is it true lettuce is bad for rabbits?
- Thread starter Rabbiter
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Half true. If you feed a rabbit only lettuce, you're going to run into problems. Lettuce was bred for human consumption, low fiber, and not much else in it anyway. Rabbit digestion has other needs than ours.
Iceberg has a bad reputation because it's virtually empty, just structured water, no nutrational value to speak of.
As addition to a healthy diet lettuce is perfectly ok, and they like it. As staple food, no, it's just not enough.
Iceberg has a bad reputation because it's virtually empty, just structured water, no nutrational value to speak of.
As addition to a healthy diet lettuce is perfectly ok, and they like it. As staple food, no, it's just not enough.
Maki_p29
Well-Known Member
As mentioned above, NO Iceberg Lettuce. Romaine Lettuce and a few other varieties are safe for rabbits. A balanced diet is important.
The only one to avoid is iceberg. Dark green ones are great. Romaine, red-leaf lettuce, green-leaf lettuce, the 'spring mixes' often found in grocery stores. All of these are fine for rabbits.
Just be sure that -- as with any new green -- introductions are made slowly. Your rabbit should be at least 12 weeks of age before offering any type of green.
Other greens, like basil, mint, cilantro...are all good options as well.
Once a rabbit (that is already eating daily hay and pellets) has been gradually introduced to greens, he can have 2-4 cups every day of greens.
Just be sure that -- as with any new green -- introductions are made slowly. Your rabbit should be at least 12 weeks of age before offering any type of green.
Other greens, like basil, mint, cilantro...are all good options as well.
Once a rabbit (that is already eating daily hay and pellets) has been gradually introduced to greens, he can have 2-4 cups every day of greens.
