The Top 6 Best Greens for Bearded Dragons
Diet & Nutrition

The Top 6 Best Greens for Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons have become a beloved pet choice for families everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. With their unique visual appeal and friendly personalities, these captivating creatures are truly unique and a joy to keep as a pet. However, feeding them the right diet is essential for their health and well-being. One of the most important components of their diet is greens.

In this article, we’re going to answer the question, what are the best greens for bearded dragons that offer the best nutrition.

Before we dive into best greens for breaded dragons, it is important to note the general consensus that an adult bearded dragon’s diet should consist of 75% vegetables and 25% protein. In contrast, a juvenile bearded dragon should consume a diet composed of 75% protein and 25% vegetables to accommodate for their increased growth needs. Regardless of age, greens make up a significant portion of the vegetable component of a healthy bearded dragon diet.

Now, let’s get into the top 6 best greens for bearded dragons.

1. Collard Greens

Collard greens are an excellent source of calcium, vitamin A, and fiber, making them one of the best greens for bearded dragons. They also have a low oxalate content, which means they do not bind to calcium and prevent its absorption. This is important because bearded dragons require high levels of calcium to maintain healthy bones and muscles.

collard greens

2. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are another great green to feed your bearded dragon. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium. They also have a low oxalate content, making them an ideal choice for maintaining optimal calcium levels in your bearded dragon’s diet.

mustard greens

3. Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are a nutritious and tasty option for your bearded dragon. They are high in calcium, vitamin A, and iron. They are also a great source of fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion and bowel movements in bearded dragons.

dandelion greens

4. Turnip Greens

Turnip greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and other essential minerals. However, turnip greens contain a moderate amount of oxalates, so they should be fed in moderation.

turnip greens

5. Endive

Endive is a low oxalate green that is high in vitamin A and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Endive has a slightly bitter taste, which may take some time for your bearded dragon to get used to.

endive

6. Escarole

Escarole is another low oxalate green that is high in vitamin A and fiber. It also contains folate, which is important for healthy cell growth and development. Escarole has a mild, slightly bitter taste that most bearded dragons enjoy.

escarole

Conclusion

Feeding your bearded dragon the right greens is crucial for their health and well-being. Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, endive, and escarole are some of the best greens to feed your bearded dragon. However, too much of a good thing can also be bad. Since we can’t guarantee that the greens come from good soil and are pesticide-free, it’s always best to offer a variety at feeding time, and not just one kind of green.

Izzy looking for the worms in her salad.
Izzy looking for the worms I threw in her veggies.
Izzy perched over her salad dish looking at the camera.
Do I really have to eat my greens?

By incorporating these greens, with a variety of vegetables and proteins, into your bearded dragon’s diet, you can ensure that they receive the proper nutrition they need for a long and healthy life.

Izzy ready to eat her veggies.
Izzy ready for her veggies.

Thank you for reading! Hope you found this post helpful.