Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in salads. It has a peppery flavor and is high in vitamins A and C. Some people believe that arugula can help improve digestion and circulation, but it can also cause stomach upset, so it's important to find out if it's a safe food for hamsters or not.
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What is Arugula
Also known as rucola or more commonly rocket salad, or garden rocket, is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the same family as broccoli and cabbage. It’s an incredibly nutritious food packed with vitamins and minerals. Arugula is often used in pasta, in salads, soups or sauces, or sautéed as a side dish. You can also find it as a pizza or baked potato topping, or even in omelettes or smoothies.
Health benefits of rocket salad are numerous. Arugula is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K B6 as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. It's also a good source of dietary fiber.
The older the leaves get, the more bitter their peppery, spicy flavor becomes.You can also eat the seeds whole or pressed in an oil.
But can hamsters eat it? Let's find out!
Can Hamsters eat Arugula or Rocket Salad?
Yes, hamsters can eat arugula salad, it's a safe choice to give them as a treat. Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy food choice for hamsters. Wild hamsters will come across fresh fruit and vegetable in their natural habitat, so there is no harm in offering them the same foods at home. Their main diet should still be grain and seed based, all fresh treats are only these, occasional treats together with small portions of fruits, and sometimes dried fruits or dried vegetables.
However, all treats should be given in moderation and arugula should only ever be a small part of your hamster’s diet.
Ideally stick with organic food, but whatever the fresh arugula you purchase, make sure you rinse it thoroughly first to remove any pesticide or dirt, before giving it to your hamster.
Be especially cautious when you introduce new food, such as rocket salad, to your hamster. Start with small quantities and observe the animal for any adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you don’t see any symptoms after a few hours, then it should be safe to offer more of the treat a few days later.
There's always concerns with food with a high water content. Arugula is known for being a bit laxative, so too much of it could cause diarrhea.
Can Syrian Hamsters eat Arugula Leaves or Rocket?
Yes, Syrian Hamsters can safely be given arugula as a treat. Syrian hamsters are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.
Arugula is knows to cause digestive discomfort, so it must only be given in very small quantities. Start with one bite, never bigger than the size of a hamster ear, and only increase the quantity if your hamster doesn't show any negative reactions.
Can Dwarf Hamsters eat Arugula Salad or Rocket?
Yes, Dwarf hamsters can eat arugula safely. Dwarf hamsters are also omnivores and enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables as treats, including arugula.
Because they are smaller and their little digestive system is more fragile, they need even smaller portions, and giving them any fresh fruit or vegetable twice a week only is enough .
Can Hamsters eat Baby Arugula?
Baby arugula is just the same plant but harvested early. It is safe for the hamsters in the same conditions as the regular rocket salad. They might even prefer that form as baby arugula is sweeter and less bitter than older plants.
Do Hamsters Like Arugula?
Hamsters all have their own personality and taste, so some will like rocket salad, while others not so much. It is a healthy treat to offer them and they may surprise you by eating it. If your hamster is not interested, it's not something to worry about, as it's not essential to their diet. Try to offer a little bit of broccoli, or carrots instead.
What about Arugula Seed Oil?
Also called rucola seed oil, it is extracted from seeds using the cold press method. It is used in salad dressing, but also in the beauty department: as a ski or hair oil.
In itself, Arugula seed oil is not poisonous or toxic for hamsters, but there's no benefit to give it to your pet either. Too much would actually make them sick as it's too difficult to digest. Stick with the fresh leaves for a healthier treat.
Can Hamsters Eat Raw Arugula?
Hamsters can eat raw arugula without problem, it's the natural form of the vegetable as they would find it in the wild. Fresh vegetables contain the most nutrients , so this is the best option for your hamster. You only need to rinse them thoroughly to remove any pesticide or dirt in general .
Can Hamsters Eat Cooked Arugula?
Yes, hamsters can eat cooked Arugula. Whether they will want to is another question!
As long as the food has not been flavored with any sauces or dressings as these may contain ingredients that are harmful to hamsters, and has been steamed, boiled or microwaved, it is not unsafe. Again, it might not be very appetising and most hamsters are not interested.
Can Hamsters Eat Processed Arugula?
Hamsters should really not be given processed food in general. The added ingredients are never heatlhy and their digestive system is not designed to deal with them. However, if you do choose to give a little bite of processed Arugula to your hamster, make sure that it is organic and free from added sugars, fats or preservatives. Try to avoid products with artificial colors or flavors too.
Processing can enhance the flavor of the vegetable, making it an appealing treat for hamsters. Processed Arugula can be found in many forms, including chips, crisps and flakes. It doesn't mean it is a recommended treat. Better sticking with an offering of fresh carrots or fresh broccoli.
Can Hamsters eat Dried or Dehydrated Arugula?
You have probably seen flakes of dried Arugula at some point, they are used for flavouring and seasoning. The process is really easy, they are just dried at low temperatures in an oven or a dehydrator.
Yes, you can feed dried arugula to your hamsters. It is also a flavorful and appealing treat for hamsters. A little bit of dried herbs and flowers is always a welcome addition to the treat list.
Can Hamsters eat Arugula Sprouts?
Yes, hamsters can eat arugula sprouts. Arugula sprouts are a nutritious snack for your hamster, as they contain numerous vitamins and minerals that help promote overall health. Sprouting also helps to make the nutrients more easily accessible for your pet, so they get the most benefit. However, it is important to note that arugula sprouts can be bitter and may not be liked by all hamsters. If your hamster turns its nose up at the sprouts, you can try chopping them up into smaller pieces or mixing them with other treats to make them more palatable. Additionally, it is important to feed your hamster small amounts of arugula sprouts at a time to avoid any digestive issues.
In summary
So, can hamsters eat arugula? The answer is yes–hamsters can eat raw, or cooked arugula. However, it's important to note that not all forms of arugula are equally nutritious for hamsters, so you should only offer them small amounts of the vegetable. Additionally, be sure to avoid giving your hamster any processed or artificial foods, as these can be harmful to their digestive system. Arugula sprouts make a healthy snack for your pet and they're likely to enjoy the flavor too!