There are many foods that rabbits cannot safely eat, which is why it is important to make sure you know, as a homesteader or pet rabbit owner, which leafy greens are safe for your bunnies and which can cause disaster!
Fortunately, we are here to let you know all about romaine lettuce for rabbits. Rest assured, adult rabbits can safely enjoy romaine lettuce in small quantities.
Read on to learn about the nutritional benefit of this green, why you must never mix it up with iceberg lettuce, and other great pointers on rabbit dietary health.
What Lettuces Can Bunny Eat Safely?
Rabbits are obligate herbivores. In the wild, they spend much of their time foraging for highly fibrous plant foods, such as grasses, hay, twigs, shrubs and buds.
This high fiber diet keeps their bellies happy, their forever-growing teeth trimmed, and metabolism running smoothly.
But just like us, rabbits love a treat every once in a while. This looks like juicy, sweet, tangy, aromatic or otherwise flavorful veggies, fruits, and leafy greens that are safe for them to ingest (remember, rabbits have pretty sensitive digestive systems!).
Lettuces, leafy green plants part of the Aster plant family, are some such leafy greens! You can feel free to offer your rabbit about 1 teaspoon of leafy green lettuce per 2lbs of their weight per day.
Romaine Lettuce For Rabbits: Health Benefits
Romaine lettuce is a crunchy, watery treat for bunnies.
It is also an incredible anti-inflammatory food and can be an effective way to cool and soothe your rabbits on hot summer days.
Romaine lettuce also offers some essential minerals such as zinc, copper and manganese, as well as beta-carotene (which is especially important in winter months when other fresh plants are not so readily available to your bunny).
It truly is a perfect snack or treat for your bunnies; ours have always loved it when we offer them one or two leaves!
But be aware: while romaine lettuce is a-okay for bunnies, iceberg lettuce is not!
Romaine Lettuce vs. Iceberg Lettuce For Rabbits
Although they are from the same genus and species, romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) is quite distinct from iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata).
Romaine is a darker, elongated green lettuce while iceberg is known for its almost colorless, crunchy, round head.
Without doubt, romaine lettuce packs more minerals and vitamins, with more than double the nutrients of iceberg in some cases.
Romaine lettuce also lacks lactucarium, the diuretic, laxative and sedative agent naturally found in iceberg lettuce (it is in the milky sap that seeps from the core of the lettuce head).
This is the most important difference between the two lettuces, and is why rabbits can enjoy romaine but should NOT be fed iceberg!
Can Rabbits Eat Iceberg Lettuce?
No, due to the natural lactucarium content within iceberg lettuce, this green should not be offered to your rabbits.
If ingested, it isn’t likely to cause death or serious harm, especially if in small quantities. But it can act as a narcotic in animals and has caused toxicity in humans.
As rabbit raisers ourselves, we just don’t mess around with such potentially harmful foods, opting instead for sure and safe leafy greens such as romaine, mint, or dill herb.
Can Wild Rabbits Eat Romaine Lettuce?
If wild rabbits get into your backyard garden and nibble at the iceberg lettuce growing there, they aren’t likely to experience serious side effects.
However, wild rabbits will respond to the lactucarium in iceberg lettuce just like domestic rabbits can, so if a lot is ingested they may experience a serious toxic reaction.
Do your best to protect wild rabbits from iceberg lettuce by fencing off your garden and investing in animal deterrents. We talk more about this in our post on Garden Plants Rabbits Eat.
What Can Rabbits Not Eat
In addition to iceberg lettuce, there are many other potentially or confirmed toxic foods that rabbits are best kept away from, such as:
- Garlic
- Potato plants
- Onions
- Tomato plants
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Lilies
Rabbits also cannot properly digest many grains or meat, dairy, and other animal products.
Remember, the best diet for your bunny is Unlimited hay (75% to 80% hay), Quality pellets (10% to 15%), and Leafy green vegetables (5% to 10%).
This ensures your rabbit ingests lots of fibers while enjoying variety and flavor!
We’ve based our homestead rabbit’s diet off this guideline for the past 5+ years and it has served us all well!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Have Romaine Lettuce
Can Rabbits Eat Red Leaf Lettuce?
Yes, red leaf lettuce is safe for mature rabbits to eat as a treat or snack. Red lettuce contains extra antioxidants called anthocyanins that cause the distinct red color!
Can Rabbits Eat Little Gem Lettuce?
Yes, little gem lettuces are safe for rabbits to enjoy, as they are a hybrid mix of butter and romaine lettuces. Examples of gem lettuces include Butterhead, Crisphead, Volcana, Newham, and many more!
To wrap it up, we love this sweet video of a happy rabbit nibbling away on romaine lettuce 🙂
Final Thoughts On Can Rabbits Eat Romaine Lettuce
Now you know that romaine is a-okay to offer to your bunnies as a delicious summer or winter treat, and why it is important to know the difference between romaine and iceberg lettuce.
We also always recommend introducing new foods to your rabbits very slowly, never rushing them or forcing them to eat anything: rabbits can be picky and will choose the treats they like!