For those who wonder whether or not thyme is safe for Bearded Dragons to eat, here’s your answer. It’s true that thyme may be included into the bearded dragon’s diet as a healthy supplement. Thyme, a member of the mint family, is a small, aromatic herb.
The tiny leaves may be used as a substitute for parsley in recipes, and the plant itself is utilized for medicinal purposes. As these plants are so aromatic and flavorful, bearded dragons love to feast on them.
Thyme is a beneficial addition to a healthy diet, but only when the diet is already well-balanced. Bearded dragons, especially juveniles, shouldn’t eat more than 30 percent of their diet in greens, but adults may take up to 70 percent.
So, it is crucial to understand how to effectively use thyme in your diet. This article will discuss whether or not bearded dragons can consume thyme in great depth.
Is Thyme Safe for your Bearded Dragon?
First, we need to address the question of whether or not thyme is safe for bearded dragons to consume. In terms of the health of your bearded dragon, thyme is one of the safest herbs you may use.
I’ll tell you how, and then you’ll know for sure whether you can feed your bearded dragon thyme. The bearded dragon’s immunity will be bolstered by this aromatic plant’s high vitamin C content.
Vitamin A, found in abundance in this food, is beneficial to eye health. Vitamins are essential for the overall well-being of bearded dragons. Thyme, though, is useful for more than just that. Minerals including copper, iron, and manganese may be found in abundance in thyme.
Your bearded dragon will benefit from all of these minerals, which all play a role in maintaining healthy tissues and organs. Because of all of these benefits, they are a good plant for bearded dragons.
Thyme is high in fiber as well. For all intents and purposes, this is not helpful to bearded dragons. Thyme, on the other hand, looks to be a beneficial herb for bearded dragons because of the other nutrients it provides. Beardies may safely consume the thyme plant on a weekly basis, both for its leaves and its blossoms. So long as you know for sure that it hasn’t been exposed to pesticides, I don’t see a problem with occasional hospitality.
How to Feed Thyme to Bearded Dragon
The fact that bearded dragons consume thyme is now beyond reasonable doubt. When and how should you give it to him? Let me to fill you in on the details.
While thyme has a reputation for being safe for bearded dragons, its essential oils may be toxic if ingested. If you feed thyme to your bearded dragon, make sure to have enough of water (or another source of hydration) on available.
A little bit of it mixed into a salad or other dish is all you need. Put something in between it and its food. Thyme is an aromatic and flavorful herb. Because of this, it may be used to improve the flavor of any food.
The proper way to interpret it is as follows:
- You should start by purchasing some fresh thyme from the shop.
- After you’re done, give it a good soaking in water.
- Then you can slice it up into bite-sized pieces and put it on your bearded dragon’s plate among the rest of his meals.
On the list of things that might harm a bearded dragon, thyme is rather low on the danger scale. Nonetheless, caution is necessary while handling it. Avoid giving your reptile any thyme that has not been dried. Sometimes once a week, and always along with something else. A bowl of water should always be within reach of the meal dish. Why? Because thyme will trigger a cleansing reaction in your bearded dragon.
Nutritious Value of Fresh Thyme
Giving thyme to your bearded dragon is safe, therefore you need not worry about poisoning him. What benefit, if any, does your reptile get from this?
In terms of nutrients, fresh thyme has per tablespoon:
- Calories: 0.8
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 0.1 grams
Is it safe for bearded dragons to consume dried thyme?
Perhaps another inquiry has arisen in your mind after learning that yes, bearded dragons can eat thyme. Should you then give your bearded dragon dry thyme, which can be found anywhere?
Well, bearded dragons can eat dry thyme too, but because fresh herbs are more nutritious, you should only give your bearded dragon freshly selected herbs.
We’ve included a dry thyme nutritional information leaflet for your convenience. Have a look at the calcium levels first, then the phosphorus levels. You should aim for a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. The calcium to phosphorus ratio in dried thyme is an impressive 9.5:1 according to the USDA food datasheet.
Name | Amount | Unit |
Water | 7.79 | g |
Protein | 9.11 | g |
Energy | 267 | kcal |
Carbohydrate, by difference | 63.9 | g |
Sugars, total including NLEA | 1.71 | g |
Fiber, total dietary | 37 | g |
Iron, Fe | 124 | mg |
Calcium, Ca | 1890 | mg |
Potassium, K | 814 | mg |
Magnesium, Mg | 220 | mg |
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 50 | mg |
Vitamin A, RAE | 190 | µg |
Is Lemon Thyme Acidic for Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons do not have an acidic response to lemon thyme, and it does not affect them in any way. Bearded dragons may eat lemon thyme since it is a distinct kind of thyme. Yet, it contains a tiny amount of essential oil like any other thyme.
If you feed it lemon thyme, you should provide a basin of water within the glass enclosure. Adding some lemon thyme to your bearded dragons’ diet can improve the taste. This lovely herb should, therefore, be included in your pet’s diet on occasion.
What other herbs are safe for bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons may supplement their diet with thyme and other plants. It’s these four things:
- Basil.
- Oregano
- Bay Leaves.
- Rosemerry
- Celery.
- Chives.
- Coriander or cilantro.
- Fresh dill leaves.
- Fennel.
- Lavender.
As bearded dragons like their meal unprocessed, these plants should be served often. This will allow them to enjoy the crunch of the leaves as they chew.
Conclusion
If you were wondering whether or not bearded dragons consume thyme, you now know the answer is yes. Every other week, give thyme a correct place in the food source and it will greatly improve the flavor of previously tasteless meals. Your dragon will benefit much from thyme. And for a long and healthy life, you should feed it a variety of herbs and greens. Hence, use thyme to spice up its meals.