Cilantro is a popular herb that’s been used in cooking for centuries. It has a distinct, refreshing flavor that can add a nice touch to your favorite dishes.
If you love Mexican or Indian food, you might be well acquainted with the taste of Cilantro. But can this flavorful herb be a part of a bearded dragon’s diet?
While they may look aggressive and intimidating, bearded dragons have susceptible digestive systems. As a result, it’s essential to be careful about what you feed them.
So, can bearded dragons eat Cilantro?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat Cilantro. This herb is suitable for your bearded dragon’s health. However, it should be fed in moderation and as part of a varied diet.
Cilantro also contains certain drawbacks to consider if you plan to add this herb to your bearded dragon’s diet. In addition, it also doesn’t have enough vitamins and minerals that your bearded dragon needs to stay healthy.
If you decide to feed your bearded dragon Cilantro, ensure it is fresh and pesticide-free. You should also wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or bacteria.
Let’s delve deeper into what Cilantro is all about and find out what it offers. That way, you’ll have a good idea of whether or not to include it in your bearded dragon’s diet.
What Is Cilantro?
Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. This family also includes carrots, celery, and parsley.
The plant grows to about 50 centimeters tall and has thin, delicate leaves. The leaves are usually used as an herb, while the seeds can be used whole or ground into a powder.
Cilantro is native to the Mediterranean and Africa. However, it’s now cultivated worldwide and is a staple in many cuisines, such as Mexican, Indian, and Thai.
Cilantro is often used as a garnish or to flavor salsa, guacamole, and other dishes in the United States. In addition, it’s a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as curries, soups, stews, and sauces.
Cilantro can also be used to make tea. This tea is thought to have many health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and helping to detox the body.
Nutrition-wise, 16 grams of chopped Cilantro contains 3.68 calories, 0.083 grams of fat, 0.59 grams of carbs, and 0.34 grams of protein. Cilantro also contains vitamins A, C, and K and trace amounts of potassium, folate, manganese, beta-carotene, lutein, and choline.
As you can see, Cilantro contains decent amounts of vitamins and minerals. However, it’s important to remember that bearded dragons require a diet high in protein and calcium and low in carbs.
Is Cilantro Safe For Bearded Dragons
Yes, Cilantro is safe for bearded dragons. This herb can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet for your pet.
As omnivores, bearded dragons need a diet of plants and animals. Therefore, their diet should be around 20% protein and 80% plants.
While Cilantro is safe for bearded dragons, it’s essential to feed it in moderation. While it contains no toxic substances, it also doesn’t have enough vitamins and minerals to benefit your bearded dragon’s health.
Because Cilantro doesn’t contain enough vitamins and nutrients to contribute to a bearded dragon’s diet, you’re essentially feeding your beardie empty calories when you give them this herb.
So, if you plan to feed Cilantro to your bearded dragon, you should do it moderately and in small portions so that you don’t end up disrupting their health.
Can Cilantro Poison Your Bearded Dragon?
No, Cilantro contains no toxic substances that can poison your bearded dragon. This herb is considered to be safe for both humans and bearded dragons.
However, it’s important to remember that bearded dragons have susceptible digestive systems. As a result, you should take care when feeding them this herb.
While Cilantro doesn’t contain any toxins, feeding them too much Cilantro won’t contribute to their overall health either. The herb doesn’t have enough nutritional value that bearded dragons need to stay healthy.
So, if you plan to feed your bearded dragon Cilantro, ensure you do it occasionally, so you don’t end up harming their health.
Health Benefits Of Cilantro To Bearded Dragons
Antibacterial Compounds
Cilantro contains a compound called dodecenal. This antimicrobial component helps prevent food poisoning and other bacterial infections.
While there is no evidence that this compound can help bearded dragons, it’s still good to know that Cilantro contains a substance that can help protect your pet from harmful bacteria.
More Calcium Than Phosphorus
As a bearded dragon owner, you know that your pet needs a diet high in calcium and low in phosphorus. Cilantro checks both of these boxes.
