Can Rabbits Eat Arugula Or Rocket? [Feeding Guide!]

If we talk about the most adorable pets of all time, then rabbits would be on top of the list. These bunny pals are even-tempered and suitable for the people who are in search of a lovable pet.

Rabbits are more sensitive as compared to most of the other pets. Hence, they need proper care along with a nutritional diet to stay fit and fine.

That is why it is important to give healthy food items to your bunny for his well-being. There are plentiful options for vegetables and fruits that you can feed to your rabbit.

Can I give Arugula or Rocket to my Rabbit?

Rabbits can eat arugula or rocket as it is low in oxalic acid and safe for consumption. Arugula is a deep green-colored herb that contains a hint of peppery flavor. Being nutritious and non-toxic, it serves as a treat for the rabbits because of its taste and texture.

Though your bunny can have this delicious veggie; you should feed him in moderation only. You must include this leafy herb as a supplementary food item in the diet of your rabbit.

The nutritional value of Arugula

Arugula or rocket is rich in essential minerals and vitamins. It contains vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K that are important for the sound growth and well-being of your bunny.

Vitamin A assists in maintaining good eye health and keeps the vision of your bunny sharp.

Also, vitamin C contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These help build and repair the body structure of your bunny.

Besides this, vitamin C also protects your bunny from the free radical activity. Furthermore, vitamin K plays a pivotal role in the reproductive health of your rabbit.

Besides this, arugula contains phosphorus that boosts energy metabolism. It also has magnesium that is helpful for the good development of the bone structure.

Arugula contains iron, copper, calcium, riboflavin, folate, manganese, zinc, thiamine, and pantothenic acid. This leafy vegetable delivers all the beneficial nutrients to your rabbit.

How much Arugula should a rabbit have?

Although arugula is safe for rabbits; you should not include it in the daily diet regime of your bunny. You can start feeding arugula to your rabbit once he turns around 12 weeks old.

An adult rabbit can have 2 large or 3 small arugula leaves 2-3 times in a week. The mature ones weighing about 6lbs would need around a handful of arugula in moderation.

It is always advisable to mix up the arugula with other leafy and green vegetables. At the initial stage, keep the quantity of arugula to the least and then increase at a gradual pace.

Having a variety of vegetables in the diet of your bunny would be beneficial for his health. It also ensures that your furry pal does not get too much of a particular mineral or vitamin.

All the leafy vegetables should not comprise more than 10 to 15% of the total diet that you feed to your bunny.

The effects of over-consumption of Arugula

Per 100g of arugula contains 29 kcal along with 2.5g of fiber and 3.6g of protein. Besides, it also has 1.5g of carbohydrates and 91.7mg of water.

This leafy vegetable consists of several other vitamins and minerals in adequate concentration. Though these nutrients are essential for the health of your bunny; consuming too much of them is not good.

There is 15mg of vitamin C and 160mg of calcium present in the 100g of arugula. Consuming calcium at high levels can cause urinary stones.

It can be painful and detrimental for your bunny. If your bunny is suffering from uroliths, then excessive intake of calcium can worsen it.

Furthermore, consuming an excess of vitamin C can lead to kidney disorders in rabbits. Their body tends to product vitamin C on its own. That is why bunnies do not need much of it.

You must give arugula to your bunny pal in a smaller quantity as a complimentary snack. Although arugula is low in calories; consuming it on regular basis is not recommended.

How to feed Arugula to rabbits?

Arugula can be a part of your bunny’s diet in moderation. Make sure to select the fresh and un-wilted pieces of arugula for your furry pal.

Also, wash the leaves with fresh water to remove the traces of soil or any impurities. You should mix up the arugula with other veggies such as watercress, and spring greens.

You can even feed arugula along with green or red lettuce, endive, basil, radicchio, mint, and many more. Mix the arugula with 5-6 greens or veggies so that your bunny can get a suitable amount of nutrients.

For a rabbit weighing around 2 pounds, a cup of chopped salad is enough to meet the dietary requirements.

Since arugula is high in calcium, you should not mix it with the other veggies or greens that are high in calcium.

Vegetables such as turnip, collard green, spinach, and kale contain calcium. So you should refrain from mixing arugula with them.

Why some rabbits do not like Arugula?

Like humans, rabbits also have their taste and preferences when it comes to food. Some bunnies dislike arugula due to its peppery taste.

So if your bunny turns up his nose at the arugula, then do not force him to eat. There are plentiful of options available that can replace arugula in the diet of your bunny.

You can give carrot, cucumber, celery, butter lettuce, tomato, and pumpkin to your rabbit.

Wrap Up

One of the best aspects of having a bunny is that there are lots of food options available for your pet.

You must not rely upon a particular vegetable, instead; keep including a variety of them. It would cater to the nutritional needs of your bunny in a more suitable manner.

After eating arugula, if your rabbit experiences any sort of discomfort, then rush to a vet in no time.

Above all, as a bunny owner, what matters the most is the good health and happiness of your little pet.