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Bearded dragons make popular pets because they are docile and easy to care for. These reptiles need a diet that is high in calcium and other nutrients in order to stay healthy, and feeding them the right types of greens is one way to ensure they get what they need. Some of the best options for greens include collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli.
Bearded Dragons and Their Dietary Needs
Bearded dragons are popular pets because they are docile and easy to care for. These reptiles need a diet that is high in calcium and other nutrients in order to stay healthy, and feeding them the right types of greens is one way to ensure they get what they need. Some of the best options for greens include collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli.
You can supplement the normal protein of crickets and worms while your beardie is young with the leafy greens suggested here. Remember that until they are over a year, most of their diet will consist of protein which will ad just to more leafy greens as they age.
Discuss the best greens for bearded dragons to eat
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, the best options for greens include collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli. These vegetables are high in calcium and other nutrients that your reptile needs to stay healthy. It is important to introduce these greens into your dragon’s diet gradually, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing the amount as your pet becomes used to them.
Benefits of adding greens to your Beardie’s diet
Some benefits of feeding collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli to your bearded dragon include:
Collard Greens – High in vitamins A and C as well as calcium
Mustard Greens – Rich in calcium
Dandelion Greens – Rich in calcium and iron
Parsley – Rich in vitamin A and calcium
Broccoli – Rich in vitamins C and K
Spinac hh – Rich in calcium, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and K
Romaine Lettuce – High in vitamins A and K as well as calcium
There are many other leafy greens that can be fed to your pet if you choose.
Potential Issues of adding greens to your pet’s diet
There are a few disadvantages to feeding collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli to your bearded dragon, including:
Collard Greens – Some varieties could cause intestinal blockage Mustard Greens – High in calcium can cause renal calcification
Dandelion Greens – Can provoke diarrhea Parsley – Some varieties are poisonous
Broccoli – Contains small amounts of calcium. If your beardie is not getting enough calcium it could be harmful for your reptile.
Spinach – High in oxalic acid, which inhibits calcium absorption.
Bearded dragons under a year of age should not get more than 50% of their diet from greens and vegetables due to the high protein content required for growth. Introduce greens gradually to make sure they are getting enough.
Ways to add the greens without upsetting the balance of your pet’s diet
It is important to introduce these greens gradually into your pet’s diet, starting with smaller amounts and increasing the amount as your pet becomes used to them. You can also encourage your bearded dragon to eat the appropriate greens by offering chopped up pieces of collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli by hand or with a feeding stick, which is a tool with a small metal hook at the end that you can use to offer pieces of food.
How often it is recommendable to add greens into my Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Bearded dragons need a diet that consists of about 80% protein and only about 20% of vegetables and leafy greens when they are younger. You should try to give your pet a variety of greens so that they can get a well-balanced diet.
Tips for Traveling with Your Bearded Dragon
It is recommended to feed your bearded dragon pieces of these green vegetables by hand once or twice per day. The amount of greens you feed your pet will vary depending on its age, size, and activity level.
Bearded Dragons and Their Dietary Needs
How Long Should I Leave Leafy Greens in With My Bearded Dragon?
Leafy greens should be left in with your bearded dragon for about 60 minutes. It is recommended to remove the greens after that time period because they will start to break down and rot if left in with your reptile, which can make it difficult for them to digest the vegetables properly. Bearded dragons are omnivores, so they need a nutritious diet that includes a lot of protein and calcium, as well as vegetables and leafy greens.
There are many options for leafy greens that can be used to boost your pet’s diet. It is important to introduce these green vegetables gradually into your dragon’s diet, starting with smaller amounts and increasing the amount as it becomes accustomed to them.
Summary
Bearded dragons need a diet that consists of about 80% protein in order to stay healthy. Supplementing their diet with the right types of greens is one way to ensure they get the nutrients they need. Some benefits of feeding collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli to your bearded dragon include:
It is important to introduce these greens gradually into your pet’s diet, starting with smaller amounts and increasing the amount as your pet becomes used to them. These vegetables are high in calcium and other nutrients that your beardie needs.
Learn about Bearded Dragon Habitat Setup
As the caring owner of a bearded dragon, you know that they eat crickets and worms to keep themselves healthy. However, if you want your pet to stay healthy and have a sustainable life, providing your bearded dragon with the correct types of vegetables on a regular basis is essential.
Leafy Greens and Your Bearded Dragon FAQs
How often should I feed my bearded dragon leafy greens?
Be sure to offer your pet pieces of collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli by hand once or twice per day. The amount of greens you feed your pet will vary depending on its age, size, and activity level.
What vegetables can I feed my bearded dragon?
You should try to give your pet a variety of leafy greens so that they can get a well-balanced diet. Some examples of safe vegetables to feed your bearded dragon include collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, parsley, and broccoli.
Can my bearded dragon eat iceberg lettuce?
Iceberg Lettuce is not a nutritious food item for your pet lizard, as it provides little to no nutritional value. You should feed your bearded dragon Romaine lettuce and spinach along with colored greens because these types of greens provide a lot of nutritional values.
