Arugula, an herbaceous green plant in the Brassicaceae family, is known for its peppery, slightly bitter flavor. Arugula is generally considered a healthy vegetable, but is it safe for rabbits to eat?
Arugula is generally a healthy vegetable for rabbits to consume, as it is high in vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. However, arugula also contains high levels of bitter toxins, which can upset a rabbit’s stomach. For this reason, it is best to gradually introduce small quantities of arugula into your rabbit’s diet, monitoring their reaction to it over time.
What is Arugula?
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a popular salad green that is nutritious and full of flavor. It is perhaps the best-known wild edible plant harvested since ancient times.
It is an herbaceous plant, often grown as a leaf vegetable, which belongs to Brassicaceae. The leaves are spicy; they are generally used raw in salads, sandwiches, and pesto. In addition, they are often used with tomatoes, sliced onions, cheese (such as mozzarella), pasta, or grilled chicken.
Arugula is also a good source of fiber. It contains high levels of plant chemicals called glucosinolates which are thought to reduce the risk of cancer by blocking the actions of carcinogens and making it harder for cancer cells to multiply.
Nutrition Facts About Arugula
It is a low-calorie vegetable that provides many health benefits. Arugula contains:
Vitamin K – Promotes blood clotting and helps prevent osteoporosis
Vitamin A – Helps improve vision and promotes immune function
Folates – Supports cell repair and development
Vitamin C – Improves iron absorption, promotes tissue growth and repair, and boosts immune function.
Calcium – Strengthens bones and teeth.
Copper – Helps form red blood cells and keeps nerves healthy
Manganese – Promotes bone growth and wound healing; aids metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
Potassium – Regulates heart rate and blood pressure; aids in muscle contractions
What Does The Veterinarian Say About Can Rabbits Eat Arugula?
Arugula can be safe for rabbits. However, rabbits should not be fed arugula regularly. It would help if you used arugula only to treat your rabbit, but it is not required for their diet. If you want to give your rabbit arugula, then make sure it is fresh and washed very well to remove all pesticides and chemicals before feeding it to your rabbit.
Arugula contains salicylates and oxalates, which can harm a rabbit’s health. So although your rabbit can have some arugula, you should not make it a staple in their diet.
Arugula also contains calcium which can cause problems for a rabbit if eaten too often. The calcium in arugula can cause bladder sludge when there is too much calcium in the urine and creates a sludge-like substance. This substance blocks the urethra from being able to pass urine which is very painful and life-threatening if not treated quickly.
You may notice that your rabbit loves to eat arugula, and you do not need to worry because they probably like the flavor of the greens, but this does not mean they should eat it all the time.
Can Arugula Be Safe For Rabbits?
You will be happy to know that you can feed arugula to your pet rabbit. Rabbits can safely eat arugula in small amounts as an occasional snack. Arugula is safe for bunnies because it has plenty of nutrients that are good for them. The strong flavor of the herb may not appeal to all rabbits, though, so it is best to introduce it gradually if you plan on adding it to their regular diet.
Arugula has a peppery taste with a hint of bitterness. The leaves and stems are edible, but the flowers contain fatal toxins if ingested, so make sure you remove them before giving the herb to your rabbit.
Rabbits have sensitive stomachs, and introducing new food into their diet can cause problems, so you need to take it slow when including arugula in their daily meals. Start by offering small amounts of the herb, then increase over time. If there are no issues after several days of eating it, you can safely include it in their regular menu. If your bunny doesn’t like arugula, try other leafy greens like kale or spinach orchard.
What will happen if you feed your rabbit too many arugulas?
Bloat:
Arugula contains a lot of fiber, which can cause gastric dilation-volvulus or bloat. This condition occurs when the stomach becomes distended with gas and then twists on itself, cutting blood flow to the digestive tract. It’s very painful and requires intensive veterinary treatment to survive.
Diarrhea:
Rabbits can get diarrhea from eating too much fiber. It might not seem serious at first, but diarrhea causes dehydration quite quickly in rabbits, leading to other complications and death.
Upset stomach:
If you feed your rabbit too much arugula at once, it might upset the stomach, which is indicated by bloating, gassiness, vomiting, and diarrhea. While this may not result in death, it’s best avoided; give your rabbit small amounts of arugula until you know how well they tolerate it.
Gastrointestinal problems
According to animal experts, arugula contains a compound called oxalate, which interacts with calcium in a rabbit’s body to form calcium oxalate crystals in the intestines and gut. These crystals can block the digestive tract causing gastrointestinal problems in bunnies.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues
The high fiber content of arugula can cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues in your pet bunny. Diarrhea is a common problem in rabbits that eat this herb as part of their diet. In addition, the high water content of arugula leaves can lead to excess fluid loss from the body resulting in dehydration and other health issues.
What type Of arugula Can Rabbits Eat?
