Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro? (11 Cool Facts)

With ever-increasing awareness about the importance of diet for the health of their bearded dragons, pet owners are enquiring about each aspect of the food that they can safely give to their beardie. Cilantro for bearded dragons being one such food item.

Can bearded dragons eat cilantro? The herb cilantro is considered safe for consumption by bearded dragons. However, it should be sparingly given. Giving them too much results in gastric problems.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?

Concerned bearded dragon owners will always check before giving any new food to their beardie. Many a time they ask can bearded dragons eat cilantro?

The answer is yes to the query can bearded dragons eat cilantro. You can feed cilantro to your loved one but in a controlled amount.

Cilantro can be made a part of the bearded dragon’s diet, but not as a staple part. It should be given in a controlled manner only. It should be fresh and washed when feeding.

If your bearded dragon likes cilantro very much then to give your bearded dragon cilantro as a treat is a good idea, but do not overfeed.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw Cilantro?

All the greens, vegetables, and herbs are fed in raw form to the bearded dragons. Cilantro is a soft herb and should be fed in raw form only.

It must be properly washed to remove any dirt and chemical sprays. Preferably chopped up to prevent any hazard of choking.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked Cilantro?

To the general query can bearded dragons eat cilantro, people also check if they can feed them cooked cilantro?

Although there is no harm in giving cooked cilantro to the bearded dragon, during cooking many other unwanted salts, spices, and oil is added, which are not good for the bearded dragon’s digestion.

Cooking also diminishes some vitamins, for which it is being given to the bearded dragon. So in general giving cooked cilantro for bearded dragons is not advised.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Cilantro?

Feeding bearded dragon cilantro in frozen form is not recommended (direct from the freezer). Frozen pieces can choke the bearded dragon.

The cilantro for bearded dragons should be thawed to room temperature before feeding to the bearded dragon.

Frozen foods retain a lot of moisture, and too much moisture can give diarrhea to the beardie. Further during the blanching process for freezing, some vitamins are lost making it less nutritional.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro Leaves?

Providing the bearded dragon cilantro leaves is ok. The first-timer may not like to eat them, so mix the leaves in the other greens.

Generally, most of the bearded dragons love cilantro, and will easily devour it.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro Stems?

Both cilantro leaves and stems are good herbs for consumption by the bearded dragon. There is no reservation in giving the cilantro stems to the bearded dragon.

However, it should not be made a staple diet or part of its daily diet. Cilantro should be given in controlled quantity maybe a couple of times a week.

Cut the stems into small pieces, as there is always a chance of choking with long stems.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro Seeds?

Pet owners have reported that cilantro seeds (called coriander) can be safely given to the bearded dragon.

The bearded dragon may not be able to digest the seed hulls, and it will come out straight, more like fiber. There is a chance of impaction if fed too much.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro Everyday?

People do query can bearded dragons eat cilantro every day, just to be sure they are feeding their bearded dragon the right diet.

Feeding cilantro leaves, stems, or seeds every day is strictly not advised. Although cilantro has a lot of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, the daily dosage is detrimental.

Vets advise cilantro is a good source of vitamin A and moderate oxalates. An overdose of cilantro can be a cause of Hypervitaminosis A. This is poisoning from Vitamin A.

Vets report this is found common in captive reptiles, because of poor feeding habits by owners.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Cilantro?

With the query can bearded dragons eat cilantro comes the question if the bearded dragon can be fed canned cilantro?

Canned food in any form is highly not recommended for these small lizards. In the first place, canned food does not have the same nutrition as fresh things.

In the process of canning, many chemicals like preservatives and other additives are added to extend shelf life. The bearded dragon’s digestive system is sensitive to such chemicals.

Feeding over prolonged periods can have bad effects on the animal’s health.

How Much Cilantro Is Too Much For Bearded Dragons?

This is an unresolved point. No firm rule here. All pet owners have different say.

The general rule of thumb is to feed some leaves and stems of cilantro now and then (occasionally), mixed with the bearded dragon’s feed. It should not form a prime part of the diet.

Overall you must balance the greens feed, as there would be other vegetables and greens in the diet.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?

To the query how often can bearded dragons eat cilantro, there are many views by the pet owners and specialists.

All agree on one thing that cilantro should not be given often, it should only be given occasionally mixed in the beardie’s diet or as a treat.

General practice is to mix a few leaves and stems of cilantro in the greens of the bearded dragon’s feed a couple of times a week. Some owners recommend even less.

