How Often Can Bearded Dragons Have Strawberries? – Strawberries have high nutritional value for people and beardies alike. They also have a relatively lower phosphorus to calcium ratio compared to other fruits, although the amount of phosphorus in strawberries is higher than the amount of calcium. 
Some Dragon Keepers like to place little pieces of strawberries in a dark, leafy green salad or among other veggies to try and encourage their dragon to eat more greens. This is a popular and efficient use of fruit, but be careful how often you use this trick.
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What fruit can a bearded dragon eat daily?
Best fruit for bearded dragons – As previously mentioned, fruit should make up the smallest portion of your pet’s diet. The best fruits for bearded dragons are the ones that aren’t too full of water, have a low acid content, and contain an appropriate amount of Calcium in relation to Phosphorus. Based on these criteria, our rankings for the best fruit to feed your bearded dragon is:
- Grapes (not green ones)
- Apples
- Berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- Tomatoes (sometimes)
Some other excellent fruits to feed your beardie that isn’t covered in this article are peaches and prickly pears. Finally, remember to never feed your bearded dragon citrus or avocados!
How often can a bearded dragon eat banana?
Why Can’t Beardies Eat Bananas All the Time? – Bananas are a nutrient-rich fruit that contain many essential vitamins and minerals. In small doses (a few bites or pieces, or maybe half a banana at a time, depending on the size of your lizard), bananas offer your dragon some key benefits:
Vitamins A and C, which aids the dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth Potassium, which aids muscle function, prevents kidney problems, and lowers water retention Antioxidants, which lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart problems Minerals including calcium, iron, and magnesium, which strengthen bones and tissue
So a little banana goes a long way for your little beardie. However, when eaten regularly, bananas can actually paralyze or kill your dragon. Bananas have a large ratio of phosphorus to calcium (3:1), meaning the phosphorus outweighs the calcium enough to make bananas harmful to dragons in large quantities. Why? 
Bearded dragons rely on calcium in their diet to keep their bones strong. In fact, calcium is so crucial to beardies’ bone health and overall wellness that it is recommended to dust your dragon’s meals with calcium powder. When a dragon consumes a food containing phosphorus, it’s important for the calcium and phosphorus to have a balanced ratio (from 1.1 to 2.1); otherwise the phosphorus binds with the calcium and prevents the calcium from being absorbed into the dragon’s system.
Long term, this can cause some serious calcium depletion. When a dragon repeatedly consumes a phosphorus-rich, calcium-low food, the debilitating and deadly condition MBD ( metabolic bone disease ) can result, causing your pet significant pain and even paralysis. So that’s why bearded dragons can eat bananas only in small doses once or twice a month.
Another reason dragons shouldn’t be eating too many bananas: they contain a lot of sugar when ripe. Similar to humans, It’s perfectly fine for dragons to have some sugar.but too much can cause obesity and other health issues. (Too much fruit can even cause some dragons to turn away from their veggies.) Because of this, fruit should be the smallest portion of your dragon’s diet.
How often should bearded dragons eat fruit?
The Best Fruit for Your Bearded Dragon – 
As healthy and delicious as fruit is, your bearded dragon only needs a small amount, and they don’t need it daily. Of the plants you feed your dragon, 10-20% should be fruit. Be sure to cut fruit into bite-size pieces before offering it to your dragon.
Apples (peeled; weekly) Apricot (every other week) Bananas (with or without peel; once or twice a month) Blackberries (every other week) Blueberries (weekly) Cantaloupe (every few weeks) Cherries (monthly) Dates and raisins (very rarely) Figs (every other week) Grapes (weekly) Guava (weekly) Kiwi (peeled; monthly) Mango (a few times a week) Papaya (a few times a week) Peaches (weekly) Pears (peeled; very rarely) Pineapples (monthly) Raspberries (every few weeks) Strawberries (weekly) Watermelon (monthly)
In addition to fruit, you may also offer your beardie flowers such as dandelions, hibiscus, roses, carnations, geraniums, and nasturtiums. Pro Tip: If you’d like to change up your beardie’s diet with packaged food on occasion, make sure you choose a high-protein variety for younger dragons and low-protein variety for adult dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat blueberries everyday?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries? They’re sweet, juicy, and delicious, and your bearded dragon will probably gobble them right up. But you might be wondering, can bearded dragons eat blueberries? Are they safe? Like,, and, blueberries are one of the safer fruits for bearded dragons.
