Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley Everyday?

When the thing comes to whether feeding parsley to bearded dragons is okay or not, the answer is yes. You can provide them with parsley leaves but with some conditions. Feeding them parsley on an everyday basis is not fruitful for their health. Parsley has both pros and cons on the health of bearded dragons. Let’s look at this article’s further content to know in detail.

What is Parsley?

Parsley is one type of common herb that is mainly used for garnishing and decorations. It belongs to the APIACEOUS family. In the wild atmosphere or gardens, parsley is found to grow. These herbs can live for two years. When seeds sprout in the second year, the plant dies.

Parsley is available in three forms in the market: dried, fresh, and grinds in powder. Vitamins A and C are found in abundance in parsley. Any human being and animal can also eat parsley as a source of nutrition.

Which Nutrition Can be Found in Parsley?

There are many helpful and harmful points of ingredients found in parsley. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Oxalates

Oxalate can be found in great abundance in parsley. This oxalate is one of the plant’s defense mechanisms for its protection. In different plans, parsley can be found in different amounts. Have a glimpse at this:

Name of Leaves	Oxalates per 100 grams
Parsley	1700 mg.
Kale	20 mg.
Spinach	970 mg.

But this oxalate is not suitable as a diet for bearded dragons. It pulls out calcium from their bones and makes them weak. It can also cause allergies and irritation, and even the risk of kidney stones may increase. Oxalates are the main reason bearded dragons are forbidden to provide parsley regularly.

2. Calcium

Calcium is highly present in parsley. In 100 grams of parsley, 183 mg of calcium can be found. As we all know, calcium is necessary to strengthen bones and accelerate growth. Parsley also contains phosphorus, from which also calcium can be squeezed out. So to keep them strong, parsley is recommended to provide occasionally.

Apart from strengthening bones, calcium is also necessary for other biological functions. Calcium helps to offset the high quality of oxalate.

3. Fiber

A pretty good amount of fiber is found in parsley. Fiber is necessary for the proper functioning of our digestive system. In bearded dragons also, fiber stabilizes digestion and keeps away various diseases.

First of all, it prevents diarrhea and constipation among bearded dragons. Apart from that, it also regulates water balance. A good amount of fiber also reduces the chances of colon cancer.

4. Vitamin A&C

Vitamins A and C are also helpful nutrients for lizards. First thing first, vitamins A and C boost immunity. So the chances of diseases decrease along with it. It also removes radicals from the body.

But vitamin A has a side effect. Eating a large amount of vitamin A can be toxic for them. If your pet is allergic to it, you should never try to provide them with a multivitamin that contains vitamin A.

5. Protein

Protein is needed for any animal on earth for healthy living. Parsley is rich in protein, which is necessary for wholesome existence. Especially for baby dragons, protein is essential for their faster growth. But not only the young ones; bearded dragons of all ages will benefit from protein- a primary nutrient of parsley leaves.

6. Sugar-Free

One of the main reasons for the popularity of parsley is that it is sugar-free or low in sugar. So the chances of weight gain can be reduced. Besides obesity, fatty liver disease can also be initiated by excessive sugar intake.

In this disease, the liver can not filter blood correctly; consequently, other conditions may occur. Parsley decreases the chance of obesity and fatty liver because of its sugarless components.

7. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is also present in a large amount of parsley. It helps in bone growth and is also beneficial for blood clotting immediately. Another essential advantage of Vitamin K is that it prevents the onset of MBD.

8. Nutritional Value

Parsley is packed with various types of helpful vitamins and minerals. It helps bearded dragons to live healthily and grow fast. They strengthen their bones and keep them away from multiple diseases. The chart below adds various nutrients, which can be found in 100-gram parsley.

Protein	2.97g.
Fiber	3.33g.
Energy	36 kcal.
Carbohydrates	6.33g.
Water	87.71g.
Total Lipid (fat)	0.79g.
Sugar	0.85g.
Iron	6.2 mg.
Sodium	56 mg.
Calcium	183 mg.
Phosphorus	58 mg.
Vitamin C	133 mg.
Vitamin D	0.0 μg.
Vitamin A	421 μg.
Vitamin K	1640 μg.
Vitamin B6	0.09 mg.
Vitamin E	0.75 mg.
Potassium	554 mg.

