Many people think of goats as regular garbage disposers because they can clear a paddock, field, or cliff side of vegetation in no time. But there are many plants that are not healthy for goats to eat.
So, can goats eat arugula? The simple answer is yes, but in moderation. Arugula is rich in nutrients that will boost your goats’ immune systems and aid their digestive systems.
Arugula is a valuable source of fat, carbs, calcium, fiber, iron, folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
I am going to give you tips and advice on feeding your goats arugula.
What Family Arugula is in?
While the leaves of some types of arugulas look similar to some lettuce plants, it is not a member of the lettuce family.
It is often used in salads alongside lettuce because the nutrient value is as good for people as for goats and it adds a great flavor to your salad.
Arugula is a cruciferous vegetable; cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, mustard greens, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kale amongst others.
Arugula is also called roquette, rucola, Italian cress, or rocket and it has a distinct tangy, peppery, bitter taste that distinguishes it from lettuce.
Understanding the Value of Arugula in the Goats Digestive System
Goats, like sheep, deer, and cows, are ruminants. They have four chambers in their stomachs that help them absorb all the nutrients they eat and increase the uptake of fiber that is needed to regulate their digestive systems.
In non-ruminant animals, food is processed very quickly through their digestive system and not all the nutrients are absorbed.
Because goats are ruminants, the arugula is processed through the four chambers in their stomachs.
Given the time and digestive fluids present, the digestive process ensures that all the nutrients are absorbed, and nothing is wasted.
The fluid and fiber in arugula will improve the lining of the goat’s colon, intestines, and stomach.
After a good meal, goats will look for a quiet spot to ruminate their food slowly.
Nutritional Value
Moderation is the name of the game. Because arugula is so rich in micronutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals it is important that your goats do not consume large quantities.
Remember that too much of a good thing is not a good thing!
Arugula adds a lot of value to your goat’s nutrition because it is a low oxalate green. It will boost your goats’ immune systems and aid in the digestion of other foods.
Nutritional Content of 1 Cup of Arugula
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 0.36 g |
| Lipid fats | 0.07 g |
| Iron | 0.15 mg |
| Fiber | 0.16 g |
| Potassium | 36.9 mg |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Magnesium | 4.7 mg |
| Saturated fatty acid | 0.01 g |
| Vitamin E | 0.04mg |
| Vitamin A | 237.3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin K | 10.86 mcg |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acid | 0.03 g |
Arugula also contains protein, phosphorous, sugar, selenium, sodium, copper, carotene, lutein, manganese, zinc, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and folate DFE. It is a super treat for your goats.
Arugula is essential to boost energy supply and strengthen bones.
How Arugula Helps Goats
There are two key ways in which that leafy vegetables, including arugula, can help keep goats healthy and happy.
Phosphorous is needed for healthy growth and development. If your goats are not getting enough phosphorous, they can be lethargic and not exercise enough, they can go lame, and they can develop issues with their teeth, muscles, and bones.
If you are keeping goats for dairy, you will know how important it is for your lactating goats to get enough vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet can increase milk production as well as the quality and taste of the milk.
It will also make all your dairy products, such as goats’ cheese, feta, goats’ butter, and goats’ yogurt, richer, tastier, and more nutritious.
Why Goats Should be Fed Arugula in Moderation
Goats are forage animals. They need grass, hay, and other wild plants to survive. Vegetables are important nutrients but only in moderation (10% of their daily diet).
Because of its high nutritional value, too much arugula can lead to problems with their digestive system that may result in diarrhea.
Their thyroid functioning can be affected resulting in either weight loss or, more often, weight gain because of the loss of energy.
They can develop issues with their kidneys that can cause their urine to become red and can result in painful kidney stones.
This is… My Final Answer
Yes, goats can and should eat arugula, but in moderation.
If you are unsure of how much of any food source is healthy for your goats, it is always better to feed in moderation.
Always remember to check your goats’ grazing areas looking for wild arugula. Make sure that your goats do not have access to any area where arugula is growing. This includes your vegetable garden.
Arugula is easy to grow for your goats and for your family but getting into your vegetable garden can lead to frustration, anger, empty human bellies, and unhappy goat bellies.
Always be mindful of what food your goats have access to. Their reputation with regards to clearing a lot in a short time span is accurate in that they can literally clear any area they have access to.
However, that does not mean that everything they have access to is a good food supply that you do not need to monitor.
Vegetables should always be given in a regulated manner. Grazing should comprise 90% of your goats’ daily diet.
Arugula is not just a tasty addition to arugula salads and pizza; it is good for your health and your goats.
Adding Arugula to your vegetable garden can supply your family and your goat family with a steady supply of nutritious food.
Come back to find out more about different food sources that are either good or bad for your goats.
FAQs
Yes, they are from the same family, the main difference is the taste. Arugula has a much more distinctive peppery taste than kale.
All vegetables lumped together should make up 10% of your goat’s diet.
No, although it is a leafy vegetable, it is not a lettuce. It is a cruciferous vegetable; lettuce is part of the aster family.
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