Parsley is a resilient herb that stays green and flavorful throughout winter. It serves as a great source of green leaves even in the coldest of days, and can be easily bought fresh from supermarkets. But can bearded dragons consume it?
The answer is yes, bearded dragons can eat parsley.
Surprisingly, parsley has an impressive nutritional profile, which we will explore in this article. While many of us view parsley as a herb to be used in small quantities in recipes, bearded dragons can consume larger amounts, treating it more like lettuce or kale than a mere garnish.
How Often to Feed Parsley to a Bearded Dragon
Parsley can be a regular part of a bearded dragon’s diet as it is a healthier and more balanced food compared to others. It can be fed daily along with a varied diet of fruits and vegetables to provide value to your beardie.
Moreover, parsley serves as a great winter food source when other greens are unavailable. Having a pot of parsley on your windowsill or growing a few plants outside can ensure a fresh supply of nutritious leaves all year round.
Nutrients Found in Parsley
Unlike sugary foods, parsley is low in calories and rich in protein, making it a healthy choice. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and lutein, which are beneficial for your bearded dragon’s health.
Oxalic Acid Levels in Parsley
Parsley has moderate levels of oxalic acid, which can affect calcium absorption. However, the levels are reasonable enough to include parsley regularly in your beardie’s diet.
Calcium:Phosphorus Ratios in Parsley
Parsley has a healthy calcium:phosphorus ratio of 2.4:1, which is beneficial for your bearded dragon’s overall health. This ratio surpasses many other popular bearded dragon foods and helps increase calcium intake naturally.
Reasons Not to Feed Parsley to Your Bearded Dragon
There are few reasons to avoid feeding parsley to your bearded dragon as it is a nutritionally beneficial food with no major issues. The oxalic acid content is reasonable, making it a great staple for your dragon’s diet.
How to Prepare Parsley for Your Bearded Dragon
Parsley can be fed raw and requires no special preparation. Both flat-leaved and curly-leaves varieties are suitable. Simply rinse the leaves under water to remove any residues, chop them, and mix them with other foods. Soft stems can also be fed, while woody parts should be discarded.
I’ve been keeping and breeding exotic pets for over 25 years. Currently living in the UK, I have a collection of tarantulas, mantis, and more.