Can bearded dragons eat basil?

If you’re wondering “Can bearded dragons eat basil?” the answer is yes! Bearded dragons can eat basil, although like most herbs, it should be given to them only on occasion. 

In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of basil for bearded dragons and how to feed them properly. As well, see our full guide to What herbs can bearded dragons eat?

Can bearded dragons eat basil?

Basil Nutritional Value for Bearded Dragons: 

Basil is an herb packed with nutrients including: 

• Fiber (great for bearded dragon’s digestion) 
• Calcium (vital for bearded dragon bone health) 
• Potassium 
• Vitamin C 
• Iron 
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium 
• Phosphorus 
• Cobalamin 
• Vitamin A 
• Vitamin D 

Source: Web MD 

A note on phosphorus: In bearded dragons, it’s important to be aware of the phosphorus and calcium content in food you feed them. Why? Bearded dragons need a good amount of calcium to grow and to maintain bone and muscle health in adulthood. However, phosphorus inhibits the absorption of calcium if there’s too much of it, relative to the calcium amount. 

You should aim for a 2:1 ratio of 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. Unfortunately, basil doesn’t meet this 2:1 ratio as it contains negligible amounts of calcium. We’ve outlined ways to increase your beardie’s calcium intake below as well. 

How often should you give basil to your beardie? 

Basil leaves have too little calcium to be fed to your beardie daily. You can sprinkle a pinch into their food every two to three weeks. A great side benefit of basil is that your beardie finds it fragrant and appetizing. It could be a great treat for them or a way to get your dragon to eat more vegetables, if you find that your bearded dragon is reluctant to eat their vegetables. 

Potential risks of feeding basil to your bearded dragon: 

Basil doesn’t have the ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus, and it is also quite high in acid if eaten too much. That’s why we recommend you feed your beardie this herb a few times a month, and mix it in with other greens. 

If you were to only feed your beardie basil daily with no other vegetables, they would suffer from a calcium deficiency and over time, it would harm their bone and muscle health. This could lead to brittle bones and even paralysis. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Can bearded dragons eat basil?

How much basil can bearded dragons eat?

It’s recommended that you give basil to your bearded dragons every week or so, at most. While it does contain nutrients, it doesn’t have enough calcium for a growing or adult bearded dragon to eat daily. 

What herb can a bearded dragon eat? 

There are many herbs safe for bearded dragons to eat on occasion. Among them include oregano, lavender, mint, and fennel. You can feed them homegrown herbs or store bought, but avoid feeding them herbs you find in the wild as they may be covered in pesticides. 

What leaves are toxic to bearded dragons? 

Leaves that are considered poisonous to bearded dragons include: ivy, boxwood, elderberry, iris, and buttercup. Always consult a guide or your vet before feeding your bearded dragon a leaf you find from outside. 

What foods do bearded dragons love most? 

Bearded dragon’s favorite food would have to be live bugs, which is typically crickets or roaches. 

Can bearded dragons eat coriander? 

Yes, bearded dragons can eat coriander! As well, they can eat cilantro. Coriander and cilantro are different herbs from the safe plant. They can safely eat both, on occasion. 

Can bearded dragons eat thyme?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat thyme as they have nutrients and fiber that are great for your beardie. However, it shouldn’t be eaten daily as their normal vegetables as they don’t have enough calcium to support bearded dragon bone health. 

Can bearded dragons eat oregano? 

Bearded dragons can eat a sprinkle of oregano or they can chew on an oregano occasionally. A good rule of thumb is twice a month. 

Foods bearded dragons can eat: 

If you’re wondering what you should feed a bearded dragon, read our guidelines below. Bearded dragons are insectivores, which just means they thrive on insects as well as plant materials.  

If you have a juvenile bearded dragon (between six and eighteen months old), give them about 80% vegetables and 20% live insects. 

As your bearded dragon transitions into adulthood, give them the inverse, so 20% plant materials and 80% insects. 

Getting your bearded dragon calcium: 

Calcium is especially vital to a bearded dragon, especially a young one that is still growing. There are several ways to introduce more calcium into your beardie’s diet: 

• Add in more high calcium vegetables like dandelions, bok choy, and collard greens. 
• Dust calcium powder over their insects and vegetables to increase calcium levels. 
• Make sure they’re getting their 12 hours of UVB exposure as they need this light to be able to properly absorb nutrients. 

Vegetables to feed your bearded dragon: 

• Peas
• Dandelion
• Green beans
• Cabbage
• Zucchini
• Pumpkin
• See our full list of vegetables to feed your bearded dragon

Note: Bearded dragons can also eat fruit in moderation. See here for a complete list of fruits bearded dragons can eat. 

Insects to feed your bearded dragon: 

• Crickets 
• Kingworms 
• Waxworms 
• See our full guides to insects you can feed your bearded dragon and worms to feed your bearded dragon 

Quick note: Live insects raised by you or bought from the pet store are best because they’re definitely pesticide free. 

How often should you feed a bearded dragon?

During the first 3-6 months of your beardie’s life, try to feed them four to five times a day by giving them as many insects as they’d like in 10 minutes. They’re growing and need lots of protein during this stage. 

Reduce the number of feedings to about two to three times a day when they’re growing into their juvenile years (between six and eighteen months). 

As they become an adult, you can feed them once daily. 

What should a bearded dragon not eat? 

Avoid feeding your bearded dragon: 

• Onions 
• Leeks 
• Chives 
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Acidic fruit like oranges, lemons
• Rhubarb (can be toxic to them) 
• Avocados (surprisingly, these make them ill) 
• Eggplant
• Insects caught in the wild (there may be pesticides covering them) 
• Venomous insects 
• Dairy of any kind
• Rice and grains of any kind
• Frogs or toads
• Ham or other processed meats 

Recap: Can bearded dragons eat basil? 

• Bearded dragons can safely eat small amounts of basil every week or two. 
• However, basil should not be a staple in their daily diets. 
• Basil has too much phosphorus for bearded dragons to eat in large amounts. 

For our full list of food to feed a bearded dragon, see our guide here. 

Related articles: 

• Can bearded dragons eat cilantro?
• Can bearded dragons eat parsley?
• Can bearded dragons eat dill?
• Can bearded dragons eat sage?
• Can bearded dragons eat rosemary?