Can rabbits eat lettuce?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Iceberg lettuce is low in nutrition and can cause digestive upset; romaine and other dark-leaf lettuces are a better choice.
Why
Avoid iceberg lettuce for rabbits; choose darker leaves instead.
Can rabbits eat lettuce, and why?
Avoid iceberg lettuce for rabbits; choose darker leaves instead. Iceberg lettuce is low in nutrition and can cause digestive upset; romaine and other dark-leaf lettuces are a better choice.
Rabbits are herbivores: roughly 85% of their diet should be good-quality hay or grass, plus a daily handful of leafy greens, with only small amounts of other veg and tiny occasional fruit. They have a sensitive hindgut that depends on constant fibre — sudden changes, sugar or starch can trigger dangerous gut stasis and bloat.
Warning — what to watch for
Iceberg lettuce is low in nutrition and can cause digestive upset; romaine and other dark-leaf lettuces are a better choice.
If your rabbit has eaten lettuce, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods rabbits might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding rabbits well:
Frequently asked questions
Can rabbits eat lettuce?
Caution. Avoid iceberg lettuce for rabbits; choose darker leaves instead.
What happens if my rabbit eats lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce is low in nutrition and can cause digestive upset; romaine and other dark-leaf lettuces are a better choice. If your rabbit has eaten lettuce, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is lettuce poisonous to rabbits?
Caution. Avoid iceberg lettuce for rabbits; choose darker leaves instead.
Check lettuce for another pet