Arugula is an ingredient we commonly use in salads, sandwiches, etc.
Loaded with Vitamin A and Calcium, this green leafy vegetable helps fight cancer, strengthens our bones, and strengthens our immune system.
But, is this safe for your dog to consume?
It is essential to look up any food item before you feed it to your doggy friend as an innocent mistake can cost you your furry friend’s life.
In this article, I will answer the question, “Can dogs eat Arugula?” in as much detail as possible.
Let’s take a look.
The Simple Answer: Can Dogs Eat Arugula?
Yes, dogs can eat Arugula.
This leafy vegetable is nontoxic to dogs, and in moderate quantities, Arugula won’t have any adverse side effects on your dog’s health.
Arugula is abundant in the essential vitamins and minerals and is a healthy food item.
However, it is goitrogenic.
This means that Arugula disrupts the process of production of thyroid hormones which help regulate one’s metabolism.
This is the reason why it is not advisable to feed your dog Arugula in large quantities.
This is especially true for raw arugula.
If your furry friend is iodine deficient, you must never feed Arugula or other goitrogenic food items.
Following is the list of several goitrogenic food items that are harmful to your furry friend in large quantities:
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Radishes
- Mustard greens
- Peanuts
- Cauliflower
- Soybean
- Turnips
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Kale
- Cassava
Keep in mind that these vegetables won’t necessarily be harmful or toxic to your dog but, should only be served occasionally in limited quantity.
In large amounts, they may affect your dog’s health.
Always consult your vet before you introduce a new food item to your dog’s diet or make any tweaks.
Moving on…
Cooked Vs. Raw: Which Type of Arugula Is Better for My Dog?
Everyone knows how vegetables lose their nutrition when cooked and should be eaten raw.
This statement is true for most vegetables but, not for goitrogenic vegetables such as Arugula, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, etc.
Arugula, like other goitrogenic vegetables, is best eaten when cooked as it loses a large number of goitrogens in the process of cooking thus, making this plant friendly for your thyroid.
So, feeding your furry friend some cooked Arugula would be better than feeding him the raw kind.
But, you have to keep in mind that this leafy plant is best given to your dog in moderate quantities—even if it is cooked.
It’s always better to be overly cautious than deal with the consequences.
Final Words: Can Dogs Eat Arugula?
Yes, dogs can eat Arugula without having any problems.
In small quantities, Arugula is perfectly fine for dogs to consume and even has health benefits for your doggy.
Try to start by giving small amounts of Arugula to your dog with his meals.
However, this may not suit your dog so, it is better to clear things up with the vet first just to be sure—always consult the vet before making any tweaks to your dog’s diet.
I hope this article is helpful in answering the question, can dogs have arugula.