Some of the best vegetables for bearded dragons include leafy greens, squash, zucchini, and bell peppers. One of the most important aspects of a bearded dragon’s diet is the vegetables they eat. In addition, vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals for the dragon’s health and well-being.
However, not all vegetables are safe for bearded dragons to eat. Some vegetables can be harmful or even toxic to them, so owners must know which vegetables are safe and healthy for their pets.
Best Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are a great source of nutrition for bearded dragons. They are typically low in fat and calories, making them a good option for maintaining a healthy weight. Second, many leafy greens are high in fiber, which can help regulate your bearded dragon’s digestion and prevent constipation.
Additionally, leafy greens are typically high in vitamins and minerals important for your bearded dragon’s overall health. For example, many leafy greens are rich in calcium, essential for strong bones and healthy muscle function.
They also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and iron, that can help support your bearded dragon’s immune system and keep them healthy. It’s important to note that while leafy greens are a great addition to your bearded dragon’s diet, they should not be the only thing your dragon eats.
Bearded dragons need a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and insects to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. The following leafy greens are safe and healthy for your beardie:
- Kale
- Dandelion greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
- Collard greens
Squash and Zucchini
Squash and zucchini are good for bearded dragons because these vegetables are low in fat and calories, making them a great option for maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, they are high in fiber, which can help regulate your bearded dragon’s digestion and prevent constipation.
These vegetables are also good sources of vitamins and minerals for your bearded dragon’s overall health. For example, they are high in vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, and vitamin C, which can help support your dragon’s immune system.
They also contain potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and support healthy muscle function. Squash and zucchini are also low in oxalates and high in fiber. The types of safe squash for your beardie include corn squash, butternut squash, and yellow squash.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a great addition to a bearded dragon’s diet as they are low in fat and calories, making them a good option for maintaining a healthy weight. Secondly, bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system support and healthy skin.
In addition to vitamin C, bell peppers are high in other essential vitamins and minerals that bearded dragons need. They contain vitamin A, which is important for healthy vision and immune function, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports healthy muscle function.
Another benefit of bell peppers is that they are colorful and flavorful, which can help encourage bearded dragons to eat them. Bearded dragons can sometimes be picky eaters, so offering a variety of colorful vegetables can help keep them interested in their food. Red, yellow, and green bell peppers are great for your bearded dragon.
Vegetables to Avoid for Bearded Dragons
While there are many vegetables that bearded dragons can safely eat, some should be avoided due to their potential health risks. For example, not all bearded dragons will react the same way to certain foods, so it is always best to consult a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dragon’s diet.
High-Oxalate Vegetables
It’s important to avoid feeding high-oxalate vegetables to bearded dragons because these vegetables can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD). This serious condition can cause weakened bones, muscle weakness, and even death.
Oxalates are compounds found in some vegetables that bind with calcium and prevent it from being absorbed by the body. For example, a bearded dragon consuming too many high-oxalate vegetables can lead to calcium deficiency and MBD.
Some examples of high oxalate vegetables I avoid or feed sparingly to my bearded dragons include spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens, and parsley. While these vegetables are otherwise healthy and nutritious, they should be fed in moderation or avoided to prevent calcium deficiency and MBD.
Instead, bearded dragons should be fed various low-oxalate vegetables such as kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and bok choy, which are all good sources of calcium and other important vitamins and minerals.
High-Goitrogen Vegetables
It’s important to avoid feeding high-goitrogen vegetables to bearded dragons because these vegetables can interfere with thyroid function and lead to thyroid gland enlargement (goiter) or other thyroid-related health issues.
Goitrogens are substances found in some vegetables that can interfere with the absorption of iodine, a key nutrient needed to produce thyroid hormones. For example, a bearded dragon consuming too many high-goitrogen vegetables can lead to thyroid hormone deficiency and goiter.
Some examples of high-goitrogen vegetables that should be avoided or fed sparingly to bearded dragons include kale, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. While these vegetables are otherwise healthy and nutritious, they should be fed in moderation or avoided to prevent thyroid issues.
Nightshade Vegetables
It’s generally recommended to avoid feeding nightshade vegetables to bearded dragons because they contain a substance called solanine, which can be toxic in large amounts and cause digestive upset or even death.
Nightshade vegetables include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers (excluding bell peppers). While small amounts of these vegetables may not cause harm, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid them altogether to prevent potential health issues.
In addition, some bearded dragons may be more sensitive to certain foods, including nightshade vegetables, and may develop an adverse reaction such as diarrhea or vomiting. If your bearded dragon shows any signs of digestive upset after eating a particular vegetable, it’s best to avoid feeding it in the future.
A Guide to Preparing Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
Before feeding any vegetables to your bearded dragon, it is vital to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Use a vegetable brush to remove away any residue, and rinse well with water.
Next, chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. Be sure to cut them smaller than the distance between your bearded dragon’s eyes to prevent choking. Some vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, may need to be grated or shredded to make them easier to digest.
Some vegetables must be cooked or steamed before feeding to your bearded dragon. This can help to break down tough fibers and make the vegetables easier to digest. However, cool the cooked vegetables to room temperature before feeding them to your pet.
Steaming is another option for preparing vegetables. This method helps retain more nutrients in the vegetables than in boiling or microwaving. Place the vegetables in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water and steam until tender.
Bearded dragons require a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and insects. However, even with a varied diet, ensuring your pet gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals can be challenging.
To help supplement their diet, you can dust their vegetables with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. This will help ensure they get enough calcium to support their bone health.
It is necessary to follow the dosage instructions on the supplement packaging and not to over-supplement your bearded dragon, as this can lead to health problems.
Their diet can help ensure your bearded dragon gets all the nutrients needed to thrive.
