to feed daily. Mix it with other greens and herbs rather than feeding lettuce alone, as PDSA suggests five to six different types of greens a day.

Can baby rabbits eat lettuce?

Not straight away. Rabbit.org advises no vegetables before 12 weeks old, then adding one new green at a time in amounts under half an ounce (about 14 g). Romaine is a reasonable first green. Stop any new food that causes soft droppings.

Can rabbits eat bagged salad?

Only if you check what is in it. Many bags mix romaine or rocket with iceberg, red cabbage, or a dressing. Pick out anything that is not on the safe list, wash the rest, and never feed salad that has dressing, onion or croutons on it.

Sources

Read next

What can rabbits eat? The safe food list

Rabbits eat mostly hay and grass, plus daily leafy greens and herbs; fruit and carrots are treats, and onions, potato, avocado and bread are off the list.

Rabbit diet: what to feed every day

Rabbits eat about 85% hay or grass, 10% leafy greens and 5% high-fibre pellets, with fresh water always and fruit only as a tiny treat.

Sometimes

Can rabbits eat spinach?

Yes, now and then: a few raw leaves once or twice a week, mixed with other greens. Spinach is high in oxalates, so it should not be a daily staple.

Sometimes

Can rabbits eat kale?

Yes, in moderation: a leaf or two, raw, a few times a week. Kale is high in calcium and a gassy brassica, so rotate it with other greens.

Yes

Can rabbits eat spring greens?

Yes: spring greens are a great leafy green for rabbits. A few leaves several times a week, mixed and rotated with other greens.

Rabbit care: the complete guide

Keep rabbits in pairs, give them at least 3 x 2 x 1 m (10 x 6 x 3 ft) of space, unlimited hay, daily greens, yearly vaccines and daily checks.