Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mustard Greens? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ
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Before bringing home a new Bearded Dragon, learning all you can about how to care for them is essential. They need to consume various foods to stay healthy, and mustard greens are just one of the vegetables bearded dragons can eat. In this article, you’ll learn how to include mustard greens in your Bearded Dragon’s diet and some precautions to take when feeding them. We’ll also let you know how much and how often your Bearded Dragon should eat and whether they need supplements.
Why Bearded Dragons Can Eat Mustard Greens
Because of the harsh conditions of their Australian habitat, wild Bearded Dragons are used to eating whatever they can find. They are omnivores that will dine on insects and plant material. Pet Bearded Dragons can be bred in captivity but have the same dietary needs and preferences.
Bearded Dragons can safely eat several vegetables and flowers for the plant-based portion of their diet, with dark, leafy greens being the most nutritious. Mustard greens are among the dark greens that are acceptable for Bearded Dragons.
Are Mustard Greens Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat?
Mustard greens, along with cabbage and kale, contain substances called goitrogens. They can interfere with the proper function of the Bearded Dragon’s thyroid gland. Feeding too many mustard greens may lead to hypothyroidism or not making enough of the thyroid hormone.
To avoid this concern, feed mustard greens as part of a rotation of flowers, vegetables, and fruit rather than every day. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the next section.
How to Feed Mustard Greens
You can feed your Bearded Dragon a mix of several leafy greens and other vegetables at each feeding. To maximize nutrition and ensure your pet doesn’t become a picky eater, rotate the types of vegetables and plants you offer.
- Collards
- Clover
- Dandelion
- Green beans
- Peas
- Watercress
- Bell pepper
Flowers and fruit can be fed occasionally as treats.
- Mango
- Dates
- Figs
- Pears
- Geraniums
- Roses
- Carnations
Wash all fruits and vegetables and chop them into small pieces. Bearded dragons don’t chew their food, so it needs to be available in bite-sized portions.
How Much of a Bearded Dragon’s Diet Should Be Plants?
The exact ratio of plant to animal foods in a Bearded Dragon’s diet will vary depending on their species and age. For example, young Bearded Dragons typically eat more animal protein to aid their growth and development.
Adults prefer more of a heavily plant-based diet. You can ask your veterinarian to help you decide the right amount of plant and animal foods to feed your Bearded Dragon.
What Animal Foods Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Gut-loaded insects like crickets and worms are good animal proteins for a Bearded Dragon. You should purchase insects from a pet store or bait shop rather than collect them from your yard. Wild-caught insects may contain absorbed pesticides or chemicals that could harm your Bearded Dragon.
You can also serve live prey to your Bearded Dragon to allow them to hunt as they would in the wild. However, don’t offer live food bigger than the distance between the beardie’s eyes for safety.
How Often Should You Feed a Bearded Dragon?
Young Bearded Dragons eat one or two times a day. Once fully grown, Bearded Dragons may eat once every 24-72 hours.
To prevent overeating, limit the time your Bearded Dragon has access to food. Allow them about 10 minutes to eat live food and 30 minutes to eat their veggies. After this time, remove any uneaten foods.
Make sure your Bearded Dragon always has access to fresh water. Bearded dragons typically need regular calcium and vitamin supplements as well. However, check with your veterinarian before giving your lizard supplements.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat mustard greens as part of a balanced diet. However, eating too much of this vegetable could cause thyroid issues. You can serve mustard greens occasionally as part of a rotation of other plant and animal foods rather than feeding daily. Before adding anything new to your pet’s menu, discuss your Bearded Dragon’s diet with your veterinarian to ensure they get the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
See Also:
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sage? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chocolate? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts
Featured Image Credit: C.Nass, Shutterstock
