Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage? TopFlight Dubia Explains
Posted by Olivia Anderson on Apr 4th 2024
Feeding the proper diet to your bearded dragons not only ensures a happy, healthy pet but also strengthens your bond as a pet parent.
However, many bearded dragon owners face challenges when feeding a proper diet, especially when introducing new food. The challenges are as follows:
- Not knowing which one is safe or harmful for beardies.
- Fear of not providing the right balance of nutrients.
- May not know proper portion sizes for new food.
Nowadays, a common question that bearded dragon parents ask is whether food like cabbage is safe to add to their pet’s plate.
Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that many humans enjoy. But is it safe and beneficial for beardies?
So, here, TopFlight Dubia will answer the common questions and provide an in-depth guide on feeding cabbage to beardies.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat cabbage, but only in moderation to ensure their proper well-being.
What Nutrients Does Cabbage Provide for Bearded Dragons?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are the nutrients present in 100 grams of raw cabbage.
|
Nutrient |
Amount per 100g of Cabbage |
Beneficial for |
|
Water |
92.2 g |
Healthy skin, digestion, and overall well-being. |
|
Energy |
25 kcal |
A refreshing snack without contributing to obesity. |
|
Protein |
1.28 g |
Muscle development and tissue repair. |
|
Carbohydrate |
5.8 g |
A moderate source of energy. |
|
Dietary Fiber |
2.5 g |
Healthy digestion and preventing constipation. |
|
Total Sugars |
3.2 g |
Providing energy. |
Minerals
|
Nutrient |
Amount per 100g of Cabbage |
Beneficial for |
|
Calcium (Ca) |
40 mg |
Strong bones, muscle function, and preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD). |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
12 mg |
Immune system, muscle function, and nervous system health. |
|
Phosphorus (P) |
26 mg |
Bone and teeth health. |
|
Potassium (K) |
170 mg |
Heart function and muscle contraction. |
|
Sodium (Na) |
18 mg |
Fluid balance and muscle function. |
|
Copper (Cu) |
0.019 mg |
Immune function, growth, and wound healing. |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.16 mg |
Bone formation, metabolism, and the nervous system. |
Vitamins
|
Nutrient |
Amount per 100g of Cabbage |
Beneficial for |
|
Vitamin C |
36.6 mg |
Immune health and tissue repair. |
|
Thiamine (B1) |
0.061 mg |
Nerve function and energy production. |
|
Vitamin A (RAE) |
5 µg |
Vision, immune function, and skin health. |
|
Beta-Carotene |
42 µg |
Vision, skin health, and immune function. |
|
Vitamin K |
76 µg |
Blood clotting and bone health. |
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage Daily?
Bearded dragons should not be fed cabbage daily. Due to the presence of goitrogens in cabbage, an excess amount of this vegetable may impact thyroid health. So, it is advisable to offer it occasionally.
What’s the Best Type of Cabbage for Your Bearded Dragon?
|
Factors |
Red Cabbage |
Green Cabbage |
Savoy Cabbage |
Napa Cabbage |
|
Nutritional Benefits |
Fiber, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin K, etc. |
Fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and Vitamin C. |
High in Vitamin A. |
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. |
|
Goitrogenic Content |
Less goitrogenic |
Goitrogenic |
Goitrogenic |
Goitrogenic |
|
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio |
1.5:1 |
2:1 |
More phosphorus than calcium. |
Calcium is more than phosphorus. |
|
Feeding Frequency |
A few times a week. |
Every other week. |
Every other week. |
Once a week. |
How to Prepare Cabbage For Bearded Dragons
- Thoroughly wash the cabbage.
- Remove any stalks or stems.
- Cut the leaves into small pieces.
|
NOTE: No piece should be larger than the distance between your beardie's eyes. |
Common Cabbage Feeding Mistakes for New Bearded Dragon Parents
- Offering cabbage too frequently or in large quantities.
- Feeding unwashed cabbage.
- Offering the tough cabbage stalks.
- Over-relying on cabbage as the main vegetable.
- Feeding wilted or old cabbage.
What Does a Balanced Diet Look Like for Bearded Dragons?
Beardies can have cabbage, but ensuring a balance in their diet is also important. They need a balanced diet to get essential nutrients to grow properly. Bearded dragons at different stages have different dietary needs:
- Juvenile: 20% plants and 80% insects.
- Adults: 80% plants and 20% insects.
Leafy Greens and Vegetables
|
✔Acorn Squash - Few times a week ✔Bell Peppers - Few times a week ✔Collard Greens - Daily ✔Celery- Biweekly ✔Dandelion Leaves-Daily ✔Turnip Greens-Daily |
Live Insects
|
✔Crickets ✔Dubia Roaches ✔Worms |
Fruits
|
✔Apple (Peeled) ✔Cantaloupe ✔Strawberries ✔Blackberries |
|
NOTE: It is important to feed bearded dragons fruits as an occasional treat. So, consult a veterinarian about your pet’s specific nutrient needs. |
Is Cabbage a Healthy Choice for Your Bearded Dragon?
Cabbage is healthy for beardies, but only in moderation. Bearded dragons can eat red, green, savoy, and naapa cabbage. So, it should be given as an occasional treat due to the presence of goitrogens in many varieties of cabbage. When fed in excess, the high amount of goitrogen can affect the thyroid function of bearded dragons. Be sure to cut the cabbage into small pieces and include other nutritious foods for a balanced diet. Always discuss with a veterinarian about your pet’s specific nutrient requirements to ensure your pet's well-being.