Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal-based foods, including insects. However, most of their diet should consist of leafy green vegetables and flowers, with only 10-20% being fruits. Here are some greens that bearded dragons can eat:
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Daily Staple Greens: Cactus pad or prickly pear, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, kale, arugula, bok choy, and watercress.
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Weekly Greens: Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens should be fed sparingly, as they contain oxalates that can bind calcium and other trace minerals, preventing their absorption.
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Limited Greens: Romaine, iceberg, red, and green lettuces should only be offered in small amounts, as they are primarily made of water and are mostly devoid of nutritional value.
Its important to note that each bearded dragon may have its own favorite and least favorite foods, so its important to offer a variety of greens mixed up as a salad. Additionally, vegetables can be offered cooked or raw, although raw is more natural and retains more nutrients. Finally, bearded dragons have a higher need for dietary calcium than phosphorus, especially when they are young and their bones are growing, so its recommended to sprinkle a Phosphorus-free calcium powder on their food daily.
