Yes, dogs can eat arugula as long as it is given in moderation. Arugula contains many nutrients which are beneficial for your dog. Still, it should be kept in mind that dogs with thyroid issues should not be fed arugula.
Table of Contents
What is Arugula?
Arugula is a herb that is known for its unique flavor. Its taste has been described as peppery and mildly bitter. In terms of its odor, arugula smells pungent and acrid. Often, it is used in salads. It contains nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
Is Arugula Safe For Dogs?
Yes, arugula is safe for dogs as long as it is given in moderation. It has many nutrients and benefits that are beneficial for dogs’ health.
Why is Arugula Good for Dogs?
Arugula is good for dogs because of the following reasons:
Protects against Cancer: Arugula is rich in chlorophyll that wards off the toxins present in a dog’s body. It is rich in phytochemicals, specifically thiocyanates, sulforaphane, and indoles, which slows colon and esophageal cancer in dogs.
Curbs Diabetes: Arugula contains alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that lowers blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity in dogs.
Aids Bone and Dental Health: Arugula is full of vitamin K and calcium. Both nutrients ensure that your dog’s bones and teeth are in healthy condition. vitamin K also helps absorb calcium, which will prevent your dog’s bones from weakening due to osteoporosis in the future.
Aids in Weight Loss: 100g of arugula contains just 24 calories. Hence, overweight and diabetic dogs can consume it without any worries.
Why is Arugula Bad for Dogs?
Arugula is bad for dogs due to the following reasons:
Allergic Reaction: Like many other foods, arugula might also evoke allergic reactions in dogs. So, try to feed your dog arugula in moderation and observe it for the next 48 hours to check for any allergic reactions in your dog.
Goitrogenic: If your dog has thyroid issues, raw arugula should not be eaten as it suppresses the thyroid glands.
Here is a list of other goitrogenic foods that should not be fed to your dog if it has thyroid issues:
Oxalic Acid: Arugula contains oxalic acid. It binds beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, which will hinder your dog’s body from absorbing other essential nutrients.
How to Serve Arugula to Your Dog?
Chop arugula and mix them in your dog’s food
Cook the arugula with some lean and plain chicken and serve it to your dog.
How much Arugula can be given to your Dog?
As a general rule, vegetables should be treated as occasional treats for dogs. Only 10% of your dog’s diet should consist of vegetables. A tablespoon of arugula once in a while will be sufficient for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooked or Raw Arugula: Which is better for your Dog?
Generally, vegetables lose some of their nutrients when they are cooked. Therefore, it is advised that they should be consumed raw. This statement is true for most vegetables, but not for goitrogenic vegetables like arugula.
Cooking will help kill considerable amounts of goitrogens, making arugula friendly for dogs with thyroid issues.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dogs can eat arugula as long as it is served in moderation. It also contains a lot of benefits for your dog’s health. However, it should also be kept in mind that dogs with thyroid issues should not be fed raw arugula as it contains goitrogens.
