What Veggies Can Bearded Dragons Have?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals, meaning they require both animal and vegetable matter as part of their diets. Vegetables provide essential nourishment, vitamins, minerals and hydration for bearded dragons, so it’s important to choose the right ones. Here are some of the veggies that are safe and nutritious for bearded dragons:
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, turnip greens and mustard greens are all fantastic foods for bearded dragons. These nutritious greens are some of the best sources of vitamins and minerals, so aim to provide them daily.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Your bearded dragon can also enjoy broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies in moderation. These veggies can be tough to digest and may lead to bloating and discomfort, so be sure to only feed them to your pet occasionally.
Fruits
Although they’re technically not veggies, fruits and sugary vegetables such as squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots are all good options as occasional treats. Consider providing fruits like bananas, blueberries, papayas, kiwi and melon, but remember to only give them in moderation.
What Veggies to Avoid
Not all vegetables are safe for your bearded dragon, so it’s important to know what to avoid. Spinach and cabbage contain a substance called oxalates that can be toxic and lead to urinary tract stones. Other veggies to avoid include iceberg lettuce, chard, beans, and peas.
Tips for Serving Veggies to Bearded Dragons
- Cut or tear veggies into tiny pieces, then lightly steam them. This helps make them easier to digest and more palatable, as well as preserving all the essential nutrients.
- Never serve raw veggies. Raw veggies can be difficult for your bearded dragon to digest, so it’s important to always cook or steam them.
- Mix up the veggies your bearded dragon gets. Variety helps prevent nutritional deficiencies, so aim to provide different kinds of veggies.
- Avoid seasoning the veggies. Spices and seasonings are not needed for bearded dragons, and can even be toxic in large amounts.
In conclusion, vegetables are an important source of nutrition for bearded dragons. With the right veggies, you can keep your pet healthy and happy. Be sure to cut or tear vegetables into tiny pieces, lightly steam them, and avoid raw veggies and seasoning. Mixing up the veggies your pet eats helps provide a balanced, nutritious diet.
