Bearded dragons are tropical reptiles and cute pets that are by nature calm. You would love its company as it starts to bond with you. This small creature takes time to break the ice, but once it is adjusted with the close proximity of yours, you will love to see it moving and making different gestures.
As bearded dragons are from desert area, this is a general habit of them that they eat various different types of items. Scarcity of food is quite normal in desert area so they do not have much choice when it comes to pick fruits, vegetables or other food items.
There are a few different varieties of bearded dragons but the most favorite pet is the species from Inland or central one. This one originally belongs to the arid or semi arid region which has turned this reptile into an omnivorous creature.
They are adapted to eat both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Insects as well as some chosen fruits and vegetables can be safely consumed by them. However, at the young age they are supposed to east more vegetables but as they grow mature, they can eat and digest more animal protein.
Feeding the bearded dragon with zucchini is not rare among the pet owners. However, there are some myths and biases regarding feeding this particular vegetable to the bearded dragon.
There are numerous elements present in zucchini which are good for human health, but for the bearded dragon, the reaction can be different. However, this is a rather common vegetable and mostly available in all parts of the country. So feeding this to the bearded dragon may seem a rather easy solution.
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Do Bearded Dragons Like zucchini?
Bearded Dragons are mostly not in favor of vegetables and fruits. But according to some owners, their bearded dragons pets prefer zucchini over other vegetables. So they often ask the question, that is feeding the bearded dragon with zucchini harmful or can Bearded Dragons Eat Zucchini. The answer is, yes the dragons can eat zucchini but not much.
You must be aware of cutting the fruit in small pieces so it does not choke. If they like this item then you can give it twice a week and see the reaction. However, for the babies, you should not try it. Once the dragon gets matured, you can feed it with experimental items like zucchini or broccoli.
The amount should be restricted to one meal once in a week, as eating acidic food in large quantity is not good for bearded dragons. Also do not give them boiled or cooked zucchini as giving them raw vegetables is good for their health.
Things to consider while giving zucchini to Bearded Dragons
As we have already mentioned, feeding zucchini too much or regularly is not good for the health of bearded dragon. Also you need to remember that feeding vegetables and fruits with pesticides and insecticides are very harmful for the bearded dragons.
If you can grow them in your kitchen garden then also you must wash them in warm water right before serving them. When you buy them from grocery store, make sure that they do not contain any preservative, pesticide or insecticide.
Feeding the fruits and vegetables which contain these chemicals may harm the health of bearded dragons and that may become severe if you are not conscious.
Learn more:
Zucchini nutrition facts –for bearded dragon
Courgette or more commonly known vegetable, zucchini is a summer vegetable which a longer form of gourd is. It can grow up to a meter, but most farmers grow it in half of the size. It belongs to the vegetable group of cucurbita pepo and it contains below mentioned ingredients.
There is water and in a high percentage. Also it contains dietary fiber, minerals, calcium, and iron along with some amount of protein, lipid and carbohydrate. The minerals present here are magnesium, phosphorus, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, and vitamins like ascorbic acid, riboflavin, niacin and thiamin. It also contains fatty acids and cholesterol and some amounts of vitamin D.
Zucchini is somehow acidic in nature as it contains ca:ph ratio which makes it acidic. For the bearded dragons it is not advised to be eaten every day as acidic food can damage its digestive system. Small pieces of zucchini will not affect them if they consume it once in a week.
When they eat it, it must be chopped into small pieces. This is not only easy for them to eat but also will be digested easily.
Which other greens are good for bearded dragon:
Plants and fruits consist of the large part of adult bearded dragon’s diet. According to the nutritionists and veterinarians dark colored and leafy vegetables are liked by dragons. You can add some colorful vegetables like yellow, red or orange ones.
Light green vegetables are mostly rich in fiber but lacking in vitamin. That is why lettuce, celery or iceberg does not give the bearded dragon the much needed nutrition. High percentage of the nutrient value is available in vegetables like broccoli, turnip greens, beet greens, collard greens, bok choy, kale, parsley, cilantro, green beans etc. also you can feed the dragon with flowers like carnations, geranium, hibiscus or nasturtium.
As bearded dragons have keen sense of test and smell they choose the food using these senses. It has been seen that young bearded dragons eat animal protein as well as vegetables whereas matured dragons prefer to have more greens on their meals.
The vets usually suggest feeding 50% greens and 50% animal protein to keep the dragon healthy and balanced. Greens as well as insects are needed for the proper growth of bearded dragons. You may experiment with the ratio of greens for your dragon and proteins in their diet to see which one is liked by your bearded dragon.
Conclusion
Do not give them stale vegetables and wash the raw vegetables properly before feeding them. Some owners get their dragons frozen mixed vegetables platter, which consists of squash, bell pepper, sweet potato, broccoli, beans, zucchini, carrot and okra.
These palates are tasty and often slurped down by the bearded dragons sumptuously. Though trying to provide them with fresh vegetables is always advised, you can still provide them with these frozen meals.