What Can be The Benefits of Feeding Parsley to Bearded Dragons?

Giving parsley to bearded dragons may not be recommended every day, but occasional consumption can benefit them. Parsley is filled with many vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and minerals. Vitamin K helps to strengthen bones, vitamin A & C boosts immunity power, and fiber is suitable for an effective digestion system. Apart from this, parsley has several other nutritional values, which are as follows:

Helps Strengthen Bones

Vitamin K is a major nutritional component of parsley. This vitamin is adequate for strong bones and prevents the significant risk of bone fractures. It also helps blood clotting, so parsley is perfect for baby dragons to make their bones strong and healthy. Even in adult dragons, parsley keeps them strong and healthy for many years.

Prevent Age & Wrinkles

Beauty products can help prevent lines and wrinkles for human beings but not for bearded dragons. Vitamin C is a powerful source of collagen. It gives strength to the skin and prevents age lines and wrinkles on a more prolonged basis. Vitamin C is available in parsley in large quantities. So feeding parsley to bearded dragons can be helpful to keep away wrinkles and age lines.

Fresh Breath

Parsley is also beneficial to freshen your breath and can prevent foul odors. Certain foods can create a bad smell in the mouth after consumption. Parsley here can be effective as a natural breath freshener.

Protects Cancer

Apigenin is another nutrient that can be found in parsley. Apigenin helps to prevent breast cancer and, by far, reduces the risk of cancer. For human beings, apigenin is a natural substance for treating breast cancer. This apigenin enters the body by eating parsley.

Helps in Digestion

Fiber reduces the chances of bloating and keeps the digestion process healthy. Fiber is found in a large number of parsley leaves. So feeding parsley to your beardies means reducing the chances of tummy troubles.

Diuresis

During diuresis, your kidneys make extra amounts of pee to free your body of a substance. As well as lessening blood pressure and bloating, parsley is a solid regular diuretic.

What is The Effect of Parsley on Bearded Dragons?

Feeding parsley to bearded dragons is recommended as they can get multiple vitamins and minerals by eating parsley. There are a lot of nutrients and vitamins present in parsley. Calcium is found in a very high quantity in parsley. Calcium also helps to prevent diseases and makes your little bearded dragon vital health.

But calcium oxalates are also found in high quantities in parsley. It can create some problems like kidney stones for your little lizard friend. So you can give them a small amount of parsley which is okay.

Do Bearded Dragons Like to Eat Parsley?

Parsley is one of the most liked foods among many bearded dragons. Vitamins and minerals are indeed found in considerable amounts in parsley and low in calories. Be cautious before feeding them parsley. Giving a lot of parsley leaves can be harmful to their health.

Instead, you can provide your pet with a small piece of parsley or a lower amount of chopped parsley. They will enjoy eating parsley the more amount you will give. But give them only a little.

Can Bearded Dragon be Fed Parsley?

Bearded dragons generally do not face any problems with parsley and enjoy it. Indeed, even we likewise imagine that they can be used as their number one food as it is brimming with supplements. The facts confirm that nutrients and minerals are found in a great deal of sum in parsley, notwithstanding that it is low in calories.

Be mindful before taking care of them parsley. But eating a large amount of parsley can create allergies and intolerances. You can try to give your pet a little piece of parsley or a lower measure of cleaved parsley. They will appreciate eating parsley the more sum you will provide. In any case, please only give them a little.

What Other Food Items Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Italian Parsley

Bearded dragons can also eat Italian parsley, which is not a significant quality. Italian parsley is also very rich in calcium and oxalate content. Both of these nutrients can be good and bad for bearded dragons.

If you are unsure whether your pet will eat it, start with a smaller amount. Please do not feed them Italian parsley regularly. They will enjoy how many amounts will give them. But instead, try to provide them with supplements other than Italian parsley.

