With its signature peppery flavor, arugula makes a great topping for pizza, mixer for salads, and garnish for sandwiches. It’s a good source of calcium, potassium, and folate, along with Vitamins A and K. It can even fight bad breath. If you’re a fan of this nutritious green, you might wonder, can your bearded dragon eat arugula too?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Arugula?
Yes! Bearded dragons can eat arugula. It’s a healthy green for them.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Arugula?
Bearded dragons can eat arugula every other day if they want to; however, some dragons don’t enjoy the bitter taste, so keep that in mind if your dragon refuses to eat it after a bite or two. You may find that arugula is more accepted as an occasional salad mixer.
If you're looking for staple greens for your dragon, try collard greens, mustard greens, or cactus pad.
Benefits of arugula include:
- Water. Arugula is 92% water, so it can help keep your beardie hydrated and relieve constipation.
- Calcium. Arugula has a 3:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio, which is great news for bearded dragons. Phosphorus interferes with calcium absorption, so it’s important not to feed your dragon too many foods that have more phosphorus than calcium.
- Potassium. This mineral helps regulate your dragon’s nervous system and blood pressure, plus keeps their muscles strong and healthy.
- Folate. This vitamin helps to regulate tissue growth and healthy cells.
- Vitamin C. This bolsters your dragon’s immune system, among other benefits.
- Vitamin K. Arugula is very high in Vitamin K, which helps keep your dragon’s tissues and blood cells in good shape.
- Vitamin A. This vitamin helps keep your dragon's vision sharp.
- Fiber. This carbohydrate famously aids with digestion, and, like water, can help flush your dragon’s system to relieve constipation.
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Arugula Every Day?
Arugula is high in vitamin A. This is good for your dragon, but it’s important for Dragon Keepers to be aware of the possibility of Vitamin A toxicity. This occurs when your dragon’s body has too much Vitamin A and your dragon becomes ill. Swelling, lethargy, and a drop in weight are some of the symptoms.
If your dragon eats too much of any food that is high in Vitamin A, such as carrots, he could develop Vitamin A toxicity, although this is a lot more of a risk for dragons who are being fed multivitamins.
How to Serve Arugula to Your Bearded Dragon
It's not difficult to give bearded dragons arugula. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash. Like most greens, you need to thoroughly wash arugula before serving it to your bearded dragon (unless you bought pre-washed, of course).
- Chop. Depending on the size of your arugula, you may want to chop it up first.
- Serve. Finally, you can mix it in with their salad or offer your dragon individual bites.
Takeaway: Arugula is a good source of calcium, folate, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals. Bearded dragons can eat arugula every other day, but some may not love the taste.
Does your bearded dragon like arugula? Do you have any questions or feedback for us? Email us at team@dragonsdiet.com
