Can bearded dragons eat dandelions?

If you’re wondering “can bearded dragons eat rose dandelions?,” the answer is a resounding yes! You can feed bearded dragon dandelions daily. It can be a staple in their diet and is great for them. 

In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of dandelions for bearded dragons and how to feed them properly. As well, see our full guide to what flowers bearded dragons can eat here. 

Can bearded dragons eat dandelions?

Why are dandelions so great for bearded dragons?

Dandelion greens (the leaf part) are wonderful for bearded dragons mainly due to their high calcium content, which is very important for bearded dragons to grow and thrive. 

In addition, the proportion of calcium to phosphorus is optimal for the calcium to be properly absorbed. Many foods that are high in calcium have too much phosphorus, which stops the calcium from being absorbed. The recommended ratio is 2 to 1 (as in two parts calcium to one part phosphorus) and dandelions have about a 2.5 to 1 ratio. Nearly perfect! 

Lastly, dandelions have other vitamins, magnesium, and iron, which help keep your beardie healthy and happy. 

What part of the dandelion plant should you feed your bearded dragon?

• The green leaves can be eaten daily. 
• The flower part can be eaten as a treat, after dinner. They shouldn’t be given daily as they don’t have much calcium. 
• The puffs, or those fluffy bits that fly away, are not nutritious for your bearded dragon. Avoid feeding them dandelion puffs. 
• Stems – the inside of dandelion stems contain a milky substance that will likely upset your bearded dragon’s stomach. Avoid feeding them dandelion stems. 

How to Serve Dandelion to Your Dragon 

Make sure to wash your dandelion leaves thoroughly. It’s best to get organic dandelion leaves from your local grocery store to ensure there are no harmful pesticides. Cut off the stems, and then cut the leaves into small pieces (about a centimeter wide). Toss them into the vegetable mix that you feed your dragon daily. 

Can I feed my Bearded Dragons wild dandelions from my yard? 

Technically, yes. You can feed your bearded dragon wild dandelions but make sure they have not come in contact with any pesticides or any harmful chemicals. Clean them thoroughly. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Dandelion for bearded dragons

How many dandelions can a bearded dragon eat? 

A young growing bearded dragon will eat many more insects than they eat greens. Put 2-3 cut up dandelion leaves in their vegetable mix to start and see how they do. As they grow older, reduce the number of insects they eat and add more dandelion greens and other plant matter into their food bowl. 

Are dandelions poisonous to lizards? 

No, dandelions are not poisonous to lizards. Make sure to remove the stems, and feed them the dandelion greens to your heart’s content. They can also eat the dandelion flower as a treat. 

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.  

Can I give my bearded dragon dandelions from outside? 

Yes, but make sure it’s cleaned thoroughly and has not come in contact with any pesticides or chemicals. 

Can I put my bearded dragon outside in the sun?

Yes! Bearded dragons love being in the sun. It’s great for their mental stimulation and it makes them happy to be in the sunlight. 

How often should you hold your bearded dragon? 

While there’s no prescribed right amount of time you should hold your bearded dragon, start with five minutes and see how they do. Some bearded dragons grow to love being held and cuddled by you, but start slow and see how they progress over time. 

What does it mean when bearded dragons lick you?

It’s possible your bearded dragon is licking you out of affection or because they’re comfortable with you. Another possible reason is that you smell good to them. 

How do I know if my bearded dragon is happy? 

Many happy bearded dragons will come up to you when you approach their terrarium. They won’t shy away and hide from you when happy. 

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: Do bearded dragons eat dandelions? 

• Yes! Bearded dragons can eat dandelions. It’s one of the plants they can eat regularly as it provides immense nutritional value to them.

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

Related articles: 

• Can bearded dragons eat rose petals?
• Can bearded dragons eat daisies?