kingofnobbys":2fzifx5m said:
Pretty good, my lizards get a bit each day , but it's mixed other grated vegs.
A lot of the better listed greens are not available at the grocers here unfortunately.
I think there are some inconsistancies or errors in grading (ie Buk Choi should be GREEN).
I tend to look at the composition of the greens and fruits and veg (and insects) rather than being guided by the ranking given (colour , black vs green etc) as it is very easy when creating a list like that to make an error or to overlook something when grading the many options listed.
For the same reason , I also have used kale when it's in season too. I've also offered parley and regularly offer grated raw sweet potato.
I generally agree with your statement, as I don't believe that anything fed in moderation and variety is necessarily a bad thing. However, I think the reason that Bok choi (as well as other cabbages, broccoli, kale, etc.) is black in the scale instead of green is not because of its Ca
ratio, but because it contains Goitrogens. Goitrogens inhibit the absorption of iodine and exposure of long periods of time can lead to Hypothyroidism, which can be fatal (but not necessarily a given).
Now, I'm not disagreeing with you that a well-rounded diet that covers all the spectrum of nutrition is ever a bad thing. But I think the reasoning behind the scaling provided on that website (and many others) is with the basic generalization that most people even if well-intentioned, don't always completely understand a whole healthy diet and are not always as vigilant to their animals needs or deficiencies. So to err on the side of caution its easier to say Dandelion greens/Mustard greens/Collards etc. can be given daily while Kale, Buk Choi, Spinach should be given sparingly. Just because you are well-educated and vigilant in your animals health and well being, doesn't mean that everyone else is. I see it as kind of a safe guard for the animals well being in general. There are, unfortunately, a lot of pet owners who don't put the time in to fully understand the nutritional needs of the animals they brought into their lives.
Does that mean that I don't feed a wide variety to my animal? No, of course not. I feed Kale and Spinach and Bok Choi to my dragons and their feeders too. But I am also aware that the long term effects of only feeding those foods have a higher risk to the overall health of the animal. Is it guaranteed? No. But all animals are individuals and their requirements vary. A healthy variety is the key.
Hopefully I didn't come off argumentative, I don't mean it and I certainly don't think you are doing anything wrong by your reptiles! I just think the reasoning behind the scaling is important.