Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale? When And How Much

bearded dragon eating

Do Bearded Dragons eat kale? Is it healthy for them? The short answer is yes. Bearded Dragons can eat kale, and it’s nutritious for them, too. Kale is one of the leafy greens that are great for this reptile to have in their diet. But how much is too much?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale? When And How Much

In this article, we’ll give a brief overview of the Bearded Dragon and what kale contains. Then, we’ll go in-depth on what types of kale Bearded Dragons can eat, the benefits, and the issues. Also, we’ll share how to prepare this meal for your reptile and how much to give them.

What Is A Bearded Dragon?

A Bearded Dragon is a reptile that makes a lovely pet for any family. Whether you have young kids or you’re an adult that wants a new friend, you can undoubtedly count on the Bearded Dragon, also known as the Beardie. Beardies are friendly and social creatures who are more active during the day. So, you’ll be able to handle them and hang out with them while you’re home.

Luckily, Bearded Dragons are low-maintenance to care for. They’ll appreciate a terrarium that’s at least 40 gallons in size. This will give them enough room to roam since this lizard can grow up to 24 inches long.

Also, Beardies are from Australia. They didn’t come to the United States until the early 1990s. So, they’re used to warmer weather.

For instance, their habitat should be about 75 to 85 degrees F during the day. There should also be a basking spot in the tank with a UV light over it to make that one area at least 100 degrees F. At night, the tank can be cooler, typically between 68 and 74 degrees F.

With this care and a healthy diet, your Bearded Dragon will be part of the family for up to 15 years.

Watch this video: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Safe or Risky Diet Choice

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Safe ...
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Safe or Risky Diet Choice

What Does Kale Contain?

Kale is known to be a “superfood.” This is because it has many nutrients, even though it has a bitter taste.

If you’re thinking of feeding your Beardie kale, then here are the nutrients it contains:

  • Water
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorous
  • Protein
  • Fiber

The best part is that there’s a 5:1 calcium to phosphorous ratio, which is precisely what your Bearded Dragon needs. Also, it’s rich in minerals such as potassium, iron, manganese, and copper.

Kale is low in sugar, too, so it’s a diabetic-friendly food.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale?

bearded dragon

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Baby Kale?

You can feed your Beardie baby kale since it’s similar to regular kale. The major difference is that baby kale is more tender, making it easier for your lizard to eat it raw. You can give baby kale to your Beardie to ensure they like the taste before giving them other kale.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Curly Kale?

Yes, curly kale can be eaten by your Beardie. Curly kale and kale are the same. The only difference is that the curly kale has curly leaves, and the other has straight leaves. But, on the other hand, the nutrients are all the same.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tuscan Kale?

Tuscan kale is darker in color and thinner than other kale. Also known as Dinosaur Kale, your Bearded Dragon can eat this type. In addition, this type of kale is also more tender than other kale. So, it might be easier for your Beardie to consume.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Kale?

Yes, but fresh is better. If you feed your lizard frozen kale, make sure it’s completely thawed before serving. Otherwise, it’s a choking hazard.

Also, frozen kale is often boiled before frozen, which takes away some of the nutrients.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Greens?

Bearded Dragons can eat kale greens. In fact, this is the best part for them. The leaves have more nutrients in them than the stalk. Also, the stalk is hard for them to chew and swallow.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked Kale?

Yes, your Beardie can have cooked kale. However, it won’t do much for them in terms of nutrients.

When cooked, the heat gets rid of the nutrients within the vegetable. So, it’s best to stick with raw kale.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale Stalks?

No, this is one part of the veggie that Beardies should not consume. The stalks are stringy and hard in texture, which can be a choking hazard.

Can Bearded Dragons Drink Kale Juice?

Beardies can drink kale juice. Instead of store-bought, which can have added sugar and other ingredients, you can blend kale at home.

However, this isn’t the best option for your Beardie since it can cause diarrhea.

Is Kale Good For Bearded Dragons?

Are you wondering, can my Bearded Dragon eat kale? Yes, and it’s good for them too. Kale has many nutritional benefits and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

However, Bearded Dragons can be picky eaters, so it’s a matter of whether or not your Beardie likes the bitter taste.

Can Kale Be Bad For Bearded Dragons?

Of course, kale can also be bad for Beardies if they eat too much of it. Kale can cause an upset stomach and bind your lizard, causing them to get sick.

If you don’t know if you should try this food with your Bearded Dragon, then be sure to talk to your vet.

In the meantime, let’s look at the benefits and problems of feeding Bearded Dragons kale.

Benefits And Problems With Bearded Dragons And Kale

bearded dragon

Kale is a wonderful food to feed Bearded Dragons. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals, but there can be some drawbacks to this.

First, let’s talk about the benefits.

Kale Is Low In Sugar

Beardies can get many health issues if they overeat sugar. For example, sugar causes obesity, tooth decay, and digestion problems. So, you won’t need to worry about their sugar intake from this veggie.

Kale Is High In Calcium

Phosphorous makes it so calcium cannot be absorbed. As a result, beardies need a lot of calcium in their diet. Luckily, kale is high in calcium, so they’re getting what they need.

When there are pros, there are also cons.

Kale Is High In Oxalates

Oxalic acid binds calcium and doesn’t allow it to be absorbed. Since Beardies need a lot of calcium in their diet, it’s argued that the amount of oxalates is not good for them. This is one reason why kale needs to be fed to them in moderation. 

Kale Is High In Vitamin A

Vitamin A is great for a lot of things, but too much can hurt your Beardie. They can get vitamin A toxicity, which causes swelling, weight loss, lethargy, and dehydration.

Here’s a quick look at the benefits and drawbacks of feeding kale to your Bearded Dragon.

ProsCons
Low in sugarHigh in oxalates
High in calciumHigh in vitamin A

How Much And How Often Can Bearded Dragons Have Kale?

So, can you feed Bearded Dragons kale? Yes, but how much and how often?

Beardies should only have kale in moderation, which means they can only have it once or twice per week. It’s nutritious for them, yes, but there are some drawbacks, as we discussed.

Also, kale leaves can be big or small, depending on where you get them from. So, use your best judgment. If you have some small leaves, you can get away with giving them one or two at a time. If it’s big, maybe only give your lizard half at a time.

How To Prepare And Feed Bearded Dragon Kale

When feeding this leafy green to your lizard, the first thing you’ll want to do is go to the store and buy organic. Organic kale isn’t necessarily healthier than other kale, but you can be sure it wasn’t grown with pesticides.

Alternatively, you can grow the kale yourself.

Regardless, the first thing you’ll want to do is wash the kale thoroughly. This will remove any potential pesticides or dirt that may be lurking on the leaf.

Once it’s washed, remove the leaves from its stalk. You only want to give your Beardie the leaf part. Then, chop the leaf into small pieces. Not only will this be easier for your Bearded Dragon to eat, but you can also mix it with other plants and veggies.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered, can I feed my Bearded Dragon kale, then the answer is yes.

Before you try new foods with your Bearded Dragon, always discuss it with your vet first. However, even though kale should be fed in small amounts, it is one of the healthiest vegetables your reptile can have.

If you get the okay from the vet and your Beardie loves this leafy green, then it’ll be a great addition to their diet.

Know exactly what not to feed bearded dragons here and find our guide to whether bearded dragons can eat strawberries or grapes. Also learn the best fruits for bearded dragons here. Or read more about bearded dragons here.

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