Can Bearded Dragons Eat Alfalfa Sprouts?

Bearded dragons can eat alfalfa sprouts. This sprouts is very beneficial as it contains essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.

Serve them as a pleasure, not a staple. The sprouts may need a more precise balance of nutrients for their regular diet. A varied and balanced menu is key to keeping beardies healthy and content.

Bearded dragons are generally found in deserts and subtropical areas. Another thing is they only require a little water. Most of their water demand is fulfilled by vegetables, and these sprouts might be a good source of that, along with essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fibers. 

This article helps reptile owners learn the nutritional value, benefits, and potential risks of including them.

Alfalfa Sprouts 

Alfalfa sprouts are the immature portion of the alfalfa plants. Matured portions are some kind of bitter in taste, so they are not edible. But these immature portions are rich in nutritional content and have a crispy texture with a mild sweet flavor.

The scientific name of this green is Medicago sativa.

All portions of these sprouts are edible and suitable for bearded dragons. However, some nutritional components create complications for the beardies to their body health.

Nutritional Value Of Alfalfa Sprouts For Bearded Dragons 

This table presents the nutritional values of Swiss chard based on data from the USDA Food Data Central. Let’s discuss alfalfa sprout’s nutritional facts in detail:

*nutritional fact of alfalfa sprouts per 100g

The vitamin, mineral, and amino acid content contributes to strong bodies from the snout to the tail tip. So, nutritionally speaking, alfalfa sprouts are a smart choice for BD.

Benefits Of Feeding Alfalfa Sprouts To Bearded Dragons

Alfalfa sprouts are rich in water and nutrients essential for a bearded dragon. So, let’s discuss in detail how Beardie can benefit from these greens:

Vitamin A 

Alfalfa sprouts are very rich in vitamin A contents. Vitamin A is essential for Beardie’s good skin health and eye vision. It also impacts the immune system.

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps recover quickly if Beardie gets infected by any diseases.

Plenty of Beta carotene 

Beta carotenes can be substituted if vitamin A is lacking in Beardie. Beta carotenes can be turned into vitamin A by the metabolism system of bearded dragons.

Covering Calcium Demand

Bearded dragons need calcium content in their growing stages because calcium is a founding element that forms and strengthens their bones.

Lack of calcium can lead to various bone-related diseases. So, the calcium content in these sprouts is essential for bone development.

Fiber 

Alfalfa sprouts contain a good amount of fiber. These indigestible things cleanse the intestines and keep their digestive system healthy.

Water 

Bearded dragons are reptiles that require very less amount of water to survive. But lack of water can be a matter of complication. This green can cover the water demand. Though they do not require that much water, they need some water.

If this green is added with other vegetables, then this can be an ideal diet.

Risks And Concerns Of Feeding Alfalfa Sprouts To Bearded Dragons 

Alfalfa sprouts are good for bearded dragons’ health, but it has a high content of phosphorus that works as an oxalate that can prevent calcium absorption. This can lead to numerous bone diseases. 

This is not all. Though this green is good, some nutritional components might create complications. 

Here, discuss the side effects of sprouts:

● The amount of phosphorus can be problematic. It prevents the absorption of calcium. Less calcium absorption leads to bone diseases like MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease).

● The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is not good. The ratio of Ca: P should be 1:1 or 2:1, but the ratio is 0.46:1, which is alarming for a bearded dragon.

●     Excess amounts of phosphorus can lead to kidney stones.

●     Phosphorus can function as oxalate that usually bonds with calcium and reduces calcium’s absorption rate.

● High water content might be responsible for diarrhea or other digestive problems.

Experts suggest mixing this green with other low-water content vegetables because they meet their water demand from these vegetables.

To increase calcium absorption from the alfalfa sprouts, the amount of vitamin D should be increased in the diet by means of supplements or other foods. 

 Preparing Alfalfa Sprouts For Bearded Dragons 

Preparing alfalfa sprouts for Beardie is very easy. Follow these steps:

Step-1: you need to buy fresh from the market.

Step-2: Clean those fresh fresh water and drain the excess water properly.

Step-3: Now, tear it into pieces so it can eat and digest easily.

Step-4: It is suggested to tear in the size so that the torn size is smaller than the distance between the Beardie’s eyes.

Step-5: Impaction might occur if the torn size is bigger than the distance between their eyes.

The Suitable Amount For Better Health Of Bearded Dragons

Alfalfa sprouts are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins. Its high water content is good and bad.  

So, it is suggested by the experts to mix this green with other low water content vegetables. 

Generally, its amount should not exceed one-fourth cup of the daily vegetable diet plan.

Alfalfa sprouts might be mixed with other vegetables like dandelion leaves, beets, mustard greens, etc. These will keep Beardie hydrated.

FAQ

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Alfalfa Sprouts Daily? 

Bearded dragons can eat alfalfa sprouts, but only some days. These nutritious sprouts complement bearded dragons’ diets but should only be served occasionally because they lack the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. It is advised to eat alfalfa sprouts on occasion and to maintain a healthy diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Alfalfa Hay?

Bearded dragons can eat alfalfa hay. Alfalfa hay is a good source of fiber and calcium and can be offered as a staple food. Choosing still-green and dry is important. 

Conclusion

Your bearded dragon can benefit from alfalfa sprouts, but you must be aware of the risks and take measures. Following the above recommendations, you can safely give the dragon these sprouts as part of a diversified diet.

With some planning, alfalfa sprouts can be a great addition to your dragon’s menu!