Kale has become quite popular over the last several years due to the health food craze. If you have some around the house and are wondering if it’s good to feed your Bearded Dragon, the answer is yes, it’s fine to give your pet some kale, but before you do, let’s discuss if it’s safe in large amounts and if there are better alternatives you could choose.
Is kale bad for a bearded dragon?
Oxalates
Many people worry that kale is high in oxalates, which are bad for bearded dragons. Oxalates can bind with calcium and prevent your pet from absorbing it. You should already be feeding your dragon calcium supplements because they don’t get enough in their diet, so you don’t want t feed them something that makes them ineffective. However, bearded dragons have very few oxalates and contain only 2 mg per cup.
| Food 100g | Oxalates mg |
| Kale | 20 |
| Spinach | 658 |
| Broccoli | 190 |
| Carrot | 500 |
Vitamin A
Vitamin A can also be toxic to bearded dragons in large amounts and can lead to health problems, like brittle bones, so you never want to add supplements to their diet. However, the Vitamin A provided by kale is in the form of Beta Carotene and is as safe as part of a varied diet.
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are another ingredient in kale that many people worry can be harmful to bearded dragons. It affects the thyroid gland and could affect the production of hormones. However, there is not enough goitrogen in kale to cause a problem, even if they eat it regularly.
Is kale good for a bearded dragon?
Kale is perfectly safe to give your bearded dragon and Is quite healthy. It contains several ingredients your pet should eat regularly.
Calcium
Calcium is an important nutrient that your bearded dragon has difficulty getting enough of in its diet, and you often need to supply supplements. Kale is high in calcium, so it’s one of the better foods you can provide your pet. It helps build strong bones and contributes to overall health.
Vitamin A and Vitamin C
We know we have Vitamin A listed under the bad category, but as long as there aren’t toxic levels, this important vitamin is responsible for good vision and a strong immune system. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with regenerative properties. The calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2.4:1, so it exceeds recommendations and allows the calcium to be readily absorbed.
Vitamin K
The Vitamin K in kale will help your bearded dragon prevent blood clots and is important for blood health.
Potassium
Potassium helps your bearded dragon retain water, so they don’t dry out in the arid climate. It also helps with muscle function and prevents kidney problems.
Manganese
Kale contains manganese that is an important nutrient that helps fight inflammation and aids in metabolism.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important nutrient that helps with brain and muscle development.
Low Sugar
One of the greatest aspects of feeding your bearded dragon kale is that they won’t be eating a lot of the sugar present in so many other foods. Especially foods that people normally eat and want to share with their pets. Foods high in sugar can lead to obesity and several health problems, so it’s better to avoid them if you can.
How should I feed my bearded dragon kale?
The best way to feed your bearded dragon kale is to provide it raw. Anny heating or boiling will destroy the nutrients it contains.
- Wash it thoroughly to remove any pesticides and other contaminants. Even if it’s organic, it may have picked up something on the way to the market, and there may be dirt lodged inside that can upset your dragon’s stomach.
- Remove the leaves from the stalk
- Chop the leaves into very small pieces to prevent the frilly kale from getting lodged in the throat. A food processor can help.
- Mix with other vegetables like carrots, collard greens, and bell peppers to create a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide and have decided to make kale a regular part of your pet’s diet. Mixing it with other high-quality vegetables will help provide a balanced diet high in nutrients and low in sugar to keep your pet healthy. Remember also to add calcium supplementation to their diet no matter what you are feeding.
If you found it helpful and informative, please share this guide to the safety of feeding your bearded dragon kale on Facebook and Twitter.
- Related Read: 10 Best Greens for Bearded Dragons
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
