Can Dogs Eat Arugula?

Arugula has more flavor than the typical leafy greens. Arugula has a more peppery taste, and it’s an excellent addition to a salad or makes a nutrient-packed side dish. Arugula is full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. If you have arugula as a regular portion of your diet, you may wonder if your dog can have arugula. 

If you’ve never really tried arugula, it may interest you that it’s full of antioxidants, and a selection of vitamins that are good for digestion and immunity. It’s also a great source of iron for both dogs and humans! 

Additionally, you may wonder if you should cook arugula before sharing it with your dog. We’ll learn the answer to those questions as well as whether your dog can safely have other popular vegetables and fruits. 

Can Dogs Have Arugula?

Arugula is safe for dogs to eat; it’s a non-toxic vegetable. If your dog likes arugula, he will eat it with no hesitation when you offer it to him. If your dog likes the taste of the green, it will bark or whine to let you know they want more. Sometimes, your dog will impatiently pace until you share more with them. 

Benefits of Arugula for Dogs

Arugula has several health benefits for dogs. It’s a good source of vitamins B, C, and K. It also contains several minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. 

Arugula is high in fiber and low in carbs and sugar. As long as your dog eats arugula in moderation, it can help reduce digestion issues and blockage. Like other leafy greens, arugula has phytochemicals and chlorophyll. The chlorophyll helps detoxify your pet’s blood and supports the immune system. 

How Can Dogs Safely Eat Arugula? 

Dogs can eat arugula either raw or cooked, but be sure you wash it well before serving it. If you choose to cook it, steaming it with plain water is the best way to do it. Don’t use spices or oils when cooking arugula, as those can be harmful to your dog. 

Cooking eliminates the goitrogens that can create a hormone imbalance. If your dog suffers from a thyroid condition, don’t serve them raw arugula. Your dog can still eat cooked arugula even with a thyroid condition. 

Oxalic acid is a concern with any leafy green vegetable. Arugula doesn’t have as much oxalic acid as kale or spinach, but it’s still present in moderate amounts. This is a concern because oxalic acid can keep your dog’s body from absorbing minerals correctly. Steaming or otherwise cooking the arugula helps to minimize this effect, though.  

Can Dogs Have Other Vegetables? 

Many vegetables make good choices for your dog. Asparagus is okay for dogs to eat, but by the time you get it soft enough that they can chew it, you’ve lost all of the nutrients in the food. Bell pepper, broccoli, and celery contain vitamin C which helps with immune health. 

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that should only be given occasionally, and only then when it’s steamed. It can cause your pet to have an issue with gas. Carrots are full of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin K, and the B vitamins biotin and B6. Cucumbers have antioxidants and so do pickles, but you need to be careful of pickles because of the salt and vinegar used in the pickling compound. 

Lettuce, in small pieces, is an appropriate choice for a dog. However, you should avoid onions and garlic as they can cause low iron levels and can also cause kidney damage. 

Can Dogs Eat Fruit? 

Many fruits make good choices for your dog. Bananas, cantaloupe, and melons are all good occasional snacks for your dog, but they do have high natural sugar levels. If your dog likes citrus, an orange is okay for them to have as long as you remove the peel and seeds. Kiwi and apples, like oranges, are loaded with vitamin C. 

Dates are an occasionally only snack. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, and pumpkin helps digestion. The fruit of a papaya is okay in small pieces without the seeds. The seeds of a papaya and cherries both contain cyanide which is poisonous to your pet. 

Can Dogs Have Seafood? 

Many seafood make good choices for your dog. Salmon is a good source of protein and Omega 3s. You’ll find it as an ingredient in several commercial dog foods, so you shouldn’t worry about feeding it to your dog. Canned tuna that was packed in water is also safe for dogs as is pre-packaged seaweed snacks. 

Shrimp can cause high cholesterol. Crab can be an allergen. Both of those are okay in moderation as long as your dog doesn’t react to them. Lobster is another one that you should be careful feeding your dog. Consult your vet to see if simply prepared lobster is okay for your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Beans?

Beans are full of various nutrients. Lima beans, pinto beans, and black beans all have a variety of nutrients, but they also have a gas inducing effect. Garbanzo beans are high in protein and fiber, but you should stay as close to the natural form of these beans as possible. Green beans are excellent sources of fiber, iron, calcium, and multiple vitamins while remaining low calorie. 

Can Dogs Have Dry Fruit or Nuts? 

Some nuts, like cashews and pistachios, are safe and have nutritional value for your dog. Avoid giving them almonds, raisins, or grapes though. Almonds are difficult to digest, and raisins and grapes can cause kidney damage. 

Closing Thoughts

Arugula is a peppery flavored leafy green that is safe for dogs. Dogs who like arugula won’t hesitate to eat it, but you should introduce new human foods slowly. If your dog has thyroid issues, you should ensure that arugula is thoroughly cooked before you serve it to your dog. 

If you have questions about whether to feed your dog arugula, consult your veterinarian before offering it to your fur baby. The veterinarian can also give you the symptoms to watch for that would indicate an allergic reaction. Arugula is one of many vegetables that dogs can eat in moderation.