Herbs make for delicious greens for your bearded dragon. They vary in texture and provide excellent calcium and phosphorus ratios. Although herbs are tasty, they can become expensive to provide daily. Moreover, their strong flavors can overwhelm your dragon’s taste buds. Some herbs are also high in oxalates, whereas others are low in these elements. For example, rhubarb contains high levels of oxalates, while broccoli and all cabbages contain high amounts of phosphorus and goitrogens.
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Cactus pad
The leaves of cactus pads are a favourite among Bearded Dragons. These greens are incredibly nutritious, and they also provide calcium, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They should be cleaned thoroughly before feeding them, however. Another green that is popular amongst Bearded Dragons is escarole. They have a high calcium content, but they are high in oxalates, so they must be thoroughly washed before feeding them. Other greens that can be fed to your bearded dragon include collard greens, turnip greens, and cactus pad. The phosphorus to calcium ratio is 4.5:1.
Prickly pear cactus pads are also a popular option. These greens are packed with calcium and contain a high concentration of Vitamin C. Prickly pear cactus pads also contain high levels of fiber and antioxidants. Celery leaves, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. When feeding them these greens, cut them into smaller pieces, so they don’t become too fibrous.
Celery leaves
While baby bearded dragons are small, they do require specific types of food. Celery leaves have oxalates, which can harm them if they ingest too much. You can feed your beardie the leaves alone or mix it with some other vegetables. Just be sure to cut it into small pieces and serve it to your beardie once a week. For added nutrition, mix celery leaves with a variety of vegetables.
Celery leaves are high in calcium and phosphorus. They should be offered as a treat, rather than as the sole food. Celery leaves should be chopped into small pieces, and not the entire leaf. Likewise, carrots, cabbage, and napa are high in vitamins and minerals, and your beardie will love them. The only downside is that celery leaves are very fibrous and can cause uncomfortable diarrhea and bloating if you give them too much. Celery leaves are a favorite green of bearded dragons, but it should be eaten in moderation, and the ratio between veggies and insects will vary depending on the age of your beardie.
Turnip greens
Turnip greens are a great addition to your beardie’s diet. This vegetable is rich in calcium and vitamin A. It contains very little sugar and is also low in oxalate. However, it is important to note that turnip greens do contain some oxalates. These greens should be mixed with other calcium-rich foods like chicken and beef.
The nutritional value of turnip is excellent, and you should give your beardie this tasty vegetable every day. It contains low sugar and phosphorus, reducing the risks of fatty liver disease and calcium blockage. It is also easy for beardies to absorb the calcium in turnip greens. However, you should serve it alongside other foods rich in calcium to avoid depleting the nutrients in the greens.
If you are fed with fresh grass, you should give your beardie turnip greens regularly. This will ensure that he gets an overall balanced diet, and will not suffer from dehydration and constipation. Moreover, fresh grass is a great source of bacteria, such as E Coli. However, when it comes to turnip greens, you should always serve them raw, as cooking them will kill their vitamin content.
Kale
If you want your dragon to grow up and eat fresh foods, then you should consider adding kale to his or her diet. This type of green is packed with nutrients and is a favorite snack for many bearded dragon owners. It contains an excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and is highly nutritious. Kale is also delicious for humans, too! It is also low in oxalates, phosphorus, and sodium.
When preparing a daily diet for your beardie, you should make sure to choose organic kale because it is higher in nutrients than its conventional counterpart. Wash kale thoroughly and check for any contaminants before you use it. Cut the leaves to the right size and mix them with other vegetables to create a balanced meal. Then, add the mixture to the feeding dish. After the meal, mist the bowl with fresh water to prevent rotting.
