Bearded dragons are popular exotic pets known for their docile nature and hardy appetites. Their unique diets often prompt questions from owners about what they can and cannot safely eat. If you’ve wondered “can bearded dragons eat grass?”, read on for a detailed answer.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: bearded dragons should not eat grass or lawn clippings. While small amounts likely won’t harm them, grass provides little to no nutritional value and may cause digestive upset or impaction.
Bearded Dragons are Herbivorous Reptiles with Specialized Diets
Bearded dragons are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet
Although classified as omnivores, bearded dragons actually thrive on a diet consisting primarily of plant matter like vegetables, fruits, flowers, and yes – even grass in moderation (TheSprucePets.com). In the wild, 80% of their diet is made up of plant matter.
They need the fiber, vitamins and nutrients that plants provide.
However, bearded dragons kept as pets have some different dietary requirements than wild dragons. Their digestive tracts and nutritional needs have adapted after years of breeding in captivity. Pet owners need to provide a varied, vitamin-rich menu for their reptilian friends.
Their native habitat provides guidance on safe foods
Looking at what bearded dragons naturally eat in Australia helps guide owners to pick suitable greens, vegetables, fruits and even occasional treats like grass and flowers for their pets. Important nutritional content includes:
- Calcium for bone health
- Vitamin A for vision and skin/scales
- Healthy fiber for digestion
Some nutritious menu items are:
- Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard or turnip greens
- Squashes such as acorn or butternut squash
- Sweet potatoes and carrots
- Berries like strawberries or raspberries
- Flowers like hibiscus, rose petals or dandelions
| Can Eat | Cannot Eat |
| Grass like timothy or bermuda hay | Lawn grass treated with fertilizer or chemicals |
| Wheat grass | Onion grass |
It’s important to choose grass and plants meant for animal feed or consumption. Decorative lawn grass and landscaping plants may have been treated with fertilizer, herbicides or insecticides that could seriously harm your bearded dragon.
Moderation is also key, as too much plant fiber can bind with calcium and prevent proper calcium absorption leading to metabolic bone disease. A nutritious vegetable diet supplemented with special calcium and vitamin D3 powders is essential.
Grass Generally Provides Little Nutrition for Bearded Dragons
Grass is very low in nutrients bearded dragons need
Unfortunately, most types of grass contain minimal nutritional value for bearded dragons. Grass is predominantly made up of cellulose, which lizards cannot properly digest. Bearded dragons specifically require high levels of protein, calcium, and other key vitamins and minerals from their diet in order to stay healthy.
Nutritional analyses show that most grass varieties contain very little protein or fat – key macronutrients for bearded dragons. Grass also does not contain calcium, which is essential for healthy bone development in reptiles.
Other vital micronutrients for bearded dragon health, like vitamin A, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12, are also lacking in most grasses.
Some nutrient levels in wheat grass compared to levels needed by bearded dragons:
| Nutrient | Wheat Grass Nutritional Value | Bearded Dragon Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 8-25% DM | 30-50% DM needed |
| Calcium | 0.2-0.4% DM | 2% DM needed |
| Vitamin A | 20 IU/100g | 5000 IU/kg needed |
As shown above, grass simply does not contain the nutrients vital for bearded dragons at sufficient dosages. Relying solely on grass could lead to severe nutritional deficiencies in pet reptiles over time.
Eating grass may fill them up without providing nutrition
Another potential downside of bearded dragons eating grass is it may give them a false sense of satiety. Since grass is so high in fiber and low in calories, it can make the stomach feel full without actually providing much energy.
This means a bearded dragon well-fed on grass can still be seriously malnourished. Essentially, the reptile feels full but is actually slowly starving on the inside from lack of adequate fat, protein, vitamins and minerals that their bodies require.
One study on the digestive abilities of leopard geckos (close relatives to bearded dragons) showed their digestive system is poorly equipped to break down and absorb nutrients from high-fiber plant materials like grass.
In the experiment, when geckos were fed increasing amounts of grass and hay, more of those fibrous materials were excreted out undigested compared to feed like crickets and vitamin/mineral powders. This demonstrates how inefficient grass is as a primary food source for most insectivorous lizards’ bodies.
