Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens? 18 Healthy Nutritional Benefits

Bearded dragons are omnivores which means they can eat plant- and animal-based foods. A bearded dragon’s balanced diet should consist of 50% plant-based material and 50% animal-based material. But did you know that (80-90%) of the plant-based material diet of bearded dragons should be vegetables and flowers, and only 10-20% should be fruits? A large part of the diet has to be from anything dark green and leafy. 

This perfectly describes the green and leafy vegetable turnip greens. Can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? Turnip greens should represent a high percentage of a bearded dragon’s diet because turnip greens satisfy their nutritional needs. Turnip greens bearded dragons are the perfect balanced diet.

While a bearded dragon’s owner should avoid adding nutrient-poor, fiber-rich, and vitamin-deficient light green vegetables, like head lettuce and celery, to their bearded dragon’s diet.

There are many more questions left to answer especially when you are an involved and caring pet owner. All the most commonly asked questions about the turnip green bearded dragon diet are compiled in this detailed guideline. So, are turnip greens good for bearded dragons? Do bearded dragons eat turnip greens?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens?

Bearded dragons can and should eat turnip greens. It is a turnip greens bearded dragon diet. Turnip greens are low in sugar and calories.

Several vets and reptile nutritionists include and recommend turnip greens in their lists of safe and healthy foods for bearded dragons’ diets.

Turnip greens bearded dragon diet is the perfect fit to the minimum sugar and calories diet of a bearded dragon.

Turnip greens contain high calcium content. The ratio between calcium and phosphorus is an important aspect of the health of bearded dragons.

Phosphorus can bind to calcium and stop calcium’s absorption. That is why it’s important to have foods that are both high in calcium and low in phosphorus, and turnip greens can do both.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw Turnip Greens?

Bearded dragons can eat turnip greens daily. Turnip greens should be served raw and uncooked. If you serve them along with other essential vegetables, they make a tasteful and nutritious salad. 

Because bearded dragon turnip greens are daily, it should be included in the answer to the question: “Can bearded dragons eat turnip greens?” 

Because the answer is yes, definitely bearded dragons can eat turnip greens.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked Turnip Greens?

Cooking turnip greens destroys their chemical boundaries, and as a result, they become less nutritious. What you can do instead is wash them well before you serve them to bearded dragons.

So can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? The answer is yes. However, they should be raw and uncooked because you do not want to risk losing the health benefits of turnip greens.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Turnip Greens?

The concern with frozen turnip greens is they might be vulnerable to losing nutrients. This could result in fewer nutrients delivered to your bearded dragon. 

You can start growing your turnip greens if there is a shortage of turnip greens in winter. 

So can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? The answer is a definite yes. However, turnip greens bearded dragons should not be frozen but fresh and organic.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens Leaves?

The stems of turnip greens have a rough texture, so chop it off. Then, feed your bearded dragon the soft leafy greens preferably. It is the perfect texture that is edible for your bearded dragon.

So can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? The answer is an absolute yes. However, bearded dragon turnip greens can only be soft leafy greens.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens Stems?

It is not recommended to feed stems to your bearded dragon because stems do have a rough texture.

So can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? The answer is definitely yes. However, bearded dragon turnip greens can only be soft leafy greens and chop off the stems.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens Seeds?

Regarding the turnip greens seeds being edible, more research needs to be done on this topic. Stick to the safe side and feed your bearded dragon the soft leafy turnip greens.

So, can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? The answer is yes. Although, avoid bearded dragon turnip greens eating seeds.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens Flowers?

Unfortunately, not enough research is done on whether turnip greens flowers are edible or not. Hence, further research needs to be done on this topic.

Another healthy flower a bearded dragon can safely consume is the hibiscus flower.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens Every day?

Turnip greens can be a part of the daily staple diet of a bearded dragon. Turnip greens are a rich source of calcium, and as I mentioned before they are low in sugar and calories.

This brings us back to the age-old question: “Can bearded dragons eat turnip greens?”. The answer is yes. Especially that you can include bearded dragon turnip greens daily in their diet.

How Many Turnip Greens Are Too Much For Bearded Dragons?

