You Won’t Believe What Kale Does to Your Bearded Dragon’s Health!

We all want the best for our pets, right? I was convinced kale was the perfect leafy green for my bearded dragon—until I realized things weren’t as simple as they seemed.

If you’ve ever tossed a few kale leaves into your dragon’s bowl thinking you’re doing them a favor, you’ll definitely want to keep reading.

The truth behind kale might shock you!

can you feed kale to your bearded dragons?

Yes, you can feed kale to your bearded dragon, but only in moderation.

Kale is packed with nutrients like calcium, which is great. But it also contains oxalates, which can bind to calcium and make it harder for your dragon to absorb. So, while it’s a healthy option, it shouldn’t be a daily thing. Mix it in with other greens like collard greens or mustard greens.

I had a bearded dragon named Spike, and he loved kale, but I made sure to rotate his veggies. Just keep an eye on variety!

why can’t I always feed kale to bearded dragon?

You can’t always feed kale to your bearded dragon because it contains oxalates. These bind to calcium, which can prevent your dragon from absorbing the calcium it needs. Over time, this can lead to issues like metabolic bone disease, a serious health problem for reptiles.

I made the mistake of overfeeding Spike (my beardie) kale when I first got him because he loved it. Then I learned that too much could actually harm him. Variety is key!

Get the full scoop on Bearded Dragon—check out this must-read article! Top 10 Foods Your Bearded Dragon Will Love – Plus Surprising Treats!

How Much Safe Kale Is For Bearded Dragons?

You can feed your bearded dragon kale occasionally, about once or twice a week. A small handful mixed with other veggies is a good portion size.

When I had Spike, I’d offer him kale with other leafy greens, like collard or mustard greens, to balance things out. That way, he got the benefits of kale without overloading on oxalates. Keep it as part of a varied diet, and you’ll be good!

Is It Okay To Give Cooked Kale To Bearded Dragons?

It’s better to stick with raw kale for your bearded dragon. Cooking kale can break down some of the nutrients, especially vitamins, and make it less beneficial for your dragon. Plus, raw kale provides more natural texture and crunch, which they enjoy.

I tried giving Spike cooked veggies once, and he wasn’t a fan. He much preferred raw, fresh greens. Stick with raw to keep their meals closer to what they’d eat in the wild!