Can Beardies eat carrots everyday?
Can Bearded Dragons Have Carrots As A Staple? – Bearded dragons can eat carrots once or twice a week, but not every day. Carrots aren’t on the menu in bearded dragons’ natural habitat (Australian deserts), but they do offer some great nutritional benefits:
Vitamin A and beta carotene, which promote healthy skin, a healthy immune system, and good vision Fiber, which aids digestion (Without fiber, bearded dragons can’t digest the exoskeleton of insects like those oh-so-good Dubia roaches!)
Additionally, there is almost the same amount of phosphorus and calcium in carrots, so it’s much safer than plants that have significantly more phosphorus than calcium. Bearded dragons need calcium for bone development and overall wellness. Phosphorus is a mineral that binds with calcium, thus preventing it from entering a dragon’s bloodstream.
If a bearded dragon consumes too many phosphorus-rich foods, he can develop (MBD), a debilitating and sometimes fatal condition that attacks bearded dragons’ bone structure. Luckily you really don’t have to worry about this when feeding your beardie carrots. Even so, carrots are not a safe staple vegetable for your beardie for two reasons: they aren’t a sufficient source of calcium, and they contain a lot of vitamin A.
That can be a problem since bearded dragons tend to be highly susceptible to vitamin A toxicity.
How often can Beardies eat eggs?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Scrambled Eggs? – How do you serve eggs to your dragon? Raw? Omelette-style? Fried? You might wonder if you can simply scramble eggs for your dragon. The answer is yes! Bearded dragons can safely eat scrambled eggs. They can also eat hard boiled eggs. Just remember these pointers:
Adult bearded dragons should eat no more than half an egg at a time, max. If you’re scrambling the egg, don’t mix any additional ingredients with it. This means no seasoning, no oil, no butter, no dairy, etc. Bearded dragons can’t tolerate dairy, and their digestive systems may not react well to oil and spices. You shouldn’t even use cooking spray, so be sure to use a nonstick frying pan or scramble the egg in the microwave. You can serve scrambled eggs with staple veggies, just don’t cook the veggies in with the eggs, You can mix them together after the egg is cooked and cooled. Boiled eggs should be peeled and chopped into small pieces. It’s best to feed your dragon eggs from free range, grass fed chickens,
How often can a bearded dragon eat cucumber?
Can You Feed Bearded Dragons Cucumber Every Day? – Bearded dragons can have cucumbers every other week or so. If you feed bearded dragons cucumber too often, some unpleasant health issues can result. But there are several nutritional benefits from the right amount of cucumber:
96% water, making it a great source of hydration especially if your bearded dragon is dehydrated Fiber, which prevents constipation Vitamin C, which fortifies your dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth Vitamin K, which regulates blood clotting Potassium, which aids muscle function, prevents kidney problems, and lowers water retention Manganese, which aids metabolism and prevents inflammation Magnesium, which promotes brain and muscle health
Additionally, cucumbers are not very acidic, so they are a little easier on your beardie’s stomach than some foods.
Can bearded dragons eat apples everyday?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples? They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But are they good for our little reptile friends, too? Can bearded dragons eat apples? Good news: bearded dragons can eat apples weekly! In fact, apples are one of the safer fruits for dragons to eat on a regular basis.
Can Beardies have veggies daily?
Vegetables – 
75-80% of an adult dragon’s diet should be vegetables. If you’re feeding a juvenile, a daily salad will suffice. Since bearded dragons are omnivores like humans, they need a variety. Feeding a variety of veggies gives your dragon a good balance of the nutrients s/he needs to keep bones healthy and immune system going strong. Fortunately, the list of dragon-safe vegetables is a long one. Staples:
- Arugula
- Bok choy
- Cactus pads
- Collard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Endive
- Escarole
- Kale ( a recent study revealed that it is not high in oxalates after all!)