Ideal Bearded Dragons Diet

Besides feeding cilantro for bearded dragons, pet owners and lizard specialists agree on what constitutes a healthy diet for an adult bearded dragon.

Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards. Meaning they eat both insects (meat) and greens.

As a baby and juvenile, bearded dragons are growing up, they need about 75% of their diet in protein form (insects and worms) and the rest 25% in the form of greens, vegetables, and fruits.

As the bearded dragon ages, it shifts from a protein-rich diet to a vegetable diet. The ratio generally agreed upon is that about 75% should be greens and the rest 25% proteins from insects.

Here below we list out the feed of insects, greens, and fruits.

Worms and Insects

The adult bearded dragons love to eat following live insects and worms for their 25% protein diet.

1. Crickets
2. Cockroaches
3. Butterworms
4. Dubia roaches
5. Earthworms
6. Locusts
7. Mealworms (for an adult beardie only)
8. Silkworms
9. Super worms or Kingworms (for an adult beardie only)
10. Waxworms (as a treat only, high in fat content)

Buy these insects from proper outlets, where they are populated especially for the lizard feed. Do not feed insects caught from the wild. It can make your beardie sick.

These worms are ‘gut-loaded with green vegetation and other nutrients, so the bearded dragons additionally get their share of these elements by consuming these insects.

The insect feed should be given once a day to the young beardies while adult beardies should eat every second day.

For the rest of the 75% diet, the adult bearded dragons should be given the following vegetables and greens, and fruits.

Vegetables

Leafy Greens

Fruits

Some basic rules about fruit feeding. Fruits being sugary, should be given the least. Give sparingly as treats maybe. Avoid giving citrus fruits, which are very acidic.

There is a long list of fruits that the bearded dragons can eat, below is a list for the best feed.

It is important to give a mix and variation of the above feed, so the bearded dragon is not bored with the same food type every time and also it gets all the nutrients and vitamins required for its health and strong immunity.

As a rule, give enough feed which the bearded dragon consumes in about 15 minutes. Remove all un-eaten feed immediately.

Cilantro Nutritional Information For Bearded Dragons

Cilantro has a lot of beneficial vitamins and nutrients and with very little sugar. It cannot be given all-time as it is very high in vitamin A, which can become toxic.

Below table shows some of the important vitamins, nutrients, and other elements of 100 grams of raw cilantro. Source U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Research Service

These are average values for 100 g of raw cilantro

Note the ratio of phosphorus to calcium which is 1:1.4 (48:67) which is healthy to fight against Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

Can Bearded Dragons Have Cilantro?

One of the questions regarding the diet of bearded dragons is can bearded dragons eat cilantro.

Vet and pet owners know that cilantro for bearded dragons is not bad provided the bearded dragon cilantro feed does not exceed its limits.

Too much feed, like every day over long periods, can produce Hypervitaminosis A, which is poisoning by over presence of vitamin A in the bearded dragon’s body.

Do Bearded Dragons Like Cilantro?

Most of the bearded dragons like cilantro, however, there could be an individual case where some bearded dragons may not like cilantro.

Owners have faced this, but ultimately by consistent efforts, tricks, and treats they had been able to make their beardies like to eat cilantro.

Should I Feed Cilantro To Bearded Dragons?

Cilantro can be given to your bearded dragon without fear. The cilantro leaves or stems or even the seeds can be fed. Cilantro should be fresh and washed before feeding.

It should only be given sparingly, mixed with other greens, every now and then. It should not form a part of its daily diet.

Too much cilantro can cause health problems due to the presence of a high percentage of vitamin A.

How Should I Prepare Cilantro For Bearded Dragon?

Cilantro is used for pickling in salads and other food recipes. The leaf of the cilantro are also eaten by humans as a condiment or garnish. But how should bearded dragons take it? In fact, this plant has some medicinal use that might be advantageous to your pet’s health condition.

What Are The Health Risks Of Over Eating Cilantro For Bearded Dragons?

Cilantro, or coriander is used as medicine by humans. It can be consumed fresh in salads, served as garnish on dishes that you cook or it can also be made into tea or tinctures for medicinal use.

When eaten in large quantities by your bearded dragon, cilantro leaves contain a toxic substance known as Coriandrum sativum L.

Its levels in the leaves are not harmful for humans but they can be toxic to your pet reptile. Cilantro contains psoralen which has been shown to kill certain bacteria that cause food poisoning in pets when they eat cilantro.