It’s never too much when it comes to turnip greens. The problem is, a bearded dragon rarely indulges in vegetables. You can try to sprinkle a little bee pollen that enhances the bearded dragon’s appetite for turnip greens or other vegetables. 

How Frequently Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens?

Quite frequently because turnip greens improve the nutrient and vitamin makeup of bearded dragons. In addition to that, turnip greens are harmless, especially in the long run.

Can Turnip Greens Be Part Of Bearded Dragons’ Diet?

They can be part of the daily staple diets of bearded dragons. As previously mentioned, turnip greens are harmless in the long run as well.

Turnip Greens Nutritional Information For Bearded Dragons

Nutritional Information for Turnip Greens Per 100g for bearded dragons

From the data given in the table, we can view the amount of calcium that turnip greens contain per100g which is 190mg. In comparison to spinach (contains 99mg), broccoli (contains 47mg), or asparagus (24mg).

The extremely high calcium content in turnip greens should be another reason to include them as a part of your bearded dragon’s daily diet.

And be included in the answer to the question: “Can bearded dragons eat turnip greens?” Because the answer is, yes definitely bearded dragons can.

How Do I Prepare Turnip Greens For My Bearded Dragon?

The best five steps preparation method is: First, make sure they are organic. Second, wash them thoroughly. Third, don’t cook them. Fourth, chop the stems and make them easier to serve.

The fifth and final step, serve the turnip greens preferably mixed with other nutritious and calcium-rich greens or vegetables.

Can Bearded Dragons Have Turnip Greens?

As mentioned in the introduction, bearded dragons can and should eat turnip greens. Turnip greens are low in sugar and calories.

Which makes turnip greens the perfect fit to the minimum sugar and calories diet of a bearded dragon.

Do Bearded Dragons Like Turnip Greens?

Generally speaking, bearded dragons enjoy eating easy, leafy, and soft turnip greens. Yet every bearded dragon has a different taste, some will enjoy turnip greens while others won’t.

You can try adding them to a salad bowl, and notice whether your bearded dragon enjoys them or dislikes them.

Should I Feed Turnip Greens To Bearded Dragons?

Turnip Greens are extremely nutritious offering high levels of calcium. But that’s not all, they also contain vitamins with the most abundant amounts are A and C.

Vitamin A for bearded dragons is vital for their growth, reproduction, and bone health.

Vitamin C supports the growth of bearded dragons, develops their body tissues, and speeds up their healing process.

So, can bearded dragons eat turnip greens? The answer is a definite yes. Turnip greens have a high level of calcium and contain abundant amounts of vitamins A and C.

What Are The Health Benefits of Turnip Greens For Bearded Dragons?

As previously mentioned, turnip greens contain many nutritional benefits that bearded dragons need for their health and well-being. 

Before I discuss the nutrients in turnip greens, did you know that in 100 grams of turnip greens there are 89.7 grams of water? But why is this worth nothing?

Well, because bearded dragons are not naturally prone to drink water. Instead, they ingest water through what they eat. Turnip greens as a result can be a great source of water for them.

Nutrients in turnip greens include high percentage of calcium, a healthy ratio between calcium and phosphorus, abundant amounts of vitamins A and C, low calories, and low levels of sugar.

Without a consistent source of calcium intake, bearded dragons can suffer from bone and muscle problems. In addition, baby bearded dragons need a high calcium intake for their development.

A healthy balanced ratio between calcium and phosphorus means calcium can be absorbed on regular basis by your bearded dragon.

The abundant amounts of vitamin A help with the growth and development of bearded dragons. While vitamin C helps the repair and development of body tissues. Vitamin C helps boost their immune system too.

FAQ

What Are Turnip Greens?

Turnip greens are from the family of Brassica. Vegetables including turnips, collard greens and kale are from the same family. Turnip greens are the leafy green part of the mature turnip plant and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or even dried.

What Do Turnip Greens Look Like?

Turnip greens can be found at farmer’s markets, grocery stores or even Asian markets if you live in an urban area. They come in bunches that are tied with string and have long, pointed leaves. When selecting turnips from the store, make sure there aren’t any holes in the leaves or wilted leaves. Freshly cut turnip greens are best for cooking within a couple of days.

