Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've read it is high in vitamin A and it is only suggested for occasional use and I have also read can be used just like Collard greens. Both of these opinions have come from reputable sources.

Can I get some opinions on this please!?
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Rob

My opinion.......

Good as a once in a while treat, but I would not use it as a staple. It is a good source of Vitamin A, but it is mid line when it comes to oxalates.
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Lisa
www.beginnersbasics.com

Cricket FREE babies!

Hi. Now this is what I recommend but someone else may have other suggestions.

Kale is good for your dragon in smaller quantities than other greens. Don't use it as your staple green or the base green in your feeding routine. It can also be high in phosphorous if you give them to much kale. I would use it once a week in your feeding routine along with your other greens. We use Collards as our staple or base feeding green and then work in others such as kale, turnip greens, mustard greens.

Hope this helps.

Kale is good for an occasional variety in diet. But it has been known to cause gastrointestinal disorders in bearded dragons and only small infrequent amounts should be offered.
Cricket

Kale is both high in calcium and phosphates as well as oxates that prevent calcium from being used by the body. That being said, it can be used once in awhile as variety, mixed in with other dark leafy greens.

>>I've read it is high in vitamin A and it is only suggested for occasional use and I have also read can be used just like Collard greens.

Kale and collards are two variations of the same plant species. The vitamin A found in kale (and all vegetables) is in the form of the pre-cursor beta carotene. The body will only convert carotene to active vitamin A (the potentially toxic form) as needed. Vitamin A overdose is not possible with any vegetable sourced vitamin A, only with animal source supplements like liver and fish oil. The component in plants that binds with calcium making it unavailable is oxalate. Kale has one of the *lowest* oxalate levels of many common greens (see attached link). It also has a favourable calcium/phosphorous ratio of over 2:1. It can be safely included as part of your regular greens.

T.B
Calcium/oxalate levels

n/p
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www.classylizard.com

>>I've read it is high in vitamin A and it is only suggested for occasional use and I have also read can be used just like Collard greens. Both of these opinions have come from reputable sources.
>>
>>Can I get some opinions on this please!?
>>-----
>>Rob
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Rob