Can bearded dragons eat brussel sprouts?
As a bearded dragon owner, I’m always on a mission to find new and TASTY SNACKS that I can give to my dragon (after all, she deserves the very best).
I found that bearded dragons can eat Brussels sprouts, but it’s important to remember that not all vegetables are good for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons should not eat too many Brussels sprouts, as they can cause digestive problems.
But there are so many other questions to ask as well. How often can dragons have sprouts? Is there a limit to how many they can eat? Should they be cooked, frozen, or raw? As a dragon keeper, I know you want answers just as much as I do.
In this article, I answer all of these questions and more!
Also Read: 10 Best Bearded Dragon Foods
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Bearded dragons can eat Brussels sprouts
- However, it’s important to remember that not all vegetables are good for bearded dragons
- Bearded dragons should not eat too many Brussels sprouts, as they can cause digestive problems
Are Brussels Sprouts Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat?
While dragons can eat Brussels sprouts, it’s important only to give them a SMALL AMOUNT occasionally.
Brussels sprouts can cause digestive problems if beardies eat too many of them. So, while they are SAFE to eat, it’s best to only give bearded dragons a little portion (especially if you want to avoid gas).
Are Sprouts Safe for Baby Bearded Dragons?
Feeding Brussels sprouts to baby bearded dragons are safe, but they should only have a LITTLE slice once a month.
This is because a bearded dragon is much smaller than a baby and has a lower tolerance for the negative minerals in sprouts. Honestly, you should avoid treats as much as possible until your dragon is fully grown.
READ MORE: Cauliflower for Bearded Dragons – Is it Safe?
How Many Brussels Sprouts Can Bearded Dragons Have and How Often?
A good rule of thumb is to only give bearded dragons ONE OR TWO Brussels sprouts per month. This is because they aren’t massively beneficial to dragons in terms of nutrition (and there are even a few red flags).
In fact, some dragon keepers prefer to stay away from Brussels sprouts entirely because of this. Overall, it’s down to you whether or not you feel comfortable giving them to your beardie.
Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Lettuce?
What Are the Benefits of Your Bearded Dragon Eating Brussels Sprouts?
There are several advantages to giving your beardie some sprouts as a treat. It might not be the most nutritious veggie out there, but it still has a couple of positives. [1]
1. Antioxidants
Brussels sprouts contain a good amount of antioxidants. These are VITAL for bearded dragons as they help to keep their cells healthy. [2]
Some of the antioxidants in Brussels sprouts include vitamins C and E, as well as selenium. All of these nutrients are essential for bearded dragons, so giving them a small portion of Brussels sprouts every now and then can be beneficial.
2. Vitamin K
Brussels sprouts are also a good source of vitamin K. This is important for bearded dragons as it helps with blood clotting.
Pro Tip: Vitamin K is important for bearded dragons as it helps to prevent bleeding and bruising. It’s also necessary for the proper development of their bones.
3. Vitamin C
As well as vitamin K, Brussels sprouts also contain vitamin C. This is important for bearded dragons as it helps to boost their IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect bearded dragons from diseases and infections. It’s also necessary for the proper healing of wounds.
4. Fiber
Another benefit of bearded dragons eating Brussels sprouts is that they contain fiber. This is important for bearded dragons as it helps to keep their digestive system healthy.
Pro Tip: Fiber helps to keep bearded dragons regular and can also help to prevent constipation. It’s also necessary for the proper absorption of nutrients from food.
Are There Any Risks to Bearded Dragons Eating Brussels Sprouts?
There are a few risks to beardies eating Brussels sprouts, and it’s important to keep them in mind when deciding if this will be a good treat for your little friend.
1. Too Much Phosphorous
One of the biggest concerns with bearded dragons eating Brussels sprouts is that they contain too much phosphorous, which can INHIBIT calcium absorption.
Phosphorous is an essential mineral for bearded dragons, but they can only absorb a certain amount. If bearded dragons eat too many Brussels sprouts, the phosphorous can build up in their bodies and cause health problems.
Pro Tip: Some health problems that can be caused by too much phosphorous include kidney disease, bone problems, and respiratory problems.
So, it’s important to only give bearded dragons a small amount of Brussels sprouts as a treat.
2. Oxalic Acid
Another concern with bearded dragons eating Brussels sprouts is that they contain oxalic acid. This can bind to calcium and make it difficult (if not impossible) for bearded dragons to absorb.
Oxalic acid can also cause KIDNEY STONES in bearded dragons. So, it’s important to only give them a small amount of Brussels sprouts as a treat.
Also Check: The Staple Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
FAQs
Can Bearded Dragons Have Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
It’s NOT recommended to give bearded dragons frozen Brussels sprouts as they can be challenging to digest.
Frozen vegetables can also cause stomach upsets in bearded dragons. If you want to give your beardie some Brussels sprouts, it’s best to cook them first.
Can Bearded Dragons Have Cooked Brussels Sprouts?
Cooked Brussels sprouts are fine for bearded dragons to eat (in fact, they might even be easier to digest than raw Brussel sprouts).
However, it’s important not to overcook Brussels sprouts as they can lose some of their nutrients. It’s best to steam them until they’re just tender.
How Should You Prepare Brussel Sprouts for Bearded Dragons?
The best way to prepare Brussels sprouts for bearded dragons is to steam them until they’re tender. You can then chop them up into small pieces so that your beardie can easily eat them.
Conclusion
Brussel sprouts can be a FANTASTIC part of a bearded dragon’s diet. However, it’s important to remember that they should only have them as a treat and in SMALL AMOUNTS.
This is because Brussels sprouts contain too much phosphorous and oxalic acid, which can cause HEALTH PROBLEMS for bearded dragons.
If you feed Brussel sprouts to your bearded dragon, you should cook them until they’re tender and then chop them into small pieces. This will make them easier to digest and won’t cause any stomach upsets.
So, did you ever feed brussels sprouts to your bearded dragons? Let us know in the comments section!
Resources:
1. Boston 677 HA, Ma 02115 +1495‑1000. Brussels Sprouts [Internet]. The Nutrition Source. 2016. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/brussels-sprouts/
2. Brussels sprouts: Benefits and nutrition [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2019. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/284765
Grigorina grew up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped her into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). She has two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but she also feeds her neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them. Follow her on FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
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