Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Beans?

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that require a balanced diet to thrive. As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients from its food. One question that frequently comes up is whether bearded dragons can eat green beans.

Green beans are a nutritious vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent addition to any diet. But are they safe for bearded dragons to eat? In this article, we’ll explore whether green beans are suitable food for your bearded dragon and how to prepare them.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Beans

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Beans

Yes, bearded dragons can eat green beans and they are a great source of nutrients and vitamins. Green beans are a nutritious food source, containing vitamins K, A, and C, iron, fiber, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They even contain a little protein and sugar for an energy boost.

Green beans are not recommended as a daily food for bearded dragons due to their moderate oxalate content, which may hinder calcium absorption. It is important to include calcium-rich vegetables like papaya, figs, dark leafy greens, and acorn squash in your bearded dragon’s diet.

Are Green Beans Healthy for Bearded Dragons

Yes, green beans are healthy for bearded dragons and can be a part of their diet, but they should not be the only food they eat. Green beans are rich in vitamins and nutrients, but bearded dragons also need a mix of other high-calcium, low-oxalate greens.

It’s best to offer a variety of greens in every meal, including green beans as a treat. Chop them up and mix them with other vegetables and leafy greens to provide your beardie with a balanced diet.

Is It Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Green Beans

Green beans are safe for bearded dragons to eat and can be given to them as treats or as part of a meal. It’s recommended to steam or boil the green beans first to remove any possible toxins or anti-nutrients that may be present in raw green beans if grown using pesticides and chemicals.

Nutritional Value of Green Beans

Green beans are a good source of water, protein, and energy. They also contain sugar, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1.1.

Nutritional Value of Green Beans

Per 10 Green Beans, 4″ long (55g). Source: USDA

NameAmount
Energy17 Calories
Protein1 g
Carbohydrates3.8 g
of which sugars0.2 g
Fiber1.48 g
Fat0.1 g
Calcium20.4 mg
Phosphorous20.9 mg
Magnesium13.8 mg
Potassium116 mg
Folate18.2 µg
Choline8.42 mg
Vitamin A19.2 µg
Vitamin K23.6 µg
Vitamin C6.71 mg

Health Benefits of Green Beans to Bearded Dragons

Green beans are a beneficial addition to a bearded dragon’s diet due to their nutritional value.

1. Provide Nutrition

Green Beans are rich in fiber, vitamins A, K, C, and B6, as well as folate, potassium, manganese, and calcium. These nutrients can help improve bone health, prevent metabolic bone disease, and aid in digestion.

2. Prevent MBD

Bearded dragons require a daily intake of calcium to prevent metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal. Green beans are a good source of calcium, making them an excellent addition to a bearded dragon’s diet.

3. Improve Digestion

Fiber is essential for a bearded dragon’s digestive health, and green beans are a great source of fiber. They can help prevent constipation and promote regularity by bulking up stool and aiding in its movement through the digestive tract.

Overall, feeding green beans to your bearded dragon can be a beneficial way to provide them with essential nutrients and support their overall health and well-being.

Disadvantages of Green Beans To Bearded Dragons

Green beans are not an ideal staple food for bearded dragons because they have a low calcium to phosphorus ratio, which can reduce calcium absorption. They also have low protein levels, which are essential for supporting organ systems and growth in baby bearded dragons.

Without proper calcium intake, the lizard may suffer from malnourishment and improper development. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the amount of green beans given to bearded dragons.

How to Feed Green Beans to Your Bearded Dragon

When feeding green beans to your bearded dragon, make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and feed them raw. If you want to offer frozen green beans, be sure to thaw them out first. Don’t overfeed your beardie vegetables, and prepare their food out of their view to avoid hyperactivity.

Juveniles should be fed in a shallow dish to prevent substrate ingestion. Monitor your bearded dragon while they eat and make sure they have enough water to drink. If they don’t eat all their green beans, offer less in the next feeding. Consider putting their water in a larger dish if they enjoy soaking.

How Many Green Beans Can Bearded Dragons Eat

Bearded dragons should have a balanced pelleted blend once a day, along with a variety of leafy greens and veggies, making up around 70% of their diet. Fruit should only make up 5% of their diet, and the remaining 20 to 30% should come from suitable insects.

For green beans, a small serving every couple of days is sufficient, while encouraging their interest in other veggies. Young beardies need more iron in their diet than adults, while adults require vitamin D3 and calcium for bone development. It’s important to ensure they get these through diet and careful supplementation.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Beans

Bearded dragons can eat green beans in small amounts, but it’s recommended to only feed them one or two pieces at a time to avoid digestive issues. Green beans contain beneficial vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, fiber, and potassium that can be good for a bearded dragon’s health.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked Green Beans

Bearded dragons can eat cooked green beans, but make sure there are no added preservatives or seasoning. A small amount of oil, fats, or butter can also make them sick. It’s best to keep the amount of cooked beans to a minimum in their diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Green Beans

It is not recommended to feed canned green beans to bearded dragons. Canned foods often contain preservatives and added ingredients, and canned green beans are low in nutritional value. It is recommended to refrain from feeding canned vegetables to bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Green Beans

Bearded dragons can safely consume frozen green beans that do not contain any additional ingredients. Consider buying organic frozen vegetables to avoid contamination. When serving frozen beans, make sure they are at room temperature. However, keep in mind that frozen vegetables are low in nutrition.

To prepare raw green beans, wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides, chemicals, or dirt. Chop them to a size that won’t cause choking and mix them with other vegetables and fruits. Remove any leftover food after your bearded dragon is full.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Beans With Seeds

Green beans with seeds are a suitable food option for bearded dragons. The seeds in green beans are soft and small enough for bearded dragons to chew and swallow without any issues. You can feed them whole green beans without removing the seeds.

FAQs

How Should I Feed Green Beans to a Bearded Dragon?

Bearded dragons can eat green beans either raw or cooked. Slice or chop them into small pieces, and make sure to use the smaller variety to avoid woody or stringy beans. Calcium dust should be added a few times a week.

Mix them with other vegetables and place them in a bowl at the cool end of the vivarium, and sprinkle some water droplets to keep them hydrated. Remove them once they start to look shriveled. It is recommended to remove all food a few hours before turning off the lights to promote proper digestion.

Should I Cook Green Beans for Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons can eat cooked green beans, but it’s important to cook them properly to preserve their nutritional value. However, raw green beans have more nutritional value than cooked ones, so it’s best to provide them in their raw form more often. It’s not recommended to give canned or frozen green beans to bearded dragons because they contain preservatives that can be harmful to their health.

Can I Grow My Own Green Beans?

Yes, you can definitely grow your own green beans! Runner beans are a popular choice for amateur gardeners around the world, and they’re easy to grow. Just make sure to water them regularly, especially during the summer and when they’re first sprouting in the spring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while bearded dragons can eat green beans, they should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Remember to always research and consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pet.

With proper care and attention, your bearded dragon can enjoy a variety of healthy and nutritious foods. So go ahead and offer them some green beans, and watch as they happily chomp away!