If you are looking for a new way to feed your Bearded Dragon, it is time to try the delicious new vegetables. Bearded dragons love to eat greens, and they can be great for both you and your pet. You can even feed your beardie by hand if you are feeling particularly chummy. Bee pollen is an excellent addition to your dragon’s greens, and will add flavor to your meal. Bee pollen also provides extra nutrients, making them healthier.
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Collard greens
The first thing to know about collards is that they contain a good amount of calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Dragons cannot absorb calcium properly without phosphorus. Collard greens have the ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus. These greens also contain lots of vitamins A, C, and K. It is important to feed collard greens to your beardie raw because cooking destroys many of the nutrients they contain.
If you are looking to grow collard greens at home, make sure to plant the seeds as soon as they are ready. They sprout in seven to fourteen days. They grow best in a warm, sunny location with plenty of water. Plant the seeds in loose soil that is free of weeds and is rich in nutrients. Make sure not to drown the plants in water! Depending on where you live, collard greens will start growing in late April or early May. During this time, you may need to start thinning the plants if the weather is too hot, but it will still be a good time to harvest the leaves.
Dandelion greens
One of the many benefits of dandelion greens for your dragon is their high calcium content. Calcium is crucial to the growth and development of your Bearded Dragon, and dandelion greens have 187 mg per 100 grams. That is more calcium than broccoli or spinach. Dandelion greens are also very rich in folate and vitamins A, C, and E.
In addition to being high in calcium, dandelion greens also contain phosphorus, which prevents lizards from absorbing calcium from vegetables. Fortunately, dandelion greens are available at most grocery stores and online. The benefits of buying them from a grocery store are two-fold. First, the greens you buy are generally much bigger than lawn greens. Second, they are usually certified organic, meaning they don’t contain any pesticides or other potentially toxic chemicals.
In addition to dandelion flowers, bearded dragons can also eat dandelion greens. While dandelion flowers and leaves are considered weeds in most parts of the world, they are actually beneficial for some animals. Dandelion flowers contain nectar, which is beneficial to insects and other creatures. Hence, dandelion greens are a great staple diet item for bearded dragons.
Kale
When feeding kale to your bearded dragon, don’t give too much. Just a handful is more than enough to provide the necessary nutrition. Try to give kale to your beardie only once a month or every two weeks, and don’t overdo it or your dragon may suffer health problems. However, if you’d like to give your beardie a daily dose of kale, here are some tips to remember:
Collard greens are the best option because they contain the highest calcium to phosphorus ratio (14:1) and are also high in fiber and vitamins. They contain substantial amounts of folate, which is important in building strong bones. All cabbages are also great choices for daily salads, and kale is no exception. These greens also contain high amounts of calcium and vitamin A. Just be careful with dandelion greens, as they contain a lot of oxalates and phosphorus.
Endive
You can provide your bearded dragon with endive greens as part of their diet, but you should be aware that they have little nutritional value. In fact, it can even cause digestive issues, so be sure to only give your beardie a little bit at a time. Alternatively, you can provide a small portion of chicory, escarole, or escarole to your beardie regularly. Make sure to place your bearded dragon’s greens in a bowl filled with calcium for best results.
Toxic vegetables are another danger for beardies, so be sure to avoid those. Even those vegetables that humans eat may be toxic to your pet. Try blending them into your beardie’s diet by mixing them with other vegetables, fruits, or meat. Similarly, try mixing some vegetables with your beardie’s other foods, such as cheese, meat, or dried insects. You may also want to give them a little bit of fruit as well, like bananas or strawberries.
