Bearded dragons are a popular pet and for good reason! They are generally easy to care for and make great companions. However, there are some things you need to know before you bring one home. In this blog post, we will discuss the dietary needs of bearded dragons and whether or not spinach is a good food choice for them.
Can bearded dragons eat spinach?
The answer is yes and no. While spinach is not poisonous to bearded dragons, it is not a good food choice for them. This is because spinach is very high in oxalates, which can bind to calcium and prevent absorption. This can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
So, while your bearded dragon may enjoy eating spinach from time to time, it should not be a staple of their diet. If you are looking for greens to feed your beardie, we recommend collard greens, turnip greens, or mustard greens. These greens are all lower in oxalates and higher in calcium, which is important for bearded dragons’ health.
5 reasons why spinach is not healthy for bearded dragons
Here are five reasons why spinach should not be a staple of your bearded dragon’s diet:
- Spinach is high in oxalates, which can bind to calcium and prevent absorption. This can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
- Spinach is low in calcium, which is important for bearded dragons’ health.
- Spinach contains high levels of nitrates, which can be toxic to bearded dragons in large quantities.
- Bearded dragons may not like eating spinach and may refuse other healthy greens if it is their only source of nutrition.
- Spinach contains toxins that can harm the liver and kidneys of bearded dragons.
What vegetables are healthy for bearded dragons?
Here are some healthy vegetables that bearded dragons can eat:
collard greens
turnip greens
mustard greens
kale
chard
bok choy
romaine lettuce
cucumber
summer squash
pumpkin
These vegetables are all lower in oxalates and higher in calcium, which is important for bearded dragons’ health. They also provide a variety of other nutrients that bearded dragons need to thrive. So, if you are looking for healthy greens to feed your beardie, these are some great choices! And remember, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dragon’s diet.
What fruits are healthy for Bearded Dragons?
Here are some healthy fruits that bearded dragons can eat:
apricots
bananas
berries (except for grapes and raisins)
cantaloupe
figs
mango
nectarines
papaya
pineapple
plums
Again, these fruits provide a variety of important nutrients that bearded dragons need to thrive. They also contain lower levels of oxalates and nitrates than spinach does, making them safer choices for your dragon. So, feel free to give your beardie some fruit as a snack or addition to their diet! Just make sure they are not overeating any one type of fruit. Grapes and raisins, for example, can be harmful to bearded dragons in large quantities.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has answered some of your questions about spinach and bearded dragons. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us! And remember, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your dragon’s diet.
FAQs
Q. Can bearded dragons eat spinach?
A. The answer is yes and no. While spinach is not poisonous to bearded dragons, it is not a good food choice for them. This is because spinach is very high in oxalates, which can bind to calcium and prevent absorption. So, while your bearded dragon may enjoy eating spinach from time to time, it should not be a staple of their diet. If you are looking for greens to feed your beardie, we recommend collard greens, turnip greens, or mustard greens. These greens are all lower in oxalates and higher in calcium, which is important for bearded dragons’ health.
Q. What vegetables are healthy for bearded dragons?
A. Here are some healthy vegetables that bearded dragons can eat:
collard greens
turnip greens
mustard greens
kale
chard
bok choy
romaine lettuce
cucumber
summer squash
pumpkin
Q. Can Bearded Dragons eat Rice Cakes?
A. Bearded dragons can eat rice cakes but they are not the best food choice. Rice cakes are very high in carbohydrates and low in other nutrients, which is not ideal for bearded dragons. So, while your dragon may enjoy eating rice cakes from time to time, they should not be a staple of their diet. If you are looking for healthy snacks to give your beardie, we recommend feeding them insects or vegetables instead.
Q. Can Bearded Dragons eat Iceberg Lettuce?
A. Bearded dragons can eat iceberg lettuce but it is not the best food choice. Iceberg lettuce is very low in nutrients and high in water content, which is not ideal for bearded dragons. So, while your dragon may enjoy eating iceberg lettuce from time to time, it should not be a staple of their diet. If you are looking for healthy greens to feed your beardie, we recommend collard greens, turnip greens, or mustard greens. These greens are all lower in oxalates and higher in calcium, which is important for bearded dragons’ health.
Q. Can Bearded Dragons eat Sunflower Seeds?
A. Bearded dragons can eat sunflower seeds but they are not the best food choice. Sunflower seeds are very high in fat and low in other nutrients, which is not ideal for bearded dragons. So, while your dragon may enjoy eating sunflower seeds from time to time, they should not be a staple of their diet. If you are looking for healthy snacks to give your beardie, we recommend feeding them insects or vegetables instead.
As you can see, there are a variety of healthy foods that bearded dragons can eat. So, don’t be afraid to mix things up and give them a variety of different snacks and meals. Just make sure they are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and thrive!
