For bearded dragon owners, providing the right vegetables is crucial to their pet’s health. Leafy greens are an essential part of a bearded dragon’s diet, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are the best.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 10 leafy greens to feed your beardie.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The top leafy greens for bearded dragons are collard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, Bok choy, kale, arugula, watercress, endive, and escarole. These provide the ideal nutrition profile for bearded dragons.
Why Leafy Greens Are Essential for Bearded Dragons
Leafy greens are a critical part of a bearded dragon’s diet. There are several reasons why these nutrient-packed vegetables are so important for the health and wellbeing of bearded dragons.
High in calcium
One of the main benefits of leafy greens for bearded dragons is that they are high in calcium. Calcium is essential for bearded dragons as it helps build strong bones and teeth. Since bearded dragons are prone to metabolic bone disease, feeding calcium-rich greens helps prevent this dangerous condition.Kale, collard greens, mustard greens and turnip greens are some of the leafy options highest in calcium.
Provide hydration
Leafy greens have high water content which helps keep bearded dragons hydrated. Proper hydration is extremely important as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues. Leafy greens help increase moisture intake, especially when bearded dragons are reluctant to drink water directly.
Greens like romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce and bok choy are very hydrating choices.
Fiber aids digestion
The fiber found in leafy greens promotes good digestive health in bearded dragons. Fiber helps move food through the gut, prevents constipation and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Arugula, escarole and dandelion greens are excellent sources of digestive fiber.
In addition to the benefits above, leafy greens provide an array of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The nutrient diversity offered by leafy greens is why they are classified as a staple vegetable for bearded dragons.
When shopping for leafy greens, aim for variety and rotation to ensure bearded dragons get the full spectrum of nutrition these exceptional vegetables provide.
The Top 10 Leafy Greens for Bearded Dragons
1. Collard Greens
Collard greens are one of the most nutritious leafy greens you can feed your bearded dragon. They are an excellent source of calcium, vitamins A, B6, C, and K as well as iron and magnesium. Collard greens have a mild flavor that most bearded dragons seem to enjoy.
Offer them chopped into bite-sized pieces 2-3 times per week for a healthy, vitamin-packed treat.
2. Dandelion Greens
Both the leafy greens and yellow flowers of dandelions are safe for bearded dragons to eat. Dandelion greens are high in essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, K, E, and B6. They also contain beneficial antioxidants.
Feed dandelion greens in moderation 1-2 times per week.
3. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens make a nutritious addition to your bearded dragon’s diet. They are an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, C, E, K and B6. Turnip greens also contain compounds called glucosinolates which may have antioxidant and anticancer benefits.
Chop turnip greens into bite-sized pieces and feed them 1-2 times per week.
4. Mustard Greens
Both curly and flat leaf mustard greens can be fed to bearded dragons. They provide nutrients like calcium, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Mustard greens have a spicy, peppery flavor that some dragons seem to love while others may avoid them.
Introduce them slowly and feed in moderation 1-2 times weekly.
5. Bok Choy
Bok choy, also called Chinese cabbage, makes a tasty treat for bearded dragons. It is an excellent source of calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin C and K. Bok choy has a mild, watery taste. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and offer it to your bearded dragon 1-2 times per week for variety.
6. Kale
Both curly kale and dinosaur kale can be fed to bearded dragons. Kale provides vitamins A, C, K, B6, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and antioxidants. It does contain oxalates so only feed in moderation 1-2 times weekly. Chop kale leaves into bite-sized pieces before feeding to your dragon.
7. Arugula
Arugula is a nutritious leafy green for bearded dragons that provides ample amounts of calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin K and folate. It has a tangy, peppery taste that some dragons seem to love more than others.
Introduce arugula slowly and offer it chopped up 1-2 times per week if your dragon likes it.
8. Watercress
Watercress makes a healthy, flavorful treat for bearded dragons. It is high in vitamin C, A, and K as well as calcium, manganese, and carotenoid antioxidants. Watercress has a tangy, peppery taste similar to arugula. Feed chopped watercress leaves 1-2 times per week for added nutrition.
9. Endive
Endive is a nutritious leafy green that can add variety to your bearded dragon’s veggie intake. It provides nutrients like vitamins A, K, folate, calcium, magnesium, and kaempferol antioxidants. Endive has a mildly bitter, tangy taste.
Offer chopped endive leaves 1-2 times weekly if your dragon likes the flavor.
10. Escarole
Escarole is another leafy green that makes a great bearded dragon treat. It supplies nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, folate, and copper. Escarole has a mild bitter taste. Introduce it slowly and feed chopped escarole in moderation 1-2 times per week for added nutrition.
How to Prepare and Serve Leafy Greens
Chop into bite-sized pieces
When preparing leafy greens for your bearded dragon, it’s important to chop them into bite-sized pieces. Their jaws are not designed to chew large chunks of vegetables. Try cutting greens like kale, collard greens, and mustard greens into strips that are 1/2 inch wide.
For lettuces like romaine and green/red leaf, chop them into 1-inch square pieces. Small pieces will allow your dragon to easily pick them up and swallow them.
Rotate greens to provide variety
For optimal nutrition, it’s important to rotate the types of leafy greens you feed your bearded dragon. Try offering 2-3 different types each week. Good choices are collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, endive, escarole, and arugula.
