Why You Shouldn’t Feed Iceberg Lettuce to Your Rabbit

Have you heard that you shouldn’t feed iceberg lettuce to your rabbit? Is this a myth or a truth about rabbit care?

Rabbits shouldn’t eat iceberg lettuce. It’s high in water and low in nutrients. Dark green vegetables are higher in fiber and other nutrients your rabbit needs daily. Some people are also concerned about lactucarium content in iceberg lettuce, though we don’t have proof that it’s harmful.

In this article, we’ll discuss why you shouldn’t feed iceberg lettuce to your rabbit and some concerns to consider.

Can Rabbits Eat Iceberg Lettuce?

Rabbits should not eat iceberg lettuce. It’s not likely to harm them, especially in small amounts, but it’s not very nutrient-dense.

Iceberg lettuce is mostly water and contains less fiber and nutrients than darker lettuces, such as romaine. 

Most lettuces, even those darker than iceberg, shouldn’t be fed daily. It’s best to provide a variety of dark, leafy vegetables and herbs.

Can Iceberg Lettuce Make Rabbits High?

There are rumors that iceberg lettuce can make rabbits high. This is because it contains small amounts of lactucarium, which causes psychedelic effects in humans.

However, we don’t see these effects with iceberg lettuce, even in people who eat a lot of it. We sometimes see them in humans who eat wild lettuces that contain higher amounts of lactucarium.

There isn’t much research into lactucarium’s effects on rabbits, so we can’t be positive about how it impacts them.

What to do if Your Rabbit Eats Iceberg Lettuce

If you feed your rabbit iceberg lettuce by mistake, they’ll most likely be just fine! The best thing you can do is change their diet moving forward.

Make sure your rabbit always has access to grass hay without limits. Feed them a variety of herbs and vegetables daily, but make sure the mix consists primarily of dark, leafy greens. You might also feed a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellets each day.

If you notice your rabbit behaving strangely after eating iceberg lettuce or signs of illness or stomach upset, call your veterinarian for help.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sophia Floerchinger/ via Getty Images