You may be wondering if your bearded dragon can eat broccoli. Oxalates and goitrogens are found in this vegetable, which provides several nutrients.
These chemicals can disrupt a beardie’s thyroid. This can cause weight gain and lethargy.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Broccoli?
Yes, broccoli can be part of a bearded dragon’s diet in moderation. Here are the details:
- Broccoli is a good source of vitamins, fiber and minerals. It contains vitamins A, C and K as well as calcium, phosphorus and potassium that bearded dragons need.
- However, broccoli should make up no more than 10-15% of a bearded dragon’s diet as it is fairly high in oxalates which can interfere with calcium absorption if eaten in excess.
- Best to feed broccoli stems rather than crowns to bearded dragons since the stems have more fiber and less oxalates. The crowns can be bitter.
- Cooked broccoli is easier for bearded dragons to digest than raw broccoli. You can steam the broccoli lightly to soften it.
- Offer broccoli as a supplement to the main diet of insects, greens and vegetables. Feed 2-3 times per week at most.
- Watch for signs that your bearded dragon is getting too much broccoli like decreased appetite or weight loss. Back off if you see those things.
- Check the bearded dragon’s stool after feeding broccoli to ensure it passes easily. Broccoli fiber can cause issues if too much is consumed.
In summary, yes – broccoli can be a part of a healthy, balanced bearded dragon diet in small amounts. Just make sure to monitor how your bearded dragon handles it and reduce the amount or frequency if you notice any issues. The stems are generally best.
Bearded dragons can benefit from broccoli’s vitamins and minerals. It should be fed in small amounts as part of a balanced diet.
Broccoli has many nutrients, but its high levels of phosphorous and oxalic acid prevent bearded dragons from absorbing calcium. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in pets can result from this.
Start with small pieces of broccoli and increase the amount as your bearded dragon gets used to it. Then, give them two florets at a time and watch for reactions.
Nutrition of Broccoli
Your bearded dragon needs many nutrients from broccoli. Protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, C, K, and E are in it.
It should be used moderately. Kidney failure and diarrhoea can result from eating too much broccoli.
Phosphorus is another concern with broccoli. Your bearded dragon’s metabolic bone disease is caused by excessive phosphorus.
Therefore, only feed your bearded dragon small amounts of broccoli. Your lizard should not eat more than 10% of it.
Benefits and Risks of Broccoli
Broccoli contains vitamins and minerals that bearded dragons need. Fiber helps reptiles digest.
Like many vegetables, broccoli can harm bearded dragons. One reason is its high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio.
Phosphorus binds to calcium and prevents absorption. This can cause metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons in large amounts.
Oxalates can cause kidney, bladder, and gut issues in bearded dragons. Calcium and other minerals can also be blocked by this compound.
Substitutes for Broccoli
Beardies get protein and calcium from broccoli. Vitamin A and fiber are also present.
Broccoli is not the only vegetable your beardie should eat. These alternatives are healthier for your beardie and lower in calories and fat.
Turnip greens, watercress, and yam are other great beardie foods. These vegetables have calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Conclusion about Eating Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious green vegetable. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and fiber.
Bearded dragons can safely eat broccoli, but only in small amounts. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) can result from broccoli’s high phosphorus to calcium ratio.
Broccoli’s high oxalic acid content prevents nutrients from being absorbed. Too much oxalic acid can cause stomach upset and kidney damage.