Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage? beardeddragongeek.com

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

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Among many vegetables, cabbage is full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is very beneficial for humans but can bearded dragons eat cabbage? Out of four types of cabbage, i.e. red, green, savoy, and napa, which is the best cabbage for bearded dragons? Can bearded dragons eat all types of cabbage?

Let’s take a look at all types of cabbage one by one.

  • What Is A Cabbage’s Nutritional Profile?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage
  • How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?
  • What Are Nutrient Benefits Of Cabbage For Bearded Dragons?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Red Cabbage?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Cabbage?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Savoy Cabbage?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Napa Cabbage?
  • What Are Cabbage Health Concerns For Bearded Dragons?
  • Which Cabbage Kind Has The Most Health Benefits For Bearded Dragons?
  • How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

FAQs

  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw And Cooked Cabbage?
  • Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage Leaves And Stems?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage If They Have Certain Health Conditions?
  • What Are The Signs That A Bearded Dragon Is Not Tolerating Cabbage?
  • Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage While Shedding, Brumating, And During Pregnancy?

What is a Cabbage’s Nutritional Profile?

The nutritional value of raw cabbage per 100-gram serving is as under:

  • Calories: 25Cal
  • Water Content: 92.18g
  • Sugars: 3.2g
  • Proteins: 1.28g
  • Calcium: 40mg
  • Phosphorus: 26mg
  • Vitamin A: IU98IU
  • Vitamin C: 36.6mg
  • Oxalates: 2mg
  • Ca:P Ratio: 1.5:1

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat cabbage.
  • No, bearded dragons can’t eat cabbage all the time as a staple diet.

Mostly all types of cabbages are similar in nutritional benefits for bearded dragons. So you can feed any type of cabbage to your pet dragon. Only avoid frozen or cooked cabbages as they contain salt or other additives that are not recommended for bearded dragons.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

Cabbage is a non-toxic, healthy food for bearded dragons when fed in moderation. But it can also affect the thyroid if consumed frequently. This is one of the reasons cabbage is not a staple diet for bearded dragons.

A healthy bearded dragon can eat cabbage 1-2 times per week depending upon the type of cabbage.

What Are Nutrient Benefits Of Cabbage For Bearded Dragons?

Cabbages have the following nutrient benefits for your bearded dragons. These nutrients are also present in all types of cabbages but red cabbage has more.

Fiber:

Red cabbage is full of fiber which promotes a healthy digestion in bearded dragons.

Vitamin C:

Red cabbage contains vitamin C which boosts your pet dragon’s immune system, reproduction, vision, and overall growth.

Vitamin K:

Vitamin K is vital for blood cell maintenance and stronger tissues.

Antioxidants:

They prevent inflammation in bearded dragons.

Manganese:

It aids metabolism and bearded dragon’s health.

Potassium:

Very important to regulate blood pressure in bearded dragons.

Magnesium:

It controls and promotes healthy sugar levels.

Vitamin B6 and Folate:

These are important as they maintain the nervous system and boost energy in bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Red Cabbage?

The first type of cabbage is red or purple cabbage. Can a bearded dragon eat it? If yes then how often can a bearded dragon eat red cabbage?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat red cabbage.
  • No, bearded dragons can’t eat it daily as a staple diet.
  • Bearded dragons can eat red cabbage a few times a week.

Red cabbage is full of nutrients and minerals and can boost your bearded dragon’s health.

Red cabbage is the most suitable and nutritious option for your bearded dragon.

As red cabbage is most suitable for regular feedings, you need to be careful and don’t only rely on it. For better health of your pet beardie, a well-balanced diet is very important. So, what are the health benefits of red cabbage?

In addition to nutrient benefits, red cabbage also has the following health qualities for your bearded dragon:

Red Cabbage Are Low In Fat And Sugar:

Red cabbage will not put your bearded dragon at risk for diabetes obesity or high blood pressure. It is quite low in sugar and fats and a healthy option for your bearded dragon.

Red Cabbage Contains More Calcium Than Phosphorus:

Red cabbage has a perfect calcium-to-phosphorous ratio of 1.5:1. Phosphorous tends to bind calcium and stop its absorption in bearded dragons, so feed with higher calcium than phosphorous is suitable for bearded dragons. So, red cabbage is safe and suitable for your pet dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Cabbage?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat Green Cabbage.
  • No, bearded dragons can’t eat green cabbage daily as a staple diet.
  • Bearded dragons can eat green cabbage once a week or every other week.

Like red cabbage, green cabbage also contains all the nutrients but in lower quantities. Green cabbage has less calcium, fibers, iron, potassium, and vitamins but its calcium-to-phosphorous ratio (2:1) is better. Like red cabbage, it’s also low in fat and sugar so your dragon will not be at risk of obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

The amount of goitrogens is higher in green cabbage as compared to red cabbage. This compound interferes with the bearded dragon’s thyroid function and can cause health issues. So,

If your bearded dragon is already eating a goitrogens-high diet, avoid feeding him green cabbages.

You can add green cabbage to salad and make a healthy, balanced diet for your bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Savoy Cabbage?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat savoy cabbage.
  • No, bearded dragons can’t eat savoy cabbage daily as a staple diet.
  • Bearded dragons can eat savoy cabbage every other week or so.