The rich colors of vegetables like sweet potato, squash, carrots, and greens are a better source of essential vitamins. Nutrient-dense feeder insects, salmon/cod calcium supplements, and occasional fruits will provide bearded dragons the comprehensive diet they need.
Dangers of Feeding Grass to Bearded Dragons
Risk of impaction from eating grass
Feeding grass to bearded dragons does carry some risks that reptile owners should be aware of. One of the main dangers is that the grass can cause impactions if ingested by the bearded dragon.
Impaction occurs when an indigestible material gets lodged in the digestive tract, blocking the passage of food and causing a potentially life-threatening blockage. Reptiles like bearded dragons have very sensitive digestive systems that are not designed to break down tough, fibrous vegetation like grass.
The cellulose and lignin that make up grass blades and stalks cannot be adequately digested by a bearded dragon. So if too much grass is consumed, it can gather together inside the intestines or stomach and harden into a solid clump.
Impactions require emergency veterinary care to clear the obstruction, which may involve surgery, laxatives, hydration therapy or other treatments. Preventing impactions from grass is much safer than trying to cure them after the fact.
Grass treated with chemicals poses toxicity risks
Another consideration with feeding grass is that many lawn grasses have been treated with herbicides or pesticides. These can linger as residues on the blades and stems of grass clippings.
If consumed over time, the chemicals could potentially accumulate to toxic levels inside a bearded dragon’s body. The results can range from mild nausea and lethargy to severe neurological or organ damage in some cases.
Fertilizers and weed killers are common on lawns, and while they may be safe for sturdier pets like dogs, bearded dragons are much more sensitive. Traces left on the grass can be harmful, especially to smaller juveniles or babies.
Rinsing grass before feeding may reduce residues somewhat, but cannot remove systemic chemicals within the plant tissues. It is best not to take any chances feeding grass from treated yards or public spaces to pet reptiles.
Unless you can confirm it is 100% organic grass from an untreated source, feeding grass clippings to bearded dragons does involve risks. Reptile owners should exercise caution and only offer small amounts infrequently to avoid health issues.
Talk to an exotic pet veterinarian if you have any doubts about the safety of vegetation for your bearded dragon. Better safe than sorry when it comes to a beloved pet reptile’s health and wellbeing!
Best Alternatives to Grass for Your Bearded Dragon’s Diet
While bearded dragons can occasionally munch on grass, it should not be a staple part of their diet. Grass provides minimal nutritional value and can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest properly.
There are many healthier options that will provide your bearded dragon with the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy.
Dark, leafy greens provide more nutrition
Leafy greens like kale, collard greens, mustard greens and turnip greens are fantastic choices. These greens are packed with beneficial vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin K. Kale, for example, contains over 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A per serving.
These nutrients are vital for your bearded dragon’s eyesight, bone health and immune system function. Leafy greens also provide a healthy dose of dietary fiber to support your dragon’s digestion.
Aim to feed your bearded dragon fresh, organic leafy greens daily. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. You can rotate between different types of greens to provide variety. Leafy greens should make up around 20% of your bearded dragon’s total diet.
Weeds like dandelion are healthier choices
Certain weeds that grow in your garden or local area can make nutritious additions to your bearded dragon’s diet. Dandelion greens are one of the best options. Dandelions contain substantial amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium and antioxidants.
In fact, dandelions contain more antioxidants than spinach or broccoli per gram. Antioxidants help protect your dragon’s cells from damage and support a healthy immune system.
Other great weed choices include plantain, clover and wild mustard greens. Introduce new weeds slowly and monitor for any signs of upset stomach. Weeds from your own garden are ideal since you can confirm they have not been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Give your bearded dragon fresh weeds 2-3 times per week for optimal health benefits.
While grass may seem like an easy choice, leafy greens and vitamin-packed weeds are superior alternatives for your bearded dragon’s diet. Stick to these healthier options to give your scaly friend all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Conclusion
In summary, bearded dragons should avoid grass in favor of more nutrient-rich vegetation. While a small bite likely won’t harm them, grass offers little benefit and may cause impaction or other issues. Stick to feeding greens, vegetables, some fruits, and appropriate live prey instead.
