Flowers of many different types are edible to bearded dragons. Indeed, I’m sure you’re aware of it. Unfortunately, bearded dragons can’t eat just any flower, or even every petal.
Rose petals, if they are free of parasites and chemicals, are safe for bearded dragons to consume. Bearded dragons are susceptible to illness from parasites and chemical contamination.
Bearded dragons may safely eat rose petals, unlike many types of greenery. The reason most bearded dragon owners don’t give their beardies rose petals is because of the risk of chemicals and parasites.
As long as you know the petals are clean and safe, it’s acceptable to feed your beardy rose petals.
What Nutritional Benefits Do Rose Petals Have
It belongs to the Rose genus and the Rosaceae family. It’s more widespread in Asia, although it’s not impossible to find in Europe.
Roses, with their stunning appearance, have long been connected with romantic feelings. There is a significant increase in demand for this flower on February 14th, Valentine’s Day.
Because of this, it has become more well-liked than similar flowers.
But what, if any, are rose petals’ nutritional values?
In traditional Chinese culture, rose petals and blossoms have been employed in both the kitchen and the medicinal cabinet. It’s natural to question what exactly we can do with rose petals.
Actually, rose petals don’t have much to provide in the way of nourishment. This might also explain why rose petals are seldom used in cooking.
Around 95% of rose petals are water, with trace amounts of vitamin A and C, phosphate, iron, calcium, and potassium, according to the few studies that have been conducted on this topic.
Rose petals, as you can see, are completely safe for bearded dragons. Because of this, bearded dragons may consume rose petals so long as they are not contaminated with chemicals or parasites.
Rose petals pose no health risks to people. Chefs and other culinary experts often incorporate these flowers in their dishes. Again, however, as compared to other types of flowers, this use is not very common.
Rose petals, as was previously noted, are also utilised in Chinese medicine as a pain cure and to aid with digestion.
But I wouldn’t suggest a daily diet of rose petals for your beardy. The nutritional content of these petals is minimal, as previously noted, and bearded dragons shouldn’t eat them.
In addition, you shouldn’t give your bearded dragons any wild-harvested flowers. What they contain is a mystery to you. Parasites may be present, or maybe the blooms have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
Possible Dangers when Bearded Dragons Eat Flowers
When handled improperly, rose petals—which are not toxic or otherwise hazardous—can be detrimental.
Below I’ll explain why bearded dragons are better off without floral treats.
Flowers Might Have Harmful Chemicals in Them
As I said in the outset, bearded dragons may safely eat rose petals. As an added bonus, they are chemical-free.
Most bearded dragon keepers advise against feeding bearded dragons rose petals because of the risk of chemicals and parasites.
Rats, mice, and other pests that may destroy a whole plant are targeted with these pesticides.
To hasten the rose’s development, fertilisers are sometimes employed. Well, this is making things even worse.
Yet beardies may eat only the petals without any risk. Once you are certain that they are completely clean and safe, you may give them to your beardies.
To keep your bearded dragons healthy and happy, you should only use pet-safe materials while cultivating rose plants for human use.
Just forego the use of artificial fertilisers, insecticides, and herbicides.
In my situation, I try to keep my bearded dragons healthy by providing them with fresh produce and flowers from my backyard garden for as long as I can. The greatest advantage of producing one’s own food is the assurance of its safety.
Vegetables, greens, fruits, and flowers are all quite simple to cultivate. Furthermore, it is soothing to the mind and body. I recommend doing the same if your property has any empty spots.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Flowers?
Yes. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they may feast on both flowers and vegetables. Dandelion is an everyday flower that many people are familiar with.
Remember to always play it safe while giving flowers to your bearded dragons. The commercial flowers you may purchase from florists aren’t worth feeding. Potentially toxic insecticides and pesticides might be in those blossoms.
As was previously said, growing your own flowers to feed your bearded dragons is the best way to ensure their safety.
Flowers, though, are nice on rare occasions. Do not rely on them as main courses. Bearded dragons do well on a diet of fruits, vegetables, and insects. A healthy diet may be achieved by combining the proper amounts of these items.
What Is a Balanced Diet for Bearded Dragons?
