With the increasing popularity of pet ownership, many enthusiasts are now keeping reptiles, including bearded dragons. These reptiles have diverse eating habits but require careful attention to what they consume. While bearded dragons can eat various foods, some are beneficial, and others can pose health risks. Many pet owners often wonder about what’s safe to feed their pets. One common question is whether bearded dragons can eat Celery. Celery offers several health benefits, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and calcium, all while being low in calories.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of foods, including celery. This crunchy snack is something your beardie will enjoy. Celery provides essential vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for your reptile. While it can be a healthy addition to their diet, it’s best to offer celery occasionally as a treat rather than a regular meal.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?
Celery should be an occasional treat for bearded dragons, ideally fed only once or twice a month. It’s best to offer fresh celery in small amounts, combined with other leafy greens like Romaine lettuce, collard greens, yellow squash, or other healthy plants.
5 Benefits of Celery for Bearded Dragons
Celery offers essential nutrients and other beneficial qualities for your bearded dragon. Here are the key benefits:
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio Aids in Development
The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is crucial for a bearded dragon’s diet. Calcium is essential for their growth and development. A balanced ratio ensures proper calcium absorption. Too much phosphorus can hinder calcium absorption and lead to metabolic bone disease. This disease causes severe pain and can be fatal for a bearded dragon.
Antioxidants Boost Heart Health
Celery is rich in antioxidants, crucial for your reptile’s health. In addition to antioxidants, celery contains flavonoids that support heart health and help reduce inflammation in your bearded dragon.
Celery Keeps Beardie Hydrated
Celery, like cabbage, has a high water content, providing about 95g of water per 100g. This makes it a good hydration source for your bearded dragon. However, avoid overfeeding as it could be harmful.
Beta Carotene Aids in Growth
Celery contains beta-carotene and Vitamin C, which support the immune system and growth. It also benefits the bearded dragon’s reproductive system and vision.
Low Sugar Levels Prevent Severe Diseases
Celery contains only about 1.34g of sugar per 100g, making it a good option for your bearded dragon. Reptiles can face serious health issues from too much sugar, which often leads to frequent vet visits. High sugar can result in obesity, tooth and gum issues, and diarrhoea.
The bearded dragon’s teeth are directly rooted in the jawbone, not sockets. This means dental and gum problems can be excruciating for them. For this reason, feeding your bearded dragon foods with low sugar, like celery, is always a wise choice.
3 Risks of Feeding Celery to Bearded Dragons
Feeding celery to your bearded dragon can be beneficial, but it should be in moderation. While it offers some health benefits, excessive amounts may lead to issues. It is not a suitable daily meal for your reptile. Here are some potential risks associated with feeding celery to your bearded dragon.
Celery Has a Risk of Kidney Stones
Celery contains high levels of oxalates, which are oxalic acids. These acids bind to calcium, preventing your bearded dragon from absorbing it properly. Consuming too many oxalates can lead to kidney stones in your reptile. To keep your bearded dragon healthy, avoid overfeeding celery.
Excess Water Can Cause Diarrhea
Celery is high in fibre and water but has minimal nutrient content has minimal nutrient content. Feeding celery daily to your bearded dragon can lead to digestive issues and diarrhoea. It’s better to offer kale and carrots instead.
Low in Nutrients
Celery provides some nutrients, but not all essential ones. It consists of 95% water, with only 5% being nutrients. Many vital vitamins are lacking in celery, including:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-12
- Iron
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
Feeding celery once or twice a month can benefit your bearded dragon. It provides variety and some nutrients. However, it should not be a regular part of their diet. Too much celery can cause digestive issues. Always offer in moderation to ensure a balanced diet.
How to Prepare Celery For Your Bearded Dragons?
Choose Fresh to Get the Most Benefits
Always feed your reptile fresh celery. Avoid celery with discoloured leaves, wilting, or bruises, as fresh celery contains fewer oxidants. Choosing organic celery is best to prevent pesticides from entering your bearded dragon’s body.
Washing Makes it Pesticide Free
Make sure to wash the celery thoroughly before serving to ensure it is clean and free of pesticides. After washing, check for any rotten leaves or blemishes. Remove any affected parts with a knife to avoid health risks. You can then feed the celery raw to your pet dragon.
Fine Chopping is Good
After washing thoroughly, cut the celery stalks into small pieces and finely chop the leaves. Since celery is stringy, not cutting it into small pieces can pose a choking hazard.
Mixing with Other Veggies Make it Tempting
Mix a small amount of celery with their other vegetables to make the food more appealing. If your bearded dragon doesn’t like celery, adding it to their favourite food can help them develop a taste for it.
Serving as Topping is Good
You can use celery as a topping for salads or bowls of veggies and fruits. It’s a great way to control the amount you feed your beardie. Sprinkle finely chopped celery in their food bowl.
Prefer Raw
Never feed cooked celery to your bearded dragon. Raw celery helps preserve its nutrients.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons enjoy a variety of meals, with a particular fondness for green vegetables. As a bearded dragon owner, providing meals rich in nutrients is essential.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat celery. It makes a great snack and is packed with beta-carotene, antioxidants, and calcium, all beneficial for your pet. However, celery should be fed moderately to avoid issues like kidney stones or diarrhoea.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat celery?
Yes, a bearded baby dragon can eat celery. However, they offer it in small amounts, ensuring their diet is rich in high-nutrient foods.
Can bearded dragons eat celery leaves?
Bearded dragons can eat celery stalks and leaves. However, be sure to chop the leaves finely before feeding them.
Can bearded dragons eat Celery sticks?
Bearded dragons enjoy the crunchy texture of celery stalks. Be sure to cut them into small pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Do bearded dragons Like celery?
Bearded dragons enjoy celery as a snack. However, it should be fed in moderation and not regularly.
Can bearded dragons eat celery raw?
Always feed raw celery to your bearded dragons. Celery, like other vegetables, contains temperature-sensitive nutrients. Avoid cooking it to preserve these nutrients.
Is celery suitable for bearded dragons?
Celery contains nutrients that can benefit reptiles, but regular feeding may harm their health.
Can bearded dragons eat celery root?
Celery roots are high in phosphorous, which can negatively impact your bearded dragon’s health. It’s best to avoid feeding them celery roots.