Can Bearded Dragons Eat Turnip Greens

Below is the reptile nutrition label for turnip greens. We created this label with information provided by the USDA and other reputable sources.

Turnip Green Health Benefits

It's rare to find greens that provide this level of nutrition. Usually a lack of calcium is the biggest concern with greens, but turnip greens actually provide a large surplus of calcium per serving making them a great choice for bearded dragons. It's calcium to phosphorus ratio puts turnip greens in our list of super foods (along side collard greens).

Other than calcium, turnip greens provide a large amount of Vitamin A. The large amount of Vitamin A should not be worrisome unless you're giving your beardie synthetic vitamin A.

You may notice turnip greens have a high amount of oxalates, which is normally a concern because oxalates reduce the amount of calcium being absorbed. However, turnip greens have so much surplus calcium the oxalic acid will have a major effect on calcium absorption.

Turnip greens can be served to your bearded dragon daily without any major health concerns. Bearded dragons should only be served fresh raw greens, so you should avoid frozen or canned turnip greens. Fresh turnip greens can be found at many grocery stores or local markets. Most places sell the turnip greens still attached to the turnip, which is fine. Just make sure the leaves are dark green and not yellowing.

Preparing Turnip Greens

Remove the turnip from the greens (if attached). Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris. Discard any leaves with a yellow or sickly appearance as they are past their prime. Remove any stems or portions that are too stiff to eat. Chop or cut the greens into smaller pieces and serve with other veggies or insects.