Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens?TopFlight Dubia Answers
Posted by Mia Rivera on Apr 3rd 2024
Did you know that turnip greens have a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 4.4:1?
Normally, greens are considered the best for bearded dragons because they are:
- Nutrient-dense.
- Contains a high amount of calcium, which is beneficial for growth.
- Low in phosphorus and oxalates that reduce the chance of calcium deficiency in beardies.
There are many greens that can be fed to bearded dragons, such as collard, dandelion, and mustard greens.
One of the greens that stands out among the other is turnip greens. Turnip greens have a higher amount of calcium than any other greens. This makes it perfect for bearded dragons.
However, as a bearded dragon's parent, it is crucial to know everything about turnip greens before you feed them to your pet.
So, here, TopFlight Dubia will answer all your queries related to turnip greens for beardies.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens?
Bearded dragons can eat turnip greens daily without any health concerns.
What Kind of Nutrients Do Turnip Greens Have for Bearded Dragons?
Turnip greens are a nutritious food choice for bearded dragons as they offer a variety of essential minerals and vitamins. Some of them are as follows:
|
Nutrients Present in 100 Grams of Turnip Greens |
Beneficial for |
|
Calcium (137 mg) |
Bone health and muscle function. |
|
Vitamin A (381 µg) |
Vision, immune function, and skin health. |
|
Vitamin C (27.4 mg) |
Immune system, wound healing and iron absorption. |
Source: Nutritional Value of Turnip Per 100 g
How To Prepare Turnip Greens for Bearded Dragons
Turnip greens contain essential nutrients that can benefit beardies. However, to ensure your pet gets essential nutrients out of it, it is crucial to prepare them correctly.
- Wash the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt, pesticides, or chemicals harmful to bearded dragons.
- Remove the tough stems using a knife or kitchen scissors. The thinner stems are usually delicate and can be left on.
- Cut the turnip greens into pieces about 1 inch long. This will make it easy for your pet to pick them up and consume them.
- Serve the greens immediately after preparing them. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within a few days.
- Mix turnip greens with others like collard greens, mustard greens, or dandelion greens. For extra variety, add vegetables like squash or carrots.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Won't Eat Turnip Greens?
- Look Out Your Beardie’s Diet
It is essential to look at your pet’s daily diet to determine if something needs to be changed.
- Hide the Greens
Mix favorite fruits or insects with the greens so your pet can accidentally eat them along with the food it likes.
- Experiment with Different Kinds of Greens
Other greens, such as collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens, can be fed to your pet.
- Constantly Offer Turnip Greens
You can consistently offer greens in the dragon’s enclosure so that your pet gets used to them over time. This is helpful for the baby bearded dragons to realize greens are just as edible as insects.
What are the Best Greens for Bearded Dragons?
|
Best Greens |
Benefits for Bearded Dragons |
|
Collard Greens |
Vitamins A, C, E, and K, fiber, and folate. |
|
Mustard Greens |
Rich in calcium, Vitamins A, C, and K. |
|
Cactus Pads |
High in calcium and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C. |
|
Dandelion Leaves |
Rich in Vitamin A and calcium. |
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat turnip greens daily. Make sure to cut the turnip greens into small pieces that are about 1 inch so your pet can eat them easily. You can also add other greens, such as collard greens, cactus pads, mustard greens, and many more to ensure variety in your beardie’s diet. Remember to consult with a veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs. So, keep your bearded dragon healthy and thriving with turnip greens.