Wild arugula is better than cultivated arugula. Cultivated arugula is a lot sweeter, but it also contains far more anti-nutrients, which means that it’s worse for your rabbit than the wild one. So if you plan to feed your rabbit some arugula, then make sure that they’re getting only the wild type!
Do Rabbits Like Arugula
Bunnies like to eat different things at different times - some will enjoy fresh Arugula or Rocket leaves, while others won’t like Mint because of its peppery flavor and strong smell. You can offer them a few Mints to check if they like it or not. Arugula is not a necessary part of a rabbit’s diet, so that’s ok if your rabbits don’t like it. It’s normal for some rabbits not to enjoy the taste of arugula.
Introducing new food to rabbits can be tricky. Always start by giving them a small portion of the new food as part of their daily diet. Remember to introduce one new food at a time. The health of your rabbits depends on you!
How To Introduce Arugula Food to your Rabbit Diet
The best way to introduce arugula to your rabbit is cautiously and in small quantities. It’s a new food, and they may not like it or may not be able to tolerate it quite as well as other foods.
If you’ve been feeding your rabbit the same thing for a long time and want to give them something different, the best way to do that is by slowly introducing the new food. If you go from one type of pellet to another, that can cause some gastrointestinal problems for your rabbit.
However, if you start by giving them a little bit of the new stuff alongside what they’re used to eating, then gradually increase how much of the new food you give them so that eventually they’re only eating the new food. Then, the rabbit will get used to it, and there won’t be any problems.
The same thing is true with any vegetable or fruit you add-in:
- Could you give them a little piece of it at first?
- See if they like it and will eat it without any problems.
- Gradually increase how much you give them over time until they’re eating only the new food.
Health Benefits of Arugula for Rabbits
Rich in antioxidants
Arugula is considered an excellent source of Vitamin C. Rabbits need this vitamin to produce collagen that strengthens their teeth, skin, and tendons. It also helps build their immune system to fight off various infections. Additionally, arugula contains beta carotene, another potent antioxidant that promotes eye and fur health.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Beta carotene also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce joint pain and arthritis. It is particularly important for older bunnies who have trouble moving around due to joint pain or rabbits with arthritis or rheumatism.
Boosts bone health
Arugula contains high amounts of calcium, which helps strengthen your bunny’s bones and teeth. However, it also has a moderate amount of oxalic acid, which binds the calcium in the plant so your rabbit’s body cannot absorb it. Therefore, it’s best to cook arugula before feeding it to your rabbit to remove most of the oxalic acid it contains and make the calcium more bioavailable for your bunny’s body.
Boosts Digestion:
Arugula has been found to improve digestion because it contains many essential nutrients and antioxidants that work together to improve bowel movements.
Supports Heart Health:
Studies have shown that arugula may help lower cholesterol levels, which can help prevent heart disease over time.
Health risks of Arugula for Rabbits
Bloating and stomach problems:
Arugula is rich in nitrogen-containing compounds, which can cause bloating and stomach upsets in your bunnies. The high amount of fiber in this plant can also aggravate this problem.
Obstruction in the intestines due to fiber over-intake:
The high amount of fiber in arugula can block intestines in rabbits, especially those with a sensitive digestive tract. It may cause severe complications that may be fatal if not treated immediately by a veterinary doctor.
Urine scalding due to the high amount of oxalic acid in arugula:
As mentioned earlier, this compound can irritate your bunny’s bladder and cause urine scalding. If you notice any discoloration around the backside of your bunny or unusual odor from urine, stop feeding with arugula immediately and take the rabbit to a vet.
Increased risk of developing cancer:
Rabbits that consume large quantities of arugula may be at an increased risk of developing cancer due to carcinogens in this plant.
Gastrointestinal problems
According to animal experts, arugula contains a compound called oxalate, which interacts with calcium in rabbits’ bodies to form calcium oxalate crystals in the intestines and gut. These crystals can block the digestive tract causing gastrointestinal problems in bunnies.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues
The high fiber content of arugula can cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues in your pet bunny. Diarrhea is a common problem in rabbits that eat this herb as part of their diet. In addition, the high water content of arugula leaves can lead to excess fluid loss from the body resulting in dehydration and other health issues.
How much arugula can a rabbit eat?
A maximum of 3-5 leaves per day is safe for a rabbit that weighs 4 lbs. If your rabbit is bigger, the amount of arugula you can feed it should be proportionally larger.
Can rabbits eat arugula stems?
Rabbits can safely eat the stems of the arugula plant, but make sure that they are not stringy or tough.
Final Thought
This article looks at whether or not rabbits can eat arugula. Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals. Some people believe that it is harmful to rabbits, but this is not the case. Arugula is healthy food for rabbits, and they will enjoy eating it. While rabbits can eat arugula, they should only have a limited amount. Too much arugula can cause digestive problems for rabbits.