Introduction
Have you ever found your fur baby staring at those greens you are eating? The very same greens that promised yourself you'll be eating for your fitness? Yes, we are talking about arugula. And believe it or not, a very common query that has been on everybody's mind recently is: "can dogs eat arugula?"
There are a million do's and don'ts when it comes to our fur babies, so it is understandable why people get confused. But today we are setting the record straight! Hold on to those leashes, folks, because we are about to get down and dirty to sniff out the truth.
This blog post is going to help you decide whether arugula gets a paws-up or paws-down for your pooch. We will sniff out the benefits, possible concerns, and some awesome ways for dishing these veggies out. Let's dive in!
What Exactly Is Arugula?
Alright, let's dish out the dirt on arug (can you nick name a vegetable?) Arugula, also known as rocket (many Europeans call it some version of "rocket", as I recently learned) is known for it's spicy flavor and nutritional content. It is frequently used to spice up salads, or it can be served solo.
It is packed with vitamins and minerals, including, but not limited to:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Calcium
So yes, it is basically a nutritional superstar, and it's low in calories, making it even more amazing. But can our dogs benefit from these lovely leaves? Read on to learn more!
Arugula Nutrition 101
If there were one talk of the town for nutrition, it would be arugula. But what the h-e-double hockey sticks is all the fuss about? Well, this leafy wonder is actually packed with essential nutrients that keep our bodies in tip-top shape. First up is vitamin A, which is a go-to nutrient that ensures your dog (and you) can feel their best with sharp vision, healthy skin, and a robust immune system.
Of course, then there's the immunity booster: vitamin C. This one works its magic by chasing colds and sniffles away. In essence, it acts like a little shield of defense, keeping our bodies strong and resilient. In fact, just a little of this vitamin goes a long way in rounding out a healthy dog.
Then we have calcium and potassium. These minerals are the building blocks of solid bones and strong muscles. They will balance every jump and sprint or playful tug-of-war. It's apparent that arugula is a mineral-rich plant that can be of maximum benefit to our canine friends. So should we start loading our dogs bowls with it? Not so fast!
Are Greens Safe for Pups?
Guess what? Your dog can also eat these leafy greens! Of course, we are not talking about all veggies, because some more than others have been known to cause tummy aches or worse. But arugula? That's the green light (pun intended)! So arugula for your pup, in moderate doses, is just dandy.
The operative keyword here is 'moderate' - much like us humans, too much of a good thing upsets pooch's tum tums, so don't overload Rover's bowl! Just sprinkle a few leaves now and then. Find that balance that keeps tales a-wagging.
Health Benefits for Your Furry Friend
Alright, now we have discussed the nutritional goodness; what does that mean for your pup? Well, all these vitamins and minerals in arugula have health benefits for your dog. For one thing, vitamin A in arugula can help maintain good eye health so that Fido can always manage to spot that squirrel from a mile away. It's just like wearing eyeglasses, only without the frames!
Then, of course, there's the calcium boost. Stronger bones are not just great for humans, but also for our dogs - especially those jump-around, run-like-the-wind, breeds. You can give them just that little extra help with greens like arugula added into their diet.
And let's not forget the digestive benefits. This is a biggie! Because of the high fiber content in arugula will help your dog's system to continue running smoothly. Think of it like a little broom from nature, sweeping through their system and making sure all goes as it should. All in all, with proper portions, arugula is a nice addition to your dog's diet!
Introducing Arugula to Your Dog's Diet
Ready to give it a try? Introducing arugula into your dog's diet can be fun and quite easy: start with a small amount, maybe one or two leaves, mixed in with their normal food. Discomfort and allergic reactions are rare, but be on the lookout for them. If all goes well, you gradually can increase the portion size.
Keep in mind that dogs are individuals too. Some just love the peppery taste, while others will turn their snout in utter disgust. And that's quite alright! It's all about finding what will work for your buddy. If arugula doesn't make it on the list, there is a raft of other greens your dog could have.
For the parent who loves to cook for their canine friend, arugula can be served in homemade dog treats. Mix it with other safe ingredients, bake, and voilà-a healthy snack that nurtures their health and pleases their taste buds. Just make sure to keep seasoning to the bare minimum!
How Much Arugula Is Just Right?
Feed your dog arugula in moderation. A few leaves just once or twice a week will be fine. Should your pet develop side effects, however, consider that it might not be best food for him or her, or the quantity of arugula was simply to much for them. Size in dogs can vary with breeds — and so can the tolerance for arugula. Typically, the larger the dog, the more food they can tolerate.
You can start with little portions, and then gradually increase portion size, based on your dog's enjoyment and tolerance of it - keeping an eye our for any signs of illness. You know your pet; follow your instinct regarding this, and the portion size will differ according to their needs.
Fun Ways to Serve Arugula to Dogs
Feel free to let yourself get creative here and mix arugula into a dog-friendly salad with other safe greens—like spinach, add some low-sodium chicken broth, and then toss with cooked rice. This creates a refreshing treat for hot days when your pup wants something cool and hydrating.
Mix arugula into homemade dog treats! For all the baking masters out there, mix with whole wheat flour, eggs, and peanut butter. Bake until golden and indulge your dog in these chewy morsels.
Or if you're in a rush, try finely chopping some fresh arugula and using it as a garnish over your dog's usual foods!
Conclusion
In short, arugula can be safely fed to dogs, but only in moderation. It's nutrient dense, and can support everything from eye health to digestion, and even bone health. If you introduce arugula in small amounts, and take notes on their reaction - you will quickly learn if arugula can and should be a regular addition to your dog's diet.
Remember, just like us, all dogs are all different - what works for one (and one likes) may not be for another!
References
1) Bell L, Wagstaff C. Rocket science: A review of phytochemical & health-related research in Eruca & Diplotaxis species. Food Chem X. 2019 Mar 30;1:100002. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2018.100002. Erratum in: Food Chem X. 2021 Jan 18;12:100111. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2020.100111. PMID: 31423483; PMCID: PMC6690419.
