Best Greens For Bearded Dragons

Best Greens For Bearded Dragons

Posted by Amelia Taylor on Apr 5th 2024

The proud pet lover in you must always ask, what can I feed my exotic pet? Do they eat veggies? Are there specific greens they are inclined to? 

If all these questions arise in your mind, then you have come to the right place to keep your scalpy friend happy. TopFlight Dubia provides this guide for specific pet owners like yourself to dissect what greens bearded dragons eat. 

Importance Of Greens In A Bearded Dragon’s Diet

Greens, whether vegetables or fruit, are necessary for your dragon's health. They provide essential nutrients and should be part of your Beardie's regular diet.  

Pet experts consider Collard greens as the best diet for adult bearded dragons. 

There are some essential factors in deciding the best greens:

  • Overall nutritional value - Optimum
  • Calcium content - High
  • Calcium to phosphorus ratio - The ideal C:P ratio is 2:1
  • Oxalates level - Low
  • Goitrogens level - Low

Winner - Dense nutrient leafy with high calcium and low phosphorus levels, oxalates, and goitrogens. 

Choosing The Best Greens For Your Exotic Friend

If you are dedicated to feeding your pet the best food, these are a must: 

01. Collard Greens

Nutrients: High in vitamins A, C, & calcium

Feeding Tips: Wash it before chopping it into small pieces

02. Mustard Greens

Nutrients: Rich in vitamins A, C, calcium, & fiber

Feeding Tips: Fresh ones are ideal

03. Turnip Greens

Nutrients: Healthy source of vitamins A, C & calcium

Feeding Tips: Rinse well and serve them chopped

04. Dandelion Greens

Nutrients: High levels of vitamins A, C, K, and calcium.

Feeding Tips: Must be finely chopped but can be served raw

05. Kale

Nutrients: Contains vitamins A, C, K, and iron

Feeding Tips: Wash and chop kale; mix with other greens 

Making The Perfect Diet For Bearded Dragons

Including the greens as part of your pet’s daily diet is necessary for your Beardie pet. Feed them different types to provide all the essential nutrients. 

Mix these greens with vegetables like bell peppers, squash, and carrots. Occasionally, you can also feed them fruits like apples and blueberries in moderation. 

Young bearded dragons also require protein for muscle development and growth. Feeding them with Dubia roaches is ideal. 

Precautions For Every Pet Owner

Almost all greens are suitable for these exotic creatures, but there are still some precautions to take: 

  1. Avoid feeding them iceberg lettuce. It might cause stomach upset and discomfort.
  1. Washing is a must to remove pesticides and chemicals.
  1. Fresh, properly chopped greens are ideal. This prevents your pet from choking on large chunks of food. 
  1. Know the nutritional content of greens before feeding. They digest quickly and provide hydration. 

What To Do If Your Pet Won’t Eat Greens

One of the most asked questions of pet owners: What should I do if my bearded dragon is not eating greens? 

Many face this problem: This signifies a more serious issue concerning Beardie’s health and well-being. 

But if your pet has a strong appetite and doesn’t eat greens, you may need to consult an expert. There could be some other issues as well, such as:

  1. Evaluating Pet’s Diet: Check whether the greens offered are fresh. They might be eating Dubia roaches and thus may feel less desire for them. 
  1. Too Much Greens: Excess of anything is bad. Feeding them too much greens can make them resistant to eating more; hence, they may have the habit of leaving food uneaten. 

Conclusion: The Final Choice

TopFlight Dubia strongly recommends including greens in bearded dragons' daily diet. Always ensure they are fresh and properly chopped. 

This will be good for the overall well-being of your pet. Take some crucial measures, and you will be good to go in keeping your bearded dragon happy and healthy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. What are some daily staple greens for bearded dragons?

A. Collard greens, dandelion leaves, cactus pad, prickly pear, mustard greens, and turnip greens are daily staple greens for your exotic pet.

02. What are some occasional staple greens for bearded dragons?

A. Greens that can be fed occasionally are cabbage, grape leaves, and kale.

03. What makes a green ideal for bearded dragons?

A. The correct C:P (ideally 2:1) with low levels of oxalates and goitrogens makes a green vegetable ideal for bearded dragons.

04. Do bearded dragons only eat greens and nothing else?

A. Bearded dragons are omnivorous. They can consume greens, some fruits, and Dubia roaches for protein requirements.

05. What to do if my bearded dragon is not eating greens?

A. If you see a constant habit of uneaten greens, it may be because of loss of appetite, overfeeding, or not fresh greens. In extreme situations, it is recommended to consult an expert.