7 Health Symptoms Of Cilantro Overdose For Beardies

Your bearded dragon might suffer from these symptoms after ingesting a huge amount of cilantro:

1. Inflammation – Both stomach and inside of the mouth will get inflamed. This can result in diarrhea, vomiting or even inability to eat due to nausea.
2. Nerve disorders – Some reptiles won’t be able to hold their body properly or even have difficulty walking after eating large amounts of cilantro.
3. Skin problems – Because the toxin can cause inflammation, it might result in some skin diseases including dermatitis, hives or even hair loss.
4. Fever
5. Seizures
6. Dehydration – These symptoms could mean that your bearded dragon is experiencing kidney failure which might require dialysis for your pet. Death due to dehydration may also occur in severe cases.
7. Allergic reaction – If your bearded dragon has a history of being allergic to plants, cilantro might trigger an allergy attack.

How Much Cilantro Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

While there aren’t any scientific reports that show the amount of cilantro, or coriander leaves per kilogram of body weight which might be safe for your reptile, medical experts suggest a maximum dosage at around 5 grams per day for human consumption.

Although no scientific study has been made to determine the safe level of cilantro for bearded dragons, experts suggest no more than five leaves or a smaller pinch every day.

If you are giving your pet some concentrated vegetable extracts that contain coriander, ensure that you read the instructions and label first before feeding it to your reptile, as some extracts can also contain the toxic substances.

If your bearded dragon is suffering from an illness or if you think it might have eaten too much overdosed cilantro, seek medical attention for your pet immediately.

How To Make Cilantro Safe For Bearded Dragons?

There are several ways to neutralize the toxicity of coriander in your bearded dragon after it has consumed the plant. The easiest one is dilution by mixing cilantro leaves with a lot of water or another edible substance which can be poisonous for your pet such as coffee grounds, orange rinds and more.

You could also throw the affected leaves in your compost heap to eliminate them completely from your diet. If you absolutely don’t want to throw away the plant, you could cook it before feeding them to your pet. The cooking process would reduce the toxic substance in the leaves but it should not be used as a substitute for fresh cilantro.

You must keep some of these facts in mind when giving your bearded dragon some Cilantro, either fresh or cooked. Always make sure that the amount is under control so you’re not risking the life of your pet.

How Can I Tell If My Dragon Is Stuffed With Too Much Cilantro?

Most reptiles that have eaten cilantro often over the limit are able to digest it quite well if they consume a safe amount.

They might act as though nothing has happened but you will notice some symptoms after about two weeks, which is the time needed for the toxin to show its effect in your dragon.

The first symptom you will detect when your bearded dragon has eaten too much cilantro is diarrhea, but it could also be vomiting, lethargy or even a lack of appetite.

These symptoms might go for up to two weeks before they disappear completely and the healthy dragon returns to its former self. The animal might retain some effects though, such as allergies which can result in more serious problems if it is exposed to more cilantro.

If your bearded dragon has eaten too much cilantro and it seems to be serious, you should get medical help for your pet immediately as seizures are possible in severe cases.

How Do I Stop My Bearded Dragon Eating Too Much Cilantro?

Preventing your pet from eating too much cilantro isn’t usually a real issue, since they don’t really tend to like the taste of it. However, if you notice that your bearded dragon is trying to chew up any part of the plant, make sure to stay close by and take away its food before they can eat it.

The best way to ensure that your pet won’t eat any cilantro is by using a feeding bowl which is too high for them to reach, or by putting the plants out of their reach in your room. It might be hard for you to keep an eye on all areas of your house though, so if you don’t want to risk them getting into your cilantro, you could always consider other options of the herb.

If your pet still keeps trying to eat up the plant or if it has had already too much, check out these home remedies for bearded dragon diarrhea.

FAQ

What Is Cilantro?

Cilantro is a herb which belongs to the family of parsley, but it has some quite distinct characteristics. The leaves are used in cooking recipes all over the world, especially as a side dish or garnish.

Some people consider cilantro to have an unpleasant taste and even to smell bad, but still prefer to use it since it has a lot of health benefits.

Do Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?

Can bearded dragons eat cilantro? Yes, bearded dragons do eat cilantro outdoors in their natural environment, but they only consume small amounts of it and not on a regular basis.

The leaves are not only indigestible to them, but can cause serious consequences when eaten by the reptile in unmoderated amount.