- Mustard greens
- Oak choy
- Turnip greens
- Swiss chard
Mixers (to be fed occasionally):
- Artichoke heart
- Basil
- Bell pepper
- Carnations
- Cilantro
- Carrot greens
- Cucumber, peeled
- Carrot, grated raw
- Clover (pesticide- and herbicide-free)
- Mint leaves
- Parsley
- Rose petals
- Squash, raw
- Yam, grated raw
Poison:
- Avocado
- Onion
Vegetables should be sliced into thin, bite-sized pieces than your beardie can grab with his/her tongue. Wet or slimy vegetables like cucumber and cactus may frustrate your dragon since these don’t stick to tongues very well. You can hand-feed these to him/her, but your dragon may accidentally bite you in the effort to get it.
Some people like to feed their dragons spinach, kale, or lettuce. Lettuce – yes, even romaine – is essentially water in vegetable form, with no value except in giving your beardie diarrhea. If your dragon is severely dehydrated or constipated, lettuce may be a temporary addition to the salad bowl. As for spinach, this contains calcium-binding substances (oxalates) that hurt rather than nourish your dragon.
So don’t put those in his/her salad dish, please.
Should bearded dragons be fed everyday?
How often should I feed my bearded dragon? – Most young bearded dragons should eat once or twice daily, while older lizards may only eat every 24-72 hours, depending upon each pet’s individual appetite.
Can bearded dragons eat broccoli?
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Have Broccoli? – Bearded dragons can safely consume a little bit of broccoli once a month or so. In the appropriate amount, broccoli offers numerous health benefits to humans and bearded dragons alike:
Vitamins A and C, which strengthen the immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth Vitamin K1, which regulates blood clotting and supports bone health Potassium, which regulates blood pressure, aids muscle function, prevents kidney problems, and lowers water retention Fiber, which promotes a smooth digestive process Folate, which helps maintain healthy cells and tissue Iron, which helps keep the blood properly oxygenated Manganese, which aids metabolism and prevents inflammation High water content, making it a great vegetable to hydrate your beardie (raw broccoli is 90% water)
Unfortunately, that’s not all there is to it when it comes to feeding your bearded dragon broccoli. Here are some of the issues you must consider. Too much phosphorus, too little calcium. As is the case with many vegetables and fruits, broccoli contains more phosphorus than calcium, which means the phosphorus to calcium ratio does not fall in the healthy range for regular consumption.
- Foods that contain a phosphorus to calcium ratio of 1:1 or higher in favor of calcium are generally safe for bearded dragons to eat on a daily basis (depending on what else is in the food, of course).
- If a food does not fall into this range, it isn’t safe for your beardie to eat every day.
- Phosphorus prevents calcium from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Long term, this depletes your beardie’s calcium intake because the body actually begins taking calcium away from the bones. This causes, which is a horrible ordeal for your beardie and for you. It twists, distorts, and even paralyzes the limbs, and can kill your dragon if left untreated.
- No Dragon Keeper wants to see their pet go through that! The good news is that you can easily prevent MBD by providing your dragon with a healthy diet and calcium supplements.
- Oxalic acid.
- Broccoli contains oxalic acid, which can be deadly for bearded dragons since it essentially has the same effect as too much phosphorus: it binds with calcium and prevents that vital mineral from being absorbed into the body, resulting in MBD.
Oxalic acid can also cause your bearded dragon to suffer from kidney stones.
Can bearded dragons eat carrots?
Bearded Dragon Diet 
Bearded dragons have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last few years. In fact, the inland bearded dragon is considered one of best lizard pets of all time. They are fascinating creatures and well known for being alert, hardy, and tame making them ideal pets even in light of their exotic nature.
- Take a walk into any pet store or reptile expo and you’re likely to find at least one captive-bred species of bearded dragon.
