Can bearded dragons eat cauliflower?
I’ve been curious whether bearded dragons can eat cauliflower because I’m thinking about giving it to my girls as a little treat (who doesn’t love to spoil their dragons?).
Cauliflower is a good source of nutrients for bearded dragons, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. It’s also low in calories, so it’s a healthy food choice for bearded dragons. As with any treat, it should be fed in moderation, and it’s not a good option for baby beardies.
In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about adding cauliflower to your bearded dragon’s diet as a little treat.
Also Check: The Best Dry Food For Bearded Dragons
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Bearded dragons can eat cauliflower.
- You should avoid giving cauliflower to baby dragons.
- Chop up cauliflower into small pieces before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
- Cauliflower is a good source of nutrients for bearded dragons.
Is Cauliflower Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat?
Cauliflower can be fed to bearded dragons, but only in small quantities. Bearded dragons need a high-calcium diet, and cauliflower can provide some of that.
Pro Tip: Too much cauliflower can cause digestive problems for bearded dragons, so it’s best to feed them only a little at a time.
How Much Cauliflower Can Bearded Dragons Eat and How Often?
It would be best if you only fed bearded dragons cauliflower between 6 and 10 grams PER MONTH. Why so little? Well, beardies are only small, and their nutritional needs differ significantly from ours.
If you’re not sure how much to give them, start with the lowest quantity and see how they react. If they seem to enjoy it and want more, you can give them a little bit more next time.
Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much cauliflower can cause bearded dragons to become sick.
Pro Tip: Dandelion greens are actually an even healthier alternative, and dragons can eat more of these than they can cauliflower.
READ MORE: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Brussel Sprouts?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cauliflower Greens?
Absolutely, and the greens are much better for your dragons than the cauliflower itself. The greens are packed with nutrients and vitamins that bearded dragons need (so feel free to feed them as much as they want).
Cauliflower leaves are also a lovely crunchy snack for them to enjoy, adding a little excitement and all those extra NUTRIENTS.
Pro Tip: Just be sure to wash the greens thoroughly before feeding them to your dragons, as they may be covered in pesticides or other chemicals.
Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Have Lettuce?
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Cauliflower?
There are several advantages to feeding your beardie this crunchy treat. It’s pretty nutritious, and here are the reasons why.
1. Beneficial Nutrients
Cauliflower is a good source of several nutrients that bearded dragons need (including vitamin A and calcium). [1]
Vitamin A is essential for bearded dragons, as it helps them to see in the dark and PREVENTS eye problems.
Calcium is essential for bearded dragons because it helps to STRENGTHEN their bones and prevents metabolic bone disease.
Cauliflower also contains a small amount of protein, which bearded dragons need for growth and repair.
2. Vitamin C
Cauliflower is also a good source of vitamin C, which bearded dragons need for several reasons. Vitamin C helps bearded dragons absorb IRON, which is essential for their overall health.
It also helps to boost their immune system and helps them to heal from injuries and illnesses. Finally, vitamin C helps bearded dragons to produce COLLAGEN, which is essential for their skin and scales.
3. Potassium
Cauliflower is also a good source of potassium, which bearded dragons need for several reasons. Potassium helps bearded dragons to regulate their fluid levels and helps to PREVENT dehydration.
It also helps bearded dragons to maintain their electrolyte balance, which is essential for their overall health.
4. Fiber
Cauliflower also contains a small amount of fiber, which bearded dragons need for their digestive system. Fiber helps bearded dragons to move food through their digestive system and prevents constipation.
Pro Tip: A bearded dragon’s diet should consist of about 25% vegetables, so the cauliflower is a great way to add some extra nutrition to their diet.
5. Low in Fat and Sugar
Cauliflower is also a LOW-FAT food, which is essential for bearded dragons. [2]
Bearded dragons need a diet high in protein and low in fat and sugar, so cauliflower is a great way to add some EXTRA PROTEIN to their diet without adding too much fat or sugar.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Cauliflower?
As with anything that you give your beardie as a treat, there are some potential risks to consider first. Here’s a quick look at what you need to be aware of.
1. High in Goitrogens
Cauliflower is a brassica vegetable, which means it contains HIGH LEVELS of goitrogens. Goitrogens are compounds that can interfere with the thyroid gland and can cause goiters.
For this reason, it’s important only to feed your bearded dragon small amounts of cauliflower and to make sure they have a balanced diet that includes other vegetables as well.
2. Poor Calcium to Phosphorous Ratio
While cauliflower is a good source of calcium, it has a POOR calcium-to-phosphorous ratio. This means that cauliflower has more phosphorous than calcium, which can cause bearded dragons to lose calcium.
Also Read: What Vegetables Do Bearded Dragons Eat? Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?
FAQs
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Cauliflower?
Yes, juvenile bearded dragons can eat cauliflower. However, it is not recommended. Baby beardies are much smaller than adults, but they also have a lot of growing to do, so they need all the calcium they can get.
Pro Tip: Cauliflower is lower in calcium, and baby dragons also have very small stomachs, so they should only be eating nutrient-dense foods.
Should Bearded Dragons Eat Cauliflower Raw or Cooked?
Cauliflower can be fed to bearded dragons either raw or cooked. However, it is generally easier for them to digest if it is cooked first.
Raw cauliflower can be much more difficult for them to eat as well since it requires more chewing.
You can either steam or boil the cauliflower before feeding it to your bearded dragon. Just be sure to chop it into small pieces so they can easily eat it.
Conclusion
Now you know that bearded dragons can eat cauliflower, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Cauliflower is lower in calcium and has a poor calcium-to-phosphorous ratio, so it’s important to only feed your bearded dragon small amounts.
It’s also a good idea to cook the cauliflower before feeding it to them, as this will make it easier for them to digest. Just be sure to chop it into small pieces so they can easily eat it.
I hope this guide was able to help you take better care of your beardies.
So, did you ever feed cauliflower to a bearded dragon? Let us know in the comments section!
Resources:
1. Nelson A. Health Benefits of Cauliflower [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; 2019. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-cauliflower
2. Cauliflower: Health benefits and recipe tips [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282844
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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