Curly Parsley

Parsley leaves, as it is already said, are rich in oxalates and calcium. Calcium is suitable for their health, and it also helps to make them strong. Other nutrients present in parsley are also beneficial for them.

But the presence of oxalates in curly parsley is harmful to bearded dragons. It can create irritation, allergies, and kidney stones for bearded dragons. So though they are acceptable for curly parsley, they should not be fed curly parsley regularly or in large amounts.

Cilantro

As a substitute, cilantro is an excellent choice for bearded dragons. It is full of vitamins A & C. It is necessary for their growth, immune system, tissue, and reproduction. They also enjoy eating flowers and cilantro plants. You can also feed them the seed of it.

Every day you can sprinkle some cilantro on the meal of your beardies. But you should watch them for the first few days to see if they are developing any problems or not by eating this. Calcium cilantro also has vitamins and minerals in it. So a limited amount of chopped cilantro is suitable for your small bearded friend.

Basil

Basil is also safe for bearded dragons to eat. Bearded dragons are omnivorous creatures. So their food must contain 50% carnivorous and 50% omnivorous meals. So feeding fruits and vegetables can provide a balanced diet for them. Besides that, basil contains vitamin D and calcium. It is all your lizard needs for bone growth and to be strong. Apart from basil, there are several other foods you can have as a supplement in place of parsley.

Cooked Parsley

Cooked parsley is as nutritious for bearded dragons as humans. It contains more or less the same amount of nutritional value. The cooked parsley can be given as snacks over their food.

For cooking parsley, you should take clean pots and cook it until the very end. But be careful that it should not be overcooked. The chopped parsley leaves can be fried in olive oil. You can give them such food a few times a week.

Even cooked parsley is available in the market, and you can mix this in their food bowl or salad. But cooking them at your home is the safest option.

Parsley Juice

The answer is yes; bearded dragons can also drink parsley juice. Besides giving them raw parsley leaves, you can also try to feed them parsley juice. Juice also contains nutritional supplements that are as good as parsley leaves. But always remember that though it is good for them, it should not be fed to them in large amounts.

So be careful that they should only be provided parsley juice occasionally. It is a healthy snack for them. So feed them parsley juice occasionally. It will be beneficial for their health.

Can Baby Dragons be Fed Parsley?

In the case of baby dragons, you also need to be cautious before feeding them parsley. Otherwise, they are as okay with parsley as the adults. The possibility of problems arising because of oxalates can also be applied to baby dragons. In their growing period, they require high calcium and protein, especially in the first few months of their lives.

Parsley contains nutrients. So you can feed them parsley sometimes but not regularly. You can also make a combination of parsley with other green vegetables. There are a lot more other high-quality nutrients available in the market. You can also provide them with those nutrients regularly instead of parsley.

Can Bearded Dragons be Fed Parsley Root & Flakes?

Providing parsley root to bearded dragons is not out of danger. Roots generally stay in close contact with the soul. So it wipes out all the chemicals and bacteria from the root. It can harm the beardies after entering their bodies.

Apart from that, roots are generally rough in texture. So they can feel it is problematic to chew up. Additionally, these roots can get choked in their throats. For these reasons, parsley roots are not recommended as a meal for bearded dragons.

Parsley leaves and stems can provide vitamins and minerals to your pet. But providing them with parsley flakes will not be a wise decision.

In the parsley flake, added preservatives can be found. These preservatives can affect the bearded dragon’s negativity mixed with other ingredients. So like stems, it is better to keep them away from the parsley flakes.

What Can be The Disadvantages of Feeding Parsley to Bearded Dragons?

Feeding parsley regularly has one major disadvantage. That is, parsley contains oxalates in it. Oxalate is common in many green vegetables, which is one of the plant’s defense mechanisms. This compound helps protect the plant. Oxalates can, of course, be harmful to bearded dragons. But it can be less effective after combining with calcium.

Parsley has a more significant amount of oxalates in it than many vegetables. So this large amount of oxalates can be dangerous for your bearded pet. Feeding excessive parsley means a large number of oxalates enter their bodies. This excessive amount can prevent them from absorbing the calcium that they have taken.