- Captive-bred bearded dragons are highly recommended because they are healthier and more accustomed to captivity than wild bearded dragons.
- While bearded dragons are readily available as pets to reptile owners and enthusiasts, they are still considered exotic animals.
With that said, beard dragons require special care and a specific diet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous and will eat a mixture of both insects and vegetables. Some larger dragons will even eat pinky mice and baby lizards. When caring for younger dragons, provide a diet that’s 80% bugs and 20% plants.
- For adult dragons, give them the opposite diet consisting of mostly vegetables than bugs and insects.
- What vegetables do bearded dragons eat? There are a handful of vegetables that are considered safe for your bearded dragon to eat including, bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, celery, kale, and asparagus.
The list is as many as 50 different vegetables that can be consumed by your dragon to give them the nutrition they need. When feeding vegetables to your dragon, make sure they are chopped up. Mix up a bunch of different options to create a blend your dragon will love.
Avoid vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and romaine as too much can be harmful, or they offer limited nutritional value. Bearded dragons will also eat fruits like apples, strawberries, watermelon, and peaches. Aside from delicious fruits and vegetables, dragons will eat just about any insect that moves.
However, it’s important that the bugs they eat are safe and free of parasites or pesticides. This means avoid using bugs that you find around your home. Some common bugs and insects to feed your dragon include earthworms, cockroaches, silkworms, crickets, and roaches.
- Out of the list of options the most popular feeder insects are crickets and dubia roaches.
- Some people prefer crickets over roaches because crickets are less creepy, but roaches don’t smell bad and have a longer lifespan than crickets.
- Both options are healthy choices for bearded dragons, yet dubia roaches are preferable as they are less likely to carry parasites and have twice the amount of protein crickets do.
After all, if having a bearded dragon as a pet is not creepy, then feeding it roaches shouldn’t be too difficult. The last element of feeding bearded dragons is adding a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. These supplements can be sprinkled onto vegetables or insects and will give your dragon the support it needs to prevent metabolic bone disease, a fatal disease that affects bearded dragons.
- If you’re a new owner don’t hesitate to talk to your local pet store or captive breeder to learn how to better care for your dragon.
- Bearded dragons are amazing animals and do make great pets for both kids and adults.
- Follow the advice in this article and give your dragon the quality care and diet it needs.
: Bearded Dragon Diet
Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes everyday?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes? Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, tomatoes are a healthy and delicious addition to any salad or taco. So you may be wondering if you can share this veggie-like fruit with your reptile friend. Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes? As is the case for many fruits, the answer is qualified.
What is the most nutritious vegetable for bearded dragons?
Best Greens Bearded Dragons Can Eat: Occasional Staples – The following is a list of greens that don’t quite make the daily list due to phosphorus, oxalates, or goitrogens, but they offer many benefits and can be eaten weekly or every other week, depending on what else is on your dragon’s feeding schedule. Occasional Staples:
Bok choy (2.8 to 1). Filled with Vitamins A and C, bok choy is a flavorful mixer for your bearded dragon’s salad. It’s also goitrogenic, which is why this veggie doesn’t quite make the list of daily greens. Basil (2.2 to 1). Making pesto? Set aside some basil for your bearded dragon. This anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial herb packs Vitamin A and antioxidants in each fragrant leaf. Cabbage, green (2 to 1). Although green cabbage is goitrogenic, this crunchy salad mixer contains Vitamin C, fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium, all of which are great for your dragon’s health. Cabbage, napa (1 to 0.4). A good source of calcium, Vitamins A and C, and fiber, napa cabbage will give your dragon’s salad a refreshing crunch. Celery leaves (1.6 to 1). Celery and its bushy leaves are a great way to get antioxidants, Vitamin C, and hydration into your bearded dragon’s salad. Make sure you chop this veggie extra small to eliminate any possibility of your dragon choking on the stringy stalk. Cilantro (1.4 to 1). Fresh cilantro is practically the perfect salad topper for your bearded dragon (without the oxalates, it probably would be perfect!). Aside from being flavorful, cilantro contains antioxidants, calcium, potassium, manganese, and Vitamins A, C, and K. