10 Greens That Your Bearded Dragon Will Love
Bearded Dragon Diet: The Importance of Greens
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. While it’s easy to focus on feeding them insects and other protein-rich foods, their diet should also include a variety of greens.
Green vegetables are important for a bearded dragon’s health because they contain vitamins and minerals that help maintain their overall wellbeing. Greens are also a great source of fiber which can aid in digestion.
10 Greens that are Safe for Your Bearded Dragon
Now that you know the importance of greens for your bearded dragon, here are ten that you can safely add to their diet:
1. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a great source of vitamin A and K, as well as calcium, which is important for bone health.
2. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are high in vitamin A and C, and also contain calcium and potassium.
3. Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are a great source of vitamin A and calcium, and are also a natural diuretic which can help prevent kidney disease.
4. Endive
Endive is high in vitamin A and K, and contains some calcium and fiber.
5. Escarole
Escarole is low in oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption, and high in vitamin A and K.
6. Watercress
Watercress is high in vitamin K and calcium, and also contains vitamin A and C.
7. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are another source of vitamin A and K, and also contain calcium, potassium, and fiber.
8. Carrot Tops
Carrot tops are high in vitamin A and K, and also contain some calcium and fiber.
9. Arugula
Arugula is high in vitamin A, K, and calcium, and also contains vitamin C and iron.
10. Kale
Kale is high in vitamin A and calcium, and also contains vitamin C and fiber. However, it’s important to feed it in moderation as it contains oxalates which can interfere with calcium absorption.
Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Greens
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon greens, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Offer a variety of greens to ensure they get a well-rounded diet
- Avoid feeding them spinach or Swiss chard as they contain high levels of oxalates which can interfere with calcium absorption
- Wash greens thoroughly to remove any pesticides or dirt
- Chop greens into bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your bearded dragon to eat
- Only leave greens in their enclosure for a few hours to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth
By incorporating a variety of greens into your bearded dragon’s diet, you can help ensure they get the nutrients they need for optimal health.