Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery? TopFlight Dubia Answered

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?

A happy and healthy bearded dragon requires proper nutrition. 

Bearded dragons are adorable pets and feel like they are more than a family member.

From how they tilt their head curiously, it captivates their parents just like no other. However, as a caring and responsible pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your best friend. 

The best care starts with providing the proper nutritional diet. But let’s be honest — choosing the right foods for your pet can feel daunting. You might find yourself carrying a new food like a stalk of celery in one hand and wondering whether this food is safe or not.

So, if you have doubts about whether a new food like celery is safe or nutritious, then it is important to address it.

Here, TopFlight Dubia will answer all your queries related to celery for bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat celery as an occasional treat; preferably, one stalk per day is okay.

Nutrients Present in Celery

Celery is a delicious and crunchy snack and contains various nutrients such as:

Nutrients	Amount as per 101 grams	Beneficial for
Calcium	40.40 mg	Healthy bones
Magnesium	11.11 mg	Bone health, regulates muscle contractions and supports nerve function
Potassium	262.60 mg	Muscle function, healthy heart, healthy kidney, and nerve function
Phosphorus	24.24 mg	Healthy bones and teeth
Vitamin B6	0.075 mg	Red blood cells generation

Source: NutritionValue.org           

Specific Nutrients in Celery Beneficial to Bearded Dragons

Water 

Celery contains 96.38 g (per 101 grams of celery), keeping them hydrated.

Antioxidants

It contains various antioxidants and flavonoids that promote a healthy heart and liver and reduce inflammation.

Vitamin C & Beta Carotene

Vitamin C and beta carotene help in strengthening beardie’s growth, vision, reproduction and immune system.

Ideal Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

Phosphorus and calcium are needed for bone development and skeletal health in bearded dragons. 

Phosphorus generally binds to calcium in the beardie’s body, which may lead to calcium deficiency. So, it is important that the food has double the amount of calcium to that of phosphorus.  

In fact, the Ca: P  ratio of celery is 1.68:1, closer to the ideal range of Ca:P ratio (2:1) for bearded dragons. 

Specific Nutrients in Celery Harmful to Bearded Dragons 

Celery can’t be given to bearded dragons daily because it has a high amount of oxalates ( 190 mg per 100 grams of raw celery). 

Foods high in oxalates reduce the amount of calcium absorption in bearded dragons, which can lead to long-term metabolic problems like stunted growth, bone disease, and more.

So, it is advised to feed your pet celery once a week.

How To Feed Celery to Bearded Dragons

Here are the steps to serve celery to your pet:

1. Select celery which is:
• Light green( not white) in color
• Fresh leaves without any signs of wilting
• Free of bruises and discoloration

1. Wash the celery thoroughly. 
2. Chop the celery leaves and stalk into small pieces
3. Serve it occasionally

Pro Tip: To clean and keep celery fresh for longer, you can rinse it with water and vinegar.

Different Vegetables That Pair Well with Celery for a Balanced Diet

There are some vegetables that bearded dragons can have with celery for a balanced diet. 

1. Bell Peppers ( Few Times a Week or Less)

• It is high in vitamin C and available in a variety of colors like red, yellow, etc.

2. Collard Greens  ( Every Day But in Moderation) 

• It is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, and antioxidants for bearded dragons.

3. Green Beans ( Twice or Thrice a Week)

• Green beans are rich in fiber, magnesium, calcium, and more nutrients.

4. Carrots ( Once or Twice a Week)

• It is rich in beta-carotene ( vitamin A), which results in healthy skin, stronger bones, and teeth.

5. Asparagus  ( Weekly Basis)

• Asparagus maintains calcium levels and prevents metabolic bone disease in beardies.

6. Yellow Squash  ( Few Times a Week)

• Yellow squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for good health.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons can have celery, as it has a high water content, antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. When you are feeding celery to your pet, make sure to serve it occasionally in small amounts. You can also include other vegetables like green beans,  yellow squash, carrots, and more for a variety in the bearded dragon’s diet.

So, always consult with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs to ensure overall well-being of your bearded dragon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bearded dragons eat celery every day?

• No, it is advisable to serve celery occasionally due to its high amount of oxalates.

2. Are celery stalks safe for bearded dragons?

• Yes, they can eat celery stalks, but should not be a daily staple. 

3. Are celery leaves safe for bearded dragons?

• Celery leaves are safe for bearded dragons. You can serve chopped celery leaves with chopped celery.

4. Can water present in celery impact a beardie’s hydration level?

• It depends on how often and how much you feed your pet celery. However, it is important to serve the celery occasionally and in moderation to avoid overhydration.