Pet rabbits can eat up to 30 times a day, and so they are always in need of food! As a pet rabbit owner, you may be wondering what foods are suitable for your pet rabbit and which foods are not.
For instance, rabbits love greens and veggies, so what ones that are available in your home can you give to your rabbits? Well, you may be surprised to find that they love eating salad!
But, there are so many different types of salad. From iceberg lettuce to baby gem lettuce, romaine lettuce, green leaf, red leaf, arugula, you name it! There are so many leafy greens and salads to choose from. We often share our salad leaves with our pet rabbits, as they thrive off fresh fruits and vegetables.
But, let’s face it, not everyone loves eating salad, so what about your rabbits? Can rabbits eat arugula? Is arugula safe for bunnies and rabbits to eat? Let’s find out!
What is arugula?
Arugula is just another name for rocket. In the US and Canada, rocket is referred to as arugula, and is used in salad dishes aplenty. Arugula is basically just a leafy green type of salad that has a stronger, peppery taste. Due to its slightly flavored nature, you may be wondering if it is suitable for your rabbits. We all know that we can share our romaine lettuce leftovers with our pet rabbits, but is arugula safe for them?
Can rabbits eat arugula?
The short answer is yes, rabbits can eat arugula, and it is perfectly safe for them to eat as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Rabbits require a range of fruits and vegetables along with hay to keep them healthy. Arugula actually provides a lot of healthy and essential vitamins and minerals that are perfect for your fluffy friend.
However, you should be aware that rabbits can only eat arugula in moderation. A good sized portion of arugula for your rabbit will be about a handful for a medium sized rabbit. In addition, it is also recommended that you only feed your rabbits fresh, unwilted pieces of arugula, and ensure that the leaves are washed to remove any chemicals or traces of soil that could damage your rabbit’s health.
Arugula is actually very good for rabbits as it contains many essential nutrients that could help keep your rabbit in the best physical health. That being said, arugula can contain a lot of calcium, which can build up within your rabbit’s digestive system, and combine with oxalates from vegetables. If this happens, then your rabbit can become increasingly at risk of developing kidney stones and bladder sludge.
Can rabbits eat arugula every day?
Arugula is safe for rabbits to eat, but it must be eaten in moderation. You should not feed your rabbits arugula every day, but two or three times a week is just enough to give your rabbits the nutrients they need. You should also only be giving about a handful or two to your fully grown rabbit, as this is plenty of leafy greens to keep them healthy, and not overwhelm them.
Can rabbits eat arugula stalks?
Generally speaking, the stalks, leaves and roots of leafy greens and vegetables are all safe for rabbits to consume as they provide lots of fiber, nutrients and vitamins that are essential for the diet, health and development of your rabbits.
Do rabbits like arugula?
Yes, most rabbits love arugula, but there can be some bunnies and rabbits that do not favor the strong flavor and peppery taste of arugula. Why not give your rabbit a little next time you have some leftovers and see if they love it or leave it.
What greens are bad for rabbits?
Whilst arugula is safe for rabbits to eat in moderation, there are a lot of greens and veggies that you should avoid feeding to your rabbits as they can make them unhealthy or unwell. For instance salads like iceberg lettuce can be fatal to a healthy pet rabbit, and should never be included in their diets.
In addition, rabbits should never be fed avocado, rhubarb or fruit pips as these can be highly poisonous, dangerous and even fatal to these small fluffy creatures. You should also avoid giving things like cat or dog food, and never offer muesli, or nuts to your pet rabbits. All of these things can lead to illnesses, along with digestive problems such as sickness, diarrhea and even toxicity when ingested.
In terms of vegetables, you should never offer iceberg lettuce to rabbits, even though it looks like rabbit food. Romaine lettuce is fine, but iceberg lettuce can contain a chemical called lactucarium which is harmful for small animals like the rabbit. You also cannot give your rabbit onions, garlic, shallots, chives or any allium type vegetables as they can cause dizziness, weakness, anemia and even death if not treated quick enough.
Other unsuitable vegetation like rhubarb can also cause lethargy, bloated or sore tummies and swollen mouths if given to rabbits, and so you have to be aware of the right foods and the wrong foods that they can eat!
What greens can rabbits eat?
Rabbits can actually eat a range of herbs and veggies. For instance, mint, parsley, dill, coriander, basil, thyme, sage, oregano are all safe for rabbits. You should also stick to the greens such as celery, collard greens, asparagus, courgette, cucumber, romaine lettuce, parsnips, arugula, radishes, spinach and watercress, and your pet rabbit will be very happy and healthy!
