Spinach is undeniably a superfood for humans, packed with fiber, antioxidants, and a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Eating spinach daily can boost our health. However, this isn’t the case for bearded dragons. Overconsumption of spinach can cause serious illness or even death for these reptiles.
So, can bearded dragons eat spinach? In moderation, yes. A small amount of spinach can be beneficial, but it should not be a regular part of their diet.
In recent years, bearded dragons have gained popularity as pets, with the inland bearded dragon being one of the top choices. Known for their unique personalities, these reptiles are attentive, hardy, and tame, making them great companions
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spinach?
The answer is yes, but only seldom and in very small amounts.
Omnivorous bearded dragons have strict dietary needs. You might already know they need plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, but insects are also essential. When creating a food list for your bearded dragon, including the right variety of foods is necessary.
Excessive spinach consumption can be harmful to your bearded dragon. Spinach may prevent calcium absorption, lacking nutrients your dragon can’t get from other foods.
Spinach contains high levels of oxalates, which bind to calcium and hinder its absorption. This can be detrimental to the health of your bearded dragon.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spinach?
A few leaves of spinach each month are delicate for bearded dragons. Some owners avoid feeding spinach due to potential risks, though it’s not critical for their development. In rare cases, spinach can be offered occasionally, such as a few leaves every few months. If your beardie has health concerns, consult your veterinarian first. It’s best not to serve spinach in large quantities. Instead, offer it once every two to three months as part of a balanced salad.
4 Benefits of Spinach for Bearded Dragons
Low Sugar Levels Make it Good for Heart
A high-sugar diet is not suitable for bearded dragons. Regular sugar intake can lead to fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and even heart failure. Spinach, however, is a heart-healthy option for an occasional salad, as it typically contains little to no sugar.
Healthy Calcium and Phosphorus Ratio for Your Pets
Bearded dragons should avoid phosphorus-heavy foods, especially those with more phosphorus than calcium. It’s safer to feed them meals with a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, ideally 1.1 or higher. Among foods with calcium and phosphorus, spinach has more calcium than phosphorus. This makes it a safe and beneficial option for your beardie regarding the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. If spinach were the only factor to consider, bearded dragons could eat it regularly without issues.
Vitamins and minerals for Overall Health
The term “superfood” applies to spinach for a reason. It provides essential nutrients that both people and dragons need, including:
- Iron helps deliver oxygen to your organs.
- Â Folate supports cell division and growth.
- Â Fiber promotes healthy digestion.
- Â Vitamins A, C, and beta carotene boost your dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.
- Vitamin K1 controls blood clotting.Â
Nutrients For Good Health
Spinach is rich in other minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals promote bone health and growth while helping to lower blood pressure.
2 Risks of feeding spinach to Bearded Dragons
High Water Content May Lead to Diarrhea
Spinach contains 92% water, similar to watermelon. While it helps keep the dragon hydrated, too much can cause diarrhea. It’s best to limit the amount of spinach you give each month.
Oxalates and Calciums May Lead to MBD
Your dragon cannot absorb calcium because oxalates bind to it. Additionally, calcium is being digested from other sources simultaneously. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) can develop from a diet lacking sufficient calcium and ongoing calcium deficiency.
What is Metabolic Bone Disease?
MBD is when bones become soft, weak, and misshapen due to a lack of calcium. It is most common in younger bearded dragons (under two years old). A poor diet, often too high in phosphorus and low in calcium or vitamin D-3, usually causes MBD.
While spinach has the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bearded dragons, its oxalates prevent adequate calcium absorption. This is why veterinarians recommend avoiding spinach. Balancing your beardie’s calcium intake is crucial, and spinach complicates that balance.
Tannin Inhibits Enzyme Functioning
Spinach contains tannins, which bind to proteins and reduce their absorption. Tannins also interfere with the enzymes in a bearded dragon’s gut, affecting the absorption of iron and vitamin B12.
How to Prepare Spinach for Your Bearded Dragons?
- Giving your bearded dragon spinach is easy. When possible, buy organicÂ
- spinach to avoid pesticides. Clean it thoroughly to ensure no dirt or chemicals enter your dragon’s body.
- To prevent choking, chop the spinach leaves before adding them to the vegetable bowl.Â
- Â Raw spinach is more nutritious than cooked spinach, so cooking isn’t necessary.
- Feel free to add other vegetables. You can serve it alone or mix it with carrot tops, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and common greens.
- Â If your dragon is picky, top the salad with small pieces of sweet fruit like grapes, strawberries, or bananas.
- For your dragon’s safety, only give spinach in small amounts every few months.
What Other Vegetables Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Collared Greens
These greens’ calcium to phosphorus ratio is 14.5:1, making them a superfood. Your dragon requires plenty of calcium and a great profile of vitamins, fiber, and folate.
Cactus
After removing the spiky exterior, you’ll have a delicious treat for your bearded dragon. When cut into bite-sized pieces, the fleshy part of the cactus is full of calcium, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Turnip Greens
Turnip greens provide a good calcium-phosphorus ratio and add a mild flavor to your beardie’s meal. They are rich in calcium and vitamins. However, turnip greens should not be central to your dragon’s diet due to their high oxalate content. Just a tiny amount can be mixed with other oxalate-free greens.
Dandelion Greens
Dandelion leaves are rich in calcium and vitamin A. They also contain oxalates, similar to turnip greens. It’s best to pair them with foods low in oxalic acids, such as collard greens.
Mustard Greens
Like turnip greens, mustard greens can add flavor to a bland vegetable mix. They also share a common element: oxalate concentration.
Escarole
Escarole adds texture and crunch to your beardie’s meal. It provides calcium, but due to its oxalic acid content, it should be paired with a calcium-rich, oxalate-free green.
Conclusion
Can bearded dragons eat spinach? While spinach is nutritious, its high oxalate content should only be given occasionally as a treat. Oxalates prevent the absorption of calcium, which can lead to metabolic bone disease over time. To ensure your bearded dragon’s health, offer other low-oxalate vegetables that provide essential nutrients. A balanced diet of fruits, live insects, and vitamin supplements will keep your beardie healthy for years.
FAQS
Can bearded dragons eat spinach every day?
Occasionally, it’s OK to eat spinach, such as a few leaves every few months.
Can spinach kill a bearded dragon?
Despite its many benefits, spinach has one major drawback that bearded dragons cannot handle: it is very high in oxalates.
Can bearded dragons eat raw spinach?
Spinach is safe for your bearded dragon in small quantities, but it’s better to avoid it altogether.
Do beardies like baby spinach?
Bearded dragons can eat baby spinach occasionally, just like regular spinach.