It’s okay if you get confused about what your beardies can and cannot eat. After all, most reptiles are native to tropical or arid climates, and their diet in the wild consists primarily of insects.
Of course, you’ve seen pet stores label vegetables like celery as “bearded dragon food,” but can bearded dragons eat celery?
In this article, I comprehensively explore the things you need to know about feeding celery to your beardies.
Let’s dive right into it!
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat celery, but there is a catch. Celery should only be given in small quantities to your beardies, primarily as a treat.
Native to Australia, bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles. This means they can be fed food of both plant and animal origin. Their diet typically consists of insects (i.e. crickets and mealworms), leafy greens, and vegetables.
Celery is rich in oxalates, which can bind with calcium and lead to deficiencies. This can result in several health problems, such as metabolic bone disease, in bearded dragons.
So, it is important to limit the amount of celery that your lizard eats and make sure that they are getting enough calcium from other sources.
Overall, celery can be a part of a healthy diet for bearded dragons but should be given in moderation. If you do choose to give your bearded dragon celery, make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove any pesticides or chemicals that may be present.
Pros of Feeding Celery To Bearded Dragon
Celery isn’t just a crunchy, watery vegetable with no real nutritional value. This veggie has a lot to offer when it comes to your bearded dragon’s nutrition.
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
One of the most important things to consider when feeding your bearded dragon is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
Bearded dragons need a lot of calcium for healthy growth and development. However, their phosphorus intake should be kept to a minimum since it can lead to health problems.
Celery is a great option for beardies because it has a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1, which makes it a good source of this essential mineral.
High Water Content
Bearded dragons come from arid climates and require a diet that is high in water. Celery is a great way to help your beardie stay hydrated since it’s 96% water.
This will help keep your dragon healthy and also make them less likely to become dehydrated, which can be a serious health concern.
Low in Sugar
It’s best to refrain from feeding too much sugar to your bearded dragon. Celery is a great low-sugar treat option for a balanced diet.
Cons of Feeding Celery To Bearded Dragon
While celery is chock-full of incredible health benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
Oxalates-Rich Compounds
One of the biggest potential dangers of feeding celery to your bearded dragon is its high oxalate content.
Oxalates are compounds that bind to calcium in the digestive tract and prevent its absorption.
This can lead to calcium deficiency, potentially resulting in stunted growth, bone deformities, and kidney stones.
Low in Calcium
While celery contains a considerable quantity of calcium, it’s still not enough for your reptile friends.
This may not be an issue if your bearded dragon is getting enough calcium from other sources.
However, if celery is the primary source of calcium in your bearded dragon’s diet, this can lead to health problems.
Make sure to supplement their diet with other calcium-rich foods.
Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Celery Leaves?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat celery leaves. They are a healthy and nutritious addition to your bearded dragon’s diet.
Celery leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and phosphorus. They also contain a compound called lutein, which can improve eye health.
Additionally, celery leaves are high in fiber. This can help improve the digestive system of your beardie. As is the case with any new food, it’s important to introduce celery leaves to your bearded dragon gradually and in moderation. Start by offering a small piece of leaf once or twice a week and watch how your beardie responds.
If there are no adverse effects, you can gradually serve more celery leaves in their diet. Make sure to thoroughly wash the leaves before feeding them to your pet.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?
As a pet owner, it’s important to ensure that your pet is getting the right nutrition. This is especially true for reptiles, which have specific dietary needs.
So, if you’re wondering how often you can feed celery to your bearded dragon, the answer is roughly once a week. Of course, you should always consult your veterinarian for advice, as some dragons may have varying nutritional needs.
Celery is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it can help your bearded dragons get the fiber they need. However, it’s also relatively low in protein, so it shouldn’t be the only vegetable your dragon eats.
A healthy diet for a bearded dragon includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and insects. You can use celery as part of a well-rounded diet for your pet, but make sure not to overdo it.
High celery intake can lead to digestive problems for your dragon. So, it’s best to feed them celery in moderation.
What Is the Vegetable Alternative To Celery?
While celery may be the go-to veggie for most bearded dragon owners when they want to feed their pets a crunchy, healthy snack, there are several vegetable alternatives available.
These vegetable alternatives to celery offer just as much, if not more, in terms of nutrition and flavor.
Green beans, for instance, are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. They can easily be enjoyed raw with a dip or cooked as part of a tasty stir-fry.
Turnips are also a great option, as they are loaded with high levels of vitamins C and B6 as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.
The slightly sweet flavor of turnips makes them a perfect addition to roasted vegetables or pureed into soup.
The Takeaway
Bearded dragons can certainly eat celery as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Celery is a good source of vitamins and minerals and contains fiber, which can help improve digestion.
However, you must remember that celery should only be fed in small quantities to your beardie to avoid constipation or other digestive problems.
If you still have questions about your bearded dragon’s diet, it is always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian.
