Can rabbits eat lettuce?
Yes, rabbits can eat lettuce, but it should be fed in moderation. Lettuce is low in nutritional value and can cause digestive upset if fed in large quantities. Once or twice a week is more than enough. There are many other fresh, healthier vegetable leaves and tops that rabbits enjoy eating.| Romaine Lettuce | Can be fed occasionally, but not a staple part of the diet |
| Butterhead Lettuce | Feed in moderation due to higher water content |
| Green Leaf Lettuce | Feed in moderation due to higher water content |
| Red Leaf Lettuce | Feed in moderation due to higher water content |
| Bibb Lettuce | OK for daily feeding |
| Iceberg Lettuce | Low nutritional value, high water content, avoid |
| Cos Lettuce (same as Romaine) | Can be fed occasionally, but not a staple part of the diet |
| Oak Leaf Lettuce | Can be fed occasionally, but not a staple part of the diet |
| Batavia Lettuce | Can be fed occasionally, but not a staple part of the diet |
| Summer Crisp Lettuce | Can be fed occasionally, but not a staple part of the diet |
Iceberg lettuce, in particular, has very little nutritional value and should be avoided. Dark, leafy greens such as romaine, red leaf, and green leaf lettuce are better choices and can be fed in small amounts as a treat.
It is important to feed a variety of fresh vegetables and plenty of hay to provide a balanced diet for your rabbit. It's best to limit high-water and low-nutrient foods like lettuce (especially iceberg lettuce) to prevent digestive problems.
How much lettuce can rabbits eat?
Fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, should not amount to more than 10% or so of your bunnies daily food intake. The recommended daily amount is 2 cups of vegetables for every 3 kilograms of body weight. Wash the lettuce, shred the leaves, and mix them with other vegetables
Can rabbits eat cos lettuce? 
Yes, rabbits can eat cos lettuce. While not quite as nutritious as other types of lettuce, it is still OK to feed for rabbits sparingly. Cos lettuce should be fed in moderation as it contains high amounts of water that can lead to runny stools. Introduce this lettuce slowly with other crunchy vegetables.
Can rabbits eat oak leaf lettuce?
Yes, rabbits can eat oakleaf lettuce occasionally. Both the green and red varieties are suitable for rabbits, but should not be a staple part of the diet as it has few nutrtional benefits.
Can rabbits eat iceberg lettuce?
No, Iceberg lettuce is not recommended for rabbits as it has a very high water content and low nutritional value. Good options include romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and butterhead lettuce.
Can rabbits eat butterhead lettuce?
Yes, butterhead lettuce is OK to feed to your rabbit sparingly. Due to its relatively high water content it should only be fed sparingly as a treat. 
How much can my rabbit eat?
While it is easy to say that 80% of the diet should be hay, 15% vegetables and greens, and 5% pellets, what does this actually look like?
| Rabbit weight (kgs) | Hay | Pellets (cups) | Greens (cups) | Vegetables (tablespoon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unlimited | 1/8 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Unlimited | 1/8 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Unlimited | 1/4 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | Unlimited | 1/2 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | Unlimited | 1/2 | 5 | 5 |
| 6 | Unlimited | 3/4 | 6 | 6 |
| 7 | Unlimited | 3/4 | 7 | 7 |
Conclusion
Despite the old axiom that lettuce is rabbit food, it in general does not carry a lot of nutritional weight for rabbits. It should be added to their diet for variety and in small quantities, not as a foundational component. Remember, 80% of a rabbits diet should be hay, with 15% or so fresh vegetables and the remainder fruit treats.
FAQ - Can Rabbits Eat lettuce?