When Is The Best Time To Feed Bearded Dragons Cilantro?

Cilantro tends to be a very natural food for the bearded dragon and it is usually the first thing that will appear in their habitat. Mix cilantro few leaves in the food along with other highly nutritious food in the morning or night.

It should only get consumed outside of your home though, since you dine on fresh cilantro leaves as an appetizer or when making salads. You can also grow them at home in a herb garden, but they are not usually very tasty or worth the effort putting them out for the bearded dragon.

If you are trying to make your herb garden and bearded dragon happy at the same time, you should consider growing parsley instead of cilantro.

What Does Cilantro Taste Like For Beardies?

Cilantro can have a spicy taste for you, but bearded dragons don’t really appreciate it. What they prefer instead is the texture and succulent parts of the herb such as stems and leaves.

How Do You Choose Cilantro For Bearded Dragons?

Since cilantro is normally used as a garnish or an ingredient in recipes, you can get it freely from any greengrocer’s.

However, if you are looking for the freshest and healthiest cilantro possible to feed your bearded dragon, look for fresh leaves without brown spots on them.

How To Grow Cilantro For Bearded Dragons?

You can grow cilantro in pots or directly on the ground. The herb is very easy to grow, but it prefers warm temperatures and lots of sunshine.

It’s a hardy plant that doesn’t need much attention and you will be able to harvest your own fresh leaves after just a few months. Can bearded dragons eat cilantro that is home grown? Of course!

Do I Need To Wash Cilantro Before Feeding My Bearded Dragon?

Since cilantro is a natural food for the bearded dragon, you don’t need to wash it and just feed your pet with the fresh leaves that you have received from a nearby grocery store. Can bearded dragon eat cilantro? Yes! Go for organic Cilantro whenever you can.

If you are concerned about some potential risks in uncooked cilantro, then you could always steam or cook the herb for an extra few minutes.

Cilantro may contain some pesticides or even pathogens, so you should stay away from these fresh leaves when it comes to feeding your pet with them.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Cilantro For Beardie?

Cilantro is a plant that belongs to the parsley family and it is also known as coriander or Chinese parsley. It is mainly used in cooking; in a number of recipes from all over the world, you will often find cilantro included.

Cilantro leaves have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, being touted for its many different health benefits, of which some are well documented.

Cilantro is a superfood that can be added to your diet as you try and get the best beard in town, it promotes hair growth and improves overall skin quality. Cilantro will help you to grow a thicker, darker hair as it contains high amounts of Vitamin A.

For bearded dragons, Cilantro can make them irresistible and also it is very good for their health. If you are a bearded dragon breeder and would like your beardie’s skin to be smoother and healthier, then this is one of the most important herbs in your diet.

Cilantro not only helps your beardies overall looks, but it also has benefits for their digestive system and overall health.

The Vitamins C found in cilantro is an anti-oxidant that prevents cell damage, which means it is good for your beardies immune system as well as their heart.

Aside from Cilantro helping with the absorption of Iron in the body, this vitamin also helps to protect against osteoporosis, anaemia and other bleeding disorders.

Cilantro also contains many minerals in high amounts such as the calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus which can help to cure rickets (a disease that results in weak bones) if given to your beardie from a young age.

This herb is known for healing skin ailments like psoriasis especially when applied to the affected area. It produces anti-bacterial properties which can also be used as an antibiotic for your beardie and it is recommended that you apply this plant directly onto any cuts, wounds or sores on your beardies skin.

Final Verdict On Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro

As more knowledge is shared across the net and different forums, all pet owners including the bearded dragon enthusiasts have become quite concerned about their beardies diet and feed.

They would ask all types of questions to make sure they are giving the right type of food and treatment to their dear bearded dragons. Cilantro has many good nutritional constituents and is a healthy green. The bearded dragon cilantro part in its diet should be limited.

The main reason being the bearded dragon cilantro is very rich in vitamin A. An overfeed of cilantro can produce an excess of vitamin A, which can be toxic to the bearded dragon.

There are many other vegetables and greens and fruits which the bearded dragons enjoy eating. Cilantro should be made a part of the beardie’s diet by mixing with its greens a few times a week.

Other Bearded dragon food and nutrition content you may want to know

Can Bearded Dragons Drink Water?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pears?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Prickly Pear Cactus?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Zucchini?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potato?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Radishes?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raisins?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Carrots?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Asparagus?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mustard Greens?

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️