Can Hamsters Eat Arugula? (The Benefits & Risks to Know)

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Being a health-conscious pet lover, I’ve been curious, “can hamsters eat arugula“?

I love my hamsters, and they deserve the best diet to keep them healthy and playful. This means they need treats, and I wanted to know if arugula was safe for them to snack on.

Arugula is brilliant for hamsters, and it is packed with vitamins and minerals that are good for their health and help to promote a healthy immune system. Giving them a small serving as a treat is perfectly safe for them to eat.

I’d love to learn more about what makes arugula so good for hammies (and any risks).

Key Takeaways:

  • Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that hamsters can eat, but it should be given in moderation because of its high oxalate content.
  • Arugula is a good source of vitamins A and C, iron, and a compound called glucosinolate.
  • Ensure you feed arugula in moderation, as too much can cause kidney stones.

Is Arugula Safe for Hamsters to Eat?

Arugula (also known as rocket) is one of the SAFEST food for hamsters to eat and provides many benefits. [1] This leafy green vegetable is part of the Brassica family, which means it is related to other vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

So, can hamsters eat arugula?

Arugula is a GOOD SOURCE of vitamins A and C and iron. It also contains a compound called glucosinolate, which can help to boost their health and immune system.

Pro Tip: It is essential to feed it to them in moderation. This is because arugula contains a high amount of oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in hamsters.

How Much Arugula Can My Hamster Have and How Often?

arugula, can hamsters eat arugula

Hamsters can eat arugula as part of a balanced diet. A good rule of thumb is to offer 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or cooked vegetables daily.

You can feed hamsters arugula every other day or a couple of times per week as part of their weekly vegetable allotment.

When feeding hamsters arugula for the first time, start with a small amount to see how they tolerate it.

Some hamsters may be more sensitive to the oxalates in the arugula and may experience digestive upset. If this happens, reduce the amount of arugula you’re feeding or discontinue it altogether.

Pro Tip: Hamsters enjoy eating various vegetables, so don’t be afraid to mix things up and offer a variety of leafy green veggies, vegetables, and fruits.

But can all hamster breeds eat arugula?

Also Read: Can Hamsters Eat Spinach Everyday?

What About Different Hamster Breeds?

Syrian hamsters can have the amount twice a week, and Robo hamsters can have more than once a week.

However, if Dwarf hamsters eat arugula, they can only have a tiny leaf every week because they are so much smaller.

Additionally, baby hamsters should not have arugula, and you should wait until they are fully grown before you give your hamster arugula.

What are the Benefits of Hamsters Eating Arugula?

There are several advantages to giving your hammy a little bit of arugula as a treat. [2] It can be very BENEFICIAL to their health and makes a great addition to their diet.

1. Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient for hamsters and helps to keep their blood healthy. Arugula is a good source of iron and a very STRONG source if their diet lacks it.

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for hamsters and helps their vision, skin, and coat health. Arugula is a good source of Vitamin A and can help prevent deficiency.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help hamsters fight off infections. It is also vital for their immune system, bones, and blood vessels.

4. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is necessary for hamsters because it helps with blood clotting. Arugula is a GOOD SOURCE of Vitamin K and can help to prevent deficiency.

5. Calcium and Magnesium

Calcium and Magnesium are essential for hamsters because they help with bone health. The arugula is a brilliant source of both calcium and Magnesium.

6. Potassium and Phosphorous

Potassium and phosphorous are essential for hamsters because they help with muscle function. Arugula is a GREAT source of both potassium and phosphorous.

7. Folate

Folate is vital for hamsters because it helps with cell growth and development. Arugula is a brilliant source of folate.

What are the Risks of Hamsters Eating Arugula?

arugula leaves

There is one potential risk to giving your hamster rocket, and you must consider it before you share this treat with them.

Too Much Can Cause Digestive Issues

Arugula is HIGH in oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in hamsters and make your hamster sick. [3]

For this reason, it’s crucial to feed hamsters arugula in MODERATION and to start with a small amount to see how they tolerate it. Some hamsters may be more sensitive to oxalates and may experience digestive upset.

If this happens, reduce the amount of arugula you’re feeding or discontinue it altogether.

Also Read: Is Cabbage Good for Hamsters?

FAQs

Can Hamsters Eat Dried Arugula?

No, hamsters should NOT eat dried arugula. This is because the drying process concentrates the oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in hamsters.

Can You Give Hamsters Arugula Seeds and Stems?

Yes, hamsters can eat the stems of arugula. However, removing the arugula seeds from the arugula stems before feeding is vital because they CANNOT eat the seeds.

Can Hamsters Eat Baby Arugula?

Yes, hamsters can eat baby arugula. Baby arugula is less likely to cause digestive upset than mature arugula because it contains LOWER levels of oxalates.

Conclusion

Arugula can be a GREAT treat for hamsters, and there are loads of fantastic health benefits they can take advantage of with this tasty snack.

Of course, you need to be aware that there is too much of a good thing and that an excess of arugula can cause HEALTH ISSUES such as kidney stones. Moderation is key; remember that.

Hamsters are known to be curious creatures and love to explore new foods. So, go ahead and give arugula a try. Your hamster may just surprise you and become a fan.

hamster trying to eat arugula but can hamsters eat arugula

So, did you ever feed arugula to your hamster? Let us know in the comments section!

Sources:

  • 1. Jilani MI. Health benefits of Arugula: A review. iscientific.
  • 2. Petrini D, Di Giuseppe M, Deli G, De Caro Carella C. Cystolithiasis in a Syrian hamster: a different outcome. Open Veterinary Journal. 2016;6(2):135-138. doi:10.4314/ovj.v6i2.10
  • 3. Arugula: Health benefits, facts, and research. www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282769
Alina Hartley
Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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