Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat animal and plant-based protein. Their diet consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables in different proportions, depending on the age.
It should be to prevent calcium deficiency and other metabolic disorders. Some vegetables have higher than the recommended calcium to phosphorous ratio. But you still can feed them a couple of times a week as long as you combine them with high-calcium food. Vegetables and greens which contain oxalic acid oxalates or are high in goitrogens should be fed every ten days or so.
The problem with oxalates is that they bind with calcium. Calcium content. Bearded dragons need calcium to grow and thrive. Calcium to phosphorus ratio. Phosphorus prevents calcium absorption, and calcium deficiency can cause metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
Like phosphorus, oxalates interfere with calcium absorption. A diet high in oxalates can cause metabolic bone disease. Too many goitrogens can cause thyroid problems in bearded dragons.
This desert delicacy is high in calcium and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C. To serve it, carefully slice away the outer thorned coating and cut the inner flesh into small pieces. Collard greens One look at the stunning calcium to phosphorus ratio tells us collard greens are a great source of calcium for your bearded dragon.
Dandelion leaves 2. Dandelion leaves do contain a moderate level of oxalates, so serve them with collard greens, prickly pear, or another green that is high in calcium. Endive or escarole 1. They do contain a moderate amount of oxalates, so dish them up with other greens that are even more calcium-dense. Mustard greens 2. Many bearded dragons find the peppery taste of mustard greens irresistible.
Even more irresistible is the fact that they are rich in calcium along with Vitamins A, C, and K. Serve them with collard greens to offset the moderate amount of oxalates and goitrogens.
Turnip greens 4. Known for their near-spicy flavor, turnip greens are rich in calcium and Vitamins A and C. On the downside, they contain a high amount of oxalates, but the health benefits outweigh the risks if you serve turnip greens with oxalate-free, calcium-rich greens.
Fortunately, the list of dragon-safe vegetables is a long one. Some people like to feed their dragons spinach, kale, or lettuce. Lettuce — yes, even romaine — is essentially water in vegetable form, with no value except in giving your beardie diarrhea. If your dragon is severely dehydrated or constipated, lettuce may be a temporary addition to the salad bowl.
It is best to not feed oranges or other citrus fruit such as lemons and limes. These fruits are too acidic for bearded dragons.
Acidity can irritate their stomach and lead to a variety of gastrointestinal issues. Raspberries : Yes bearded dragons can eat raspberries occasionally. Raspberries contain many important nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
The following vegetables are good choices to feed:. Spinach : No. It is best not to feed your bearded dragon spinach as it binds to calcium and can lead to a calcium deficiency if fed too often. Kale : Yes Kale is an excellent food choice and is high in calcium, vitamin C, vitamin, K, vitamin A, and folate. Kale can be fed regularly and should be a staple food. Carrots : Sometimes. Carrots should only be fed occasionally as too many can cause toxicity from too much vitamin A.
Broccoli : Yes broccoli is high in vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Celery : No like iceberg lettuce, it is mostly water and contains very few nutrients. Tomatoes : Yes tomatoes are low in oxalates and high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin, K, and folate. Cabbage : Yes. Cabbage should be fed occasionally to bearded dragons as it can provide them with lots of vitamin C.
There are three common feeding mistakes that can be made when feeding a bearded dragon. These mistakes can lead to a variety of health issues and obesity. Like most reptiles they have a very healthily appetite and are prone to obesity if fed to many insects.
Obesity is a major health issue as it can predispose your bearded dragon to heart disease and joint issues. Mistake Two: Feeding Juveniles Mealworms Feeding juveniles mealworms can stunt their growth and prevent them from receiving the nutrients they need.
Mealworms have an outer shell made up of chitin that juveniles cannot properly digest. You should avoid feeding bearded dragons mealworms, and opt for superworms when they reach 18 months of age. Mistake Three: Not Gut Loading When feeding your bearded dragon live insects it is important to gut load them at least a day before feeding. Gut loading involves feeding the insects fruits and vegetables that are dense in nutrients before feeding the insects to your bearded dragon.
This process greatly improves the amount of nutrients that your bearded dragon receives. There are a handful of foods that should always be avoided when feeding a bearded dragon. The foods in the list below can cause a variety of health abnormalities and toxicities:. Bearded Dragons do not eat meat in the wild, so it should not be fed in captivity. Meats and fish are too high in fat and phosphorous.
Avocado, garlic, onion, and eggplant should all be avoided as they can be toxic even in small amounts. Non-nutrient dense foods with a high water content should also not be fed. These include iceberg lettuce and celery. Finally, fireflies, spiders, and ticks can be toxic to bearded dragons. Even half a firefly can kill an adult bearded dragon because of the cardiotoxins.
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