Can You Feed Turnip Greens To A Bearded Dragon?

Yes, turnip greens are an excellent addition to a bearded dragon’s diet.

Turnips are one of the most nutritious foods you can feed your Bearded Dragon. They have vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and dietary fiber. In fact, they’re about half water and 33 percent protein–more than carrots. Because they’re nutritious, turnip greens are safe for your Beardie to eat.

Why Should You Feed Turnip Greens To A Bearded Dragon?

Turnips are a good source of Vitamin C which promotes healthy immune system function and bone growth in bearded dragons. Additionally, they help boost the immune system to prevent infections, fight cancer cells, and help your Bearded Dragon’s egg-producing organs stay healthy.

Turnip greens are also rich in calcium which helps promote strong bones in bearded dragons. Potassium can be found in turnips as well and helps reduce blood pressure for bearded dragons, particularly when they’re shedding their skin. Calcium and magnesium are both important elements that work together to help keep your bearded dragon happy and healthy.

They’re a great source of dietary fiber too, which helps with digestion and weight control in Bearded Dragons.

Turnips can also provide the vitamins A, E, K and B6 you need for healthy eyesight, cell growth and regulating blood pressure. These nutrients are what make turnip greens good for your Bearded Dragon.

What Do Turnip Greens Taste Like For Beardies?

Turnip greens taste similar to mustard greens and some say they can be a little bitter. Most dragons enjoy the flavor of turnips, however if your dragon doesn’t like it, you can smother them with peanut butter or give them fruits.

Turnip greens are best cooked for bearded dragons because they contain oxalates which are toxic when ingested by bearded dragons in large amounts. Feeding your bearded dragon cooked turnip greens will eliminate any concerns about oxalates and ensure your Bearded Dragon gets the most nutrients from this food.

Turnips also contain calcium oxylate crystals, which are made up of calcium, oxygen and water. These small crystals are hard to digest and can cause problems for bearded dragons.

Turnip greens are great for your bearded dragon diet, however it’s best not to feed them in high amounts. Feeding turnips daily or every other day is a good balance.

To make sure your bearded dragon doesn’t have digestion issues from eating turnip greens, cook them before you feed them to him.

How Do I Feed Turnip Greens To My Bearded Dragon?

If you’ve purchased turnip greens from your local grocery store, make sure you wash them before serving them to your Bearded Dragon. Treat the greens like you would any other vegetables and wash them well under cold water. You may want to rinse deeply so that all the dirt is removed.

Turnip greens can be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for about a week.

Once your turnip greens are washed, it’s time to cook them. Boil a small pot of water and drop your greens into the boiling water. Cook them for about 10 minutes or until they’re soft enough to be somewhat chewed by bearded dragons. Avoid cooking the leaves too much because you don’t want to overcook the nutrients.

Turnip greens can be fed raw, but cooking them first is recommended for bearded dragons because oxalates are present in large amounts when the leaves aren’t cooked. If you do feed your Bearded Dragon turnip greens that weren’t cooked, make sure to watch for signs of illness so a vet can be seen immediately.

When your turnip greens have finished cooking, take them out and let them cool a bit. This helps keep the turnips from sapping too much moisture from the leaves when you feed them to your dragon which can make for an uncomfortable meal.

How Do You Choose Turnip Greens For Bearded Dragons?

Choose carefully when purchasing turnip greens because there are many different kinds of greens you can feed your bearded dragon.

Purchase a type of turnip you know your Bearded Dragon will enjoy. We recommend choosing dark, green and leafy types of turnips since they have the most nutrients for your dragon.

How Should I Store Uneaten Turnip Greens For My Bearded Dragon?

You can store any uneaten turnip greens in the refrigerator for a day or two. Make sure you keep them wrapped up tightly to avoid contamination from other foods in your refrigerator.

Make sure you don’t leave turnips out on the counter because they will spoil quickly and provide no nutritional benefits for bearded dragons. Turnip greens should be sealed up and kept in the coldest section of your refrigerator.

You can also freeze leftover greens for a couple weeks without losing any nutritional benefits. Place them in a plastic bag and put them back into your freezer to use at a later date. You’ll want to make sure you seal the bag to keep the moisture out so the veggies stay fresh.

