Can Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens?

Leaping Lizard! Bring The Collard Greens

Bearded dragons can eat collard greens. They are ranked as one of the most nutritious leafy greens. Because of their high nutritional value,  we recommend that you feed your bearded dragon collard greens daily.

In this article, we will look at the benefits, risks, nutritional value, and preparation of collard greens.

Nutritional Information And Benefits Of Collard Greens

Collard greens are among the leafy green veggies that supply generous amounts of nutrients and are low in fat. The vitamins in collards make a decent contribution to the bearded dragon’s diet. Water – 89.6g

Energy – 32 kcal

Fiber – 4g

Protein – 3g

Calcium – 232 mg

Phosphorus – 25mg

Vitamin C – 35.3mg

Vitamin A – 251 mg

Vitamin K – 437,1ug

Vitamin E – 2.3mg

Folate – 129ug

Ca:P ratio – 9.3:1

Collard greens contain critical vitamins and minerals your bearded dragon needs to stay healthy.

Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of these vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A, C, and K

Vitamin A promotes eye health and supports the immune system. It aids in reproduction and assists in proper lung, heart, and kidney function.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a significant nutrient found in collard greens.  Vitamin C aids proper growth and development,  supports immune health, and helps keep bones and teeth strong.

Vitamin K helps regulate blood clotting and maintains bone and heart health.

Fiber

As a raw vegetable, collard greens are rich in fiber.  Fiber aids in digestive function, prevents impaction and constipation, and softens hard stools.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for bone health and growth, especially in baby and juvenile bearded dragons.  It also prevents metabolic bone disease and helps females’ eggs form properly. Collard greens are excellent sources of calcium with low levels of phosphorus.  

Iron

Iron is very important for baby bearded dragons as they grow and develop.  It boosts immune health and muscle function, and transports oxygen throughout the body.

Magnesium

Strengthening bones normalizes blood pressure and supports heart function.

Low Calories

The levels  of carbohydrates, fat, and sugar are relatively low.  Collard greens are a healthy, nutrient-dense food that every bearded dragon owner must add to their pet’s’s diet.

Risks Of Feeding Collard Greens Daily To Bearded Dragons

There are risks in feeding greens to your bearded dragon.

Your bearded dragon’s digestive system might get upset if it  eats too many collards. 

Collard green leaves must always look fresh and green.  Rotten collard greens can lead to your bearded dragon contracting food poisoning..

Preparing Collard Greens For Your Bearded Dragon.

To preserve most of the collard green’s nutrient values, it is best to serve it raw. Specific things to remember when preparing a collard green meal for your beardie are:

Organic is always best.  Purchase all-natural vegetables free from pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.  Organic collard greens keep your pet lizard safe from additives that can be harmful or even fatal to its health.

Keep the collards clean.  Thoroughly wash the collard green leaves to get rid of dirt and germs.  

Chop it up.  Remove the stems to prevent choking and reduce impaction. lice the collard greens into smaller pieces so  it is easier for your beardie to chew.  

Mix with other vegetables.  Select leafy vegetables that complement each other and add nutrients to your pet needs.  You can also add flowers and fruit to balance your bearded dragon’s diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked or Frozen Collard Greens?

Collard greens should never be cooked or baked. Cooking them depletes the vitamin A, C, E, and zinc content, and the fiber becomes less effective during the heating process.

Bearded dragons can eat frozen collard greens.  The vitamin C and calcium content remain mostly intact after freezing.  

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens?

Baby bearded dragons grow quickly, and their bodies need a lot of calcium to make them grow healthy and strong.  our focus should be on how much calcium your baby bearded dragon absorbs.

Collard greens are a great food to feed your baby beardie because of the low phosphorus levels.  Calcium is absorbed from the diet effectively without any interference.  

To Conclude

Collard greens are safe to feed your bearded dragon daily.  It is one of the most nutritional greens that bearded dragon owners can include in their  diets.  

The vitamins and minerals in collard greens play an essential role in the overall health of your bearded dragon.  

We recommend you read about foods you want to include in your beardies diet. Keep in mind not all greens are equal.   Even healthy veggies have some risks.