Let’s face it, a kale smoothie may not spark joy for many of us. However, nutritionists highly recommend it for a reason. Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a superfood. It is high in fiber and low in sugar, making it a healthy choice.
This leads to an interesting question for bearded dragon owners.
Can bearded dragons eat kale?
And more importantly, do they enjoy it?
Bearded dragons can indeed eat kale and many of them seem to love the taste.
But there’s more to it.
Leafy greens like kale are among the best plant-based foods you can give your bearded dragon. While other foods high in water or sugar should be given sparingly, leafy greens like kale can be a staple in their diet.
It’s important to provide variety in their diet. Supplement a base diet of leafy greens with small amounts of other safe foods to ensure your beardie stays happy and healthy.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Stems?
Some bearded dragon owners may be concerned about the toughness of kale stems. However, bearded dragons can eat kale stems and stalks.
In fact, kale stems are a good source of protein and fiber, as well as calcium and iron.
While not as nutrient-rich as the leaves, kale stems are still a great addition to a bearded dragon’s diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Everyday?
Bearded dragons can eat kale daily.
Kale is a highly nutritious food for bearded dragons and can be a staple in their diet. It is rich in vitamins and high in calcium, which is essential for bone health.
However, it’s important to provide a variety of foods in addition to kale to ensure a balanced nutrient intake.
Kale can serve as a base food alongside other leafy greens like cabbage, but it’s important to supplement these with other fruits and vegetables.
How Often to Feed Kale To a Bearded Dragon
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can offer your bearded dragon.
You can feed kale to your bearded dragon daily, as long as you also provide other plant matter to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
Using leafy greens like kale and cabbage as the foundation of your beardie’s diet and incorporating less nutrient-dense foods over time is advisable.
Feed kale to your bearded dragon regularly, ideally several times a week, and fill in the gaps with other leafy greens.
Nutrients Found in Kale
Kale is almost a perfect food for bearded dragons, as it is rich in nutrients and low in sugar.
Kale is high in protein, which is uncommon for plants. It also contains essential minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium.
In addition to minerals, kale is a good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as thiamin, riboflavin, and folate.
Kale is considered a superfood for its impressive nutritional content, making it an essential part of a bearded dragon’s diet.
Calcium in Kale
Calcium is crucial for your bearded dragon’s bone health, and kale is an excellent source of calcium.
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in kale is around 2.7:1, which is close to the optimal ratio of 2:1.
Kale’s high calcium content can compensate for lower calcium levels in other foods when fed together.
Feeding a variety of foods to your bearded dragon is important to ensure they get a balanced diet and necessary nutrients.
Oxalates in Kale
Oxalic acid can bind to calcium in the kidneys, leading to kidney stones and preventing calcium absorption. Kale has a low oxalic acid content, with only 2mg per cup.
Kale’s low oxalic acid level makes it a healthy choice for bearded dragons.
Should Kale Be Raw or Cooked for Bearded Dragons?
Both raw and cooked kale are suitable for bearded dragons.
Raw kale requires minimal preparation, while cooked kale may lose some nutrients but can be easier for bearded dragons to eat.
Both raw and cooked kale can be included in your bearded dragon’s diet, depending on your preference.
How to Feed Kale To Your Bearded Dragon
Kale is nutritious and easy to digest, but some bearded dragons may need time to adjust to eating vegetables.
Introduce kale gradually by mixing small amounts with other foods your beardie enjoys. Gradually increase the proportion of kale in their diet over time.
Preparing kale for your bearded dragon is simple:
Wash: Thoroughly wash kale leaves to remove any pesticides or herbicides.
Chop: Finely chop kale leaves for easier consumption, especially if your beardie is small.
Combine: Mix kale with other plant-based foods to create a balanced meal for your bearded dragon.
Consider growing kale at home to have a fresh and nutritious supply for your bearded dragon throughout the year.