How To Grow Turnip Greens For Bearded Dragons?

You can grow Turnip Greens in your backyard or purchase them at the grocery store. The greens can be planted in a small garden bed or in pots on your patio and they will grow very well to feed to your bearded dragon.

Turnip greens are fairly easy to grow because they have low water needs, but you’ll need to fertilize them with composted manure since turnips don’t take nitrogen well.

There are many different ways to grow Turnip Greens for Bearded Dragons and the only real way to know if they’re growing is by watching for the little white flowers to appear. Make sure you always check for a crop of flowers before harvesting your veggies so you don’t harvest too soon and let them go to waste!

Is It A Good Idea To Feed My Bearded Dragon Heated Turnip Greens?

You don’t have to heat the veggies before you feed them to your Bearded Dragon, but some people choose to do this because it makes the greens taste better.

Turnip Greens can be warmed up in a microwave or steamer and they will taste more like cooked spinach than raw leaves if you do this. Steaming is recommended so that the veggies don’t lose too many nutrients or vitamins while they’re warming up.

If you do choose to heat the greens, make sure no water is left in them so they won’t get contaminated by dirt or bacteria from the ground. You can always wash your leaves and then drain them before heating them up for your Bearded Dragon.

Do I Need To Wash Turnip Greens Before Feeding My Bearded Dragon?

Bearded Dragons should always be fed greens that have been rinsed thoroughly in fresh water. Some vegetables may contain high amounts of bacteria or parasites if they’re not properly cleaned and this can make your dragon very ill. Make sure the veggies are completely cleaned before giving them to your pet so he doesn’t get sick.

Turnip Greens can often be purchased pre-washed at the grocery store, but other greens you’ll have to wash yourself.

The best way to rinse veggies is in a colander with fresh water. Make sure any debris or dirt is removed so your dragon doesn’t consume it when he eats his veggie snack!

Will My Bearded Dragon Like To Chew On Turnip Greens?

Bearded Dragons love fresh vegetables to eat and they will often chew on their greens like they do with their mealworms.

Feeding greens to your Bearded Dragon is a great way for him to get essential nutrients he needs, so you’ll want to make sure he eats them all up! It can be hard to figure out if the greens are all gone because they’re so small, but you’ll be able to tell when your Bearded Dragon gets hungry for more.

Be excited if your dragon is eating his greens because this is a sign that he’s healthy and happy!

How Many Turnip Greens Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

A good guideline is to feed 1-2 oz of greens per 10-20 grams of body weight each week. Make sure you’re feeding a variety of different vegetables so your dragon doesn’t get any nutritional deficiencies.

Bearded Dragons will normally eat 1/8 cup of greens at a time, but this can vary based on the size and age of your pet. Always offer vegetables on a flat plate or in a shallow bowl and put in on the floor of their tank.

Think about what your pet will be most comfortable with and then place the food dish in his living area. Bearded Dragons are very curious animals, so they will want to investigate anything you put in front of them!

Final Verdict – Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens

There you have it, all the most commonly asked questions around: “can bearded dragons eat turnip greens” asked by their caring owners.

Worth noting, turnip greens are a perfect choice of food for your baby bearded dragon’s diet. The high levels of calcium in turnip greens play a vital role in the growth of baby bearded dragons. Their fast-growing pace calls for a high intake of protein and calcium to maintain their growth and development.

Throughout the different questions asked, I concluded the more the bearded dragon consumes turnip greens the merrier.

Turnip greens have several nutritional benefits. It comes down to whether your bearded dragon enjoys the taste of turnip greens or not. If not, you can mix it up in a salad bowl or add bee pollen, so maybe then your bearded dragon would crave it.

The only concern you should have about feeding your bearded dragon turnip greens is if you are giving the bearded dragon a multivitamin supplement.

Since turnip greens have high levels of vitamin A along with a multivitamin supplement can cause vitamin A toxicity.

Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include nausea, diarrhea, and no appetite. However, you have nothing to worry about if you are not giving your bearded dragon a multivitamin supplement.

On a final note , and regarding the future, more research needs to be done regarding whether or not turnip greens seeds and flowers can be consumed by bearded dragons.

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

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?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

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! ❤️