You’ve probably eaten this green before if you’re a fan of salads and other greens. Or, you may not have seen it, but some pizzas that are better for you have a layer of this green on top. Some people even make pesto out of it.
Do you already have it figured out? This is arugula!
It’s fine if you haven’t read it yet. The popularity of arugula is generally low. And yet, if you’re a fan of this green, you may have wondered if it’s safe for Fido to consume.
Come on, then, let’s find out!
Can Dogs Eat Arugula?
Arugula is safe for canine consumption. Arugula, like many other leafy greens, is safe for dogs and makes for a healthy, low-calorie snack.
As long as you follow some guidelines (such as cooking the arugula and serving it to your dog in moderation), arugula can help improve your dog’s health.
What is Arugula?
First of all, what is arugula? Is there anything interesting about it that you could tell your pet? All right, here we go!
The flavor of arugula is truly one of a kind among herbs. The flavor has been compared to pepper, mild bitterness, and spicy mustard by some reviewers. Some people have commented that it smells very strong and acrid. However, it is commonly used in salads and can also be sautéed or steamed.
Despite its similar appearance to lettuce, arugula is a member of the mustard (or Brassicaceae) family of herbs. This herb goes by many names, including rocket, rucola, rucoli, rugula, colewort, and roquette.
Want to know the backstory of the names “rocket” and “rocket salad”? It’s due to arugula’s incredibly rapid growth rate. Arugula can be grown from seed and harvested in just 40 days.
The Bible makes reference to arugula, which dates back to the sixth century BC.
In particular, arugula is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Check the Book of Kings and see if you can find it. Oroth is a common name, but you might also see it spelled differently.
Arugula is a key ingredient in an Indian medicinal oil. The concentrated flavor of arugula seeds is known as Taramira. This oil’s uses extend far beyond those of a simple salad dressing, as it also has medicinal and cosmetic applications.
Is Arugula Good for Dogs?
Arugula offers numerous benefits to a dog’s health.
With regards to vitamins, arugula is rich in vitamin K, vitamin B, and vitamin C.
Arugula’s mineral profile includes potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
With moderate consumption, arugula’s high fiber content and low sugar/carb content can aid in the prevention of bloat and other digestive problems in your dog.
As with other dark green vegetables, arugula is rich in chlorophyll and other plant-based phytochemicals. Chlorophyll has been shown to strengthen the immune system and purify the blood.
Benefits of Eating Arugula for Dogs
Yes, you nailed it! Arugula is an extremely nutritious herb. Just a few of the nutrients your dog needs are listed below.
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Manganese
- Phosphorous
- Iron
- Calcium
Arugula’s high nutrient content makes it a valuable addition to your pet’s diet:
Arugula’s high chlorophyll content helps prevent cancer by binding toxins and heavy metals in your dog’s body so they can be excreted. Thiocyanates, sulforaphane, and indoles are three examples of the phytochemicals found in abundance in arugula, and they are responsible for the plant’s ability to inhibit the growth of colon and esophageal cancer in canines.
Arugula’s high alpha-lipoic acid content helps control blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity, making it an effective treatment for diabetes.
Arugula’s high Vitamin K content means it’ll help keep your dog’s teeth and bones in good shape. They’ll be able to take in more calcium, warding off osteoporosis.
Plus, it’s a low-calorie snack, so owners of overweight, diabetic, or pancreatic canines can feel safe giving these greens to their canine companions.
Risks in Eating Arugula for Dogs
While arugula’s nutritional value is undeniable, it’s important to remember that feeding your dog too much of this leafy green could result in stomach upset. The first risk is that it could cause stomach upset if given in excess. Additional arugula dangers are listed below.
To avoid an allergic reaction, introduce arugula to your dog gradually and in small amounts, especially if this is the first time they’ve had it. It’s best to introduce arugula to your dog gradually over the course of a few days, starting with a small amount and watching for any negative reactions in the 24 to 48 hours following consumption.
Due to its goitrogenic properties, arugula should be avoided if Fido suffers from an iron deficiency or has thyroid problems, as it can disrupt the body’s natural hormone production and lead to an unhealthy hormonal imbalance. Cooking arugula is recommended because it destroys the goitrogens that make it toxic. Then, even if your dog has a thyroid condition, he or she can safely eat arugula.
Arugula contains a moderate amount of oxalic acid, which prevents your dog from properly absorbing minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Though arugula has less of it than spinach and chard, it still has a lot of it.
There are veterinarians who believe arugula’s benefits outweigh its potential dangers. Arugula should be cooked and fed to pets in moderation out of an abundance of caution.
Should I Give My Dog Arugula?
Without a doubt! If your dog has thyroid problems, you can help it out by giving it some of your cooked arugula in a portion that’s appropriate for its size. As an added bonus, arugula has a satisfying crunch that your dog will adore.
Do not force arugula on your dog if he or she does not like it. Better yet, come up with novel methods of giving it this healthy herb.
How Can I Feed My Dog Arugula?
When possible, start with arugula that has just been picked and is ideally organic. In the next step, you’ll wash the arugula thoroughly to get rid of any e. coli or listeria.
Arugula, in its raw or cooked forms, is safe for canine consumption. Nonetheless, if your dog has a thyroid condition, it’s best to cook it first.
Remove any leaves that have turned yellow and cut the stems regularly. Be sure to cut it up nicely into small pieces to prevent choking or the obstruction of their airways.
The only preparation required is a quick steam. The arugula loses many of its healthy properties if you cook it for too long.
Do not add any additional seasonings, as many of them, including onions and garlic, are toxic to dogs. You should also refrain from giving them oil because of its negative effects on the cardiovascular system and weight gain.
Though dogs can eat it “as is,” they may not appreciate plain vegetables the way that many children do. Maybe if you paired that leafy green with some lean chicken, they wouldn’t mind eating it.
How Much Arugula Can Dogs Eat?
Although arugula has many health benefits, that doesn’t mean they should eat it on the regular or in excessive quantities. Vegetables should be part of their diet, but only as “occasional treats,” making up no more than 10% of the total.
Once in a while, just a tablespoon of arugula will do them good. In any case, high-quality dog kibble will provide all the nutrients they need every day.
As for portion control, it’s best to get your vet’s opinion.
Arugula is an excellent addition to their diet. Your dog will reap many health benefits from the abundant nutrients in this food.
Arugula is toxic to dogs because of their overactive thyroids, so it should only be given to them after cooking. Raw arugula will also do the trick if your dog is healthy and does not have any underlying conditions.
Now when you make a salad, you can give your dog some arugula. The bright side is that you’re both heading in the direction of a better, healthier you!