Why Spinach Might Not Be the Best Choice for Your Bearded Dragon?

I used to think spinach was a superfood for everyone—including my bearded dragon. After all, it’s packed with nutrients, right?

But when I noticed some unexpected changes in my little buddy’s health, I dug deeper into what I was feeding him. That’s when I uncovered some surprising truths about spinach that every beardie owner should know.

is spinach safe for bearded dragons?

Yes, spinach is safe for bearded dragons, but it should only be fed in small amounts and not too often. Spinach contains oxalates, which can bind to calcium and prevent your beardie from absorbing it properly. Since calcium is so important for their health, too much spinach can lead to problems like metabolic bone disease.

If you want to offer spinach, maybe give it as an occasional treat. Stick to safer greens like collard greens, mustard greens, or dandelion greens for their regular diet. My beardie loves dandelion greens, and they’re packed with good nutrients!

Why You Shouldn’t Feed Spinach to Bearded Dragons Daily? 

You shouldn’t feed spinach to bearded dragons daily because it contains high levels of oxalates. Oxalates bind to calcium, which can lead to calcium deficiency. For bearded dragons, a lack of calcium can cause serious issues like metabolic bone disease, which affects their bones and overall health.

Feeding spinach occasionally is fine, but daily consumption increases the risk. It’s better to stick with calcium-rich, low-oxalate greens like collard or mustard greens. I tried offering spinach too often once and noticed my beardie wasn’t as active, which made me switch back to safer options. 

How Much Spinach Should You Feed a Bearded Dragon? 

You should feed only a small amount of spinach to a bearded dragon, and it should be a rare treat rather than a regular part of their diet. A few leaves, mixed with other greens, once a month or so is plenty.

Since spinach can block calcium absorption, it’s important to limit it and balance it out with calcium-rich, low-oxalate veggies. I usually mix just a little spinach into a salad of safer greens like collard or mustard, so my beardie gets variety without the risk!

Before We Go…..

Well, that goes for only one vegetable. But what about the others? We know there are questions in your mind about those too. If so, then let us make it easier for you to get your answers. Check out our blog on – What Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat? and clear up all the confusions you’ve got about your reptile’s diet.