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| Bearded Dragon Eat |
As an adult bearded dragon, you should feed your pet a variety of dark, leafy greens. Additionally, these greens provide the nutrients that they need to remain strong and healthy, in addition to crickets and other insects. 1
What Vegetables Can You Feed Your Bearded Dragon That Are Dark, Leafy Greens?
Various dark, leafy green vegetables are recommended for bearded dragon diets. Vitamin and calcium content varies among different types of greens. By mixing up what you give your lizard, you can make sure you are feeding him a balanced diet.
To prevent and correct metabolic bone disease, the majority of your greens should have a higher calcium to phosphorous ratio.
Two more options are:
- The escarole, or endive (has a 1.9:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- It's Chicory, not Radicchio (has a 2.1:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Sprouting Mix (romaine, oak leaf lettuce, endive, chicory)
- The Carrot Comes Out on Top
Greens that are low in oxalates and calcium binders should not be completely excluded from the diet:
- Lettuce Greens with Mustard Dressing (contains 7.7 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens)
- The Watercress (contains 10 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 2:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Kale (contains 13 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 2.4:1 calcium to phos. ratio) (contains 13 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 2.4:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Flowers of the dandelions (contains 24.6 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 2.8:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Escarole is the name of the dish (contains 31 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens)
On rare occasions and in very small amounts, greens that are high in oxalates and calcium binding should be served (if at all).
Some people advise against using them at all costs:
- Chestnut Chard (contains 645 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 1.1:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Leafy greens such as spinach (contains 600-750 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 2:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Greens from the Beet (contains 610 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 3:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Periwinkle (contains 100 mg of oxalates per 100 g of greens, has a 2.4:1 calcium to phos. ratio)
- Greens from the Collard Family
Lettuce varieties such as romaine, iceberg, red, and green should be offered sparingly (yes, spring mix contains some of these). There is very little nutritional value in them, as they are made primarily of water. On the other hand, if your beardie is dehydrated or doesn't have access to water for some reason, it is great to feed these lettuces.
Problems with Greens Not Being Eaten by Your Bearded Dragon
A large number of bearded dragons develop a taste for certain types of greens and become fussy eaters. The fact that they only want food that is bad for them doesn't mean they should be fed only that. Mix up a variety of greens in a salad for a picky eater and see if they'll accept it. Add insects to the salad if your bearded dragon normally eats them without issue. Add "sprinkles" of red fruit, such as red raspberries or strawberries, to the salad if that doesn't work. The red color of his salad may entice him to eat because it catches his eye.
Pelleted food from a pet store may help some people.
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| Lizard |
Things Your Bearded Dragon Shouldn't Skip When Eating
Some fruits and vegetables, such as squash and bell peppers, should also be given to your bearded dragon as well as a variety of greens.
Pellets are not recommended as a primary diet for bearded dragons, but they can be served alongside greens and other natural foods.
Adding a light dusting of calcium powder to your dragon's salad a few times a week is also a good idea to make sure he is getting adequate amounts of the important mineral.