Are you looking for vegetables to feed your bearded dragon? It is recommended to give vegetable treats to your bearded dragons, and when it comes to vegetables, there are varying options to choose from. Have you ever thought of Escarole? Can bearded dragons eat escarole?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat escarole. Escarole does not contain any toxic substances that will harm your bearded dragons. Escarole contains vitamin A, which is essential for the proper growth of immature epidermal and skin cells in your bearded dragons.
If you’re not yet sure why escarole may be good for your bearded dragon, don’t worry; in this article, we have provided enough information about the nutritional content of escarole and why it is okay for your bearded dragon. We also looked at the potential risks associated with escarole and the nutritional requirements of bearded dragons.
What is Escarole?
Before we dive into the nutritional aspect, I will like to talk more about escarole. What plant is escarole? Escarole is a leafy green vegetable belonging to the chicory family, along with endive, Belgian endive, and frisée.
Escarole appears to have broad, slightly curly green leaves and a slightly bitter flavor. Its freshly picked outer leaves tend to be darker in color and more bitter, while the inner leaves are more tender. Escarole is available year-round but has a peak season in the spring and summer.
Escarole is very popular in Italian dishes; it is believed to be native to Sicily (Italy) and the Mediterranean region.
It was first recorded as being cultivated in the 1500s in England. There are also other traces of its use in ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt, where it was used as a salad green.
Today, escarole, along with other members of the chicory family, is wildly grown in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.
Nutritional content of escarole.
Below are the nutritional contents of escarole as supplied by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Nutrient Data Base (amount per 100 grams).
Calories 17
% Daily Value
Total Fat 0.2 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 22 mg 0%
Potassium 314 mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 3.4 g 1%
Dietary fiber 3.1 g 12%
Sugar 0.2 g
Protein 1.2 g 2%
Vitamin A 43%
Vitamin C 10%
Calcium 5%
Iron 4%
Vitamin D 0%
Vitamin B-6 0%
Vitamin B-12 0%
Magnesium 3%
Nutritional requirements of bearded dragons.
I believe you already know that your bearded dragons will require a more omnivorous diet as soon as they turn 9 months old. This is the time most bearded dragon owners begin to look for vegetable options to feed their pets. As recommended by vets, your bearded dragon needs to be eating vegetables daily, with at least a protein-rich insect meal around three times a week.
Many people choose a mix of vegetables, so adding escarole to that mix isn’t a bad choice. When it comes to bearded dragons, you should take note of these nutritional requirements. They are calcium, phosphorus, water, protein, fat, sugar, fiber content, excess vitamin C, oxalates, excess vitamin A, and a low amount of vitamin A.
Is It Safe For Bearded Dragons To Eat Escarole?
Yes, it is safe to give Escarole to your bearded dragons; however, don’t give them excess Escarole because it contains a significant amount of vitamin A, which might be harmful in excess to your beardies.
How often can a bearded dragon eat escarole?
Not very often. Do not make escarole the only vegetable your bearded dragon has to eat; we recommend that you give escarole in combination with other vegetables. Similarly, escarole contains a significant amount of vitamin A. While Vitamin A is required for the proper growth of immature epidermal or skin cells in your bearded dragons, excess Vitamin A will be harmful to them, so don’t give them excess Escarole. For example, you can give your adult beardies Escarole once every three days. If you have any other questions, you may go ahead and ask your vet.
How to Prepare Escarole for Your Bearded Dragon
Just like the way you would prepare vegetables to eat, you have to make sure that they are clean and fresh.
The next thing to do is to cut them into small pieces; this will enable the veggies to fit into your bearded dragon’s mouth.
A trick to getting the right size is to cut them around the same distance between your reptile’s eyes.
Make sure not to feed your bearded dragons food that is larger than the space between their eyes, especially young ones.
Conclusion
Feeding your bearded dragon with escarole is okay. Escarole will not harm your bearded dragon as it does not contain harmful substances. However, don’t feed them too much escarole and try to mix it up with other vegetables.
While feeding them escarole, it is important to prepare them well. Preparation involves cleaning the veggies and cutting them into small pieces that fit your bearded dragon’s mouth. I am sure that your bearded dragon will enjoy escarole; however, you can also ask your veterinarian about other vegetable choices.
