Arugula is a nutritious vegetable with a spicy and strong flavor that originated in the Mediterranean region. The plant is also known as garden rocket, salad rocket, Italian cress or rocket and is a member of the Cruciferous or Brassicaceae family that includes broccoli, mustard plant, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, garden cress, brussel sprout, bok choy, collard greens, radish, wasabi, turnips, and similar green leaf vegetables. Arugulas are loaded with minerals and work well as a salad foundation, as a pizza or baked potato toppings, in soups and sauces, in omelets or smoothies, in sandwiches instead of lettuce, or as a garnish. Arugula also produces flowers but its leaves are mostly plucked. Its flowers and seeds can also be consumed and it is an all-around cooking ingredient.
Can Rats Eat Arugula?
Yes, rats can eat arugula. It is a nutritious and non-toxic vegetable to add to their diet. Rats are omnivores and can consume foods of both plant and animal origin. While rats may not necessarily consume too much arugula, it is a plant they can eat to survive and also serve as a complement to their nutritious diet. Arugula is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals that are advantageous to rats. The vegetable is also high in elements that can assist with the overall health of your rats.
Aids Digestion in Rats
Arugula, like other leafy greens, contains chlorophyll which aids digestion in rats, boosts the overall immune system, detoxifies the blood, and eliminates respiratory odors.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Arugula is a vegetable that is high in chlorophyll and contains glucosinolates which is a natural substance that breaks down into active compounds and helps to restrain cancers of the lungs, colon, bladder, stomach, and liver. They also contain antioxidants that protect the cells and immune system which can help to restrain cancer.
Prevents Diabetes in Rats
Arugula stimulates glucose absorption in the cells. The plant is also rich in fiber which helps elevate sensitivity to insulin and also helps regulate blood sugar levels in rats.
Keeps the Bone Strong
Arugula is known for its high calcium content which helps to construct and maintain healthy bones and is needed in the rat's teeth and muscle development. Calcium is also important for the development and growth of pregnant and growing rats including aged rats with kidney issues.
Helps with Skin Issues
The intake of foods that are high in fat or protein may lead to skin issues in your rats. Your veterinarian may recommend vegetables to be in your rat’s diet. This is because vegetables like arugula contain sulfur in the form of vitamin B, which reduces skin rashes and irritation and makes healing faster.
Prevents Heart-Related Issues
Rats are prone to illness. That is why it is important to keep a close eye on their diets. Rats have a small and fast heart, and maintaining a healthy diet with foods like vegetables can help prevent heart issues. Arugula contains vitamin A which can help to reduce the accumulation of fat and help with overall body growth.
Help Preserve Cognitive Functioning
Arugula is a vegetable that helps to prevent cognitive impairment and improves cognitive abilities in rats. This is due to the presence of vitamin K which can be found in leafy greens and some other vegetables. This vitamin also increases the clotting times in rats and is involved in bone metabolism.
Produces Antioxidant Effects in Rats
Arugulas possess antioxidant compounds that are helpful to the cells of rats. It also contains Vitamin C, which is necessary to reduce the antioxidant imbalance in the brain and blood lead concentration. It also helps to improve muscle function in aged rats.
Protects Eye Health
Arugula is rich in beta-carotene, an antecedent of Vitamin A, which is necessary for vision. Vitamin A is good for the eyes as it guards the retina. The vegetable also contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are antioxidants that protect the eye from visual impairment and sun damage.
Improves Cell Reproduction
Arugula is rich in Vitamin A, C, and K, which assists in cell reproduction and also helps in the production of a healthy reproductive system.
Arugula possesses many other vitamins and minerals such as folate which helps in the production of genetic components and DNA of rats, potassium which is essential for the heart and nerve function, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus are all in arugula. Arugula helps in the circulation of salt which lowers the chance of high blood pressure in rats. Due to its strong and peppery flavor, your rat may not like it. You can insert it in other tasty foods while cooking will help to reduce its flavor and is also a great plus to your rat’s diet.
Even though arugula has many health benefits, it is not advisable to allow your rats to consume too much of it. Allowing your rats to take too much arugula is unhealthy and may lead to stomach issues. It is better to minimize its consumption. Arugula should be treated as a complement to your rat’s normal nutritious diet and be given in small quantities once in a while. It is also a low-calorie food that may not provide your rat with the adequate nutrients required to grow and stay healthy.
Arugula is an easy-to-find, cheap, low-calorie, and non-toxic leafy green that contains abundant vitamins and minerals that are advantageous to the growth, development, and overall health of rats. Vegetables are often recommended by veterinarians when rats are malnourished because they contain healthy nutrients and minerals like Vitamin A, C, and K, Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Folic acid, and Magnesium, amongst others. The vegetable can also serve as a low-calorie snack for your rat due to its low fat and calorie content. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian before modifying your rat’s diet and make sure to confirm for any allergic reaction before implementing the new diet fully as rats tend to reject foods the first time they consume them if they’ve never consumed them before.