Can Bearded Dragons Eat Basil Seeds?

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As a bearded dragon owner, it’s your responsibility to provide different foods to your bearded dragon because they have nutrients. Bearded dragons must eat foods that have a high amount of calcium. That’s because they get metabolic bone disease the most. In this disease, due to calcium deficiency in their body, bearded dragon has difficulty standing up. But is it possible that you make up for this deficiency by giving basils seeds to your bearded dragon. In other words, can your bearded dragon safely eat basil seeds?

Yes. Bearded dragons can eat basils seeds. That’s because it contains high amount of protein. In fact, as per Healthline, basil seeds also contains a high amount of calcium. In fact, 13 grams–one tablespoon- of basil seeds is enough to make up for the daily calcium intake. 

Can Bearded Dragon Eat Basil Seeds Every Day?

No. Bearded dragon can’t eat basil seeds every day. That’s because it contains high amount of fiber that can cause your bearded dragon some symptoms including bloating, vomit and diarrhea. That’s why It’s only best to give basil seeds to your bearded dragon every other week. 

How To Prepare Basil Seeds for Bearded Dragon?

Well, no matter what type of seeds you give to your bearded dragon, make sure you follow these steps to prepare basil seeds for your bearded dragon.

• Always wash seeds. 
• Since basil seeds aren’t larger than the size between bearded dragon’s eyes, you don’t have to cut them into smaller pieces. Just give these seeds to your dragon as it is. 
• Add basil seeds to their salad to add more flavors. 
• Enjoy your bearded dragon eating basil seeds. 

Pro tip: It’s preferable to give organic basil seeds to your bearded dragons. That’s because it’s free of pesticides and chemicals. There will be zero risk for your bearded dragon to get sick after eating basil seeds. 

Can You Give Basil Seeds to Bearded Dragons?

Well, it depends where those basil seeds were frozen. If you have bought frozen basil seeds from pet stores that usually get these seeds from seed banks, then it’s totally fine for your bearded dragon to eat those seeds. But in case you freeze basil seeds in your freezer and give your bearded dragon the same frozen basil seeds, then it’s not preferable. That’s because basil seeds can die and lose their nutrients when they are put in places where there is inconsistent temperature and moisture. Your home’s freezer can have such inconsistent temperature and moisture.

Can You Give Dried Basil Seeds to Bearded Dragons?

Well, never even give dried basil seeds to your bearded dragon. That’s because dried basil seeds have eucalyptol, which is toxic to bearded dragons. If ingested or inhaled your bearded dragon can suffer from issues including vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems, etc.

Consult your vet in case your bearded dragon is showing these symptoms. In fact, as a rule of thumb never ever give dried basil seeds to bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw Basil Leaves?

Yes. Bearded dragons can eat raw basil leaves. That’s because not only these leaves adds freshness to your bearded dragon’s salad, but it is also packed with varying benefits. Some of the benefits for bearded dragon include:

1. Prevention from cancer.
2. Lower blood glucose level.
3. Help against bacterial infections.
4. Serve as anti-inflammatory agent.

What Does Dried Basil Seeds Taste Like for Bearded Dragons?

As mentioned before, dried basil seeds have a high amount of eucalyptol. This is actually a natural compound that’s found in many other plants as well. It has a minty taste. But since dried basil seeds have high amount of eucalyptol, it would taste slightly bitter to bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Basil Flowers?

Well, yes. Bearded dragons can eat basil flowers. You can also add a few flowers to bearded dragon’s salad and water dish.

But beware, bees and butterflies love eating basil flowers. In case your bearded dragon doesn’t eat basil flowers, immediately remove them from the tank.

Benefits of Basil Seeds for Your Bearded Dragon?

Fortunately, basil seeds are one of those herbs that bearded dragons can eat a few times in a week. That’s because it’s packed with varying nutrition including the following:

Nutrition	Value(mg)
Water	92.1
Fat	0.64
Protein	3.15
Carbohydrate	2.65
Iron	3.17
Sodium	4
Potassium	295
Vitamin C	18
Phosphorus	56
Calcium	177
Vitamin B1	0.034
Vitamin B2	0.076
Vitamin B6	0.155

Let’s discuss what’s the benefit of basil seeds for bearded dragons.

1. High Amount of Water

Every adult bearded dragon must eat 10-30ml of water every day. But the problem is some bearded dragons don’t drink water. That’s because they can’t identify standing water as water. Beardies owners must entice their dragons to drink water using varying ways. The good thing is that basil seeds have lots of water. Your bearded dragon can become hydrated after eating a few basil seeds.

2.  High Amount of Calcium

Bearded dragons must eat calcium to stay away from metabolic bone disease. In this disease, bearded dragons have difficulty walking. At times, some bearded dragons can even die because of this disease. That’s the main reason bearded dragon owners must dust beardies food with calcium powder. In fact, the reason bearded dragons need UVB light is because it’s used to make vitamin D that also absorb calcium in their bones.

3. Lots of Protein

Every bearded dragon must eat protein. It helps in bearded dragon’s growth. In fact, hatchlings diet must consist of 60-80% of proteins. Else, they can face development issues later on in their life. Adult bearded dragons, on the other hand, must eat 15-30% protein. The best part is that basil seeds have high amounts of proteins.

What are Some Herbs that Bearded Dragons Should Never Eat?

There are some chemicals that bearded dragons should never eat no matter what happens. That’s because bearded dragons can’t process the chemicals present in these herbs. Some toxic herbs that bearded dragon can’t eat include:

1. Bay Leaves
2. Garlic
3. Dill Leaves
4. Onion
5. Chives

Conclusion

Well, yes. Bearded dragons can eat basil seeds. That’s because it contains lots of nutrients including protein, iron, vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. But since bearded dragons don’t need to eat all these nutrients every day, don’t give basil seeds to them every day. Give them basil seeds only a few days a week.