Can Dogs Eat Arugula? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Our dogs can get into various things in our fridges and cupboards. They can swipe a food item off our plate or beg for a piece of whatever we’re eating. In addition to that, you might be looking for ways to provide your dog with some veggies they might not be getting in their commercial diets.

Regardless of why you’re wondering, you probably would like to know if dogs can eat arugula. The answer is they absolutely can eat arugula. Here we will look at some health benefits of arugula for your dog and other important information.

 

Dogs Are Omnivores

You probably already know this about your pooch, but we’d like to reiterate it. Your dog is an omnivorous creature also known as a facultative carnivore. That means they need animal and plant matter in their daily diets. Their commercial dog foods are well-rounded and complete, capable of nourishing their entire system.

But you can also offer them various cooked and raw vegetables and meat sources to enhance their daily diets. Arugula is among the leafy greens you can give to your dog to strengthen certain aspects of their daily intake. It isn’t an essential item, but it can definitely have its upsides.

Arugula Is Safe for Dogs

Arugula is a cruciferous plant with a distinct and almost peppery taste. This veggie originates in the Mediterranean region of the world and goes by many alternative names such as rocket. It is closely related to other common vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale.

While arugula is perfectly safe for dogs to consume, they might not be drawn to it offhand. It is a leafy green that doesn’t offer a lot of flavor for our dogs, and many of them would prefer to have table scraps to arugula any day. However, arugula can certainly have its upsides.

To get your dog interested, you can put it in combination with their regular diet or in addition to a little snack medley you conjure up yourself.

Arugula Nutrition Facts

Health Benefits of Arugula for Dogs

There are quite a few health benefits of arugula however it is not highly nutrient-dense.

Fiber

Fiber is an essential component of your dog’s diet. Dogs require fiber to make sure their gastrointestinal tract is running correctly. It will help your dog maintain a regular pattern, creating firm, healthy stools and gut biome.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in promoting healthy vision. It also aids in reproduction, growth, and development of your dog’s body. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is found in many food sources your dog consumes.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays a key component in making various proteins in the body. Particularly, prothrombin and osteocalcin are vitamin K-dependent proteins that produce healthy bone tissue.

Folate

Folate, or vitamin B9, plays an important role in supporting blood cell formation. In addition, it also helps regenerate healthy cells and assist their function. This particular vitamin is especially beneficial during pregnancy.

Manganese

Manganese is a necessary component that helps the body form connective tissue and develop strong bones. It also aids blood clotting and produces sex hormones. Manganese also plays a vital role in brain and nerve development and function.

Potassium

Potassium works alongside sodium to help your dog cells maintain normal fluid levels. Potassium also plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and assisting muscles to contract.

Calcium

Calcium is a vital mineral in your dog’s diet that promotes healthy bone structure in the body and teeth. It also plays an important role in muscle contraction, heart rhythm regulation, and blood clotting.

Arugula Downsides

Arugula really has no downsides. It is a perfectly safe leafy vegetable, and it has key nutrients that make it a healthy snack option. Arugula would only become a problem if you skipped out on other vital nutrients your dog needs for daily living.

It may upset your dog’s stomach in large amounts, but permitting you give arugula sparingly alongside other snacks and never make it a meal, arugula will only enhance your dog’s nutrition.

How Much Arugula Can Dogs Eat?

Arugula has very little nutrition in comparison to your dog’s standard diet. It would be best if you never gave them arugula as a substitute for a meal. However, this veggie can be an excellent leafy green to add in as a fiber source for your pup.

It would not hurt them to have it as a topper for every meal, although it wouldn’t be necessary. Use your best judgment and give arugula when you think it is necessary. Some dogs might not enjoy the taste of arugula.

If your dog leaves it in the food bowl or spits it out, you can try other veggies in its place.

 

Final Thoughts

Now you know that arugula is perfectly safe for your dog to consume. So whether you want to add it as a topper on your dog’s regular diet or they took a little piece off your plate, it’s perfectly safe!

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