Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumbers?
Table of Contents
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumbers?
Among the many benefits of cucumbers for bearded dragons is that they contain magnesium, which is important for their brain and muscle function. The fiber in cucumbers is also essential for bowel movements. Furthermore, cucumbers are an excellent source of manganese, a mineral that is touted as a potent anti-inflammatory. Also, cucumbers are rich in vitamin K and C, which are essential for the immune system and blood clotting.
Good source of calcium
Vegetables are an excellent source of calcium for bearded dragons, and a good way to increase your pet’s diet is to mix in some greens with your pet’s favorite fruits and vegetables. Some greens should be avoided, however, due to the high amounts of oxalic acid. The oxalic acid in spinach binds with pepsin, which inhibits the absorption of trace minerals.
Symptoms of a calcium deficiency in a bearded dragon include green droppings. The color comes from bile released when the bearded dragon digests food. This indicates a calcium deficiency, and if this happens, your beardie might have soft bones and back kinks. A healthy beardie’s stool is brown with urate markings. It should be firm and log-shaped.
Good source of phosphorus
Arugula is a good source of phosphorus for bearded draconia, and is an excellent addition to a lizard’s diet. This plant, which belongs to the Cucurbita family, contains calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Bearded dragons can eat this plant in moderation, but you should limit its consumption to about 10% to 15% of its daily diet.
Herbs are another good source of phosphorus for bearded draconia. Many of these foods have excellent calcium-phosphorus ratios. The downside to herbal salads is that they can be costly to prepare every day, and the flavor can be overpowering to your beardie. Similarly, broccoli and rhubarb are high in phosphorus, but they also contain goitrogens.
Good source of vitamin K
Some vegetables are rich in Vitamin K for bearded dragons, but there are some that should not be fed to your beardie. Onions are toxic to dragons, but leeks are mildly poisonous and do not cause harm to the beardie. Another vegetable that is not suitable for a beardie is lettuce, which has few nutrients and is mostly water. Mushrooms are also toxic and contain high phosphorus. A good substitute is mustard greens, which are also known as Brassica juncea.
Pineapples are another good source of Vitamin K for beardies. They come from a tropical tree, the Rosaceae family. These fruits are rich in Vitamin C and have a moderate amount of oxalic acid. However, it is best to feed bearded dragons only a small amount of this fruit since it contains high levels of phosphorus. Aside from pears, a good source of Vitamin K for beardies is the pomegranate.
Good source of fiber
While humans need more fiber than reptiles, bearded dragons are not limited to plant-based diets. Alfalfa, for example, is a good source of fiber and contains vitamins A and C, which help the immune system and eyesight. While experts advise against using sprouts, you can feed the rest of the alfalfa in your beardie’s regular diet.
Blackberries are good for your beardie dragon. These tend to be larger than other berries, and blackberries are a particularly difficult type for your dragon to digest. Sprinkle some berries on salads to encourage better eating. Apples are also good for beardies, but be sure to remove the seeds or skins before feeding them to avoid impaction. Apples are also good for occasional salads, but do not give your dragon the seeds or skins, as these can irritate the digestive tract.