Can Bearded Dragons Eat Lettuce

Below is the reptile nutrition label for lettuce. We created this label using information provided by the USDA and other reputable sources. Please note: romaine lettuce is displayed below as it is the healthiest lettuce.

Lettuce Health Concerns

Lettuce, when compared to other leafy greens like kale or arugula, is not very nutrient rich. It does contain vitamins and minerals, but not as much as similar greens. With that said, there are no major or minor health concerns with any variety of lettuce.

There are many types of lettuce and for the most part they have similar nutrition. We'll discuss the different types below so you can identify the best lettuce for your use.

Below are the main nutritional differences between the three varieties.

Iceberg Lettuce

This is the most popular type of lettuce and is used in wraps, sandwiches, and salads. Iceberg contains the fewest nutrients than other types of lettuce which is why it has a bad reputation among nutritionists.

Red Leaf Lettuce

Red leaf lettuce is used for garnishes and sandwiches because it usually is crunchy and has a mild sweet flavor. It is healthier than iceberg lettuce and is a good source of vitamin A.

Romaine Lettuce

Romain lettuce is most often used in salads and wraps. Like red leaf lettuce, romaine provides a crunch and has a mild flavor. It contains more vitamins and minerals than iceberg and red leaf lettuce making it the healthiest lettuce between the three.

Lettuce can be fed to bearded dragons daily. You should only use fresh lettuce and not the kind from a salad kit bag. Keep in mind it is not nutrient rich so it's best not to make it a staple food. Lettuce is also easy to eat and contains a lot of water, so too much lettuce may cause your beardie to get diarrhea.

Lettuce Preparation

Lettuce can easily be prepared and fed to your beardie by following a few easy steps.

You should thoroughly wash the lettuce to remove any loose debris and chemicals it may have come in contact with at the store or during transportation. Remove any stiff parts of the lettuce as they can be difficult for bearded dragons to eat. Remove the leaves and cut each leaf into small pieces no larger than the distance between your beardies eyes. Mix the lettuce with other foods which are rich in vitamins and minerals.