This herb contains more calcium than phosphorus at a 1:4:1 ratio. This range is good news for your bearded dragon, so you don’t have to worry about feeding them too much of this herb.
Aids In Digestion
Cilantro is a good source of dietary fiber. This nutrient helps bearded dragons digest by promoting regularity and preventing constipation.
Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient for all animals, and bearded dragons are no exception. So, if you’re looking for a way to help your pet’s digestion, Cilantro might be a good option.
Contains Water
Fresh Cilantro contains about 90% water. This high water content can help keep your bearded dragon hydrated, especially if they’re not drinking enough water.
Zero Sugar
Foods that are high in sugar are not suitable for bearded dragons. In addition, sugar can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and liver disease.
Cilantro is a good option for bearded dragons because it doesn’t contain any sugar. This means you can feel good about feeding your pet this herb without worrying about harming their health.
Risks of Feeding Cilantro To Your Bearded Dragon
Eating Too Much
As we’ve already mentioned, bearded dragons have susceptible digestive systems. This means that they can quickly get an upset stomach if they overeat something.
While Cilantro is safe for bearded dragons, feeding them too much of this herb can cause them to experience gastrointestinal discomfort. If you notice that your pet is having trouble digesting their food, then it’s best to stop feeding them Cilantro.
Allergies
Bearded dragons can be allergic to certain foods, just like humans. So if you notice that your pet has an allergic reaction after eating Cilantro, then it’s best to stop feeding them this herb.
Some signs of an allergic reaction in bearded dragons include swelling and difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms, take your beardie to the vet as soon as possible.
Dehydration
The high water content can backfire if your bearded dragon is not used to eating fresh foods. When they eat Cilantro, the water content can cause them to become dehydrated if they’re not drinking enough water on their own.
This is why it’s essential to ensure that your pet is well-hydrated before you feed them any fresh foods. If you’re not sure whether or not your pet is properly hydrated, then it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
Pesticides
Cilantro is often treated with pesticides, so it’s essential to make sure that you wash the herb thoroughly before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
Pesticides can be very harmful to animals, so you want to ensure you do everything you can to remove them before feeding Cilantro to your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Can You Give Your Bearded Dragon Cilantro?
Keep in mind that Cilantro isn’t problematic for bearded dragons. But that doesn’t mean they can be a staple in their diet.
Cilantro should only comprise a small part of your bearded dragon’s overall diet. A good rule of thumb is to sprinkle a little Cilantro on top of their food every other day.
However, keeping a close eye on how your bearded dragon reacts to the frequency of eating this herb is essential. If you notice that they’re having trouble digesting their food, then it’s best to reduce the amount of Cilantro you’re feeding them.
How Much Cilantro Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon?
You can feed your bearded dragon Cilantro as often as you like, but it’s best to give them a small amount first to see how they react. Then, if they seem to enjoy the herb and have no adverse reaction, you can increase the amount you’re feeding them.
Again, Cilantro should only be a moderate part of their overall diet. So, you don’t want to regularly feed them too much of this herb.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro Stems?
Like other parts of Cilantro, the stem is safe for your bearded dragon to eat. However, it’s important to note that the stem is much tougher than the leaves.
Your bearded dragon might have difficulty digesting the stem, so it’s best to chop it up into small pieces before feeding it to them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?
No, you should never feed your bearded dragon cooked Cilantro. The cooking process can break down the already delicate nutrients in the herb, making it less beneficial for your pet.
Additionally, cooked Cilantro is more likely to cause indigestion in bearded dragons. If you want to give your pet this herb, then it’s best to serve it to them raw.
So, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat Cilantro. While it doesn’t provide much nutrition, this herb can be an occasional nice treat for your pet or as a garnish to your beardie’s veggie salad.
Ensure you’re not feeding them too much and wash the herb thoroughly to remove harmful pesticides. If you do that, then Cilantro can be a safe and healthy part of your bearded dragon’s diet.