Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rosemary? Vet-Reviewed Safety Tips & Risks

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Chyrle Bonk

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Bearded dragons are interesting reptiles that have unique dietary needs. If you’re interested in these little creatures or have them as pets, it’s crucial to be familiar with their diet to ensure their well-being. In the wild, bearded dragons consume all kinds of insects, greens, and vegetables. If food is sparse, beardies may also consume herbs, raising the following question for many beardie lovers: Can bearded dragons eat rosemary?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat rosemary. However, you should only offer this herb to your bearded dragon cautiously and in moderate amounts to prevent possible problems.

In this article, we talk about bearded dragons and their diets, how rosemary can affect them, and more!

What Should a Well-Balanced Bearded Dragon Diet Look Like?

A well-balanced diet is the most important part of a bearded dragon’s life. But what should a beardie diet consist of?

In their natural habitat, bearded dragons eat various foods, depending on what’s available. These reptiles are omnivorous, meaning they feed on animal and plant-based foods, including insects, veggies, and greens.

When kept as pets, adult bearded dragons should have a 50/50 plant- and animal-based diet to ensure that they get all the necessary nutrients for proper development. Young beardies, on the other hand, lean more towards an animal-based diet. If you have any questions about your bearded dragon’s diet versus age, speak to your vet.

Besides their typical to-go foods, bearded dragons can eat occasional treats in the form of fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and bananas.

What Is Rosemary?

Rosemary is an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean. It’s a common ingredient in many cuisines and delicious dishes. Besides having an aromatic flavor, rosemary is popular as a medicinal herb, as it contains many minerals and vitamins and can positively affect people and their health.

This herb consists of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory compounds. Various studies confirm that rosemary has multiple benefits for humans, including:

But how would eating rosemary affect bearded dragons? Should these reptiles even eat herbs?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Herbs? Should They?

Bearded dragons often live in environments where food is sparse, which is why they can consume all kinds of foods, including many different herbs.

While various herbs are safe for bearded dragon consumption, if you want your beardie to experience the benefits of eating these herbs, you need to offer them sparingly and in small quantities.

Should Bearded Dragons Eat Rosemary? Is It Safe?

Rosemary is a safe herb for bearded dragons because it contains plenty of nutrients that they need to grow healthy and strong. However, some of the nutrients could do more harm than good.

For example, this herb is high in calcium and fiber, which is important in a bearded dragon’s diet. However, the ideal diet should usually have a calcium:phosphorus ratio around 2:1. This is to help prevent health issues like metabolic bone disease.

Rosemary contains a ratio of about 4:1, so it is high on the calcium side. this isn’t a big deal as long as rosemary is only consumed occasionally in small amounts and not for every meal. requiring the beardie to intake more calcium to

How Can I Safely Feed Rosemary to My Bearded Dragon?

Offering rosemary to your bearded dragon on occasion can positively affect their health and well-being. However, you need to learn how to safely do so in order to avoid possible problems.

By sticking to these tips, you’ll ensure that your beardie is safe while eating rosemary.

Can Eating Rosemary Make My Bearded Dragon Unwell?

Although rosemary is considered a safe herb for bearded dragons, eating it could still make your beardie unwell if you don’t follow the tips for safe feeding.

Offering more rosemary than you’re supposed to could cause a disbalance in nutrients in your bearded dragon’s diet, leading to your pet feeling unwell and experiencing various health problems.

Which Herbs Are the Best for Bearded Dragons to Eat?

While bearded dragons can eat rosemary, certain herbs are better for these reptiles and their health.

Basil

Basil is an excellent herb for bearded dragons because it contains plenty of water and fiber and has a great phosphorus-to-calcium ratio. This herb also contains various vitamins and antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that can positively affect bearded dragons and their immune system. Still, basil should be fed sparingly and in moderate amounts to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a bearded dragon-safe herb that’s packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and benefits beardies and their development. This herb also has antimicrobial properties that can prevent food poisoning in your bearded dragon. That said, this herb should be fed sparingly and in small amounts.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons can consume all kinds of plant– and animal-based foods, including many different herbs, such as rosemary. Eating rosemary is safe for bearded dragons as long as they eat it infrequently and in small amounts to prevent possible health problems.

If you want to feed rosemary to your bearded dragon, you could try offering this herb to your reptile friend and then monitor any changes, and consult your veterinarian before including rosemary in your beardie’s diet.

See Also:

• Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocado?
• Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wheatgrass?

Featured Image Credit: Alim Yakubov, Shutterstock