Yes, bearded dragons can eat kale in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet. Kale is low in sugar and high in calcium, which is important for their health.
Kale is low in calories and high in moisture, making it a valuable source of hydration for bearded dragons.
Kale also contains oxalates and goitrogens that can be harmful to bearded dragons if consumed in large amounts.
According to experts such as VCA-Hospitals, kale is totally safe to feed to your beardie and should make up a high percentage of the diet.
You should only provide kale about two or three times a week.
Nutritional Benefits Of Kale For Bearded Dragons
Kale is a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is safe for bearded dragons to eat. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of kale for bearded dragons:
- Vitamins: Kale is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for a healthy immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.
- Minerals: Kale is also high in minerals such as calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, and iron, which is important for healthy blood.
- Low in Calories: Kale is a low-calorie food, with only about 33 calories per cup, making it a healthy snack that can help keep your bearded dragon fit.
It is important to note that kale should not be the only food in a bearded dragon’s diet, as a varied diet is essential for their health. Bearded dragons also require a balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus, so it is important to supplement their diet with calcium powder.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Feeding Kale To Bearded Dragons?
Despite its nutritional benefits, there are some risks associated with feeding kale to your dragon.
Too much kale can cause digestive issues or even malnutrition if other dietary needs aren’t met.
Raw kale can be difficult for dragons to digest and should only be fed in small amounts.
When introducing kale into your dragon’s diet it’s best to start slowly and monitor their response, this will help you determine what works best for your pet.
As part of a nutritious diet that includes plenty of leafy greens like collard greens and turnip greens; insects like crickets and worms; occasional fruits; and commercial pellets designed specifically for bearded dragons – kale can form a healthy addition to your dragon’s overall nutrition plan.
How Much Kale Should A Bearded Dragon Eat?
This depends on various factors such as size and activity level.
As a general rule of thumb, here are four key points to keep in mind when feeding kale to your beloved pet:
- Kale should make up no more than 10% of the total volume of their food.
- Offer small amounts at first, then increase gradually over time if necessary.
- Make sure to remove any uneaten portions within 24 hours after feeding.
- Avoid giving too much kale or other leafy greens as these may cause digestive issues for your reptile friend.
Remember that variety is essential for a balanced bearded dragon diet; you should also include other fresh vegetables like collard greens, bell peppers, squash, carrots, etc., along with live insects like crickets and mealworms which provide protein and fat content needed by this species of lizard.
How To Prepare And Serve Kale Properly To Your Beardie?
It’s important to remember that a beardie’s diet should be varied and balanced, so it’s best not to only feed them one type of food.
When preparing kale for your beardie, make sure to wash the leaves thoroughly with water before feeding them.
Once washed, you may also want to consider steaming or blanching the kale lightly before serving.
This will help reduce potential toxins from the plant and make it easier for your dragon to digest it.
You can then serve the cooked kale by cutting it into small pieces that are easy for your beardie to consume.
Make sure to always monitor how much kale they’re eating, too much could lead to digestive issues due to its high oxalate content!
Should I Let My Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked, Kale?
From a nutritional standpoint, cooked kale can be beneficial for your pet due to its high levels of vitamins A and C.
It is not recommended to feed them cooked kale on a regular basis as side effects can occur including digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
The best approach is to offer raw kale occasionally as part of their diet in order to provide them with the most nutritional value without causing any potential health risks.
It is also important to remember that too much of anything isn’t good so moderation should always be kept in mind when feeding your beardie.
If your beardie shows signs of discomfort after eating the cooked kale then it is important to discontinue providing this food item in their diet altogether.
