Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Is it something you can add to their diet? Let’s have a look at all the information you need!
We all love greens, and we look for ways to add them to our diet to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, can the same be said for the dogs? Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Time to find out!
What is Arugula?
Arugula is a Mediterranean herb of the mustard family, often called by the name “rocket” due to its spicy, peppery flavor. It belongs to the same family from which collard greens, cabbage, and mustard are. You can include this healthy vegetable in your dishes like pasta and pizzas or can eat it raw in salads.
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Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Is Arugula Safe for Dogs?
So, Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Absolutely! It is safe for dogs to eat and has the potential to improvise your pooch’s health. The only thing you need to be careful of is the quantity as too much of anything can be harmful to dogs.
Health Benefits of Arugula
- It contains Vitamin A, which is good for eyesight, and vitamin K, which helps in the absorption of calcium and the building of strong bones in dogs.
- Arugula is also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. So yes, if you always had a question – Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Then now you know, it can be a really good option to feed it to them!
- It’s high in fiber, which helps to prevent digestive issues in dogs.
- Arugula can potentially extract toxins and heavy metals within the body by binding them.
- Phytochemicals like thiocyanates, sulforaphane, and indoles reduce the danger of colon and esophageal cancer in doggies.
- Arugula is an antioxidant i.e., alpha-lipoic acid, which minimizes the glucose level and maximizes insulin in the blood. Therefore, it helps in curing diabetes.
Note: Dogs suffering from diabetes and pancreatitis problems can have Arugula, as it’s low in calories snack.
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A Few Health Concerns
The dog owner should always remember the moderation in quantity when introducing new food to dogs. Consumption of Arugula in large amounts has certain essential concerns, which are:
- For the functioning of thyroid hormones, regulation of metabolism is required in dogs, which can be disrupted by raw Arugula if eaten in large portions.
- Additionally, it has a compound name- goitrogen, which inhibits the iodine uptake in the thyroid gland, an essential part of a healthy thyroid, thereby resulting in Fido suffering from a hormonal imbalance.
- Arugula contains a small amount of oxalic acid, which is capable of tieing up with minerals and making the process of absorption difficult. Though this issue can be resolved by steaming or cooling the veggie as it gets removed in the process.
- It can have the potential to cause Allergic reactions in dogs. Pay attention while feeding and observe the day for any bad reactions.
How to Prepare Arugula for Dogs?
It’s always best to cook cruciferous veggies before serving them to dogs. To prepare it, wash it thoroughly, remove the stems, chop it into small pieces, steam, and mix it in dog food or other vegies just to balance the spicy nature of it.
Do not overcook it; it will lose the essential nutrients. Rather steam it for a few minutes. You must think that dogs are not allowed to have spicy food, but Arugula has a natural spiciness that is safe to eat in moderation.
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Something Important
Human foods have the potential to affect adversely canines. So, it will be beneficial to consult your vet before feeding it to your pet. The information listed here is only for educating you, and it’s not above medical advice.
Should I Give My Dog Arugula?
Yes, you can offer this crunchy herb to your pooch only after cooking it properly. Do not overfeed your dogs with it. Giving it once or twice a week would be fine.
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How Much Arugula Can Dogs Eat?
Only on occasional treats and only 10% of the diet. Feeding in large amounts on a regular basis is not a good idea. Also, it is always a great idea to consult your vet on serving size.
Other Beneficial Leafy Greens
If your doggie doesn’t like the crunchy flavor of Arugula, then you have several other options available on the list- Spinach, broccoli, cucumber, sprouts, and green beans.
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Quick Takeaways
Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Yes! It’s a good option that is low in calories, spicy in flavor, and affordable. Add this spicy snack to your pooch’s diet once in a while.