Less amount of calcium would be responsible for the fragile bone condition. In this condition, bones become weak and start to deteriorate. So before feeding parsley, become very careful about its amount. Some experts suggest sprinkling calcium powder over their meals instead of giving them parsley leaves.

How Much Quantity of Parsley Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?

By this discussion, you may have understood that eating a large amount of parsley is not suitable for the health of bearded dragons. Instead, you can provide them with a little to moderate amount of parsley which would be less problematic. The diseases like digestive problems and fragile bones will not occur then.

You can also try parsley juice and cooked parsley leaves to provide a meal for your beardies. But do not give them daily; instead, feed 1-2 tablespoons of parsley occasionally a week. You can also chop the leaves into small pieces before feeding them, as it would be helpful for them to chew.

Is Overeating Parsley Harmful to Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons, though omnivorous, are attracted to green vegetables and leaves. Consequently, parsley comes under the list of their favorite food, and they will consume it the more you give it to them. But overeating parsley is harmful to bearded dragons. Because of oxalates, parsley can lead to various health-related problems like diarrhea, dehydration, etc.

Overeating parsley has many other side effects like manganese deficiency, imbalance of vitamins and minerals, etc. So never feed them excessive parsley though they would like to consume it. Excessive amounts will harm their internal organs in many ways.

How to Feed Parsley to Bearded Dragons?

Feeding parsley to bearded dragons is easy. They will love it no matter how you present parsley to them. There are some relatively simple steps that you will have to follow before feeding them parsley leaves.

• First, sort out fresh green parsley from a parsley plant. Avoid the wilting or rotten ones. You can also directly buy fresh parsley leaves from grocery stores.
• After taking parsley leaves the home, wash the plant with fresh, clean water. Notice that they should not be any darts to pesticides attached to them. These things can be harmful to your favorite beardie.
• Chop the leaves, knives, or scissors to size your dragon can quickly eat.
• Make that chopped parsley with other vegetables and provide it to your pet. You can mix bok choy, mustard greens, and dandelions.
• Now your bearded dragon can enjoy parsley as their meal.

How Frequently Can The Dragons be Fed Parsley?

By this conversation up to this point, you might have perceived that eating a lot of parsley isn’t great for the well-being of bearded dragons. Instead, you can give them a little to a reasonable measure of parsley which would be less harmful. The sicknesses like stomach-related issues and delicate bones won’t happen then, at that point.

You can likewise attempt squeezed parsley, and cooked parsley leaves to give as a feast to your beardies. Don’t give them consistently; feed 2-3 tablespoons of parsley a week. You can likewise chop the leaves into little pieces before taking care of them, as it might work out for them to eat.

What Can be The Substitute for Parsley?

Green vegetables are essential for bearded dragons to get proper nutrition and are easy to consume. But not all vegetables are helpful for their bodies. Parsley is such an ingredient. Though it is not that you should never feed them parsley, provide it in a limited amount. Some other veggies that you can consider instead of parsley are:

• Carrots
• Raw Bell Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Raw Cabbage
• Celery
• Both Butternut And Yellow Squash
• Dandelion Greens
• Swiss Chard
• Kale
• Turnip greens and collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Bok Choy

Which Food Items Should Never Be Fed To Bearded Dragons?

Besides parsley, some other veggies should also be provided in a limited amount to your bearded dragon. Some of such vegetables are given below:

• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Fireflies
• Garlic
• Avocado
• Eggplant
• Rhubarb
• Peppers

Conclusion

In summary, bearded dragons can safely eat parsley leaves and parsley stems. If you wish to serve Parsley stems, mix them with other veggies and avoid serving parsley stems alone. Remember that you should never serve Parsley flakes due to the presence of preservatives and other constituents that are harmful to bearded dragons. Parsley leaves are full of nutritional value, and occasional consumption of parsley does not create many problems. So there, if you do not want to feed parsley leaves to your bearded dragon, there is no problem. Various other substitutes of parsley are also beneficial without any health-related hazards.

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