Arugula is a delicious green that has a unique flavor and texture. It is also known as rocket and is used in various cuisines. But how suitable is arugula for guinea pigs? Can guinea pigs eat arugula?
Guinea pigs can eat arugula in moderation. Arugula is rich in a variety of nutrients that guinea pigs need. However, it also contains a considerable amount of calcium, so they should not be given arugula regularly. Also, many guinea pigs don’t particularly like arugula because of its distinct flavor.
You should not feed arugula if a guinea pig has bladder sludge or bladder stones. The high calcium content can exacerbate the problems in such guinea pigs.
Another critical point is that you should never serve your guinea pigs arugula as their only vegetable.
A balanced guinea pig diet should include a portion of fresh vegetables with at least 5-6 different vegetables at any one time.
The mix should include 2-3 leafy vegetables, including lettuce, cabbage, spinach, coriander, kale, celery, or similar, mixed with other vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, or carrots.
In this article, we will learn more about the nutrients in arugula. We will also discuss its dangers and benefits for guinea pigs and answer other questions.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula?
Yes, guinea pigs are allowed to eat arugula. Arugula is entirely safe for guinea pigs if it is fed in moderation.
However, excessive feeding of arugula can lead to serious health problems in the animals.
It is well known that anything consumed in excess is bad for health, which also applies to guinea pigs’ diets.
If you maintain the correct portion size, the food is good for them. However, overfeeding can be harmful to their health.
Some of the most common problems with overfeeding arugula include the following.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are one of the most prevalent diseases in guinea pigs.
They are usually caused by an excess of calcium and oxalic acid in the diet, which combine to cause the problem.
Arugula, unfortunately, contains a lot of calcium, which can lead to the formation of these bladder stones if fed in excess.
So make sure you limit the amount of calcium-rich foods such as arugula, kale, celery, etc. in your guinea pig’s diet.
Diarrhea
Guinea pigs have a sensitive digestive system that can easily become unbalanced.
Quickly introducing new foods as food or overfeeding a particular food are some significant diarrhea triggers in guinea pigs.
Although diarrhea is not always fatal, it can sometimes lead to serious illness.
Is Arugula Healthy for Guinea Pigs?
Yes, arugula is definitely a healthy leafy vegetable for guinea pigs if you keep the portion size and frequency in check.
Here are some benefits of eating arugula for guinea pigs.
Improves Eyesight
Because arugula is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, it is an excellent supplement for vision and other vital organs of the body.
Guinea pigs have degenerating eyesight that gets worse with age.
Foods rich in these vitamins can support vision and slow down the degeneration process in guinea pigs.
That’s why you should definitely include foods high in vitamin A in your guinea pig’s diet.
Helps With Rapid Recovery
Vitamins C and K and other essential nutrients found in arugula can help fight disease and speed up the recovery of guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs are susceptible to various health problems. You should, therefore, make sure that the food supports their recovery process.
Vitamin C also helps prevent scurvy, one of guinea pigs’ most commonly diagnosed problems.
Prevention of Diseases
Arugula also contains a lot of antioxidants and other nutrients that help to prevent various of guinea pig diseases.
Nutrients in Arugula
Arugula contains a wide range of nutrients. Here are some of the most common nutrients it contains:
- Vitamin A: Arugula contains a fair amount of vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for the body as it fulfills several functions. These include defending against cell damage, improving vision, and helping with other vital body functions.
- Vitamin K: Arugula contains a high vitamin K, another essential vitamin for the body. It contributes to blood clotting and faster healing of wounds, which can be crucial.
- Folate: Folate is a B vitamin with multiple functions in the body. Arugula is a rich source of folate, which the body needs to turn carbohydrates into energy, form red blood cells, and more.
- Vitamin C: Arugula also contains a trace of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the body as it helps maintain a robust immune system, fights various diseases, and contributes to the formation of blood vessels and collagen in the body.
Arugula, therefore, has some excellent and health-promoting properties for guinea pigs.
