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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelions? Facts and FAQs

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Dandelions are usually considered a common lawn weed. But they are classified as herb, rich in antioxidants, and offer several health benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved digestion, healthy blood pressure, etc. But can bearded dragons eat dandelions? Are dandelions safe for bearded dragons? If yes, what are the benefits of dandelions for bearded dragons? Can dandelions be used in a well-balanced diet?

In this article, we will cover all the points that you want to know. The article unfolds as follows:

Dandelions And Bearded Dragons – FAQs

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelions Greens?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat dandelions safely.
  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat every day as a staple diet.

Dandelions are so healthy and safe for bearded dragons that they are considered a staple diet and you can feed them to your bearded dragons daily. They offer many nutritional benefits to your pet beardie.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelions?

As already mentioned,

Bearded dragons can eat dandelion leaves every day as a staple diet.

But feeding the same diet to dragons will eventually become boring and they will not eat it anymore. So, to avoid this, you may feed dandelions to your dragon a few times a week. In that way, your bearded dragon will also have variety in its diet. To avoid monotony, you can also add dandelions to the bearded dragon’s salad. A well-balanced salad including dandelions is a great diet.

Dandelions also contain a moderate amount of oxalates which bind with calcium and stop its absorption in bearded dragon’s blood streams. Although it is very low compared to other fruits or veggies, still you need to consider it. To balance out its effect, calcium and vitamin D3 supplements are recommended. Besides this, one can also balance it with a diet that is also high in calcium such as collard greens.

Why Dandelion Greens Are So Good for Bearded Dragons?

So, bearded dragons can eat dandelions but why should you feed dandelions to bearded dragons? What are the benefits of dandelions for bearded dragons?

Dandelions are quite easy to find and you can also grow them in your lawn. The following are the benefits of feeding dandelions to bearded dragons:

Dandelions Are A Great Source Of Calcium For Bearded Dragons:

Dandelion leaves are among one of the most calcium-rich veggies. Calcium is very vital for the bearded dragon’s health, growth, and overall well-being and Dandelions take care of the calcium needs of your bearded dragon in the finest imaginable way.

A 100-gram dandelion serving contains 189 mg of calcium, a very rich amount.

If we compare dandelions with others such as broccoli or spinach, they contain only about 46 mg and 67 mg of calcium per 100 grams. So, dandelions beat them all.

Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for bearded dragons and without them, bearded dragons will suffer from multiple diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Dandelion Greens Have An Ideal Calcium-To- Phosphorus Ratio:

While analyzing any food for bearded dragon’s amount of calcium relative to the amount of phosphorous is very important. If a food is calcium-rich but contains more phosphorous than calcium, the food is considered dangerous for bearded dragons. Only foods, that have equal or higher amounts of calcium as compared to phosphorous, are considered safe or healthy for bearded dragons.

A food is considered safe or healthy if its calcium-to-phosphorous ratio is 1:1 or 1:2 (1 being phosphorous and 2 being calcium).

This is because phosphorous tends to bind with calcium and stop its absorption in bearded dragon’s bloodstreams. So, feeding calcium-rich food which is also high in phosphorous is of no use, instead, it can cause calcium deficiency in bearded dragons which can lead to weaker bones, broken tissues, lethargy, or even metabolic bone disease (MBD), which can be fatal.

Dandelion greens have calcium-to-phosphorous 3:1 (3 being calcium and 1 being phosphorous), which means they have 3 times more calcium than phosphorous.

When it comes to dandelion greens, they have more than the ideal calcium-to-phosphorous ratio, the best ratio. This means if you feed dandelions to your bearded dragons, your pet dragon will get 75% calcium for every 25% phosphorous that it has eaten.

Dandelion Greens Are A Rich Source Of Vitamins A & K:

Dandelions also contain a rich amount of Vitamins A and K.

  • Vitamin A supports reproductive health and aids bones.
  • Vitamin K helps your dragon in healing wounds and also strengthens its bones.

Besides these, dandelion greens contain potassium, magnesium, and iron, all are healthy for bearded dragons.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Dandelions?

Generally, dandelions have zero side effects on bearded dragons. They are among the healthiest veggies that you can offer to your pet dragon. The only thing that is concerning is a slightly moderate amount of oxalates in dandelion. Like phosphorous, oxalates also bind with calcium and prevent its use in bearded dragon’s body. But this low amount of oxalate is also covered with the high amount of calcium present in dandelions.

In short, dandelions have oxalates along with a very high amount of calcium and calcium effectively covers the downside of oxalates in dandelions.

So, you can feed dandelion greens to your beardie daily without any hesitation.  

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelion Flowers?

Dandelion followers are low in calcium but contain antioxidants and beta-carotene. They are beneficial for bearded dragons but only as an occasional treat.

Yes, bearded dragons can eat dandelion flowers as an occasional treat because they are not calcium-rich.

Bearded dragons can eat dandelion flowers as a treat but not as a staple. Dandelion flowers are also quite filling, your bearded dragon’s appetite will also be ruined and he might not eat other important foods.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelion Puffs?

Dandelion puffs are essentially dandelion seeds which are low in nutrients and will not benefit your dragon.

No, bearded dragons can’t eat dandelion puffs.

Additionally, puffs also pose a choking hazard and are difficult to digest, causing constipation, diarrhea, or even gut impaction.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelion Stems?

Dandelion stems have a milky substance inside them which can upset a dragon’s stomach. It isn’t toxic or deadly, but it isn’t good for bearded dragons.

No, bearded dragons can’t eat dandelion stems.

Feeding stems to bearded dragons can cause indigestion. So, it’s best to avoid the stems.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dandelions From Your Yard?

If you are not using any chemicals, lawn treatment, or fertilizers, then bearded dragons can eat dandelions from the yard. But if you find dandelions from any other source such as wild dandelions, it’s not worth the risk.You can easily get organic dandelions from your neighboring grocery store.

How To Serve Dandelion Leaves To Your Dragon?

Serving dandelions to bearded dragons is quite easy and doesn’t require a lot of work. Do the following to prepare dandelions to feed your bearded dragon:

  • Remove the stems.
  • Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove dust.
  • Chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
  • Mix them in a salad with carrots, bell peppers, collard greens, and a bit of raspberries, or with any other fruit.
  • Serve the fresh, organic, prepared dandelion salad to the dragon.
  • Let your dragon have his feast.

Some Things To Consider:

  • Buy fresh, organic dandelions.
  • Young dandelions are preferable as they are the most nutritious.
  • Avoid dandelions that are contaminated with chemicals.
  • In the case of feeding flowers, remove the stems.

Final Thoughts

Dandelions are one of the best greens that you can feed to your pet beardie. They are rich in essential elements and calcium. The good thing is that they are easily available at grocery stores. Always prepare dandelion leaves and remove the stems, puffs and flowers before feeding it to your dragon. Let your reptile pet enjoy them.

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

Dandelions and Bearded Dragons – FAQs

Can baby bearded dragons eat dandelions?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat dandelions in salads.

Can bearded dragons eat frozen dandelions?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat frozen dandelions but fresh ones are always better. You need to thaw the frozen dandelion at room temperature.

Can bearded dragons eat cooked dandelions?

Again, Fresh dandelions are preferred. Cooked and frozen dandelions are low in nutrients.

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