Do you have a bearded dragon and want to know if they can eat zinnias? If so, read on!
In the wild, zinnias are an abundant source of food for many species. In captivity, however, there is less access to this plant due to its rarity.
Zinnias, also known as “mums” or “feverfew,” are colorful flowering plants. Zinnias can be eaten by bearded dragons. However, they should only make up a small part of the overall diet.
Nutritional Information of Zinnia Flowers
Zinnia flowers are very rich in beta-carotene. A 100-gram portion of zinnia flowers contains 2645 μg of carotene, or about 1097% recommended daily allowance. They also have a big vitamin K and E, at 42 μg% and 16 mg%, respectively.
A 100-gram portion of these flowers contains 9 g of carbohydrates, 4 g of which are fiber, making net carbohydrate content 6 g.
Thus eating more than 150g of zinnia flowers (56 servings per pound) can cause an adult to exceed the daily limit for carbohydrate intake. They also contain a significant amount of fiber, with 3 g per 100-gram portion.
Zinnia flowers are relatively low in calories, with only 20 kcal per 100-gram portion (2 servings per pound).
They are deficient in oxalic acid compared to other plants; this is good because it makes them safer for animals who may suffer from kidney stones where they eat plants that are high in oxalates.
According to WIKIFARMERS website , zinnia flowers are relatively low in protein compared with most vegetables, at 2% of a 100-gram portion, but rich in some essential amino acids, 16% for lysine.
Also, they are relatively high in fiber – 3 g per 100 grams and high in flavonoid antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol.
They also contain small calcium, iron, Vitamin K, and other vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy human diets.
Zinnia flowers are not toxic to bearded dragons. In fact, they are healthy and nutritious dietary additions for bearded dragons. In addition to the beta-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin E, calcium, iron, and other nutrients listed above.
NOTE: Some pets may react badly to oxalic acid levels, so if you are concerned about your bearded dragon’s internal health and it has used the bathroom after eating the flowers, please consult a veterinarian.
How to feed zinnia to your bearded dragon
Zinnia flowers can be a very healthy treat for your bearded dragon. This plant is not only tasty and nutritious, but it is also effortless to find.
If you want to give this snack to your lizard, here’s what you need to do.
Zinnias come in many different colors, but they are always easy to spot in the garden center. Few people actually purchase these plants, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them at your local nursery or home improvement store.
When you get them home, put the flowers inside of a plastic bag. Then, put the bag in your refrigerator. You do not need to wash or cut off the flowers before you give them to your dragon.
You must keep these flowers refrigerated because they can go rancid quickly if left out at room temperature for too long. Also, make sure you only buy pesticide-free flowers from a reputable source. You don’t want to feed your pet any toxic chemicals.
Zinnias can also be fed to most other lizards, but some of them might not enjoy it as much. Many iguanas are picky eaters, so you might have to try a few times before they decide that this is the food they actually want.
What flowers can bearded dragons eat?
Bearded Dragon website suggest that the most popular flowers for the dragons include zinnias, hibiscus, rose petals, and pansies.
Zinnia flowers are not only tasty but also jam-packed with nutrients. In this way, zinnias are similar to other edible flowers like lilacs and hibiscus.
The flowers, which can be found in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red (though the most popular variety is the bright orange ‘Tangerine Dream’), have a subtle taste that goes well with fruit salad and savory dishes. The flavor has been compared to a slightly tart tomato.
Just be sure to avoid plants that have been sprayed with pesticides! If you’re growing them yourself, only pick the flower petals and sprigs after you’ve pollinated all the blooms so the plant can put its energy into fruit production. You will also need to take care when picking zinnias in the wild, as they are considered endangered in some world regions.
If your bearded dragon eats flowers that you’ve picked from the wild, it’s wise to avoid flowers found in urban areas that may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Before feeding any flower petals to your lizard for the first time, check online to see if they’re on the list of toxic blooms.
What flowers are toxic to bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are known for their curious, friendly nature. They enjoy lounging on warm rocks or exploring the floor of their terrariums in search of food scraps.
Owners love to watch them hunt crickets and chase each other around! When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, you know that fresh veggies and fruit are essential.
According to petcare advisors there are several poisonous plants that you should keep out of your pet’s reach.
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Aloe Vera
Bearded dragons like to nibble on aloe vera, but this plant is toxic to them! Make sure it’s never accessible to your dragon. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
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Buttercup
Buttercups are a cute addition to a garden, but make sure they’re not in yours! These plants contain toxins that cause vomiting and drooling when eaten by lizards. Ingesting buttercups can also lead to kidney failure. Make sure your dragon doesn’t have access to these plants.
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Lilies
All lilies are toxic to bearded dragons, but the risk comes from different parts of each plant. Lily pollen can cause kidney failure, while ingesting portions of lily leaves or stems can lead to abdominal pain and vomiting. Make sure your lizard doesn’t have access to these plants!
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Oleander
A poisonous plant most often found in California, oleander contains toxins called cardiac glycosides. Bearded dragons can die within hours after ingesting this plant, so act fast if your dragon is exposed to it! Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
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Poinsettia
Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant, but they can harm your lizard if ingested. Keep this plant away from your dragon and monitor him for signs of poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.
Summary
It’s safe to say that bearded dragons are omnivores by nature, which means they can eat various foods. They typically enjoy fruits and vegetables as well as insects, worms, snails, etc. The list goes on!
However, it is essential to make sure the food you choose for your pet isn’t toxic or unsafe in any way. If you have zinnias growing in your garden this summer, be careful not to offer them up to your lizard because while some animals may find them tasty, others will likely react negatively (and possibly die).
Instead, opt for dandelions or other leafy greens if you want something green with vitamin A content similar to what would grow at home.
Recommended reading:
can bearded dragons eat zucchini squash?
can bearded dragons eat kale everyday?
My name is Brad and I am the main editor of BeardieZilla.com.
The only goal of this site is quite simply to be able to help you. To help you by the means of my experiment, of the relation which I maintain with my bearded dragon as well as some of my knowledge about beardies.
I hope that you will find answers to some of your most pressing questions here.
Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the blog!
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