Can bearded dragons eat celery?
Rachel Davis
This delicious vegetable is fantastic in salads and soups or simply as a tasty snack during the afternoon. If you’re hoping to give your beardies next meal an additional crunch, you might be thinking: Can bearded dragons eat celery?
Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing AroundIn the past, there have been numerous concerns about whether celery is nutrient-rich enough to warrant eating, particularly for bearded dragons; it’s mostly composed of water. The fact is that celery has amazing nutritional value, anti-inflammatory properties, as well as an excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. It is safe for bearded dragons to eat every week or every couple of weeks.
WHY CAN BEARDED DRAGONS HAVE CELERY?
Your beardie will adore this delicious, crunchy food. You’ll be thrilled to know there are many benefits when you add a small celery stalk to the menu of your dragon’s:
- Flavonoids and antioxidants, which support the health of your heart and lessen inflammation
- Beta carotene as well as Vitamin C that benefits the immune system of your dragon as well as reproduction, vision, and development
- 95 percent of water. This is fantastic to help keep your beardie well-hydrated
As you will see, your bearded dragon can benefit from eating chopped-up celery at this point and later. Celery has another interesting benefit with regard to its calcium content. At 1.6 to 1, its calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is within the optimal range for bearded dragons.
Calcium is a key element in the growth and development of bearded dragons. Calcium binds with phosphorus which prevents it from getting into the bloodstream of the dragon. If your dragon’s not getting enough calcium or receiving too much phosphorus, it could develop metabolic bone diseases (MBD). It’s extremely painful, dizzying, and even fatal if not treated. This is why it’s great to know that celery has a healthy ratio of both minerals!
WHY CAN’T BEARDED DRAGONS HAVE CELERY ALL THE TIME?
However, it’s not perfect. It shouldn’t be a regular food item for your dragon’s bearded friend because it’s high in oxalates. These connect with calcium and cause kidney stones as well as MBD. Your dragon may become sick or even die because of eating too much celery. If you’re careful about how much celery as well as other high-oxalate or phosphorus-rich food items you feed your pet and don’t have to worry about it!
CAN BEARDED DRAGONS EAT CELERY LEAVES?
We’ve discussed what’s in the stalk of the celery. Do bearded dragons also consume celery leaves too?
Yes, they do! The leaves of celery are not harmful to bearded dragons. You can provide chopped celery leaves, along with chopped celery in the same amount. Celery leaves are rich in calcium, fiber, and vitamin E that help maintain bone health, digestion, cells, and a healthy diet and cells, respectively.
HOW CAN BEARDED DRAGONS EAT CELERY?
Like other vegetables such as celery, it’s a food item that can be consumed in raw form, meaning it’s not necessary for cooking for your dragon to eat. If you can, choose organic if possible. This way, you’ll know it’s not contaminated with pesticides.
Prior to serving, thoroughly wash and chop the celery stalks as well as leaves. Then, place them in the dragon’s bowl of food.
Celery is very stringy and can pose a choking danger to your bearded dragons. Slice the stem into smaller pieces, so your dragon can safely chew it.
WHAT OTHER VEGETABLES CAN BEARDED DRAGONS EAT WITH CELERY?
Are you unsure of what to make in your celery salad? Here are some ideas to combine to make a delicious meal:
- Carrots
- Yellow squash
- Blueberries
- Asparagus
- Collard greens
- Bell Peppers
Then add some Dubia roaches, and your beardies will be happy!