beardeddragon.cyou require a varied diet in order to thrive. Herbs play an integral part in this, helping your lizard absorb calcium. Basil is an excellent source of both vitamins and minerals for them.
However, dried basil should be avoided. Dried basil contains more sugar, fat and other essential nutrients than fresh.
It is a good source of calcium
Basil can provide bearded dragons with essential calcium sources. When fed in conjunction with other fresh vegetables such as kale, collard greens, turnip greens, parsley or even dandelion leaves it can help strengthen bones and teeth while being an enjoyable way to reduce inactivity levels. Without sufficient calcium intake a reptile may become inactive and less frequently poop.
Fresh herbs are far superior to their dried counterparts as they contain more essential vitamins and nutrients while less water has been lost through transpiration. As always, perform an allergy test prior to adding any new herb into your pet’s diet.
Be mindful that herbs should only be used occasionally as they can disrupt the balance of your reptile’s diet, such as with bearded dragons which require 50% carnivorous and 50% omnivorous meals to thrive. When adding variety to its meals, herbs can add welcome spice.
It is a good source of vitamin C
Basil contains abundant amounts of vitamin C, an essential vitamin for bearded dragons as it assists their bodies with calcium absorption and immune system functioning properly. As with all forms of plant food, however, be cautious to feed only occasional basil leaves to your pet; organic herbs would be preferable as pesticides could pose risks to reptiles.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals and require a healthy mix of vegetables, fruits, and herbs in their diet to achieve proper balance of calcium and phosphorus intake. Fruit should only account for approximately 10% of this total intake to prevent dehydration and diabetes in their environment.
Basil may seem like an unlikely source of calcium, but it actually is an excellent source. Basil boasts high levels of both calcium and vitamins C and K – failing to meet these needs can result in metabolic bone disease causing bones to soften over time.
It is a good source of vitamin K
These herbs contain vitamin K, making them great additions to a dragon’s diet as a variety. Their leaves should be finely chopped and fed occasionally as part of its variety; however, these should be avoided in cases of hyperkalemia (high calcium intake).
Fresh basil leaves are preferable to dried because of their lower concentration of unwanted nutrients and potential contamination with harmful pesticides or chemicals that could prove toxic for your reptile. Therefore, it’s wise to feed your beardie only fresh or organic basil leaves.
Basil can be easily obtained at your local grocery store or grown in your garden. Be sure to thoroughly wash the leaves and chop into small pieces before giving them to your beardie, in order to reduce any chance of them lodging in his throat. It is also wise to avoid feeding cabbage, kale, mustard greens and Swiss chard as these contain high levels of oxalates that bind calcium from being properly absorbed by his body.
It is a good source of essential oils
Basil contains essential oils which are vitally important to the wellbeing of a lizard, helping with digestion, skin health, muscle function and calcium absorption. They play an integral part in keeping their health at peak conditions.
Basil should only be provided to your lizard as a supplement; best served alongside staple greens such as collard greens or dandelion leaves to ensure they receive all the essential vitamins.
Bearded dragons need a varied diet of vegetables and herbs in order to remain healthy. Most herbs are generally safe for your bearded dragon to consume in small doses; however, some are toxic in larger amounts, or contain high levels of acidity which could potentially cause stomach issues in your reptile. To minimise risks it is wise to stay away from certain varieties like coriander and parsley as these belong to the laurel family which can be toxic for bearded dragons. To do this effectively try not using herbs such as tarragon and chives as these belong in this family and should also be avoided as these belong to laurel family which should also not be fed on either. Please visit here beardeddragon.cyou for more information.
