Yes, Bearded Dragons can eat asparagus. However, they should only have it sparingly because it is high in oxalates or oxalic acid which are linked to urinary tract conditions including bladder stones in pet reptiles.
Asparagus Benefits
Asparagus is a healthy plant for humans to eat and bearded dragons will benefit from the beta-carotene in this food source. It has also been used in the past when being grown in gardens to create living fences that would help keep animals out. This makes it easy for any animal within that area to eat it if needed. Although bearded dragons can eat asparagus, they should not be fed too often (1-2 times per month). As mentioned earlier, it can cause health issues like bladder stones. Check out the vegetables for bearded dragons.
How Do You Prepare Asparagus For Your Bearded Dragon?
To feed asparagus to a bearded dragon, you can offer it raw or cooked. Make sure it is washed completely. Make sure that it is cut into little pieces and that you check them before giving them to your lizard pet. You do not want any leaves on the stalks because of the risk of impaction if eaten too quickly without chewing through.
If you insist on cooking your asparagus for your bearded dragon, make sure that you prepare it without salt and/or oil. One good thing about cooking the asparagus versus serving it raw is that cooking it cuts down on the oxalates but on the flip side, it also diminishes the vitamin profile.
List of Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Brussel Sprouts
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Butter Lettuce
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Butternut Squash
Pros of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Asparagus
Some of the pros of feeding your dragon asparagus are that it is high in beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin A, fluoride and copper. Another pro to having your bearded dragon eat asparagus is that the oxalates are reduced if cooked versus raw for this plant.
Cons of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Asparagus
As mentioned earlier, one problem with feeding asparagus to a pet bearded dragon is that the levels of oxalates are too high. This could lead to urinary tract obstructions. When feeding your lizard this plant make sure not to give them any leaves on stalks because they will cause an impaction which can be deadly if ignored. Like other vegetables or plants fed to your reptile, there are also no tannins in asparagus
While asparagus has calcium in it, the percentage of phosphorus to calcium is too high. Which is the main reason you won’t see asparagus on a beardie’s staple diet list.
Final Thoughts
Asparagus is a good supplement to your bearded dragon’s diet. Feeding him/her some weekly will keep his vitamin levels in a great spot. As with most items outside of your bearded dragon’s staple diet, moderation is key. Make sure to cut it into manageable pieces (preferably raw) so that your beardie can handle it and we don’t need to worry about any intestinal issues. After you feed him/her, just monitor and keep an eye out for any unusual activity. Your beardie will most likely be fine.