Can Bearded Dragons Eat Garlic?

No, bearded dragons should not eat garlic. Garlic contains sulfur and thiosulfates, which can be toxic to bearded dragons and cause health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, and difficulty breathing.

Garlic can also cause bearded dragons to have a bad odor, make their skin look yellow, and even make them sick.

If you want to season your bearded dragon’s food, it is recommended to use other herbs and spices instead of garlic.

Some herbs that bearded dragons can eat frequently include basil, cilantro, and parsley, which are high in calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K.

There are also some herbs that bearded dragons should avoid, such as bay leaves, garlic, dill leaves, onion, and chives, which are too acidic or toxic to bearded dragons.

Why Can’t They Eat Garlic?

Garlic is a commonly used herb in human cuisine, but it is not recommended for consumption by bearded dragons.

The reason for this is that garlic contains a compound called allicin which can be harmful to these reptiles.

Allicin can irritate the gut lining, causing inflammation and leading to digestive problems.

Additionally, garlic can also have negative effects on the respiratory system of bearded dragons.

Garlic contains essential oils that can cause irritation in the lungs when inhaled.

This can lead to breathing difficulties and other respiratory issues.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid feeding garlic or any food item containing this herb to bearded dragons to ensure their good health and well-being.

What are the risks of feeding Garlic to bearded dragons?

Credit: istockphoto by Nevena1987

Feeding garlic to bearded dragons may seem like a nutritious idea, but it can pose various health risks

One of the significant dangers of feeding garlic to bearded dragons is that it can cause hemolytic anemia.

Garlic contains compounds that can damage red blood cells and impair their ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.

This condition can lead to lethargy, weakness, and even death in severe cases.

Another risk of feeding garlic to bearded dragons is that it can irritate their digestive system.

Garlic has a pungent taste and strong odor due to its sulfur content, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in bearded dragons.

Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may occur if they consume too much garlic regularly.

Therefore, it is not recommended to feed garlic to bearded dragons as it poses several health hazards.

How To Keep Away Garlic From Your Beardie?

  1. Avoid feeding your beardie garlic. Garlic is not a safe food for bearded dragons, as it can cause digestive issues, including diarrhea.
  2. Make sure that any vegetables you feed your beardie are free of garlic. If you buy pre-packaged vegetables, read the label to make sure there is no garlic listed as an ingredient.
  3. Wash all vegetables before feeding them to your beardie, even if they are fresh from the store. This will help to remove any traces of garlic or other chemicals that may be on the vegetables.
  4. Clean all areas of your beardie’s enclosure thoroughly. Garlic can be found in many food products, including some insect foods. Make sure to clean any food dishes, substrate, or other items in the enclosure that may have come in contact with garlic.
  5. Consider using a reptile-safe cleaner to help remove any traces of garlic from the enclosure. This can help to ensure that your beardie does not ingest any garlic.

Types Of Best Plants To Feed Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are omnivores and require a balanced diet of both animal and plant-based foods.

When it comes to plants, there are several options that can be safely fed to them.

Some of the best plant options for bearded dragons include collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, parsley, and cilantro.

These plants provide a good source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for their overall health.

In addition to these commonly available plants, bearded dragons can also consume flowers such as hibiscus, rose petals, and pansies in small quantities.

It is recommended to feed a variety of different plants to ensure they receive a diverse range of nutrients.

Types of plants to avoid feeding bearded dragons

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

There are some types of plants you should avoid feeding your beardie. These include:

  • Avocado
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Rhubarb
  • Citrus fruits
  • Eggplant
  • Tomatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Cabbage
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Nutmeg
  • Chocolate
  • Beans
  • Grains

It is also important to make sure that any plant matter you feed your bearded dragon is free of pesticides and other chemicals.

Before feeding your beardie any plants, you should wash them thoroughly and make sure they are free of any contaminants.

It is important to be aware of the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of the plants you feed your beardie – a majority of the plants should have a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

This is important for your beardie’s health and can help prevent health issues like a metabolic