Savoy cabbages are similar to green cabbage but with thinner leaves and a crispier texture.

Savoy Cabbage is not a good option for your bearded dragon due to the presence of high levels of goitrogenic, acid level, vitamin A, and poor calcium to phosphorous ratio.

The health concerns of savoy cabbage are as follows:

Higher Acid level:

Savoy cabbage is more acidic than green or red cabbage. It may cause stomach and digestive issues in bearded dragons.

Poor Calcium-To-Phosphorus Ratio:

Savoy cabbage has a poor calcium-to-phosphorous ratio. This means it has more phosphorous than calcium and in the long run can cause calcium deficiency in your beloved bearded dragon that can lead to health issues including metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Vitamin A Toxicity:

Savoy cabbages are high in vitamin A. Although vitamin A is an essential part bearded dragon diet too much Vitamin A can vitamin A toxicity. You will notice symptoms such as energy loss, lethargy, weight loss, swelling, and dehydration in your bearded dragon due to vitamin A toxicity.

If your bearded dragon is already on a Vitamin A supplement, be careful while feeding him savoy cabbage. It can create health issues for your beloved dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Napa Cabbage?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat Napa Cabbage.
  • No, bearded dragons can’t eat Napa cabbage daily as a staple diet.
  • Bearded dragons can eat Napa cabbage safely once a week.

Napa cabbage or Chinese cabbage has thinner leaves and a sweeter taste than all other cabbages. It is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Its calcium to phosphorous ratio is also fine which makes it a safer option for bearded dragons. However, due to the presence of high goitrogenic, its consumption is limited to once a week. 

What Are Cabbage Health Concerns For Bearded Dragons?

Why it is important to limit the intake of cabbage for bearded dragons? As already discussed, cabbages are good for bearded dragon’s overall health. They generally don’t pose any health risks for bearded dragons. The only issue with cabbages is the presence of goitrogen in them.

What is Goitrogens?

Goitrogens are natural chemicals that are present in many plants and can interfere with and disrupt the production of thyroid hormones.

Why It’s Important To Limit The Intake Of Goitrogens In Bearded Dragons?

Goitrogens can interfere with the regular function of the thyroid in bearded dragons and can cause health issues. Cabbages are high in goitrogens and if fed frequently can have the same effects on the thyroid of your bearded dragon.

If you frequently feed cabbage or goitrogens to your bearded dragon, it can cause goiter in bearded dragons.

Goiter is a condition that causes abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A swelled thyroid gland will be unable to function properly and your bearded dragon’s health will be weakened.

A high level of goitrogen in bearded dragons can lead to hyperthyroidism causing a dangerous drop in hormone production.

As all types of cabbage contain goitrogens, so intake of them should be moderate.

Which Cabbage Kind Has The Most Health Benefits For Bearded Dragons?

Red cabbage is the healthiest option for bearded dragons as it is lowest in goitrogens and highest in nutrients and minerals. Additionally, red cabbage also contains Vitamin B6, folates, and vitamin K.

How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

As raw cabbage is high in nutrients, so all cabbage should be served raw. Bearded dragons can also eat cooked cabbage but it is not recommended due to choking hazards and low nutrient content.

To prepare cabbage for your bearded dragon, you can follow these simple steps:

  • Choose fresh, organic cabbage as it is high in fiber as compared to wilted cabbage. Also, Avoid canned or frozen cabbage.
  • Wash the cabbage thoroughly.
  • Remove outer leaves.
  • Select healthy leave to feed your dragon.
  • Wash the selected leaves again from the front and back sides to remove all chemicals and dust.
  • Cut the leaves into smaller pieces while avoiding the cabbage stalk as it is quite hard and poses a choking hazard and digestive issues such as constipation and impaction.
  • Chop cabbage pieces into small pieces. The largest piece should be smaller than the distance between your bearded dragon’s eyes.
  • Serve the cabbage.
  • You can also mix cabbage with other veggies and make a healthy and balanced salad for your bearded dragon.
  • Enjoy the show J

Closing Thoughts

So, you have learned that cabbages are good for bearded dragons when fed in moderation. Each type of cabbage contains many minerals and vitamins but red cabbage is the healthiest for your beardie. You can make a good salad by mixing cabbage with other veggies and your dragon will love that.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

FAQs

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw And Cooked Cabbage?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat both raw and cooked cabbage. But raw cabbage is more beneficial for bearded dragons as it contains more nutrients.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can also eat cabbage in moderate quantities. You need to chop the cabbage into very small pieces to avoid a choking hazard.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage Leaves And Stems?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat cabbage leaves and stems. For the stems, you need to choose thinner and softer, so that your bearded dragon can easily eat them.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage If They Have Certain Health Conditions?

Bearded dragons with the following health conditions should avoid cabbage:

  • Digestive issues.
  • Calcium deficiency.
  • Constipation and gut impaction.

What Are The Signs That A Bearded Dragon Is Not Tolerating Cabbage?

If your bearded dragon shows the following signs, it means that cabbage is not good for him and you need to stop feeding cabbage to your bearded dragon:

  • Digestive upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Appetite loss.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage While Shedding, Brumating, And During Pregnancy?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat cabbage while they are shedding or brumating or during pregnancy in moderate quantities.

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