Cabbage is an excellent choice for bearded dragons as it is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It is low in fat and calories, and can help to keep your bearded dragon hydrated. It can also aid digestion due to its high fiber content.
Not only is it safe to feed your bearded dragon raw cabbage, but it is the recommended way to feed them this vegetable.
What You'll Learn
The Benefits of Raw Cabbage
Essential Vitamins
Raw cabbage is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your bearded dragon. It contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A, all of which are essential for their health and wellbeing.
Vitamin K helps with blood clotting, while Vitamin C helps with their immune system and boosts collagen formation. Vitamin A is important for healthy skin and vision.
All of these vitamins are important for a healthy, happy beardie!
Low in Calories
Raw cabbage is also incredibly low in calories, making it a great snack to feed your bearded dragon. With only 25 calories per 100 grams, it’s a great way to help your beardie maintain its body weight.
Compared to other vegetables, such as kale and green beans, this is much lower in calories.
Can Help With Hydration
Cabbage is a great option to help with hydration, especially during the hot summer months. It contains high levels of water and electrolytes which can help keep your bearded dragon hydrated. This can be especially beneficial for those suffering from dehydration, as the electrolytes can help restore balance and aid in the absorption of water.
And since cabbage is low in calories, you don’t have to worry about your beardie gaining too much weight from eating it.
Aids in Digestion
Cabbage also helps with digestion, as it is high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep your bearded dragon’s digestive system running smoothly and helps to prevent constipation.
Fiber also helps to reduce the risk of bacterial and other infections in your dragon’s gut.
Cabbage is also high in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
Potential Drawbacks of Raw Cabbage
Raw cabbage can be a nutritious snack for your bearded dragon, but it’s important to be aware of some of the potential drawbacks.
To ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the most out of their diet, it’s important to make sure that they are not eating too much cabbage.
Can Cause Bloating if Eaten in Excess
While raw cabbage can be a great source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for your bearded dragon, it is important to avoid overfeeding. Eating too much cabbage can cause bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable for your dragon.
To prevent these issues, it is best to introduce raw cabbage to their diet in small amounts, and adjust the amount as needed.
Monitor your bearded dragon while they are eating the cabbage to make sure they are not overeating or experiencing any digestive issues.
Can Interfere With Calcium Absorption
Although cabbage is not particularly high in oxalic acid, it can still interfere with calcium absorption. This is due to the goitrogens present in cabbage, which can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre).
In order to avoid overfeeding your bearded dragon raw cabbage, it is important to monitor its intake.
How to Safely Feed Raw Cabbage to Your Bearded Dragon
Now that you know the benefits and potential drawbacks of raw cabbage for bearded dragons, you’ll want to know how to safely feed your pet the green vegetable.
Wash to Remove Chemicals and Pesticides
Before feeding your bearded dragon raw cabbage, it is important to make sure you have properly washed it. This will help to remove any potential chemicals or pesticides that might be on the cabbage.
It’s best to use a vegetable wash or a mild soap to make sure all the residue is removed. You should also consider soaking the cabbage in water for a few minutes before washing it, as this can help to get rid of any dirt or debris.
Be sure to rinse the cabbage thoroughly after washing it, and allow it to dry before attempting to feed it to your dragon.
This step is essential for ensuring that your bearded dragon gets the most nutrients out of the cabbage and does not consume any hazardous chemicals.
Chop or Shred Into Small Pieces
Chopping or shredding the cabbage into small pieces is important to make sure your dragon can safely eat it. This will also help them digest it more easily, as well as prevent choking which is a risk with larger pieces.
It’s important to remember that baby bearded dragons will need their food to be finely chopped or shredded as they don’t have the same teeth as adults.
Introduce in Small Amounts
It is important to introduce raw cabbage gradually to your bearded dragon. Start with small amounts, such as a few pieces of leaf or a teaspoon of finely chopped cabbage. You can increase the amount over time, but do so slowly and steadily.
Feed Along With Other Veggies
When feeding your bearded dragon raw cabbage, it’s important to feed it alongside other vegetables and fruits to ensure your pet is getting enough nutrition.
A variety of vegetables and fruits should make up the majority of their diet. This will help provide them with essential vitamins and minerals without the risk of overfeeding on any one item.
If you do choose to feed them raw cabbage, make sure it is only a small portion of their diet. This is to prevent any potential bloating or interference with calcium absorption.
Monitor Your Bearded Dragon
It is also important to monitor your bearded dragon’s eating habits and health while feeding raw cabbage. Be sure to watch for any signs of digestive upset, such as bloating or diarrhea, and adjust the amount of raw cabbage you feed accordingly.
You should also ensure that your bearded dragon receives adequate calcium to ensure their health and development.
Key Points
- It is important to remember that feeding raw cabbage to your bearded dragon should only be done in moderation.
- Cabbage can be a great addition to their diet and provide them with much needed vitamins and minerals, but too much of it can lead to digestive problems and interfere with their calcium absorption.
- If you introduce it slowly and monitor your bearded dragon’s reactions, then you can feed them raw cabbage without any issues.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
