Arugula is an essential part of a flavorful salad, but if it’s a good choice for health-conscious humans, you may also wonder if it’s a good choice for the health of hamsters.
The answer to this important question is, in short, – it depends. Certain breeds of hamster that aren’t recommended to have leafy greens like arugula, but other breeds are able to eat it in moderation.
Read on to get the health information about arugula and find out whether or not it’s a good fit for your hamster.
Contents
Arugula Nutrition Information
A half cup serving gives you roughly the following amounts of vitamins, minerals, and compounds:
- .4 grams carbohydrates
- .2 grams fiber
- .1 gram fat
- .3 grams protein
- 5 milligrams vitamin c
- 16 milligrams calcium
- 2 milligrams phosphorus
- 237 units vitamin a
- 9 milligrams potassium
- .1 milligram iron
- 7 micrograms folate
- 9 micrograms vitamin k
- 7 milligrams magnesium
Clearly arugula is a very healthy food, but one fundamental question remains…
How Much Arugula Can You Give a Hamster?
The amount of arugula you can give a hamster is dependent largely on the age of the hamster. Baby hamsters should not eat any arugula at all. Instead, they should be eating from their mother. If that’s not possible try to use products that are milk replacements for their mother’s milk.
Adult hamsters can have one single piece of arugula roughly the size of its head, or smaller. When introducing arugula to hamsters, you’ll want to give them even smaller pieces than the regular suggested serving size to get them used to the taste and see how well your hamster tolerates it.
How Often Should You Give Your Hamster Arugula?
Arugula should be given to hamsters only once in a while, even if your little cute hamster seems to have developed a taste for it. The recommended serving frequency is once or twice a week, and it’s also important not to give your hamster arugula on the same day as you give it other acidic veggies like tomatoes, since too much acidity can be a problem for little hamster tummies.
Always give arugula to your hamster alongside a balanced diet of normal hamster food, and make sure that there is plenty of clean water for your hamster to drink after chowing down on some arugula.
What Risks Are Associated With Feeding Hamsters Arugula?
The acidity present in arugula has the potential to cause stomach upset in hamsters, including vomiting and diarrhea, so your hamster should be monitored for a few hours after munching on some arugula.
If you are hesitant about feeding your hamster arugula, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian and proceed under their guidance.
A Final Word on Hamsters and Arugula
Arugula can be a good source of vitamins and minerals for both people and animals, but when it comes to hamsters, it’s good to use a cautious approach when offering Hammy your leafy green veggies, only using small portions in accordance with the needs of your hamster breed or the recommendations of your vet. If you take all of the necessary factors into consideration, you and fluffy can be well on your way to sharing a delicious and healthy snack.
