Vegetables are one of the essentials of life. They not only play an important part in human life but also contribute their significant role in the Bearded dragon’s life. There are some vegetables which create confusion, that either they should be eaten or not. The same goes for that can bearded dragon eat Broccoli?
Yes! Bearded dragons can eat Broccoli but as an occasional treat, as broccoli have a high amount of phosphorus and can be dangerous for poor Bearded Dragons.
Although due to their beneficial nature, broccoli is a good source of energy for bearded dragons it is better to serve them in a little amount to your pet to avoid any circumstances.
This article will give you all knowledge about broccoli serving your bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Broccoli?
Yes! Being a vegetable, broccoli is a good choice for bearded dragons but in slight amounts.
We all know that broccoli is full of Vitamins A, C, K, Mg, Fibers, Folate, iron and etc. but they also contain a high amount of phosphate and oxalate. These nutrients can cause health risks if eaten regularly. Therefore it is advised to the Owners to serve only a staple amount of Broccoli to their Bearded Dragons.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons eat Broccoli?
Broccoli is a good source of nutrients but they are not so good for baby bearded dragons. Because baby beardie’s diet also consists of 75% of protein and meat and hence Broccoli is one of the hard vegetables by nature, they can cause choking among Baby bearded dragons.
Also, they are not much important to fill the nutritional gap for baby bearded dragons, therefore is no need to serve broccoli to them if you have alternate options for feeding
How much Broccoli can a Bearded Dragon Eat?
We have mentioned earlier, Broccoli is high in oxalates and phosphorus, which is not good for Bearded dragon’s health, therefore Being an owner it is your duty to keep check and balance on their food.
If you are wondering that how much a bearded dragon should eat broccoli, then here is the answer. Always give a little amount or floret of broccoli once a month.
Regular consumption will lead to some kidney and bone issues and other health risks.
What part of Broccoli can Bearded dragons eat?
By nature, broccoli is a hard vegetable and can’t be chewed up easily. You have to be careful while serving them to your bearded dragons.
Broccoli Stems:
Don’t serve stem to beardies, because stems are hard and can cause choking while eating.
Broccoli Leaves:
Instead of the stem, it is better to serve leaves of broccoli to your bearded dragons.
Use fresh broccoli, wash it and chop the leaves in tiny size and serve this to bearded dragons as a single salad or with other fruits.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw Broccoli and Cauliflower?
There are a lot of veggies that can be eaten raw, but unfortunately, both Broccoli and cauliflower are not one of them. You can’t serve the veggies Broccoli and cauliflower to your bearded dragons in raw form
Both the veggies are hard and on swallowing can cause chocking among bearded dragons
It is better to cook the veggies and feed them to bearded dragons after getting soft.
Through this way, bearded dragons will easily swallow these veggies without any issue and veggies will be more beneficial for them.
Health Benefits of Broccoli for Bearded Dragons
Everybody knows, vegetables are a great source of nutrients and multivitamins not for humans but also for animals. Here we will discuss the health benefits of broccoli for bearded dragons
1- Fibers
Broccoli is full of fibers and helps in smooth digestion and prevents constipation
2-High water Content
Broccoli has almost 90% of water and helps your bearded dragons in keeping hydrated.
3- Iron
Iron, present in Broccoli helps to maintain the oxygenation of blood properly
4-Manganese
Manganese regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation
5-Folate
Folate builds healthy cells and tissues
6-Potassium
Potassium in broccoli plays a significant role. It regulates Blood pressure, lowers water retention, and promotes kidney function
7- Vitamin A
Vitamin A strengthens the vision and prevents night blindness
8- Vitamin C
It strengthens the bones and improves reproduction
9- Vitamin K
Helps in blood clotting and maintain bone health
Health Risks of Broccoli for Bearded Dragons
Although broccoli is good for bearded dragons,their regular consumption can cause serious health issues among bearded dragons
1- More phosphorus to calcium ratio
Broccoli contains high phosphorus to calcium ratio among them which is not quite good for Bearded Dragons. As more phosphorus will bind the less calcium and will prevent it to absorb which is not good for bearded dragon’s health. If calcium doesn’t absorb properly, it will cause Metabolic Bone Mineral Disease among bearded dragons.
What A Metabolic bone mineral disease can cause is, it weakens the bones and even can twist, distort, and paralyze the limbs. If this disease is not treated on time, it can kill your pet dragons.
Therefore, we focus on minimal consumption of broccoli by bearded dragons just to save them from serious bone issues. Always provide them calcium supplements to fulfill their calcium needs.
2-Oxalic acid
Same like phosphorus, oxalic acid also weakens the bones and may cause metabolic bone disease. It also binds with calcium and prevents it from absorption leading to serious bone issues.
Also, oxalic acid can cause harm to the kidneys. Regular feeding must be prohibited
How to serve Broccoli to Bearded Dragons?
Serving broccoli to your pet dragons is just some steps away
• Buy broccoli from a good shop
• Always wash carefully to remove all pesticides, stuck on broccoli
• Cut off the only leafy parts of broccoli, because stem and stalks will cause chocking,
• Chop the leaves into small parts
• Serve the broccoli leaves with salads or with some fruits like strawberries, collard greens, and squash
Wrap up
Broccoli can be more beneficial for bearded dragons if feeding properly.
As an owner, you have to be extra conscious while serving food to your Bearded Dragons
Always feed tiny pieces of fresh broccoli once in a month to your bearded dragons. This amount is enough to fulfill their needs.
Related Information: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?