The Best and Healthiest Lettuce for Rabbits: What to Choose and What to Avoid
Lettuce: A Rabbit Staple? Not All Are Created Equal
Rabbits love fresh greens, and lettuce is often a go-to choice for owners. However, not all lettuces are equal when it comes to rabbit health. Some varieties are perfect for your bunny’s diet, while others can cause digestive upset. So, which lettuces are the best, and what should you avoid? Let’s explore how to make the safest, healthiest choices for your rabbit.
Why Fresh Greens Matter
Fresh greens, including lettuce, are an essential part of a rabbit’s diet alongside high-quality hay, water, and a species-specific pellet food like Science Selective. Greens provide important nutrients and hydration, while the act of chewing promotes good dental health.
But when it comes to lettuce, choosing the right type is critical. Some varieties are nutrient-dense and perfect for rabbits, while others (like iceberg lettuce) lack essential nutrients and can be harmful.

The Best Lettuce for Rabbits
- Romaine Lettuce
Romaine lettuce is the top choice for rabbits. It’s rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate, making it a healthy and hydrating addition to your rabbit’s diet. The crunchy texture also supports natural chewing behaviour.
Serve a few fresh leaves daily alongside hay and pellets.

- Butterhead Lettuce (Boston or Bibb Lettuce)
Butterhead lettuces have soft, tender leaves that rabbits love. They are low in calories and rich in nutrients, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
Serve small amounts as part of a mixed green offering.

- Red and Green Leaf Lettuce
These lettuces are not only safe but also nutrient packed. They’re high in vitamins and minerals while being low in oxalates, which can cause problems in excess.
Serve with other leafy greens for variety.

- Lamb’s Lettuce (Corn Salad)
This small, tender lettuce is mild and nutritious, making it perfect for rabbits who enjoy softer greens. It’s a great source of hydration and vitamins.
Serve occasional small handfuls.

What to Avoid: Iceberg Lettuce and More
Why Avoid Iceberg Lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce may look tempting, but it’s not suitable for rabbits. It contains very little nutritional value and is mostly water. Worse, iceberg lettuce contains a compound called lactucarium, which in large amounts can cause diarrhoea and lethargy.
Avoid Iceberg Lettuce: It has little nutritional value and contains
lactucarium which can be harmful to rabbits

Other Foods to Avoid:
– Greens sprayed with pesticides or chemicals — always wash thoroughly.
– Wilted, mouldy, or spoiled lettuce.
– If you have rabbits and/or guinea pigs that are susceptible to urinary tract issues, you should also avoid feeding too many greens with a high oxalate content, which can be a contributing factor when fed excessively (e.g. spinach or kale).
How Much Lettuce Should Rabbits Eat?
While lettuce is healthy, it should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Most of your rabbit’s diet should consist of high-quality hay like Science Selective Timothy Hay, and they should always have free access to eat fresh hay. This should be fed alongside a small handful of fresh leafy greens and a portion of species-specific rabbit food from the Selective range every day.

Feeding Tips:
– Introduce new greens gradually to avoid upsetting your rabbit’s digestive system.
– Always wash lettuce thoroughly to remove pesticides and dirt.
– Offer a variety of leafy greens to provide a range of nutrients and to provide environmental enrichment and stimulate their natural behaviours.
– Consult your vet before introducing new foods to your rabbit’s diet if they have any health conditions.

Lettuce the Healthy Way: A Balanced Diet
Feeding your rabbit the right lettuce can add variety, nutrients, and hydration to their diet. Stick to nutrient-rich lettuces like romaine and butterhead, and always avoid iceberg lettuce. Pair fresh greens with plenty of hay and a trusted rabbit food like Science Selective, ensuring your bunnies gets the balanced nutrition they need for a long, healthy life.

Want to Learn More About Rabbit Nutrition?
Explore our website for expert rabbit care tips, nutritional advice, and premium pet food tailored to your rabbit’s needs. For further advice on foods safe to feed to your pets, you can read our blog on Vegetables and foods safe to feed to rabbits and other small pets.