If you’re a proud owner of a bearded dragon, you know how important it is to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. With so many food options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the endless possibilities of what you can or cannot feed your beardies – from Boiled Eggs to Honey to Apple Skin.
However, today we’ll be focusing on a particular food item, or rather a particular question, that often sparks confusion in the mind of a bearded dragon owner – can my bearded dragon eat arugula?
So, let’s get started!
Can bearded dragons have arugula?
Yes, Bearded Dragons can eat arugula. Arugula is a nutritious leafy green that can be a part of their diet. It contains essential vitamins and minerals beneficial for their health, such as calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
However, it should be fed in moderation. Arugula has a higher amount of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and lead to health issues if consumed in excess. Combine arugula with other leafy greens to provide a balanced diet for your Bearded Dragon.
Now, let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding arugula to bearded dragons in more detail.
Benefits of feeding arugula to beardies
Here are 3 benefits of feeding arugula to bearded dragons:
- High in Vitamins: Arugula contains essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and K, which support bearded dragons’ immune system, bone health, and overall wellbeing.
- Low Oxalate Content: Arugula has lower oxalate levels compared to other greens, reducing the risk of kidney stones and calcium absorption issues in bearded dragons.
- Great Hydration Source: The high water content in arugula helps keep bearded dragons hydrated, which is important for their digestion and overall health.
Potential risks of feeding arugula to beardies
While arugula can offer some benefits to your bearded dragon, there are also some potential risks to keep in mind:
- Nutritional Imbalance: Arugula is low in essential nutrients like calcium and high in oxalates, which could lead to metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
- Oxalate Toxicity: The high oxalate content in arugula can bind to calcium, causing calcium deficiency and potential kidney issues in bearded dragons.
- Indigestion Issues: Feeding too much arugula to bearded dragons can cause loose stools or diarrhea due to its high water content and fiber.
Alternatives to arugula for bearded dragons
If you’re searching for alternatives to arugula, there are plenty of other fruits, vegetables and insects that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Here are five options to consider, along with their potential benefits and how to incorporate them into your beardie’s diet:
- Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium, collard greens support your bearded dragon’s bone health, vision, and immune system, making them a nutritious staple in their diet.
- Dandelion Greens: Rich in vitamins A and K, dandelion greens support your bearded dragon’s bone health and vision, and can be fed as a nutritious staple in their diet.
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamin A and C, bell peppers provide essential nutrients for bearded dragons, promoting a healthy immune system and vibrant skin; serve as an occasional treat for variety.
- Dubia Roaches: High in protein and easily digestible, Dubia roaches are an excellent staple feeder for bearded dragons, promoting growth and overall health.
- Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries enhance your bearded dragon’s immunity and skin health, making them a perfect weekly treat.
FAQs
1. Can baby bearded dragons eat arugula?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat arugula in moderation as part of a varied diet.
2. How often can bearded dragons eat arugula?
Bearded dragons can eat arugula once or twice a week.
3. Do bearded dragons like arugula?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat arugula as part of a varied diet.
Other foods for bearded dragons worth checking:
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Boiled Eggs?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Honey?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple Skin?
You can check other interesting information about your beardies by clicking here.
Also, do you have any special recipes or food tips for feeding bearded dragons? I’d love to hear from you! Share with me your beardie’s favourite in the comments below!
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