Eating the appropriate proportions of vegetables and bugs is just part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. It’s also relevant to the amount of food a bearded dragon needs at certain ages.
Juvenile and infant bearded dragons, for example, consume a higher proportion of insects and other protein sources than their adult counterparts. Because they need more protein than can be provided by vegetables and fruits.
In contrast, adult bearded dragons prefer vegetable matter over protein sources like insects and worms. Reason being, they have far lower protein requirements than before.
As a result, you may need to prepare two separate meals if you’re feeding bearded dragons of various ages. Both the baby and adult bearded dragon portions are high in protein, however the adult portion is balanced with other nutrients.
Babies and young beardies need a diet high in protein (insects and worms) and low in carbohydrates (20-30%), thus this is the ratio that should be adhered to.
Adult bearded dragons need a diet of roughly 70-80 percent plant matter and 20-30 percent insects and worms.
And, there’s this. Be careful to finely cut all components for bearded dragon meals. Bite-sized portions will do just fine. This will ensure that the beardies are able to devour the meal without experiencing any gastrointestinal distress.
While feeding little bearded dragons, it is very important to pay attention to the size of the food. Beardies have small mouths, so it’s best to avoid giving them anything too large to chew.
Using the spacing of the animal’s eyes apart as a guide, you may confidently provide the right portion proportions.
The size of a bearded dragon’s stomach is proportional to the space between its eyes.
What Are Rose Petals For Bearded Dragons?
Almost everyone is acquainted with the garden Rose since they have either received or given one (or both) on a special occasion at some time in their life.
The plants themselves, known by their Latin name Rosa, come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, with some kinds being ground covers and others being climbers. Some are cultivated for their exquisite aromas, while others are prized for their compact flower clusters[1].
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rose Petals?
It bears repeating that these accounts are anecdotal in nature. We’re not aware of (and haven’t been able to find) any hard evidence that says Rose Petals are safe for bearded dragons to eat.
Nonetheless, all sources agree that bearded dragons may safely eat rose petals, and that some of them really appreciate this treat. If the aroma is any indication of the taste, these are delicious.
Rose Petals from the garden pose a danger of pesticides, herbicides, and parasites, and many individuals in internet forums are emphatic that you shouldn’t feed them to bearded dragons. There is a serious danger from pesticides, but if your roses are produced in your own yard, you will know for sure whether they have been treated. Similarly, herbicides are designed to destroy plants, therefore it’s quite unlikely that you would use them on Roses (generally weeds).
We find it very unlikely that rose petals would have parasites that would pose a threat to bearded dragons. Store-bought locusts and dubia roaches are more likely to be infected with parasites, no matter how careful the breeders were. You shouldn’t be concerned about getting parasites.
But, if you’ve treated the rose petals with any kind of pesticide, you shouldn’t give them to bearded dragons. Organo-phosphate chemicals, found in many pesticides, are toxic to animals’ nervous systems and may cause convulsions and even death.
How Should I Feed Rose Petals To A Bearded Dragon?
If your bearded dragon will take food from your hand, you may feed it rose petals. They may also be used to increase the visual and aromatic attractiveness of a salad.
How Many Rose Petals Should I Feed A Bearded Dragon?
For this reason, and also since rose petals don’t seem to contain any poisons (apart from those that could be sprayed on), we have to say that you can feed your bearded dragon as many rose petals as you wish. Keep in mind that they contribute little nutritional value and should only be used for decoration or to give a fragrant or flavorful element to the salad in the hopes that your bearded dragon would eat it.
Can I Grow My Own Rose Petals For Bearded Dragons?
The Royal Horticultural Society[1] maintains an excellent online growing guide that will provide you with all the knowledge you need to cultivate your own Roses in any environment.
If you want to give your bearded dragon the petals when they bloom, you should probably wait until after you’ve sprayed them with insecticide.
Final Thoughts On Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rose Petals
Bearded dragons are not poisoned by rose petals. So, yes, rose petals are OK for beardies to ingest. Although many bearded dragons like eating rose petals, most bearded dragon owners do not advocate it because of the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals from pesticides.
Bearded dragons can eat rose petals, but only if they are completely chemical-free.