Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Parsley is one of the greatest sources of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals. But, is it safe to feed parsley to Bearded Dragons? Is it beneficial, or will it hurt the Bearded Dragon? These questions bother the Bearded Dragon owners many times. Here, we try to summarize and answer the questions related to parsley and their relationship with Bearded Dragon.

Is it safe for Bearded Dragons to eat Parsley?

Bearded Dragons can eat parsley. However, parsley is high in oxalates, which is one reason it should only be fed on rare occasions. One of the primary reasons for pet owners feeding their pet dragon with parsley is because it is an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Is parsley good for Bearded Dragons?

Parsleys are compact with essential nutrients which can help your dragon stay on top of its health. Here are some of the components in parsley that you should know about.

Vitamin A and Vitamin C

Parsley is, in fact, a great source of Vitamins A and C, and these two are absolutely vital for the Bearded Dragons. Having said that, one must realize that Bearded Dragons can suffer from Vitamin A toxicity as well. This effectively means that one must keep track of foods that are extremely rich in Vitamin A.

Low sugar content

The sugar content in parsley is very low, which is a good thing as too much sugar content can lead to fatty liver disease in Bearded Dragons.

High oxalate content

Parsley is one of the richest sources of oxalates. Oxalates are not good for Bearded Dragons as they bind with calcium and mess up with the calcium absorption, leading to MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease). MBD is the most common and yet dangerous disease found in captive reptiles, including Bearded Dragons.

Nutritional Value of Parsley

Given below is a table which describes the nutritional components and their amount in 100g of parsley.

How should Bearded Dragon eat parsley?

When one is picking parsley from their garden, it should be first washed thoroughly before using it. It’s always a nice practice to thoroughly wash all greens and veggies before popping it in the salad bowl, so one is sure the bearded dragon feeds on germ-free clean parsley. 

Experts recommend that parsley should be finely chopped into small pieces. This is extremely easy. Simply, take a pair of scissors and chop the parsley leaves finely. One can add the parsley leaves in a healthy salad with an occasional fruit to add variety once in a while.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often can Bearded Dragons eat parsley? 

Veterinary experts recommend parsley as a plant-based food, which makes up a large percentage of the Bearded Dragon’s diet. One must note that oxalate content is also high. This means that parsley can be added in the diet in small portions once a week to once a month. This way, one can get the benefits of parsley nutrients without overfeeding your Bearded Dragon and compromising on their health. 

Can baby Bearded Dragons eat parsley?

It is perfectly OK for the baby Bearded Dragons to eat parsley just like adults. However, you still need to be cautious. Parsley is high in calcium, but it also has a high amount of oxalates. Baby Bearded Dragons require a high protein and calcium diet because they grow fast in the first few months of their life.

Can Bearded Dragons eat parsley stems, leaves, and flakes?

Bearded dragons can safely eat parsley leaves and parsley stems as they are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Parsley stems should be mixed with other veggies and not served alone. Parsley flakes should not be fed to the Bearded Dragon due to the presence of preservatives and other constituents, which can do more harm than good.

Can Bearded Dragons eat parsley root?

One should refrain from it. As the root of the parsley sits in the ground 99% of the time and regardless of how well one cleans it, the chances of not removing all the bacteria and chemicals off its skin are very much there. Additionally, the parsley’s rough texture can lead to choking, as bearded dragons are not great chewers.