Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale? TopFlight Dubia Reveals

Every bearded dragon parent does everything to keep their scaly friend happy and healthy. 

As a bearded dragon’s parent, you carefully research their diet, ensuring they get the right mix of greens, veggies, and insects. 

But when it comes to kale, things get confusing. 

Some sources say that kale is packed with nutrients, making it a great leafy green. Other warnings include the presence of oxalates and goitrogens, which can affect the beardies’ health. In particular, a poor diet can have serious consequences such as:

• Calcium deficiency
• Thryoid issues
• Digestive problems

However, it is essential to give your pet the best possible diet. But, with all the mixed advice, how can you make the right choice?

So, TopFlight Dubia is here to bring you the real facts about kale for bearded dragons. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale?

Bearded dragons can eat kale a few times a week, which is fine..

What Are the Different Types of Kale?

There are different types of kale that you must know before you feed it to your bearded dragon. 

1. Curly Kale (Scots Kale)

• Description: The most common kale variety with ruffled, curly leaves.
• Flavor: Slightly bitter with a peppery taste, mellowing when cooked.

2. Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale)

• Description: Dark green, narrow, and wrinkled leaves, often referred to as "dinosaur kale."
• Flavor: Sweeter and milder than curly kale.

3. Red Russian Kale

• Description: Flat, tender leaves with reddish-purple edges.
• Flavor: Milder and sweeter than curly kale.

4. Siberian Kale

• Description: Similar to Red Russian kale but with frilly, light green leaves.
• Flavor: Sweet and less bitter than curly kale.

5. Baby Kale

• Description: Young, tender leaves harvested before they mature.
• Flavor: Milder and less bitter than mature kale.

Kale’s Nutritional Benefits for Bearded Dragons

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	Beneficial for
Energy	50 kcal	Energy for activity.
Protein	3.57 g	Supports muscle growth and maintenance.
Total Fat	0 g	Low fat and good for digestion.
Fiber (Dietary)	7.1 g	Aids digestion and gut health.
Calcium (Ca)	143 mg	Essential for bone health and prevents metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Iron (Fe)	43 mg	Helps oxygen transport in blood.
Vitamin C	120 mg	Boosts immune system.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Why Not Feed Kale to Bearded Dragons Every Day?

There are various risks related to feeding kale to beardies every day:

 

✔Oxalates Content (Approx. 20-23mg of Oxalates in 100g of Kale)

Oxalates are not good for bearded dragons for the following reasons:

• They can bind with the calcium in the body and prevent it from absorbing into the bloodstream.
• Over time, oxalates can result in a condition called metabolic bone disease.

✔Goitrogens

Kale contains goitrogens, which can affect the thyroid of dragons. 

 

✔Phosphorus

Kale has a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can interfere with the calcium absorption in the body of bearded dragons.

What Reddit Says About Feeding Kale to Bearded Dragons?

As per a Reddit query, many parents of dragons shared their views about kale. Here is the summarization of the overall experience of many bearded dragons' parents. 

“Kale is okay occasionally but should not be a staple.”

How to Safely Feed Kale to Your Bearded Dragon

Follow these guidelines when you feed kale to your pet:

• Kale should only be offered occasionally, not as a daily food.
• Always wash kale to remove any pesticides or contaminants.
• Cut into small pieces to make it easier for your dragon to eat.
• Balance it with other greens such as collard greens and many more. 

Healthier Alternatives to Kale

In order to offer a balanced diet, it is essential to rotate the diet with other greens such as:

Types of Greens	Nutrients Present
Collard Greens	High in calcium and low in oxalates.
Mustard Greens	Rich in vitamin A, C, and K with low oxalates.
Dandelion Greens	Full of calcium and antioxidants.
Turnip Greens	High in calcium, water, and vitamins.

Conclusion

Kale is not bad for bearded dragons, but it should be fed in moderation due to its high oxalate and phosphorus content. Variety and balance are two important keys to providing a healthy diet for your pet. Kale can also be a part of the mix, but it should not dominate their meals. Always offer a variety of greens, and consult a reptile vet for personalized advice on your bearded dragon’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can bearded dragons eat kale every day?

• No, kale should be fed occasionally due to its high oxalate and phosphorus content.

2. What greens are best for bearded dragons?

• Collard, mustard, dandelion, and turnip greens are excellent choices.

3. How do I get my bearded dragon to eat kale?

• Mix kale with other greens, use toppings like shredded carrots, or try hand-feeding it.

4. What other vegetables should be avoided?

• Avoid feeding your bearded dragon spinach, iceberg lettuce, and avocado, as they can harm your bearded dragon’s health.