Bearded dragons are excellent pets if you love reptiles. They are also low maintenance as they don’t require much care.
The food you give them is a big part of keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy. A pet beardie should have almost the same diet as their wild counterparts.
Apart from insects, bearded dragons also include an assortment of green veggies in their diet. There are tons of options that you should consider when it comes to what your beardie should eat.
But does this include Collard Greens?
The straight answer is yes. Bearded dragons can eat Collard Greens. Leafy veggies like Collard Greens are a great addition to a bearded dragon’s diet.
Collard Greens are safe for your pet and packed with nutrients that can do wonders for your bearded dragon’s health.
In addition, Collard Greens are a great source of fiber which can help regulate your bearded dragon’s digestive system. This is important as a healthy gut equals a happy and healthy bearded dragon.
But what else do Collard Greens bring to the table, and how can you properly prepare them for your bearded dragon? We’ve got all the answers for you, so read on to find out everything you need about Collard Greens.
What Are Collard Greens?
Collard Greens is a leafy green vegetable part of the brassica oleracea family. They are native to the Mediterranean and have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
Nowadays, Collard Greens are a popular ingredient for a variety of dishes all over the world. However, they are commonly used in Southern US cooking, usually boiled or stewed with ham hocks or smoked turkey.
In terms of appearance, Collard Greens look very similar to kale. They have large and broad leaves that are dark green.
There are a few different types of Collard Greens that you can find in the market. The most common ones are the Georgia and Morris Heading varieties.
A cup of Collard Greens contains 63 calories, 5.15 grams of protein, 1.37 grams of fat, 10.73 grams of carbohydrates, 268 milligrams of calcium, and 2.15 milligrams of iron. Collard Greens are also rich in Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, and Vitamins A, C, E, B6, and K.
Collard Greens are packed with nutrients that are essential not only to humans but to bearded dragons. So if you plan to add Collard Greens to your beardie’s diet, you make a good choice.
Are Collard Greens Safe For Bearded Dragons
Yes, Collard Greens belong to the group of vegetables that are 100% safe to feed to your bearded dragons every day. In addition, Collard Greens are an excellent addition to your beardie’s diet because of the assortment of nutritional benefits that it offers.
Collard Greens are high in nutritional value, making them an excellent food choice for your pet beardie. In addition, the fact that they are low in oxalates means that there is minimal risk of your bearded dragon developing health problems if they consume them regularly.
Collard Greens are also low in oxalic acid, which means they will not bind to calcium in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons need calcium to maintain strong and healthy bones, so they must be able to absorb as much of it as possible.
Low phosphorus content is essential as it allows your pet to properly absorb the calcium from their food. This helps ensure your bearded dragon’s bones stay healthy and strong.
Can Collard Green Poison Your Bearded Dragon?
No, Collard Greens will not poison your bearded dragon if they consume them. However, it’s important to remember that too much of anything can harm your pet.
This is why it’s essential only to give the prescribed amount of Collard Greens to your bearded dragon. Veggies such as Collard Greens should make up only 25% of a young beardie’s food and 50-80% for adults daily.
An overload of vitamins and minerals can lead to health problems such as obesity and kidney stones. So while it’s 100% safe for bearded dragons, it’s still not a good idea to overfeed them on Collard Greens.
Health Benefits Of Collard Greens To Bearded Dragons
High Calcium Content
One of the main reasons you should be giving Collard Greens to your bearded dragon is its high calcium content. As mentioned earlier, bearded dragons need calcium to maintain strong and healthy bones.
A cup of Collard Greens contains 268 milligrams of calcium, which is more than enough to meet your bearded dragon’s daily calcium requirements.
The high calcium content in Collard Greens also makes them an excellent food for pregnant or gravid females. In addition, the extra calcium will help to ensure that the developing eggs have strong and healthy shells.
Low In Oxalates
Collard Greens are low in oxalates. Oxalates are compounds that bind to calcium in the gut, making it difficult for your pet to absorb it.
This can lead to health problems such as kidney stones and metabolic bone disease. However, Collard Greens are low in oxalates, which means that your bearded dragon will not develop these health problems if they consume them regularly.
High In Fiber
Collard Greens are also a great source of fiber. Fiber is essential for bearded dragons because it prevents constipation and other digestive problems. A cup of Collard Greens contains 4 grams of fiber, about 16% of the recommended daily intake for bearded dragons.
The high fiber content in Collard Greens makes them a good food for bearded dragons trying to shed their skin. The extra fiber will help to loosen and remove the old skin from their bodies.
High Nutritional Value
It’s no secret that Collard Greens are suitable for your bearded dragon. They are an excellent nutrient source, making them an ideal food for your bearded dragon.
Beardies need veggies that are high in vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Collard Greens contain vitamins A, C, and E and calcium, iron, and magnesium minerals.
They are also a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against cell damage. This is important for bearded dragons because they are susceptible to several health problems.
Risks Of Feeding Collard Greens To Bearded Dragons
Choking Hazard
One of the risks of giving Collard Greens to your bearded dragon is that they may choke on them. This is because the leaves are large and can be challenging to chew.
It’s important to cut the leaves into small pieces before feeding them to your beardie. You can also shred the leaves to make them easier to eat.
Allergy Risk
Another risk of feeding Collard Greens to your bearded dragon is that they may be allergic to them. This is a rare case, but it can potentially happen.
If your bearded dragon has never eaten Collard Greens, it’s best to start with a small amount. This will help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
If your beardie does have an allergic reaction, it will usually manifest as itching or swelling. If you notice these symptoms, stop feeding them Collard Greens immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Other than these two risks, there isn’t much to worry about when it comes to feeding Collard Greens to your bearded dragon. They are nutritious and healthy that your beardie can enjoy regularly. Just cut them into small pieces and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked Collard Greens?
No, cooked Collard Greens aren’t safe for bearded dragons. Cooking destroys many of the nutrients that are found in these vegetables.
It’s best to feed your beardie raw or lightly steamed Collard Greens. This will help to preserve the nutrients and make them more easily digestible.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Collard Greens?
Yes, frozen Collard Greens are safe for bearded dragons. This is an excellent method of storing them and keeping them fresh.
If you have leftover Collard Greens, you can put them in a zip-top bag and freeze them. When ready to feed them to your beardie, thaw them out and cut them into small pieces.
Can Baby Beardies Eat Collard Greens?
Yes, it’s safe for baby bearded dragons to eat Collard Greens. This is because they need these vegetables to grow and develop properly.
Collard Greens are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They are also a good source of fiber, which is essential for keeping baby beardies regular.
Just cut the leaves into small pieces before feeding them to your baby beardie. You can also shred the leaves to make them easier to eat.
So, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens?
Yes, Collard Greens are good for bearded dragons. They are a nutritious and healthy food that can be enjoyed regularly.
Collard Greens are a great choice if you’re looking for food high in vitamins and minerals for your bearded dragon. Just cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your beardie.