Hamsters need a balanced and healthy diet, which of course we would like to offer them. Therefore, the question arises with many foods whether they are suitable for the small rodents. The answer to the question of whether hamsters can eat arugula is: Yes, they can. The nutritional content, in moderation, is safe for hamsters. What you should pay attention to when feeding arugula, we tell you in detail in the following text and hope you enjoy reading.

What must be considered when feeding?

Arugula is low in sugar, which makes it a healthy food for hamsters. However, overfeeding should be avoided, as this can cause diarrhea and stomach upset. Before feeding it to your hamster, you should wash the arugula to rid it of possible pesticides and chemicals.

If your hamster is already suffering from diarrhea, you should refrain from feeding him arugula in order not to irritate his stomach even further and to avoid dehydration. This can be very dangerous for him!

The right amount for your hamster

The right amount of arugula depends on how big and what species your hamster is. Golden hamsters are one of the largest hamster species. Their digestive system is stronger than that of smaller animals, which is why they can tolerate more. Therefore, you can feed a golden hamster half a teaspoon of arugula twice a week.

Roborowski hamsters are smaller than golden hamsters, but also very popular as a pet. This species may eat half a teaspoon of arugula per week.

Dwarf hamsters are the smallest of their kind. Their digestive system is not as strong as the golden hamsters, so they may only eat one tiny leaf per week.

The advantages of feeding arugula to your hamster

Arugula is rich in many vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K. These vitamins support your hamster's immune system, helps blood clotting, improves bone metabolism and vision. It also contains folic acid, which promotes the production of white and red blood cells. Also the contained calcium strengthens the bones and muscles of your hamster.

The disadvantages of feeding arugula to your hamster

We have already discussed that arugula has a positive effect on the health of your hamster. This is, among other things, the high calcium content responsible. But just this can be dangerous for your darling in too high quantities. Too much calcium is harmful for hamsters. If you feed them too much arugula, it can lead to stomach problems and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration if the diarrhea is prolonged and left untreated.

Do hamsters like arugula?

Arugula has a unique flavor that hamsters also like very much. Its spicy note is a great change for humans and hamsters.

Are hamsters allowed to eat dried arugula?

Yes, eating dried arugula is safe for hamsters. But again, don't exceed the right amount. Also, you should give him a little bit of the arugula to try first. If he likes it, you can give him some more, depending on his size. If not, you should remove the dried arugula from his cage.

Can hamsters eat the seeds and stems of arugula?

In small amounts, the stems of arugula are safe for your hamster. The seeds should not be given to your hamster, because they contain an alkaloid that can attack the sensitive stomach of your animal.

Can I use arugula as an attractant?

Arugula has an intense scent and a spicy taste, so it is well suited as an attractant. Nevertheless, it requires a lot of calm and patience, as hamsters are flight animals and therefore extremely skittish. So try to move as little as possible when trying to lure your hamster.

Take a piece of the appropriate amount for your hamster in your hand and stretch it out to the animal. Practice patience, because it may well take a little time until your hamster approaches you. Sooner or later, however, the curiosity or the appetite will be too great and your darling will, literally, eat out of your hand.

If this method has worked well a few times, you can also place the leaf in the palm of your hand the next time, so that your hamster has to climb onto your hand to get to the treat.

Are hamsters allowed to eat arugula? - Conclusion

The consumption of arugula, in the right quantity, has a positive effect on the health of your hamster. The vitamins and minerals contained strengthen, among other things, the immune system. Nevertheless, overfeeding should be urgently avoided, otherwise this has the opposite effect and can make the hamster very ill.