Hey pet lovers!
In this article, we will discuss whether gerbils should eat arugula or not. Previously, I have discussed about carrots, broccoli, and celery.
So, can gerbils eat arugula?
In short, yes, gerbils can eat arugula in moderation. This leafy vegetable is high in vitamins and minerals, making it great for an additional treat; however, you need to keep some risks and precautions in mind.
Read to know more
Table of Contents
Can Gerbils Eat Arugula?
Yes, gerbils can technically eat arugula!
Arugula, also known as rocket salad, is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals. While gerbils can technically eat arugula, you should avoid overfeeding it. Arugula is high in oxalates, which is bad for the health of your pet in large quantities; however, a small bite won’t likely harm your gerbils.
Therefore, if your gerbils have a balanced diet, arugula can be a great addition to their diet. Be sure it should never be considered a substitute for their regular meat. A few leaves as an occasional treat is fine.
Is Arugula Safe For Gerbils?
Arugula is a non-toxic leafy vegetable for small animals, including gerbils; however, it should be fed in small quantities. They have a high amount of oxalates, which might cause health issues. Oxalates bind with calcium, forming crystals that can cause bladder and kidney issues.
However, a bit or two won’t likely make your gerbil sick.
Also, it’s advised to monitor your gerbil’s reaction whenever they eat something new; gerbils may show some digestive issues with new food.
If your gerbil is experiencing some digestive or other health issues, please consult a vet.
Potential Health Benefits of Arugula For Your gerbils
Arugula, also known as rocket salad, is a leafy green vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals. They provide a range of health benefits to your gerbils which we will explore, but before that, let’s see the nutritional benefits
One medium cup of arugula contains the following:
- Water: 90%
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Sodium: 22 milligrams
- Protein: 2 grams
Some other potential health benefits of arugula include:
The low calories and high fiber of arugula are highly beneficial for your gerbils. It helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers the chance of becoming obese.
Arugula is a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and bone health. The vitamin C in arugula acts as an antioxidant and helps your gerbil fights cellular damage.
Arugula is a rich source of folate and nitrates essential for fetal development and can help prevent birth defects. And nitrate is helpful in supporting cardiovascular health.
How Much Arugula Can Gerbils Safely Eat?
2-3 leaf of arugula!
While arugula is safe for gerbils to eat, you should avoid offering them a large amount of it due to obvious reasons. Usually, gerbils should have leafy greens and small other vegetables (about the size of a pea) twice a week per gerbil, 2-3 times a week.
While you feel arugula or any vegetable to your gerbils, keep these in mind:
- Start with a small bite
- Observer your gerbil for adverse effect
- Keep it simple and balanced
- Offer penalty of hay, fresh fruit, and nuts
Note – arugula is high in oxalate, which can harm gerbils if they overeat this leafy vegetable.
Risks and Precautions When Feeding Arugula to Gerbils
Arugula is a safe leafy vegetable, and it’s highly nutritious. However, there are a few risks and precautions to keep in mind when feeding arugula to gerbils.
- High in Oxalates: Arugula is high in oxalates, which can cause health issues if consumed in large quantities. Oxalates bind with calcium, forming crystals that can cause bladder and kidney issues.
- Moderation: As with any treat, it is important not to overfeed arugula to gerbils. A general guideline for feeding leafy greens to gerbils is to offer a small pinch (about the size of a pea) per gerbil 2-3 times a week.
- Allergies: allergies are not uncommon in gerbils. So, they might have an allergic reaction to arugula. It’s important to keep an eye on your gerbils for adverse reactions and discontinue feeding if you notice any signs of discomfort or allergic reaction.
Lastly, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure you provide the best diet for your gerbil.
Key points – To minimize these risks, it’s important to feed arugula in small amounts. Also, monitor your gerbil’s reaction for adverse effects. It’s best to offer a well-balanced diet to your gerbils, including hay, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of seeds and nuts.
How To Prepare Arugula For Your Gerbils?
It’s simple!
When preparing arugula for gerbils, it is important to make sure it is clean and free of pesticides, dirt, or other contaminants.
Here are a few things you should consider
- First, check the arugula for any wilted or spoiled leaves, and discard them.
- Rinse the arugula thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Keep it aside and let the arugula dry.
- Chop the arugula into small pieces to make it easier for the gerbils to eat.
- Store any leftover arugula in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Alternative Leafy Green For Your Gerbils
Gerbils are omnivores and require a varied diet. Apart from arugula, they can have a variety of leafy greens.
Some leafy greens that are safe for gerbils to eat include:
- Romaine lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Swiss chard
- Beet greens
- Turnip greens
- Carrot greens
Keep in mind gerbils need variety in their diet. You should focus on providing a balanced diet to your pet, including hay, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of seeds and nuts. Leafy greens such as arugula should be given as a treat 2-3 times a week but not more than that.
Final Thoughts: on feeding Arugula to Gerbils
To conclude, gerbils can have arugula as a treat; however, it shouldn’t be considered a staple part of their diet due to high oxalate. As you know, oxalates can cause various health issues to small rodents like gerbils if they consume them in large quantities.
Therefore, offering a small amount of arugula, no more than 2-3 times a week, is recommended for your gerbils. Gerbils should have a variety in their diet, so be sure to include a range of green veggies, fruits, hay, and seeds or nuts.
If you are unsure about any fruits or vegetables, make sure you consult with a gerbil-savvy vet for more authentic information.
Other useful articles: