Do you want to know can bearded dragons eat escarole? Don’t feed your bearded dragon escarole until you read this. You may be making a big mistake.

Escarole is a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, but is it suitable for your scaly friend?

When it comes to feeding our bearded dragon pets, we want to provide them with foods that are nutritious, tasty, and safe.

As owners, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves on proper beardie diets so we can best care for our scaly companions.

We know staple greens like collard and mustard greens make great daily meals, but what about more uncommon leafy varieties found in the produce aisle – like escarole?

Escarole’s curly, broad leaves provide ample vitamins A, C, and K, making it seem like an ideal match for these vitamin-loving lizards.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Escarole?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat escarole. Escarole is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It makes a healthy part of a varied bearded dragon diet.

You want to feed escarole in moderation along with other leafy greens and vegetables. Escarole should not make up the bulk of the diet.

Chop the escarole leaves into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. The pieces should be no bigger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes.

Feed escarole daily or a few times a week as part of a salad mix. Good salad combinations are escarole mixed with collard greens, bell peppers, butternut squash, carrots, etc.

Make sure the escarole is pesticide-free if it’s from your own garden. Wash store-bought greens thoroughly as well.

What Are Some Other Greens That Bearded Dragons Can Eat?

Here are some of the top greens that can be fed to bearded dragons:

• Collard Greens: An excellent staple green full of vitamins and minerals. Great for regular feedings.
• Dandelion Greens: Loaded with nutrients like calcium, antioxidants, and vitamin A. Both the leaves and flowers are safe to feed.
• Turnip Greens: High in calcium and vitamin C. The greens as well as the root can be fed.
• Mustard Greens: Great source of vitamins K, A, and C. Offer in moderation due to higher oxalate content.
• Bok Choy: Provides lots of calcium, beta-carotene and vitamin K. Rinse thoroughly to remove oxalates.
• Kale: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Feed in moderation and use baby kale if possible due to lower oxalate levels.
• Chard/Swiss Chard: Rich in vitamins K, A, C plus magnesium and iron. Both the leaves and stems can be served.
• Cilantro: Promotes healthy digestion and high in vitamin K. Feed sparingly.
• Kohlrabi: Offers fiber, protein, vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and folate, making it a nutritious option for bearded dragons.
• Endive: High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, endive is a nutritious option for bearded dragons.

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Feeding Bearded Dragons Escarole Every Day

Escarole makes for a very healthy addition into a bearded dragon’s routine diet, too much on a daily basis can lead to issues from nutritional imbalances, blocked nutrient absorption, diarrhea and possible food aversion over time.

Risks:

• Nutritional imbalance since escarole lacks proper calcium, protein, etc. Dragons need a varied diet.
• Overconsumption of oxalates found in escarole over time can hinder calcium absorption.
• Possible diarrhea or loose stool if given too much. Their digestive system needs variety.
• Food aversion or picky eating habits developing if they get used to only eating escarole.

Benefits:

• Escarole provides hydration and moisture from its high water content. Helps prevent dehydration.
• Good source of vitamin A, K, C and some B-vitamins like folate. Provides antioxidants.
• Dietary fiber supports healthy digestion and bowel movements.
• Promotes exercise and mental stimulation if served whole and chopped vs pureed or chopped finely.

How to Feed Escarole to Your Bearded Dragon

Choose fresh escarole. Look for crisp, green leaves without any slimy spots or yellowing. This ensures peak nutrition and taste.

Wash the escarole thoroughly under cool running water. This removes any dirt or residue from the growing and storage process. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Chop the escarole leaves and stems into bite-sized pieces. Bearded dragon mouths are small, so chopping prevents choking and makes it easier to chew and digest.

Mix a small amount of chopped escarole into your dragon’s salad. Combine it with other greens and chopped vegetables for balanced nutrition. Too much escarole can cause diarrhea.

Offer a small salad bowl of greens and veggies topped with appropriate protein like crickets daily. Remove any uneaten salad within a few hours.

Store any unused chopped escarole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Adding fresh foods to each salad makes them more enticing.

Adjust the amount offered based on your bearded dragon’s appetite and preference. Observe any changes in health, energy levels or waste that overfeeding escarole may cause.