The dose and frequency you feed your guinea pigs arugula are crucial.
How Often Should Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula?
Due to its high level of calcium, Guinea pigs should only eat arugula sparingly and in small quantities. It is best not to offer arugula more than 1-2 times weekly.
This can help prevent various health problems that can be caused by guinea pigs overeating arugula.
It is also recommended to feed at intervals. For example, if you have given your guinea pigs arugula on Tuesday, you should not give them arugula again until Friday or Saturday.
This way, there is a break between portions, which can help limit calcium build-up in the guinea pigs’ bodies.
How Much Arugula Can Guinea Pigs Eat?
It is recommended to feed only one small leaf per guinea pig. Feeding in such small amounts can help to regulate the amount of calcium in the diet.
As mentioned above, a diet high in calcium harms guinea pigs.
Mix the arugula with other low-calcium vegetables such as peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or similar to balance their diet.
You should leave out calcium-rich vegetables such as asparagus if you give your guinea pigs arugula.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula Flowers?
Guinea pigs can eat arugula flowers, but they should only be given them in small quantities.
The flowers also contain a fair amount of calcium and other enzymes that can be harmful if eaten in excess.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula Stems?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat arugula stems without any problems. You can feed the arugula leaves together with the stems to your guinea pigs. However, make sure that you limit the portion.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Baby Arugula?
Yes, baby arugula is also acceptable for guinea pigs. However, baby arugula contains just as much calcium as its older counterpart.
It’s basically the same leaves picked at an early stage, so it’s softer and has a milder flavor.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cooked Arugula?
No, guinea pigs should not eat cooked arugula. Cooked food often loses most of the important nutrients that guinea pigs need.
It is, therefore, generally best to only serve guinea pigs fresh raw food.
When food is cooked, other ingredients that are unsuitable for guinea pigs’ digestive systems are usually added.
Cooked food can cause bloating and severe diarrhea in guinea pigs. It is therefore recommended to avoid it altogether.
How to Prepare Arugula for Guinea Pigs?
Arugula is a vegetable that has many benefits when prepared correctly. Here is a straightforward way to prepare arugula for your guinea pigs.
- It’s best to buy fresh organic arugula for your guinea pigs. This will prevent your guinea pigs from ingesting pesticides.
- Arugula leaves often contain a lot of dirt and seeds that must be washed off thoroughly. Soak the arugula in cold water and let the dirt settle before proceeding. You can then dry it in a salad spinner or leave it to dry in a kitchen towel while you prepare other vegetables.
- The next step is optional. You can remove the stems by cutting them off or leaving them.
- The third step is to mix the arugula with other vegetables and prepare a complete vegetable bowl for your guinea pigs.
- Remember to remove uneaten vegetables from the cage after the meal. Uneaten fruit and vegetables can spoil quickly and become a health hazard. It also attracts vermin to your guinea pigs.
You can also prepare the vegetables for a few days or a few portions at a time. However, use a suitable storage option to keep the vegetables fresh.
Conclusion: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Arugula?
Guinea pigs can eat arugula in moderation and not too often. Overfeeding them with arugula can have a negative effect on their health.
Arugula contains high levels of vitamins A, K, and C and other essential nutrients. Guinea pigs need these nutrients in their diet.
However, limit the amount to 1-2 weekly portions to avoid health problems. Also, ensure you distribute the portions evenly over the week and do not serve them one after the other.
Do not give your guinea pigs more than a tiny leaf of arugula per animal at a time.
Overfeeding arugula can lead to health problems in the guinea pigs, such as bladder stones, bladder sludge, and diarrhea.
Guinea pigs can eat all parts of arugula, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds.
Always remember that hay is the main component of your guinea pig’s diet. Vegetables are only a supplement.
Vegetables provide them with the nutrients they need in addition to the nutrients they get from hay.
Vegetables should never be a substitute for hay in your guinea pig’s diet.