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties. Grape leaves (4 to 1). Oddly enough, grape leaves are actually excellent greens bearded dragons can eat. High in protein, Vitamin A, and that all-important mineral calcium, grape leaves can really amplify the health benefits of your dragon’s salad. Kale (2.4 to 1). Kale is called “superfood” for a reason. One of the best greens bearded dragons can eat, kale is dense with Vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Kale is low in oxalates and is somewhat goitrogenic, which prevents this green from being a daily staple. Kohlrabi (1 to 2). As part of the cabbage family, it’s no surprise that kohlrabi is goitrogenic. However, it also offers fiber, protein, Vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and folate, all of which your bearded dragon needs. Lemongrass (1 to 1.5). High in fiber and antioxidants with a delicious citrus flavor, lemongrass has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that will help your dragon fight illness. Pea sprouts (1 to 4.6). Pea sprouts have a lot of phosphorus, but they also offer Vitamins A and K. So in small quantities, pea sprouts are healthy greens for your bearded dragon. Rosemary (4.8 to 1). This fragrant herb is high in calcium and fiber, making it an excellent way to spice up your dragon’s meal. Watercress (2 to 1). High in Vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and manganese, but also high in oxalates, watercress makes a great occasional salad mixer for your dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat kale everyday?
Is Kale Good for Bearded Dragons? – This ultra-superfood for people raises a lot of concern when it comes to bearded dragons. With its oxalates, goitrogens, and high Vitamin A content, you might be wondering if you should just throw in the towel and find another leafy green for your bearded dragon.
You can do that, but before you decide, you should know the real answer to the question: Is kale good for bearded dragons? Here’s what you need to know: Oxalate content. While safe in small doses, oxalates are not good for bearded dragons in general because they bind with calcium in the body and prevent it from being absorbed into the dragon’s bloodstream.
Oxalates can deplete the dragon’s already-existing supply of calcium over time, causing a painful condition called (MBD). If your bearded dragon gets MBD, you’ll notice swollen or deformed limbs, lethargy, and difficulty moving. In severe cases, your dragon could become paralyzed or even die. 
Oxalates are a serious issue, so it’s not surprising that they are top of mind for Dragon Keepers who are trying to determine if they can give their beardies kale. But the conflicting information online can make it difficult to make a decision. How many oxalates does kale really have? Here is the good news: according to the USDA, 100g of kale has 20mg of oxalates,
- That is actually not very many.
- So the idea that kale has too much oxalates for bearded dragons to eat at all is a myth.
- To put this in perspective, the same serving of spinach—which is a food served rarely or not at all to dragons—has 970mg of oxalic acid.
- That’s over 48 times more than kale has.
- So kale really isn’t too unsafe when it comes to oxalates.
It shouldn’t be fed every day, but a few times a week or every other week if you’re worried should be perfectly fine. Goitrogens. Dragon Keepers also worry about kale because it does contain goitrogens, which are substances that can negatively impact a dragon’s thyroid.
- Too much goitrogenic food can cause the thyroid to become enlarged and begin malfunctioning in its production of hormones.
- Luckily, there are not enough goitrogens in kale to put it off limits for bearded dragons.
- A little bit won’t be harmful.
- Loads of Vitamin A.
- The third concern with kale is that it has a tremendous amount of Vitamin A.
If your bearded dragon takes Vitamin A supplements, you may want to avoid feeding kale because it can put your beardie at risk for Vitamin A toxicity. This can cause swelling, lethargy, weight loss, and dehydration. Bearded dragons who are not on Vitamin A supplements usually don’t develop hypervitaminosis A, but it’s something you should be aware of as you determine your dragon’s diet.
Can bearded dragons eat spinach?
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Spinach Leaves All the Time? –
Despite all these incredible benefits, spinach has one fatal flaw for bearded dragons: it is chock-full of oxalates. As you may know, oxalates can be deadly for bearded dragons because they bind with calcium in a dragon’s body, preventing that much-needed mineral from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This can cause metabolic bone disease (MBD), a terrible condition in which a dragon’s limbs become warped and even paralyzed.
