Bearded dragons are charismatic reptiles that are captivating with their distinctive features and behaviors. A crucial aspect of their care involves their diet, particularly whether they can consume greens. Indeed, greens are an essential component of a bearded dragon’s diet, providing necessary nutrients that are vital for their health.
These greens offer a rich supply of vitamins A, C, and K and crucial minerals like calcium, which are indispensable for preventing metabolic bone disease. Balance is key. In an adult bearded dragon’s diet, greens should represent about 20-25% of their food intake, with the rest comprising a mix of other vegetables, fruits, and insects.
For juvenile dragons, the emphasis is on protein to support their growth, but greens still play a significant role. Owners should aim for a dietary calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of around 2:1 to ensure optimal health.
Best Greens Bearded Dragons Can Eat (Daily Staples)
Daily staple greens are those that can be included in your bearded dragon’s daily diet, offering high nutritional value and low oxalate content (which can inhibit calcium absorption). Here are some of the best daily staples:
Collard Greens
Rich in calcium and vitamins A and C, collard greens are a powerhouse of nutrition. They help prevent metabolic bone disease, which is common among bearded dragons.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are packed with vitamins and have a slightly spicy taste that many dragons enjoy. They’re a good source of fiber, which aids digestion.
Turnip Greens
These greens are another excellent source of calcium and vitamins, offering a mild flavor that’s usually well-accepted by bearded dragons.
Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are beneficial for bone health because of their high calcium content. They’re also easy to grow, providing a fresh option.
Endive and Escarole
Both of these greens are high in fiber and low in oxalates, making them suitable daily staples that are also hydrating.
Best Greens Bearded Dragons Can Eat: Occasional Staples
Occasional greens are nutritious but have elements that should only be consumed in moderation, such as higher levels of oxalates or goitrogens. These can still be served, but rotate them into your bearded dragon’s diet less frequently.
Kale
Kale is nutrient-dense but should be given sparingly because it can interfere with calcium absorption due to its oxalate content. Offering it occasionally ensures your dragon enjoys its benefits without risk.
Spinach
Although spinach is rich in calcium and vitamins, it also has high oxalates. Serving spinach once in a while is safe, but avoid making it a regular item in your dragon’s diet.
Swiss Chard
This green is high in magnesium and calcium but should only be fed in small amounts due to its oxalate levels. Swiss chard can be a great occasional treat.
Beet Greens
Beet greens are nutritious but contain oxalates and goitrogens. An occasional addition of beet greens to your dragon’s diet can provide variety without causing harm.
Cilantro
Cilantro is safe in small amounts and adds variety to your bearded dragon’s meal. It’s low in oxalates but should be rotated with other herbs and greens.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat Greens?
Sometimes bearded dragons refuse greens, especially young ones who prefer protein. Here are some tips to encourage green consumption:
Mix with Favorite Foods
Combine greens with a small number of insects or fruit that your bearded dragon enjoys. Mixing favorites with greens may encourage them to eat a balanced meal.
Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces
Small, easy-to-chew pieces make greens more appealing. Finely chopping greens helps ensure your dragon doesn’t avoid them in the bowl.
Hand-Feed or Offer on a Small Tong
Gently hand-feeding greens or offering them with a tong can stimulate your dragon’s interest. This method also helps build trust.
Experiment with Different Greens
Not all dragons enjoy the same greens. If your dragon refuses one type, try introducing a different green with a unique taste or texture.
Establish a Feeding Routine
Feeding greens consistently at the same time each day can create a routine. Offering greens in the morning before feeding insects can also boost their chances of eating them
How to Serve Greens to Your Bearded Dragon?
Serving greens correctly is essential for safety and ensuring your dragon gets the full benefit. Here are the best practices for serving greens:
Wash Thoroughly
Always rinse greens thoroughly to remove pesticides, dirt, and bacteria that may be harmful to your bearded dragon.
Chop to Appropriate Sizes
Chop greens into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps with digestion and makes it easier for them to chew.
Serve Fresh and Avoid Storing for Long Periods
Fresh greens are best, as they retain nutrients. If storing, use an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than a few days to prevent spoilage.
Add Variety and Color
Bearded dragons are visual eaters, so incorporating a mix of greens adds visual appeal and may increase interest.
Offer in a Clean, Shallow Dish
Place greens in a shallow dish to make it easy for your dragon to reach them. A dish prevents the substrate from sticking to the greens, which could lead to accidental ingestion.
Sprinkle Calcium or Multivitamin Powder
Greens alone might not provide all nutrients, especially calcium, which is essential for bone health. Lightly dusting greens with calcium or multivitamin powder can help meet their needs, but be cautious not to over-supplement.
Greene That Should Be Avoid In Bearded Dragons Diet
Certain greens and plants should be avoided in a bearded dragon’s diet due to their potentially harmful effects. Here are some greens and other plants that are generally recommended to be excluded:
Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce has very little nutritional value and is mostly water, which can cause digestive upset or diarrhea if fed in excess. It lacks essential nutrients that bearded dragons need.
Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to bearded dragons and can cause severe poisoning, leading to kidney failure.
Spinach (in Excess)
While spinach is okay in small amounts, it’s best avoided as a regular food due to its high oxalate content. Oxalates bind to calcium, preventing it from being absorbed, which can lead to metabolic bone disease.
Beet Greens
Beet greens also have high oxalate levels, which can disrupt calcium absorption, and should only be fed very sparingly, if at all.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is high in oxalates, so while it is nutritious, it’s not ideal for bearded dragons, as regular consumption can lead to calcium deficiency.
Kale (in Excess)
Kale is nutritious but contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function. Though it can be fed occasionally, it shouldn’t be a primary green in your dragon’s diet.
Cabbage and Other Cruciferous Vegetables
Cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables are high in goitrogens. These compounds can suppress thyroid function and should be avoided or given in very small amounts.
Parsley
Parsley is high in oxalates and can cause calcium absorption issues. While not highly toxic, it’s better left out of a regular diet.
Celery Leaves
Celery leaves have a high oxalate content and little nutritional value. They can be offered occasionally but are best avoided due to their poor nutrient profile.
Give Your Bearded Dragon the Best Diet Possible!
Fuel your bearded dragon’s health with safe, nutritious greens that they’ll love. Explore our guide to learn what’s best for your pet and help them thrive!
FAQs
How often should I offer variety in greens?
Offering a mix of 2-3 different greens daily and rotating them weekly keeps meals interesting and nutritionally balanced. Stick with safe staples, and occasionally add a new green for variety.
Can bearded dragons eat frozen or canned greens?
Fresh greens are always best. Canned greens often contain preservatives and high salt content, while frozen greens lose some nutrients and texture. Use fresh, organic greens whenever possible.
Should I use supplements for my bearded dragon’s greens?
Yes, lightly dusting greens with a calcium or multivitamin supplement a few times a week helps meet their nutritional needs, especially calcium for bone health. Avoid over-supplementing, though.
Can baby bearded dragons eat the same greens as adults?
Yes, but keep portions smaller and supplement with more protein. As they grow, baby dragons need more insects, but greens should still be part of their diet.
Do bearded dragons need more greens as they get older?
Yes, adult dragons should have a diet that’s around 80% greens and 20% insects. Older dragons benefit from more plant-based nutrients for long-term health.