Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley? beardeddragongeek.com

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

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Bearded dragons are friendly reptiles who spend a long lifespan with you. How long bearded dragons live entirely depends upon how much you care and what you feed to them. For better growth of these exotic reptiles, you need a well-balanced diet plan that is calcium-rich and contains all essential nutrients. In this diet, greens are very important. Among many greens, parsley is easily available in home gardens and grocery stores. But can bearded dragons eat parsley safely? Is parsley beneficial for bearded dragons? Are there any health concerns of parsley for bearded dragons? How much parsley can bearded dragons eat? etc. As a dragon owner, these questions come to mind and in this article, we will answer all your questions.’

FAQs

What is a Parsley Nutrition Profile?

Parsley contains many minerals and vitamins that can be beneficial for your bearded dragon. The nutrient profile of fresh parsley per 100 grams serving is as follows:

  • Calories: 36Cal
  • Water Content: 87.71g
  • Carbohydrates: 6.33g
  • Sugars: 0.85g
  • Fat: 0.79g
  • Proteins: 2.97g
  • Calcium: 138mg
  • Phosphorus: 58mg
  • Sodium: 56mg
  • Vitamin A: 8424 IU
  • Vitamin C: 133mg
  • Oxalates:166mg
  • Ca:P Ratio: 2.4:1

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, bearded dragons can eat parsley as an occasional garnish.
  • No, they can’t eat it daily as it is not a healthy food.

Parsley contributes to the overall mineral and vitamin requirements of bearded dragons and it’s calcium-to-phosphorous ratio is also excellent (1.5:1 to 2:1). It is beneficial for bearded dragons when fed in moderate quantity.

How Often Bearded Dragons Can Eat Parsley?

Although parsley is a rich source of calcium and its calcium-to-phosphorous ratio is also fine, bearded dragons can’t eat parsley every day.

Bearded dragons can eat parsley every three or four weeks.

Due to high oxalate, bearded dragons can’t eat parsley as a staple diet. Oxalates tend to bind with calcium and stop its absorption in bearded dragon’s bloodstreams which can cause calcium deficiency. This is the major reason to reduce the consumption of parsley after every 3-4 weeks.

What Are The Benefits Of Parsley?

Parsley has several benefits for bearded dragons and they also have a perfect calcium-to-phosphorous ratio (2.4:1). Following are the common benefits of feeding parsley to bearded dragons:

Nutritional Variety:

Parsley can be added to the bearded dragon’s diet to complement other vegetables and diversify their nutrient intake.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K which boost the immune system, vision, and blood clotting in bearded dragons. This means if your dragon is injured, his blood clotting will be faster and he’ll lose less blood.

Parsley also contains calcium and potassium. These minerals are crucial for bearded dragon’s bone health, muscle function, and overall vitality.

Hydration:

Parsley has a high water content and bearded dragons take necessary water from their diet. So, feeding parsley will hydrate your bearded dragon, especially if they are not drinking water from the water bowl.

Promotes Digestive Health:

Parsley is rich in fiber which supports the bearded dragon’s digestive system. Adequate fiber intake ensures good bowel movement and prevents constipation and gut impaction.

Antioxidant Properties:

Parsley contains many antioxidants that help your bearded dragon fight damaged cells and illness.

Flavorful Enrichment:

Many bearded dragons like the taste of parsley and adding parsley to meals entice bearded dragons to eat it.

What are the Health Concerns of Parsley for Bearded Dragons?

So, if bearded dragons can have many benefits from eating parsley, then why can’t I feed parsley daily to my bearded dragon? Does parsley have side effects on bearded dragons?

Among many benefits, parsley has one major and some minor side effects on bearded dragons. The health concerns of parsley for bearded dragons are:

Major Side effect of Parsley – High Levels of Oxalates:

Parsley contains a high level of oxalates that can bind with calcium and crystals in bearded dragons. Like phosphorous, oxalates produced by plants also bind with calcium and spot its absorption in bearded dragons. The deficiency of calcium in bearded dragons can lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD) and forming of crystals can lead to kidney stones. So, containing too much oxalates is the major drawback of parsley and this is the main reason you cannot feed parsley to your pet dragon daily as a staple diet.

A bearded dragon should eat 1-3 grams in a meal and max 10 grams of parsley in a month.

While feeding parsley, you need to take care of the bearded dragon’s calcium consumption and the quantity of parsley you are feeding them, or your dragon will face severe health issues.

The other side effects of parsley are:

Gastrointestinal Upset:

Feeding too much parsley to bearded dragons will have the same effects as it has on humans. They will face gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, bloating, or discomfort.

Allergic Reaction:

There is a very rare chance that your bearded dragon may have an allergic reaction after eating parsley and it can suffer from itching, rash, or difficulty breathing.

Potential Nutrient Imbalance:

Feeding too much parsley to a bearded dragon can cause a nutrient imbalance in them. For better health of bearded dragons, always go for a balanced diet that is also calcium-rich.

How to Feed Parsley to Bearded Dragons?

Feeding parsley in limited quantity is beneficial for your bearded dragon. Although you cannot use it as a main meal, instead use it to garnish the meal and make a balanced diet for your pet dragon. Preparing parsley for your pet beardie is pretty simple and easy. Following are steps that you can do to prepare parsley for your bearded dragon:

  • Get fresh, organic parsley for your bearded dragon.
  • Avoid dried or pre-chopped parsley available at grocery stores.
  • Chop it into fine, small pieces which your dragon can easily eat.
  • Add it as garnish to another salad or meal.
  • Let your dragon enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Parsley is usually safe for bearded dragons to eat in limited quantities (Max 10 grams per month). It offers several nutrient benefits to your pet dragon. It has a perfect calcium-to-phosphorous ratio, is low in sugar, and is high in water content. The only side effect of parsley is that it can cause calcium deficiency and kidney stones in bearded dragons due to the presence of high levels of oxalates. If you make a balanced diet for your bearded dragon, then parsley doesn’t reflect any health concern for your dragon.

Hopefully, all your questions have been answered. If you have any questions related to bearded dragons, feel free to Contact us. Thanks J

FAQs

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley Stems?

Yes, bearded dragons eat parsley stems. You need to only those stems that are larger and thicker and can cause choking to your bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley Flowers?

Yes, bearded dragons eat parsley flowers but they are not a natural part of their diet.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can also eat parsley but in smaller quantities and less frequently as compared to adult bearded dragons.

What Are Signs That Bearded Dragons Are Not Tolerating Parsley?

If your bearded dragon shows the following signs after eating parsley, it means parsley is not good for your bearded dragon:

  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Appetite loss

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley Roots?

No, the bearded dragons should not eat parsley roots. Roots are quite hard and your bearded dragon will not be able to digest it.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley Seeds?

No, bearded dragons should not eat parsley seeds as they pose choking hazard to them.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley While Shedding?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat parsley while shedding. Parsley as a part of balanced diet will help them by providing them minerals, nutrients and proper hydration.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley While Brumating?

During brumating, bearded dragons tend to stop eat as it is a state of deep sleep. They only consume water for their hydration. But if your bearded dragon wants to eat a diet, parsley can be a part of it.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley If They Are Showing Signs Of Calcium Deficiency?

No, bearded dragons can’t eat parsley when showing signs of calcium deficiency. Although parsley is calcium-rich and it has perfect calcium-to-phosphorous ratio but it is high in oxalates which will bind with calcium and stop its absorption in bearded dragons.

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