As a devoted bearded dragon owner for numerous years, my journey with these amazing reptiles has been filled with discovery and continual learning. I am often asked a multitude of questions about their care, especially when it comes to their diet.
One question that comes up repeatedly is, “Can a bearded dragon eat spinach?” It seems simple, but answering it requires a deep dive into the complex dietary needs and considerations of bearded dragons.
Unpacking the Basics of a Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Before delving into the specifics about spinach, let’s understand the broader dietary requirements of bearded dragons. These appealing reptiles are omnivores, their diet consisting of a blend of animal and plant matter. They consume an assortment of insects, vegetables, and fruits.
When they are hatchlings and juveniles, their diet leans towards more protein-rich insects due to their higher growth demands. However, as they mature into adults, their dietary preference should gradually shift to include more plant matter—approximately 80% of their total diet. That’s where spinach, a leafy green vegetable, comes under consideration.
Adult vs subadult vs juvenile diet:
| Adult diet: | Subadult diet: | Juvenile diet: |
| 80% vegetables/20% feeder insects | 50% vegetables/50% feeder insects | 80% feeder insects/20% vegetables |
| Age range: 18 months and over | Age range: 12-18 months | Age range: 0-12 months |
The Spinach Debate
Let’s now address the primary question: can bearded dragons eat spinach? The answer is twofold – yes and no.
Yes, because spinach is not inherently toxic or harmful to bearded dragons. They can consume it without experiencing immediate adverse effects.
However, the answer is also no. While spinach isn’t immediately harmful, it’s not the best choice for a staple vegetable in your bearded dragon’s diet. The main reason for this is the high oxalate content in spinach.
The Issue with Oxalates
Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid, are compounds present in many plants, including spinach. These compounds bind to calcium and other essential minerals in the body, forming insoluble crystals that can’t be absorbed. Over time, this binding process can reduce the amount of available calcium for your bearded dragon.
Calcium is vital for bearded dragons. It contributes to bone growth and development, muscle function, nerve signaling, and other critical bodily functions. Calcium deficiency can lead to metabolic bone disease—a serious and often fatal condition in reptiles.
Given the potential for spinach to reduce available calcium because of its oxalate content, many experienced bearded dragon keepers, including myself, suggest feeding spinach sparingly, if at all.
Symptoms of metabolic bone disease include:
- a saggy, deformed-looking jaw
- bent, deformed legs
- lethargy
- weight loss
- general weakness
- twitching
- unexplained swellings
The Right Way to Serve Spinach
Despite the concerns surrounding oxalates, spinach isn’t entirely off the table. It can be fed to your bearded dragon in moderation as part of a varied diet. If you decide to feed your dragon spinach, ensure it is thoroughly washed to remove any pesticides, chopped into small, manageable pieces, and served raw to retain its nutritional content.
Providing a Well-Balanced Diet
Although spinach might be a controversial choice, numerous other nutritious vegetables can be safely incorporated into your bearded dragon’s diet. Green leafy vegetables like collard greens, dandelion greens, and mustard greens are excellent choices. These vegetables are high in calcium and low in oxalates, making them suitable for frequent consumption.
In addition to these leafy greens, other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, cucumbers, and carrots can also be included in their diet. Providing a variety of vegetables ensures that your bearded dragon receives an array of nutrients crucial for its health and well-being.
Guaranteeing Sufficient Calcium Intake
In addition to maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring your bearded dragon has adequate calcium intake is crucial. Calcium supplements are readily available and can be sprinkled over their food to increase their calcium consumption.
Furthermore, UVB lighting in their habitats is essential as it facilitates the production of Vitamin D3, necessary for calcium absorption. *In my experience, full-length tube lights are better at providing UVB than the all-in-one mercury vapor options.
My Personal Experience with Bearded Dragons and Spinach
Over the years, my bearded dragons have shown preferences for certain vegetables. Despite having offered spinach, they’ve always gravitated more towards other leafy greens like collard and mustard greens. This preference, combined with my understanding of spinach’s high oxalate content, has led me to primarily exclude spinach from their regular diet.
Final Thoughts: Spinach in the Bearded Dragon Diet
To conclude, while bearded dragons can technically eat spinach, it should be given sparingly due to its high oxalate content.
Instead, focus on providing other nutritious greens that are safer for regular consumption. As keepers, our aim should be to ensure our pets have the healthiest diet possible to promote their longevity and well-being.
Through the years, one key insight I’ve gained is that moderation and variety are fundamental to a healthy bearded dragon diet. Understanding these reptiles’ unique dietary needs is a critical aspect of providing the best care possible.
I hope my personal experiences and insights help other keepers navigate the challenging, yet rewarding, journey of caring for bearded dragons.
FAQ relating to Bearded Dragons and spinach:
Is spinach OK for Beardies?
Spinach is OK for Beardies as a one-off treat – but not as a regular food! Giving it to them too often can cause calcium deficiency due to its high oxalate content. Remember, it’s up to us to know what’s best for our pets. We mustn’t give them potentially harmful foods just because they like them.
Is kale or spinach better for bearded dragons?
Kale has roughly 4850% less oxalates per 100grams than Spinach – so it is much safer for them to eat. It is also low in goitrogens (chemicals that can affect Bearded Dragon thyroid function). Overall, it is a much safer food, that can be offered two or three times a week.
What is the best vegetable for bearded dragons?
According to Dragonsdiet.com, one of the safest and most nutritionally balanced vegetables for Bearded Dragons is Prickly Pear (the pads, not the fruit). It is high in calcium and vitamin C, but low in goitrogens and oxalates.