You can also mix in romaine, red leaf, green leaf, and butter lettuces. Rotate through these staples while occasionally offering small amounts of bok choy, kale, Swiss chard, and rapini. Variety exposes your dragon to more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Mix in with other vegetables
In addition to leafy greens, bearded dragons enjoy vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, snap peas, bell peppers, and carrots. For more wholesome nutrition, try chopping up small amounts of veggies and mixing them into the greens. Some combo ideas are:
- Kale, carrots, and snap peas
- Collard greens, butternut squash, and bell pepper
- Romaine lettuce, sweet potato, and green beans
Mixing veggies into the greens adds variety and encourages your dragon to eat all of their food. The contrasting colors can also make their salad more visually appealing.
Store properly to retain freshness
To retain nutrients in leafy greens, proper storage is key. Rinse greens after purchasing and pat them dry. Store unwashed greens in a plastic bag or container lined with a paper towel, which soaks up excess moisture. Place greens in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Lettuce types will last 7-10 days, while heartier greens like kale can go for up to a week. Don’t use any greens that show signs of wilting or spoilage. Prepared salads with chopped greens should be used within 2-3 days.
With proper handling, you can maintain the nutritional value of greens to best support your bearded dragon’s health.
Potential Concerns When Feeding Leafy Greens
Oxalates in Spinach
Spinach contains moderate levels of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and prevent proper absorption. Too much oxalates over time can lead to health issues like hypocalcaemia in bearded dragons. It’s best to feed spinach in moderation as part of a varied diet.
According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, bearded dragons fed diets very high in oxalates were more likely to develop signs of hypocalcaemia like muscle twitching and lethargy.
The researchers recommend spinach makes up no more than 20% of the leafy greens offered.
Pesticides
Leafy greens sold commercially may contain pesticide residues if not grown organically. Some pesticides can cause toxicity in reptiles if consumed over time.
According to the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), chlorpyrifos and pyrethrin-based pesticides often used on produce are potentially toxic to lizards. Feeding pesticide-laden greens regularly can cause buildup of these chemicals in a bearded dragon’s tissues.
When possible, purchase organic leafy greens or thoroughly wash regular produce to minimize pesticide exposure for bearded dragons.
Nutritional Imbalances
Feeding too much of certain leafy greens could potentially lead to nutritional imbalances over time.
For example, darker leafy greens like kale and collard greens are very high in calcium. Feeding these greens exclusively could lead to health issues associated with calcium excess like visceral gout.
Lighter greens like iceberg lettuce have very little nutritional value and can prevent proper vitamin and mineral absorption when fed in large quantities.
Varying the types of leafy greens offered based on nutrition data helps prevent vitamin/mineral deficiencies or toxicity issues.
| Leafy Green | Key Nutrients | Potential Downsides if Fed Excessively |
|---|---|---|
| Kale | High calcium, vitamins A, C, K | Calcium excess |
| Collard Greens | Calcium, vitamins A, C, K | Calcium excess |
| Mustard Greens | Vitamins A, C, K, calcium | Goitrogen content |
| Turnip Greens | Calcium, vitamin C, beta-carotene | Slightly goitrogenic |
| Dandelion Greens | Vitamins A, C, K, calcium | Oxalates |
| Endive | Folate, vitamin K | Oxalates |
| Escarole | Folate, fiber, vitamins A, C, K | Low nutrient density |
| Lettuce (Romaine) | Vitamin A, folate, vitamin K | Low calcium |
| Lettuce (Iceberg) | Hydration | Extremely low nutrients |
Following recommendations on optimal quantities and proportions of different leafy greens based on nutrition data is key to prevent issues like hypo/hypervitaminosis in bearded dragons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed leafy greens?
Leafy greens should make up 75% of your bearded dragon’s diet, and you should aim to feed them daily. Offer a variety of greens like collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, and kale. Young dragons will eat more protein, but adults need more greens.
Feed babies greens 3-4 times per week, juveniles 5-6 times per week, and adults daily.
What about fruit?
Fruit can be fed occasionally as a treat, but it should not be a staple food. Good options are blueberries, raspberries, apples, melons, and mango. Only feed 1-2 times per week. Too much fruit can cause diarrhea. Fruit should never replace leafy greens as the main part of their diet.
Are pellets enough nutrition?
Pellets alone are not enough nutrition for bearded dragons. They are formulated to be complete, but research shows that dragons do better with a varied diet. Pellets are a good source of protein and vitamins, though.
You can feed juveniles pellets daily and adults 2-3 times per week in addition to greens.
What signs indicate my dragon isn’t eating enough greens?
Signs your bearded dragon needs more greens include:
These can indicate nutritional deficiencies from not eating a proper diet. Make sure to transition to more greens slowly if your dragon isn’t used to them.
Consult an exotic vet if you notice these symptoms.
Conclusion
Providing the right leafy greens is one of the best things you can do for your bearded dragon’s health and happiness. Focus on the top 10 greens highlighted here as staples of a balanced diet. Monitor your dragon’s growth, energy levels, and bowel movements to ensure the amount and variety of greens is optimal.
With the proper vegetable nutrition, your beardie will thrive for years to come.
