Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bean Sprouts?

Do beardies eat bean sprouts? Is it safe to feed them?

However, it is wise to feed them in moderation as they do not offer a lot of nutritional value.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of feeding your beardie bean sprouts, along with nutritional value and alternatives.

Nutritional Value Of Bean Sprouts

It’s a common belief that the nutrition in bean sprouts can provide many benefits to bearded dragons. But is this true?

Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value of bean sprouts and find out!

Here are the nutritional values of bean sprouts:

• Bean sprouts contain a lot of vitamin C which is essential for a bearded dragon’s metabolic function
• They are a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health
• Bean sprouts are high in protein
• They contain fiber, which promotes digestive health
• Bean sprouts also contain iron and folate that promotes potential growth
• Eating bean sprouts can improve metabolism, regulate cholesterol levels, increase bone density

Pros And Cons Of Feeding Bean Sprouts To Bearded Dragons

Bean sprouts offer a great source of nutrition but there are some cons involved.

Pros

Bean sprouts are packed with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and iron.

In addition to containing calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, a diet rich in vegetables that include bean sprouts promotes better physical development in bearded dragons.

Bean sprouts are a healthy and nutritious part of a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

Cons

Bean sprouts lack calcium, which is essential for bone health in bearded dragons.

While bean sprouts are a great source of vitamin C and iron, they do not offer a lot of nutritional value.

It’s also required to note, sometimes bean sprouts may be difficult to digest for bearded dragons.

Bearded dragons need a diet with a 1:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Bean sprouts have more than twice as much phosphorus as calcium, which is bad for beardies’ health.

Alternatives To Bean Sprouts For Bearded Dragons

There are plenty of delicious and nutritious alternatives to bean sprouts that’ll make your little scaly friend happy and healthy both at the same time.

Here’s a list of some great options:

1. Mealworms – Mealworms provide protein and calcium that help with muscle development and bone growth in dragons.
2. Crickets- Animal-based food such as crickets contains essential vitamins like B-complex which help keep the bearded dragons’ skin healthy and vibrant.
3. Leafy green vegetables – In addition to offering dietary fiber, leafy green vegetables such as kale and collard greens also provide Vitamin A which helps maintain a strong immune system.
4. Squash – This fruit is loaded with Vitamin C which helps maintain proper kidney function in these beloved creatures.

Feeding them any combination of these delectable dishes will ensure they stay nourished while providing maximum enjoyment at every mealtime.

how often should bean sprouts be fed to bearded dragons?

Bean sprouts should only be fed to bearded dragons as a treat, no more than once a week.

Bean sprouts are high in fiber but lack essential vitamins and minerals that bearded dragons need for optimal health.

They should be used as an occasional treat to give some variety to their meals.

what other vegetables can bearded dragons eat?

Bearded dragons can eat a variety of vegetables, including collard greens, beet greens, mustard greens, broccoli, turnip greens, alfalfa hay/chow, Bok choy, kale, parsley, Swiss chard, watercress, clover, red/green lettuce.

Bearded dragons can also eat okra, turnips, carrots, and broccoli.

However, It is necessary to note that some vegetables like spinach should be fed in moderation due to their high oxalate content which can bind calcium and prevent its absorption.