Can Bearded Dragons Eat Brussel Sprouts? | Nutritional Advice 2024

Bearded dragons can eat Brussels sprouts in small amounts, and that too only once a week. Bearded dragons are built for dry weather. These reptilians are different from us and that is why, it is not necessary that if any fruit or vegetable is healthy for us, it is healthy for them too. You should know what to feed your pet so that it can grow well and you enjoy its presence at home. So the question that most first-time pet parents are asking is about a nutritious vegetable that we all like. Can bearded dragons eat Brussel sprouts?

Diet is a big part of every living organism’s life, and whatever we eat impacts our lifestyle in numerous ways. When you are feeding your bearded dragon different food items that suit them, you will be adding quality to their daily life. Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable and they are rich in vitamins and minerals that we all need to thrive. But are these vegetables good for your reptilian pet?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Brussel Sprouts? Nutrition Guide

Bearded dragons can eat Brussels sprouts only once or twice a week. You will have to give them a small portion so they do not get any adverse effects of overfeeding. These dragons are reptilians that live in the arid regions of Australia. These creatures have adapted to the low water and low metabolism rate body systems due to their natural habitat.

When you get a bearded dragon home, you have to ensure that you feed them according to its body systems. They can have many vegetables and fruits, and then there are some that they cannot eat. Since these tiny creatures have a limited appetite, it is best to feed them vegetables and fruits that are beneficial for them and have the right nutrients.

Nutrients In Brussel Sprouts

Amongst the various vegetable families, the Brussels Sprout is a nutritious and tasty vegetable. This vegetable can be very nutritious for all of us, however, are they healthy and safe for the bearded dragon?

Vegetables are always nutritious for a healthy diet for a bearded dragon. Brussels sprout contains a good amount of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. The nutritional chart below gives the values of nutrients in 100 grams of Brussels sprouts according to the US department of Agriculture.

Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are a great source of Vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. These vitamins keep the bearded dragons healthy as vitamin K keeps their blood healthy, B6 helps build the nervous system, and vitamin E keeps their skin hydrated and moist. Vitamin A is great for eyesight and vitamin C builds immunity against all kinds of infections and diseases.

Calcium: There are 42 mg of calcium in 100 grams of Brussels sprouts. This amount is not sufficient for bearded dragons, however, it is a much-needed nutrient to keep their bones strong. Brussels sprouts are advantageous for bearded dragons because they contain calcium.

Phosphorus: There are 69 mg of phosphorus in 100 grams of Brussels sprouts. This element is not good for bearded dragons because it hinders the absorption of calcium in the body. The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bearded dragons is 2:1. If a fruit or vegetable has more phosphorus than calcium, it will not be a good pick for your dragon pet.

Too much phosphorus consumption can lead to a soft bone disease called Metabolic Bone Disease. This illness makes the bearded dragons have bendy and soft bones, which makes them move with difficulty and pain. As their condition worsens, they become immobile. Depression and anxiety, along with reduced movements make bearded dragons lose their appetite and they may even die if not taken care of at the right time.

Sugars: There are 2.2 grams of sugar in 100 grams of Brussels sprouts. This amount is not too high, but it is best to serve vegetables that have lower sugars. This nutrient might be good for humans but it makes bearded dragons obese, anxious, and lethargic.

Fibers: Brussels sprouts have 3.8 grams of fiber in 100 grams of vegetables. Fiber is integral for bearded dragons because they have a low metabolic rate and this nutrient keeps their bowel movements active.

Protein: There are 3.38 grams of protein in 100 grams of Brussels sprouts. This is an integral nutrient for bearded dragons and makes Brussels sprouts a good choice for your reptilian pet. Protein is necessary for muscle growth and strength. A good amount of protein makes bearded dragons grow strong and healthy.

Disadvantages Of Brussel Sprouts

Feeding Brussels sprouts in moderation or as a treat will be very healthy for your bearded dragon but if you are giving Brussels sprouts or any kind of vegetables or fruits as a full meal, that can be dangerous for your bearded dragon. If you are a responsible owner of your bearded dragon then you should know that Brussels sprouts can strip away iodine from your bearded dragon’s diet. Less quantity of iodine can end up in a serious issue in the thyroid gland which can result in obesity.

Brussels sprouts contain a lot of acids so you can’t give a whole piece of this vegetable to your bearded dragon. Too much acidity can be harmful and it can also lead to problems in internal health. However, it is fine to give small pieces of Brussels sprouts in moderation. It’s nothing to worry about, a small piece of Brussels sprouts can become harmful to your bearded dragon.

Brussels sprouts contain a great amount of oxalic acid which is very harmful because it binds the calcium and prevents it from being absorbed into the body of a bearded dragon. A high amount of oxalic acid in a bearded dragon means there will be less calcium and minerals absorbed in the body. Also, find out Can Beardies Eat Cucumber.

How Often Can They Have Brussel Sprouts

Although Brussels sprouts hold a good number of vitamins and minerals. However, there are also some liabilities such as an unbalanced phosphorus-to-calcium ratio and high amounts of oxalic acid. Many bearded dragon owners have worded that you should only feed small pieces of Brussels sprout a month and by following this you can give your bearded dragon a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bearded dragons feed on cooked Brussels sprouts?

If you are cooking Brussels sprouts with oil or butter then it can cause harm to your bearded dragon and if you are giving them boiled Brussels sprouts it can also be harmful to your bearded dragon because boiling increases the water content of this veggie and your bearded dragon can get diarrhea and other digestive issues. I highly suggest raw Brussels sprouts for your bearded dragon because they are considered healthier than cooked ones.

What are vegetables healthier than Brussels sprouts?

Bearded dragons can have Green peppers, Cucumber, Zucchini, Broccoli, and Carrots. These vegetables are healthier options for reptilian pets.

How many Brussels sprouts can I feed my pet dragon?

Brussels sprouts contain a lot of nutrition but there are also some disadvantages only if you are feeding them daily. Many experts stated that bearded dragons can only eat Brussels sprouts as a treat and only in moderation.

Conclusion

You can see Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals which are healthy and safe for your bearded dragon. However, when there are benefits there are also always drawbacks. Feeding this vegetable in moderation and occasionally as a treat will cause no harm to your bearded dragon. Moreover, you should also check Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsnips.