Can Hamsters Eat Arugula? Is it safe to add arugula to their diet?
Arugula is a delicious green leafy vegetable with a lot of vital nutrients packed inside. These nutrients are very beneficial to humans but are they the same to hamsters?
Table of Contents
- Can Hamsters Eat Arugula?
- Nutritive Content of Arugula
- Health Benefits of Feeding Arugula to your Pet Hamster
- How much Arugula can feed a Hamster?
- Can Hamsters eat Arugula Seeds and Stems?
- How to prepare and feed arugula to your pet Hamster?
- Risks Associated With Feeding Hamsters Arugula
Can Hamsters Eat Arugula?
Arugula, also known as rucola or Italian cress, is a member of the Cruciferous family. The leaves of this vegetable are very tender and flavorful. They are majorly eaten by humans as components of a salad or as toppings on a pizza.
When it comes to if hamsters can also eat this nutritious vegetable, it depends heavily on their digestive system. Some breeds have stronger digestive system more than others and so can eat it in moderation. Those with weaker systems are fed with extra care or not fed at all. Of course we must not forget that age is a factor to consider so take care not to feed arugula to Baby hamsters. They should be fed exclusively with their mother’s milk.
Nutritive Content of Arugula
Arugula is a very healthy food and it is enjoyed by both man and pet. It contains some amounts of minerals, vitamins and essential compounds. They contain nitrates and polyphenols. They are low in sugar and calories but contain high amounts of fiber and phytochemicals. This vegetable when consumed can offer
- Protein
- Fiber
- Fat
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Folate
- Phosphorous
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
Health Benefits of Feeding Arugula to your Pet Hamster
There are a lot of benefits that are linked to this nutrient-dense peppery herb. They provide a lot of advantages to your furry pet health-wise. Looking at the nutrient content of arugula, we can see that they are capable of providing the following:
- Calcium: Which is an essential mineral for blood clotting. It is also vital for muscle, bone and nerve function.
- Potassium: Another mineral contained in arugula leaves which can function as an electrolyte to ensure proper heart and nerve function. It can also help to reduce blood pressure in hamsters.
- Folate: This is beneficial to your pet as it helps in the production of DNA, RNA and other genetic materials.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin contributes a lot to your pet’s wellbeing. They can act as an antioxidant to help reduce ageing and other health risks associated to free radicals. They help in iron absorption and promote tissue health.
- Vitamin A: This vitamin like vitamin C can also act as an antioxidant and thus strengthens the immune system. They are also responsible for overall eye health and regulating lung, skin and heart functions in hamsters.
- Vitamin K: This vitamin is also extremely needed in ensuring their body's effective healing process. They help in blood clotting and speeds up wound healing.
- Fiber: This aids in digestion and adds bulk to their diet. It also helps in weight loss.
How much Arugula can you feed a Hamster?
These cute small furry pets can be fed arugula depending on their age and digestive system,
- A Chinese hamster is given one-third of a one-third portion of the peppery tasting arugula leaf
- A Winter whites dwarf hamster can be fed once a week with one-third of a one-third portion of arugula leaf.
- A Campbell’s dwarf hamster is also fed once a week with one-third of a one-third portion of arugula only.
- A Syrian hamster can safely consume half a teaspoon portion of arugula twice a week.
- A Roborovski hamster can be given the same serving as a Syrian hamster which is half a teaspoon portion of arugula twice a week
In summary, the dwarf hamsters can be given one third of a one-third portion of arugula once a week because of their weak digestive system but the Syrian and roborovski breeds of hamsters with stronger systems can be fed once or twice a week with half a teaspoon serving of arugula.
Can Hamsters eat Arugula Seeds and Stems?
Yes, hamsters can eat the stems in small amount but not the seeds. The seeds are sour tasting so they can’t have it. They can also safely consume dried arugula leaves in small amounts but if they don’t like it don’t serve it to them.
How to prepare and feed Arugula to your pet Hamster?
The preparation is quite easy. It can be done in two quick steps which are
- First, the vegetable should be properly washed to remove the dirt it may have collected.
- The next step is to chop off the stem or leave it as it is. Your choice
Once these steps are completed, you can finally serve them the moderate amount that is safe for them. You could choose to feed them arugula leaf alone or try feeding them arugula mixed with other healthy leafy vegetables. You can check out what other leafy vegetables your pet hamster can eat through this link,https://animals.mom.com/types-vegetables-hamsters-eat-1538.html.
Risks Associated With Feeding Hamsters Arugula
This leafy vegetable should only be fed to them in moderation. When you overfeed your hamster they could possibly suffer some digestive issues like:
- Stomach upset including pain, diarrhea, vomiting
- Impairement in their digestive function
- Dehydration
- Bloating due to excess water and fiber from arugula that could be stalled in its digestive tract
They should be taken to the vet to receive proper treatment if they are exposed to any of this issues.
Conclusion
This slightly pungent and peppery leafy vegetable is low in calories but rich with a lot of nutrients. It helps to maximize your pet hamster’s health by improving their vision, immune system and digestion. This health benefits can only be attained if they are fed arugula in moderation. If not, it exposes them to health risks instead.