Can Bearded Dragons Eat Swiss Chard? A Comprehensive Guide

 

 Bearded dragons which are among the popular reptilian pets needs a balanced diets as well as varied one to achieve the best health in the pets. There is always the question on what they can include in their diet, and if Swiss chard will be allowed. This article covers the possibility of including Swiss chard within the diet of bearded dragons as well as how to do it in a healthy manner.

 

Feeding Swiss Chard to Bearded Dragons

 

 Swiss chard can be a good part of the diet invertebrates contain, thanks to its nutritional value. However organic spinach contains high oxalates thus should be consumed in limited proportions in a meal. Oxalates is known to have an ability to chelate calcium and hence, if taken in large quantities may lead to lack of calcium in the body. Swiss chard is accepted dearly by bearded dragons but it should be incorporated in little amounts in their diet.

 

 The best way to prepare Swiss chard is to start by washing the green leaves vigorous in order to get rid of all dirt as well as pesticides. Since bearded dragons have small mouths, cut the leaves into smaller manageable portions which are easy for them to take in. It is safe to prepare Swiss chard with other green leaves that are allowed like collard green and mustard green thus giving a variety and balance. The greens should also be purchased in cycles to name several reasons why a subject needs to rotate their greens.

 

 Because of its rich oxalate content, swiss chard should be given in moderation and should not be used as a regular part of the rat’s diet. However, always observe your bearded dragon’s reaction to new foods and seek the services of a reptile veterinarian if they develop adverse reactions or/and digestive problems.

 

Nutritional Value of Swiss Chard

 

 Swiss chard is known to contain vitamins and minerals which are essential to the bearded dragons’ diet. It is suitable source of vitamin A, which is crucial for eyesight and immune system of the body. Swiss chard is also rich in vitamin K, that is a necessary element to blood coagulation and bone formation.

 

 Besides vitamins, Swiss chard contains minerals like calcium needed in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, iron used in oxygen carrying in the blood and magnesium used in several processes in the body. Even though these nutrients are beneficial, they should be accompanied with other foods substances that make up diet because they contain high oxalates.

 

Potential Risks and Concerns

 

 The only issue related to feeding swiss chard to bearded dragons is that this vegetable contains higher amounts of oxalates that lock the Calcium present in the body and thus lead to deficiency of Calcium. However, Swiss chard, when taken in large quantities could be detrimental to the bones and the entire body.

 

 To mitigate these risks, Swiss chard should be introduced in a balanced diet which includes other green leaves, other vegetables and now and then some protein. This diversities assist in avoiding any unequal distribution of nutrition and thus the improved health of consumers.

Other Safe Vegetables to feed Bearded Dragons

 To provide a well-rounded diet, consider incorporating these other safe vegetables:To provide a well-rounded diet, consider incorporating these other safe vegetables:

 

 Collard greens

 Mustard greens

 Turnip greens

 Escarole

 Endive

 Banana chips (preferably those with low amount of trans fat)

 Butternut squash when cooked and mashed and then added to a blender

 Bell peppers (in moderation)

 Cucumber (with skin/ rind and seeds discarded)

 Zucchini (cooked and mashed)

 These vegetables have different nutrients and flavours and therefore get to make your bearded dragon diet diverse and healthy. Vegetables should also be washed well before preparations and dissection into sizes that suits the dragon.

 

 It is important that you feed your bearded dragon some fruits to supplement on their diet since they get most of their diet from the veggies section here are some recommend fruits.

 Fruits can be delicious but since they contain higher sugar, they should be taken sparingly when on a diet. Here are some safe fruits to offer occasionally:Here are some safe fruits to offer occasionally:

 

 Blueberries

 Strawberries

 Apples (cut off the seeds and the core)

 Pears should be peeled, de-seeded and their core being removed.

 Mangoes- peeled and pitted

 Papayas (skin as well as seeds should be discarded)

 Melon or watermelon with seed removed and skin taken off

 The fruits such as grapes chopped into small portions.

 It is important to always peel fruits before coming over especially when you have children with you as they choke on seeds, pits or tough skins. Fruits have to be a part of the balanced diet and they can’t be the main part of diet for your bearded dragon.

 

Halloween Safe Treats For Bearded Dragons

 In addition to vegetables and fruits, you can offer these protein-rich treats:In addition to vegetables and fruits, you can offer these protein-rich treats:

 

 Mealworms: Protein bars, however, should contain them but in reasonable sizes.

 Crickets: A good category of protein meals; should be availed occasionally.

 Waxworms: Rich in fat and that is why they should be used in moderation.

 Silkworms: Non-hazardous, healthy and ideal for digestion, therefore, you could offer it as a snack.

 Conclusion

 Thus, swiss chard should be given to a bearded dragon in limited quantities owing to its high oxalates content while it is generally beneficial to its health. The recommended and balanced diet should contain vegetables and at times contain fruits and protein rich foods. Each bearded dragon should always be put on a proper diet and it is recommended that you seek advice from a reptile vet.