The nutritional value of peas for bearded dragons depends on the variety. Fresh or frozen peas are ideal, as they contain a high amount of calcium. However, peas with too much phosphorus may not be healthy for your beardie. Peas are best fed in smaller amounts, and you may need to dust them with calcium dust to prevent your beardie from becoming deficient. Peas naturally contain oxalic acid, a compound that binds calcium. Most plants produce oxalic acid, but the content is variable.
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Good source of calcium
Calcium is a vital element for beaded dragons and they get enough calcium in their natural habitat. However, calcium powder for bearded dragons must be phosphorus-free. The amount of phosphorus needed by your bearded dragon varies based on its age. You can find the recommended amount of phosphorus in the table below. You should also add vitamin D3 to your beardie’s diet if you want it to grow properly.
Another good source of calcium for bearded dragons is gut-loaded bugs. Gut loading is a process of feeding insects high quality food to improve the quality of their diets. Calcium-dusted insects work well with both live and dead food sources. However, be sure to avoid feeding your beardies the calcium-dusted insects. These insects may not be as palatable to beardies as you would like.
High phosphorus content
One of the key elements in a beardie’s diet is phosphorus. Peas contain phosphorus and help absorb calcium. Both of these minerals are essential for strong bones, and without adequate calcium and phosphorus in a diet, a beardie could suffer from metabolic bone disease. Metabolic bone disease results in porous bones and can lead to paralysis. However, peas also contain oxalates, which bind to calcium. Consequently, the amount of phosphorus in a diet for a beardie should not be too high.
Peas contain high phosphorus and vitamin A, but they should be fed only occasionally. Peas should also be avoided if you want to minimize the risk of toxicity. Prunes are also high in phosphorus. But peas should not be fed to your beardie on a regular basis. They may be high in oxalate and should be fed in limited quantities.
Avoid canned peas
Whenever possible, you should avoid feeding your beardie dragon canned peas. Peas from a can contain additives and preservatives, which are harmful to your pet. Instead, choose a variety that is fresh and clean. Sugar snap peas are the safest type to feed your beardie. If you can’t find any fresh peas, you can try using frozen ones.
Depending on what type of peas you have at home, be sure to keep your beardie away from canned peas. Peas are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which means they’re a great source of protein. However, if you want your beardie to grow strong, you should give them peas in their pods, along with other protein sources. Moreover, peas are also high in calcium and phosphorus, and should be mixed with other sources of protein if you want to feed them healthy.
Vitamin A
Peas for bearded dragons are rich in calcium and Vitamin A, but they are not a perfect food for your reptile. Peas are a poor substitute for fruits and vegetables that contain a much higher percentage of Vitamin A. Peas can be fed to your beardie once every two weeks, and they contain a decent amount of vitamin A. They are also a poor source of Phosphorus, and they don’t contain enough Calcium to be a good replacement for veggies.
Peas contain a high amount of oxalates, which prevent the body from absorbing calcium. Bearded dragons with metabolic bone disease can suffer from a deficiency in calcium, which can cause paralysis and eventually death. Phosphorus is another ingredient in peas that’s bad for beardies, but it’s not as harmful as some beardies think.
Vitamin D
While peas are good for humans, they aren’t a healthy food for your bearded dragon. The reason is that peas are a good source of phosphorus, but they have an excessively high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio. Bearded dragons need a balanced diet of both phosphorus and calcium to stay healthy. Peas should be fed raw, not cooked, to avoid spoiling your beardie’s digestive tract.
Peas do provide a small amount of nutrition for your beardie, but their high phosphorus content makes them a poor substitute for other vegetables. Peas also contain a high level of phosphorus, which inhibits the absorption of calcium. If your beardie develops metabolic bone disease, it could cause a weakened skeletal system and soften the jaw and facial bones.
Vitamin K
Peas for bearded dragons are one of the easiest and most nutritious foods for your pet dragon. Not only are they an excellent source of calcium, but peas also have high levels of beta carotene, Vitamin K, and fiber. Unlike other types of vegetables, peas are safe to feed your beardie occasionally and in small amounts. However, they should not be fed regularly or in large amounts.
To spice up their meals, try giving your pet dragons a healthy salad made of dandelion leaves. These greens are high in calcium, vitamin K, and phosphorus. Additionally, a sprinkle of rosemary or watercress is a great way to add flavor and color to your beardie’s diet. While you are at it, add a little rosemary to their diet for flavor and fiber. Lastly, be sure to use pesticide-free kale.
