For the readers who are eager to know if they can feed arugula to their cat, yes! Arugula is considered non-toxic and safe for your cat. It can even be healthy for your cat if fed in the right manner.1 However, it is important to know all the facts about arugula and how it could affect your cat before you decide to add it into their diet.
Salad Rocket, Rucola, Rucoli, Rugula, Colewort, Roquette, and Gargeer are all the names given to Arugula around the globe. The low-calorie, diet-friendly green that is powerful enough to spice up the taste of your salad, Arugula is a leafy-green vegetable native to the Mediterranean and is considered safe for cats to eat. But do they even like Arugula?
Do Cats Like Arugula?
Cats are known to eat things they are not supposed to, and there are many theories about why. For example, some say that cats eat grass intentionally to induce vomiting and clear their stomachs. Others say that they eat grass to increase the activity of their digestive tract muscles.2 We may never know the exact reason. However, your cat may want to try Arugula to satisfy its curiosity about what you're eating.
Is Arugula Good for Cats?
We learned that even though cats probably shouldn't eat grass, it can end up being beneficial for the cat at times. Green vegetables like arugula, can offer numerous health benefits to your cat. An average 10g serving of this veggie contains the following3 –
Calories: 2.5
Fat: 0.1g
Sodium: 2.7mg
Carbohydrates: 0.4g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugars: 0.2g
Protein: 0.3g
Vitamin C: 1.5mg
Vitamin K: 10.9mcg
It is known to help decrease the risk of cancer, boost bone health, reduce diabetes, lower heart disease risk and much more. Now this is the deal for us humans, but if fed in moderation, Arugula can prove to be beneficial for cats too.
Health Benefits of Arugula for Cats
As mentioned above, Arugula does have some health benefits for cats. Let’s break down the nutrient values in Arugula and evaluate each for our cats:1
Vitamin A – Supports healthy eyes (including night vision) and skin, the formation of organs and structures in growing cats, and immune function. Here are a few more articles for tips on pet eye care and a guide on skin conditions in cats.
Vitamin K – Helps the body form clots and prevents bleeding.
Fiber – Helps with digestive functions and benefits the stool quality of cats who might otherwise have digestive upset. High-fiber foods may be beneficial in cases of constipation, diarrhea, diabetes and even obesity. Read this article for tips on how to help you pet stay at a healthy weight.
Potassium – Required for the normal function of muscles and bodily systems.
Folic Acid – Helps form red blood cells, aids in digestion, and helps boost the immune system.
How Much Arugula is Good for Your Cat?
The answer to this would be 1 small leaf per week to start. If you don’t see any signs of a negative or allergic reaction, then you can increase the amount of arugula gradually to 2-3 leaves per week.4 Just make sure it is only an occasional treat. Despite the potential benefits of arugula for your cat, you should not make it a part of their regular diet.
How Can You Feed Arugula to Your Cat?
The next question in the sequence is how to prepare the arugula for your cat. For those occasional moments when you want to feed tiny pieces of arugula to your cat, here are a few tips on how to prepare it for them:
Wash it Thoroughly – You don't want your cat to ingest any type of pesticide or dirt that could be on the veggie.
Keep it Simple – Your salad can have dressing, but your cat’s salad cannot. Do not add any type of spice or oil to it. Not even salt. Too much salt can lead to sodium poisoning.
Both raw and cooked arugula are okay – While raw vegetables have the maximum nutrition, if you want to cook it, the suggestion would be to boil it or steam it lightly.
What Can Happen If Your Cat Eats an Unusual Amount Of Arugula?
As we said earlier, just because it can be good for your cat doesn’t mean you should always feed them Arugula. If your cat accidentally eats too much of it, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach.5 You should contact your vet right away if you see:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Lack of energy
Expert Insights From Spot
Offering your cat a taste of your favorite foods might seem harmless, but it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for pets. Spot's internal data reveals that pet insurance claims for dietary indiscretions average $642*, emphasizing the necessity of thorough research and caution when treating your cat with human foods.
Can Having Insurance Help Here?
We know that cats can be mischievous when they want to be and can end up getting in trouble. Our cat insurance plans can offer up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills and access to a 24/7 Pet Telehealth helpline so that you can always have someone by your side to help guide you through questions you may have about your pet’s health or behavior.
Conclusion
Arugula is a non-toxic, low-calorie, and safe food to give your cat. It can provide multiple health benefits to your cat given that you follow the guidelines of how and when to feed it to them. Do not forget that your cat is carnivorous, and should only be given vegetables occasionally. The majority of the necessary nutrients your cat needs should come from meat, but you can go ahead and add arugula to your cat’s diet for a nutritious health boost!
I’m Charlie: canine enthusiast with a knack for figuring out why my dog, Dallas, is more infatuated with tennis balls than me. My lifelong passion for dogs has created a dedication to help other pet parents better understands their furry family members!
*Jan 2019 to Aug 2024 administrator claims data. Individual reimbursement results and coverage vary based on plan type.
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
