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Rabbits are strict herbivores who eat grasses and other greens. You may give your rabbit carrots and lettuce as snacks, but what about arugula? Rabbits can have arugula along with their standard pellet diet and hay supplements. However, there are a few crucial aspects to consider, and we will discuss them below. Still, just to ease your mind, arugula is in no way toxic. It is actually nutritious and beneficial to your bunny.
Arugula Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: One half cup
| Calories: | 2.5 |
| Fat: | 0.07 g |
| Sodium: | 2.7 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 0.04 g |
| Fiber: | 0.2 g |
| Sugars: | 0.2 g |
| Protein: | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin C: | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin K: | 10.9 mcg |
Health Benefits of Arugula for Rabbits
Leafy greens are healthy snacks for rabbits. Of course, any leafy green or veggie is not meant to replace rabbit pellets, which are balanced to fit all of the nutritional needs of domestic rabbits.
However, leafy greens are incredibly important because they aid digestion and give them a boost of hydration and the raw vitamins and minerals their bodies need. It also adds to mental enrichment for your rabbits.
The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) recommends feeding rabbits 85% grass or hay, 10% vegetables, and 5% extruded rabbit pellets.
Arugula Concerns for Rabbits
Too much arugula can be a problem as well. First, it’s very high in moisture, which can cause diarrhea in your rabbit if they’re eating arugula solely. It is not a complete and balanced meal since it does not have the nutrient profile necessary to keep up with your rabbit’s physical needs.
So, always feed a leaf of arugula in moderation alongside other fresh snacks.
Commercially grown arugula may have come in contact with pesticides. It’s best to buy organic when you can. However, if that’s not an option, wash the arugula leaves thoroughly before ever serving them to your rabbit.
Rabbits are sensitive to chemical compounds from pesticides and can die if they consume large quantities. To ensure that there’s nothing toxic on your arugula leaves, put them in a strainer and let the water run over them for several minutes to ensure that any chemical residue is completely gone.
Standard Rabbit Diet
We discussed the importance of feeding your rabbit commercial pellets. It would be incredibly challenging for someone to provide all of the nutritional content that rabbits need without veterinary supervision.
Pellets are designed to have precisely what your rabbit needs to stay healthy. That’s why having a solid base for your rabbit’s diet is imperative. Too many fruits and vegetables can upset their digestive tract, and one should not undermine how many grains they need.
It’s ideal to serve a well-suited commercial pellet, not muesli, as the primary dietary source. Rabbits also require Timothy hay, which you will see them munching on most of the day. In fact, you might be surprised at how much they go through.
Conclusion
So, now you know that your rabbit can eat arugula, and they will probably enjoy the new flavor if they haven’t tried it before. However, always wash the leaves and buy organic when you can.
Also, never substitute your rabbit’s daily rations for arugula, as it doesn’t have the nutrient content necessary to maintain health. Arugula should be a savory snack your rabbit can enjoy on occasion.
