Can U Feed a Baby Bearded Asparagus
Bearded Dragon's Love-Hate Relationship With Asparagus
Asparagus, a popular savory side dish with a hint of bitterness, has had a love/hate relationship with bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat asparagus?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat asparagus but in moderation and if prepared in the right way.
What is the nutritional value of asparagus and what are the benefits and risks of feeding it to your beardie?
Nutritional Facts of Asparagus
Asparagus is packed with nutrition that benefits your pet bearded dragon. It also contains oxalate which has more phosphorus than calcium. To prevent any adverse health issues, you should only feed asparagus to your bearded dragon once a week.
Asparagus contains a moderate amount of oxalates which prevents minerals such as calcium from being absorbed and has a low amount of calcium. Bearded dragons need calcium in their diet to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Asparagus is nutrient-rich yet low in calories and fat. It contains fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
Nutritional value for 90g of cooked asparagus.
- Calories – 20
- Protein – 2.2g
- Fat – 0.2g
- Fiber – 1.8g
- Vitamin C – 12% of the RDI
- Vitamin A – 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin K – 57% of the RDI
- Folate – 34% of the RDI
- Potassium – 6% of the RDI
- Phosphorus – 5% of the RDI
- Vitamin E – 7 % of the RDI
Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Beardie Asparagus
Asparagus has many health benefits in your bearded dragon's diet. Let's take a look at some of them.
Kidney function:
Asparagus contains potassium which strengthens the kidneys and aids muscle function. It also has a 92% water content which keeps your bearded dragon hydrated.
Improve Immune System:
There are antioxidants and vitamin C in asparagus that keep your bearded friend healthy and safe from disease and inflammation.
Digestion:
Asparagus is a good source of fiber which is important for a healthy digestive system. It keeps your beardie free from constipation.
Blood and cells:
Vitamin E prevents inflammation but also builds up damaged cells while Vitamin K regulates blood clotting. The folate facilitates tissue growth and cell function.
Strong Muscles:
A small amount of protein maintains and strengthens a bearded dragon's muscles.
Risks of Feeding Asparagus to your Bearded Dragon
Here are some not-so-great aspects of feeding asparagus to your bearded dragon.
Too little calcium, too much phosphorus: Asparagus is very low in calcium which is why it cannot be a staple vegetable. Even more concerning is that asparagus has even more phosphorus than calcium. Phosphorus will prevent calcium absorption in your beardies blood which can cause metabolic bone disease.
Moderate oxalates and oxalic acid:
Asparagus contains oxalates, a pesky ingredient. Like phosphorus, It prevents calcium absorption and can also cause metabolic bone disease.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Asparagus?
Even though baby bearded dragons and younger dragons can eat asparagus it is recommended that you not give them any. It does not have enough nutrients to help your baby beardies grow.
Baby bearded dragons grow very quickly and need a lot of food that is high in protein and calcium. For this reason, their diet should consist of 80% live food and 20% veggies.
How To Prepare Asparagus For Your Pet Dragon
You can feed your bearded dragon asparagus either cooked or raw. In this case, it is better to let your beardie eat cooked asparagus because the cooking process reduces the number of oxalates but it also reduces vitamins.
However you want to serve it, you should always opt to buy organic asparagus. Make sure the asparagus is washed thoroughly before you do anything with it.
If you cook the asparagus, you must do so without adding any oil, salt, pepper, or any other ingredient. Adding such ingredients can make your dragon sick.
Chop the raw or cooked asparagus into very small pieces to prevent your beardie from choking.
Your beardie can eat asparagus mixed with other vegetables as a salad. Make sure to remove any leftover food from your beardies' environment.
Wrapping Up
As a bearded dragon owner, you want to share foods you enjoy with your pet dragon. With a flavor as strong as its odor, asparagus is not everyone's cup of tea. Asparagus is one of the vegetables that are safe for your beardie to eat as long it is eaten in moderation.
Although it can make a tasty treat, there is no guarantee that your adult bearded dragons will enjoy it.
Source: https://whatanimalseat.com/bearded-dragon/asparagus/
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