Yes, absolutely! In fact, collard greens can be a welcome addition to their diet if they already enjoy vegetables such as kale or mustard greens. Like those leafy veggies, collards make for a leaner alternative from an otherwise carnivorous reptile’s menu.
Collard greens are low in calories and packed with vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients that will benefit the health of your bearded dragon.
However, it is important to note that you should not feed your bearded dragon collard greens every day – only include them in his meal plan two or three times a week…just like any other food item. Check out the vegetable list bearded dragons can eat.
What Is The Nutritional Profile in Collard Greens?
The nutritional profile of collard greens is impressive. Per 1 cup serving, these leafy greens provide the following vital nutrients:
- 1 gram dietary fiber (5% DV)
- 28 calories
- 2 grams protein
- 5% calcium (1%)
- 10% vitamin A (20%)
- 24% vitamin C (48%)
and several other vitamins and minerals in trace amounts.
That’s right – collards are rich in so many essential nutrients that you can include them as part of your reptile’s everyday meal plan without having to worry about deficiencies or excesses. The only thing to watch out for is the presence of oxalates which contribute to the formation of kidney stones …but even then there are ways around it.
What Are The Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Collard Greens?
Like other leafy vegetables, collard greens contain high amounts of fiber which is vital for the health of your bearded dragon. Fibrous foods like these are important for promoting regular bowel movements (something that can be difficult with an herbivorous reptile)…and help prevent digestive problems like impaction.
Collard greens provide antioxidants, calcium and vitamin A – nutrients that will improve heart health and boost your bearded dragon’s immune system to fight off infections before they happen. And lastly, the plant compounds found in collard greens have also been shown to reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer…so not only are you feeding him a healthy diet but you are helping him live longer as well.
What Are The Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Collard Greens?
As mentioned earlier, collard greens are high in oxalates which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Another problem is the damage that comes with feeding an omnivorous reptile too much fiber…because unlike other leafy vegetables, collard greens are extremely high in fiber.
These risks are actually pretty rare since most dragons don’t eat massive servings of collards at once. That being said, it is important to stay within safe limits just to be on the safe side.
Vegetables List
What Else Does My Bearded Dragon Need?
Collard greens alone cannot meet your bearded dragon’s dietary requirements – just like any other type of food item, he needs a balanced diet consisting of more than one item so that his body receives all the nutrients and vitamins that it needs.
Collard greens alone cannot meet your bearded dragon’s dietary requirements – just like any other type of food item, he needs a balanced diet consisting of more than one item so that his body receives all the nutrients and vitamins that it needs.
Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons
So what are some of the alternatives?
Collard greens are among the healthier vegetables that you will be feeding your bearded dragon so please do not shy away from them. Just don’t make them one of his staple or everyday foods.
Consider kale, mustard greens or turnip leaves instead. These leafy veggies contain more calcium and fewer oxalates…and provide your dragon with vitamin A as well.
- Kale: ( 1 cup = 36 calories , 2g protein , 7g fiber , 0 calcium , 5% Vitamin A)
- Turnip leaves: ( 1 cup = 25 calories, 2g protein, 8g fiber, 26mg calcium, 3% Vitamin Vitamin A )
- Mustard Greens: ( 1 cup = 28 calories, 1 gram protein, 4 grams fiber, 32mg calcium, 76% Vitamin A )
You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with vitamins like Vitamin E (insects), calcium (supplement or cuttlebone) and mineral blocks.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens? – The Conclusion
Yes, they can! Collard greens are just one of the many healthy leafy vegetables that your bearded dragon can eat…provided you stay within safe limits and follow a good supplementation routine.
So next time you visit the produce section at the grocery store, remember to pick up some collards for your dragon’s special meal.