Many Bearded Dragons owners want to learn more about bearded dragon nutrition. One of the foods that people feel they should feed their pets is rose petals. Is it safe for dragons to eat rose petals?
Can Your Dragon Eat Rose Petals?
It is not recommended that you give your Bearded Dragons rose petals as part of their staple diet. There are some concerns about toxicity, and there has never been any research into whether or not this food additive is healthy for your lizard’s consumption.
If you read online forums, many people say that their reptiles love eating them; however, others will tell you horror stories about how giving their dragon roses lead to death because of possible toxic ingestion (via pesticides). At best, rose petals are an unnecessary food item for Bearded Dragons. For the complete list please click here.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rose Petals Safely?
Yes, there is a way to give rose petals to your bearded dragon. However, they should not be fed regularly due to the potential toxicity of pesticides that may have been sprayed on them or any other reason you can think of.
Which Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Eat?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Beans
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Leaf Lettuce
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Onions
Safe Way To Feed Roses To Your Bearded Dragon
If you do decide to feed your dragon rose petals, make sure they come from roses that were organically grown with no pesticides of any kind applied to them. You want these flowers to be completely safe for consumption. Keep in mind that it is also important not to get harmful chemicals on the flower when handling it, as this can lead to ingestion by your dragon. It is best for you, as the owner, to handle the rose yourself.
When it comes to introducing rose petals to your lizard’s diet, first try feeding them one or two petals at a time every other week. Watch closely for any signs of illness or discomforts. If there are no negative side effects, slowly increase the amount you give them.
Also, be aware that many experts caution against feeding dragons any flower from the Lilium family. This includes things like lilies and daylilies, as these can be highly toxic to your Bearded Dragon.
What Benefits Do Rose Petals Have For My Bearded Dragon?
There’s really no direct benefit to feeding your Bearded Dragon rose petals. It is not nutritionally necessary for them, and it will not help with their immune system, digestion, or any other part of their physical health.
Rose petals are 95% water and may contain traces of Vitamin A, C, Potassium and calcium.
What Risks Do Rose Petals Pose For My Bearded Dragon?
As mentioned above, the main risk of rose petals is their potential contamination from pesticides and herbicides. The use of fertilizers on rose petals can also pose a threat to your beardie.
As long as you are sure they are completely free of any chemicals, rose petals are safe to feed your bearded dragon in moderation.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, rose petals are not recommended for feeding to your Bearded Dragon. It will probably be fine if you decide that you would like to give them a few once in a while; however, it is important that they are organically grown with no pesticides or herbicides applied.
If you’re ever on the fence about what to feed your dragon, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Headquarters!