Can Bearded Dragons Eat Leeks? | Safe Green Treats? 2024

Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles and rely on vegetables and fruits as much as insects to fulfill their daily vitamins and other nutrient needs. When you decide to keep a bearded dragon pet, you want to know what is most suitable for them because they can have severe issues if their nutrition is on point. Can bearded dragons eat leeks? Instead of a yes or no, you should understand a few basics first.

Pet owners who ask about a specific fruit or vegetable for their bearded dragon should first find out what their bearded dragons need and once they know what is most suitable, they can see which veggies and fruits fit the bill! Let’s begin with the kind of nutrition that bearded dragons need.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Leeks Or Not

Bearded dragons can eat leeks occasionally and there are numerous reasons behind this frequency. These reptilians need calcium, protein, and vitamins as their main nutrients. Then there is fiber and water content that has to be taken into view. If a vegetable or fruit does not contain enough of these nutrients, it is a waste of dietary space for the bearded dragon’s daily palate. Have a look at Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn.

Protein helps build muscle mass and it is the building material for all living things. When you feed your dragon an optimum amount of protein, it is bound to grow healthy and to its full potential. Another major nutrient is calcium. If your bearded dragon does not get enough calcium, it becomes weak as the calcium from the bones starts depleting.

Moreover, the deficiency of this element results in Metabolic Bone Disease, which causes the bones to become soft. As this disease advances, the bearded dragon will not feel able to stand and lift its weight upon its limbs. This disease is deadly and therefore, calcium should be a part of daily consumption.

What Is In Leeks For Bearded Dragons

Leeks are a perfect green vegetable for all of us and they add so much to soups and salads that it is absolutely normal for pet owners to think that they can give this vegetable to their dragon. When you think of feeding your bearded dragon any vegetable, you might feel that since there is calcium and protein, all is good. However, that is not so. Sometimes a high amount of phosphorus, salts, and even oxalates cause serious hormonal issues in reptilians like bearded dragons.

These occasional feeds will also have to be just greens and not the bulb part. Make sure that you only feed the green part of the leeks because the acidic content of the bulb can give your bearded dragon an overwhelming feeling. Since leeks are from the onion family, they give you runny eyes and have a sharp taste unless you cook them.

Leeks are rich in all these substances and that is why it is not suitable for an everyday meal. Bearded dragons are small reptilians, with an extremely slow metabolism. When you see that there is even a small amount of substance that can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients.

There are numerous greens that have the same amount of calcium, protein, and other nutrients as leeks. In fact, there are many of them that have a better nutritional value for bearded dragons. These veggies include turnip greens, mustard greens, collard, cabbage, asparagus, Brussel Sprouts, beets, bell pepper, celery, and many more. Also, read Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dragon Fruit.

How Many Leeks Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon

You can give your bearded dragon a few leeks on occasions not more frequent than twice a month. Due to the high oxalate and acidic substance amount, this food can be harmful to dragons. However, you must ensure that leeks are cut up into very small pieces. The idea is to give bearded dragons food items chopped into pieces smaller than their eye size.

If you feed these dragons bigger food pieces, they may not be able to chew them to a semi-solid state and swallow them completely. These un-swallowed foods can get stuck in their throats and choke them. If they do not choke, these bearded dragons may feel full for a long time.

If food gets stuck in the intestines in a semi-solid state, it is called bearded dragon impaction. Impaction of the intestines means that the food gets stuck and the bearded dragon experiences chronic constipation. Once the impaction worsens, your pet dragon might stop eating and become weak. Impaction also causes the bearded dragons to become immobile as the abdominal cramps intensify. Nobody wants to see their pets suffer and this can be quite a harsh state for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my bearded dragon get over the bitter taste of leeks?

If you have accidentally fed the bulb part of the leek to your bearded dragon, you must give it water to reduce the sharp taste. Moreover, try to feed it some fruit or vegetable that has a subtle taste like beets or tomatoes. If you see your bearded dragon anxious and unable to go about its routine, see a vet.

What can I give my bearded dragon along with leeks?

You can give many other vegetables on a daily basis to your bearded dragon. These vegetables include many greens such as mustard greens, asparagus, capsicum, and collard. However, make sure that you check the nutritional value of every vegetable before you feed them to your dragon.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons cannot eat leeks regularly and must be given this vegetable only once or twice a week. The oxalates and the sharp flavor of leeks make it an unfavorable vegetable for your bearded pet. You may try other vegetables that have the same amount of nutrients and taste pleasant. Also, check out Can Bearded Dragons Eat Asparagus.