Dark leafy greens and herbaceous plants are two of the best greens for bearded dragons to eat on a daily basis. Because they are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, these greens should make up the majority of their diet.
Dark leafy greens that are recommended include collard greens, turnip greens, kale, cilantro, parsley, and basil. These plants provide a variety of health benefits to ensure that your dragon is properly nourished.
Some of the popular veggies to avoid include iceberg lettuce, avocado, and rhubarb. Before serving your dragon’s greens, always wash and sanitize them. Choosing fresh greens and cut them into small pieces before feeding.
What You'll Learn
Dark Leafy Greens and Herbaceous Plants
Collard Greens
Collard greens are high in calcium and vitamins that are essential for bearded dragons. They are a dark, leafy green vegetable that is widely available in supermarkets and farmers markets. Before feeding collard greens to your dragon, make sure they’ve been washed and sanitized. They can also be cut into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat for your dragon. Collards have a higher calcium content than other leafy greens, making them an excellent choice for providing essential nutrients to your pet.
Turnip Greens
Because of their high nutritional value, turnip greens are a popular daily food for bearded dragons. Turnip greens are high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and A, as well as calcium and iron. Choose fresh turnip greens and thoroughly wash them before preparing them for your bearded dragon. When the turnip greens are clean, cut them into small pieces and serve.
Kale
Kale is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the best leafy greens to feed bearded dragons on a daily basis. Kale is a dark leafy green that is easy to incorporate into the diet of a bearded dragon. It is high in vitamin A and C, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an amazing herb to feed to your dragon. It’s high in vitamins and minerals, and it’s a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Cilantro can also promote healthy digestion. Avoid giving your bearded dragon too much cilantro, as it can cause digestive upset in large amounts.
Parsley
Not only is it high in calcium, but it also has Vitamins A, C, K, and B6. Growing your own parsley is the best option because it is easier to keep fresh and has not been contaminated with chemicals or pesticides. Your reptile doesn’t require a lot of parsley. Simply add a tiny bit – a leaf or two – to their food every day to provide the nutrition they require.
Basil
Basil is a popular herbaceous plant that can be a nutritious addition to the diet of a bearded dragon. It is high in calcium and other minerals and low in oxalates. Basil is also high in vitamin A and has some vitamin C, which adds to its nutritional value.
Popular Greens to Avoid
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- Iceberg lettuce has a low nutritional value and does not provide the nutrients that bearded dragons require.
- Avocados are high in fat and contain a toxin that is toxic to bearded dragons.
- Rhubarb contains oxalates, which bind to and inhibit the absorption of important minerals like calcium.
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Iceberg lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is high in water and low in nutrition, so bearded dragons should avoid eating it. This can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and make dragons feel ill.
Avocado
Avocados should never be given to bearded dragons as part of their diet. Avocados contain oxalic acid, which is extremely toxic to these animals. Not only does it have almost no nutritional value for bearded dragons, but it can also be fatal if consumed. Avocados also contain persins, which are poisonous to these lizards.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb also contains oxalic acid. Rhubarb consumption can cause serious health problems for your bearded dragon, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can even result in death. If your bearded dragon inadvertently consumes rhubarb, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.
Preparing Greens for Bearded Dragons
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- Choosing fresh greens is critical for providing the best nutrition for your pet. Look for leaves that are vibrant and crisp, with no blemishes or wilting.
- After selecting the freshest greens, wash and sanitize them to remove any dirt or potentially harmful bacteria.
- It is also critical to cut and chop the greens into smaller pieces so that your bearded dragon can consume them easily.
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Choosing Fresh Greens
When shopping for fresh vegetables, look for key characteristics such as firmness, color, and no bruises. The vegetable should be bright and uniform in color, with no dark spots or mold. Choosing vegetables that are in season can be a great way to get the most bang for your buck.
Washing and Sanitizing
All greens should be washed and sanitized before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This is especially true for leafy greens, which can harbor pathogenic bacteria and parasites. Rinse the greens in cold water for at least 30 seconds to ensure they are clean.
Cutting and Chopping
Cutting and chopping the greens makes them easier for your bearded dragon to eat and also makes it easier for the dragon to digest. It is critical to use a sharp knife and to be mindful of your own safety when cutting and chopping the greens.
Make sure to remove any tough stems that may be difficult for your beardie to digest. After you’ve finished cutting and chopping the greens, place them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
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- Bearded dragons benefit from a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in dark leafy greens and herbaceous plants.
- Dark leafy greens that are recommended include collard greens, turnip greens, kale, cilantro, parsley, and basil.
- Iceberg lettuce, avocado, and rhubarb are examples of popular greens to avoid.
- Before feeding your bearded dragon, always choose fresh greens and wash and sanitize them.
- The greens will be easier for the dragon to consume if they are cut into small pieces.
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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
