Can bearded dragons eat clover?

If you’re wondering “Can bearded dragons eat clover?,” the answer is yes! Bearded dragons can eat all varieties of clover, although it should only be fed to them weekly at most.  

In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of clovers 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 clover?

Clover Nutritional Value for Bearded Dragons: 

There are over 250 types of clovers found throughout the world. Of those, about 25 are eaten regularly by humans and animals. The more common ones include: red clover, white clover, zigzag clover. Bearded dragons can eat all the common varieties of clover. 

Clover is an herb packed with nutrients including: 

• Fiber (great for bearded dragon’s digestion) 
• Protein 
• Vitamin C 
• Iron 
• Carbohydrates 
• Some fats 

Source: Healthline

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, clovers don’t meet this 2:1 ratio as they have negligible amounts of calcium. We’ve outlined ways to increase your beardie’s calcium intake below as well. 

How often should you give clover to your beardie? 

Clovers tend to have too much phosphorus and too little calcium to be given to your bearded dragon daily. You can sprinkle a pinch into their food every one to two weeks. 

Bearded dragons can safely eat clover blossoms and sprouts 

Potential risks of feeding clover to your bearded dragon: 

Clovers don’t have the ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus. 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 clover 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. 

Note: Many bearded dragon owners mention that their pet doesn’t enjoy the taste of clover. Test it out for yourselves, but if they really find this herb unappetizing, try sprinkling in another herb like mint or lemongrass. 

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

Can bearded dragons eat crimson clover?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat all types of clover including crimson clover. 

Can bearded dragons eat sorrel?

Bearded dragons can safely eat sorrel. While sorrel has some nutrients beneficial to your dragon, it is high in oxalates and should not be a staple in their daily diets. 

Can bearded dragons eat bindweed?

While bindweed is toxic to some animals, bearded dragons can eat it safely in small quantities. Some bearded dragon owners report their pet loving it too! 

What plants are poisonous to bearded dragons? 

There are several plants that are poisonous to bearded dragons. Never feed them citrus fruit (lemons, limes, kumquats) or avocados. As well, avoid giving them onions, garlic, and mushrooms. If a plant is poisonous to humans (like poison ivy), it’ll likely be poisonous to your beardie. 

What leaves are poisonous 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. 

Can bearded dragons eat grass? 

While bearded dragons can eat grass, they shouldn’t eat too much of it. See our article on bearded dragons eating grass for more details.  

What kind of flowers can bearded dragons eat? 

There are many flowers that bearded dragons can eat including dandelions, sunflowers, geraniums, carnations, orchids, and clover flowers. For a full guide to feeding bearded dragons, see our article here. 

​​Can Beardies eat scrambled eggs? 

Yes, beardies can safely eat scrambled eggs. Remember not to mix in any additional ingredients that they can’t eat, and not to feed them more than roughly half an egg at a time. 

Can a bearded dragon eat cheese? 

No – do not feed beardies cheese or any type of dairy. It isn’t good for them. 

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 clover? 

• Bearded dragons can safely eat small amounts of clover. 
• There are many types of clover, but bearded dragons can safely consume all types that you would grow in your yard or that can be bought at the grocery store. 

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

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