If your dragon is not receiving too many foods high in oxalates, and if you are providing calcium supplements, then there’s no problem with feeding spinach on occasion. But spinach can actually kill your dragon if you feed too much or too often, even if your dragon is on calcium supplements.
Shaking limbs or tremors Softening jaw and face bones Weakness and fatigue Stunted growth Paralysis Swollen rear legs
Luckily, this painful disease is easily preventable with proper diet and calcium supplements. There is one other reason spinach can’t be a staple veggie for your beardie: Vitamin A and beta carotene content. Although this doesn’t pose as big of a risk as the oxalates, it’s something you should know about.
- Bearded dragons can safely eat foods with Vitamin A.
- In fact, they need Vitamin A in their diet.
- But problems can occur when your dragon is on Vitamin A supplements and consumes too many foods with Vitamin A.
- In some cases this can cause Vitamin A toxicity in your dragon (also called hypervitaminosis A or simply overdose of Vitamin A).
Symptoms of this issue include:
Swelling Decrease in energy Weight loss Dehydration
Pro Tip: Always check with your vet before putting your bearded dragon on Vitamin A supplements. That way, you can come up with a plan to make sure your beardie doesn’t get too much Vitamin A.
Can bearded dragons eat cheese?
Is Cheese Safe For Bearded Dragons? – Image by: https://everythinganimalpro.com/can-bearded-dragons-eat-cheese/ Can a bearded dragon eat cheese? The answer is as follows: no. Despite the fact that bearded dragons are not permitted to eat cheese or dairy products, they are permitted to consume meat.
Many people who do not have allergies or lactose intolerances enjoy its calcium content, Because they are lactose intolerant, bearded dragons cannot digest cheese. Cheese is high in fat and cholesterol, which can cause digestive problems like bloating in bearded dragons, and it can even lead to death from a fatal digestive condition.
They can eat a variety of healthier commercial foods instead of eating bearded dragon food. Because cheese is indigestible, bearded dragons cannot eat it. Because of their lactose intolerance, their bodies cannot synthesize lactose, which is found in cheese.
- Cheese contains a high protein content that makes it difficult for them to digest quickly.
- It can cause obesity and metabolic bone disease in addition to obesity and metabolic bone disease.
- Baby bearded dragons are more sensitive to dairy products than adults, so ensure that you do not feed them any.
- Some bearded dragons can be dairy free, but some of them can be harmful.
They do not consume cheese in their natural diet, and it can be harmful to them. In general, bearded dragons should consume foods that are safe for them as well as ones that provide them with the nutrients they require. If your bearded dragon consumes cheese, you should take him to the veterinarian right away.
Can Beardies eat oranges?
Can Bearded Dragons Have Oranges At All? – Despite their nutritional value, oranges—like all citrus fruits— can be pretty dangerous for bearded dragons. Here’s a deeper look at why: Oxalic acid. Oranges and other citrus fruits have quite a lot of oxalic acid.
Basically oxalic acid binds with calcium to create calcium oxalate, which essentially takes calcium away from the body. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is often the result of too much oxalic acid. With this condition, beardies suffer from soft bones, limb deformities, and paralysis. In severe cases the disease can be fatal.
To be clear, in small amounts oxalic acid isn’t usually a problem, as long as your beardie is taking calcium supplements and is on a healthy, balanced diet, but there is too much oxalic acid in oranges to make them safe for your beardie to eat. High sugar content.
In general bearded dragons shouldn’t have a lot of fruit in their diet. This is largely because of the sugar content. Oranges are extremely sweet, and if bearded dragons eat too many, they can suffer from obesity, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and heart failure. Citric acid. As citrus fruits, oranges contain citric acid.
In humans, this acid can irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn. It can have a similar effect on bearded dragons, irritating their digestive tract and causing diarrhea, which then causes dehydration. As desert animals, bearded dragons are used to being dehydrated, but not this kind of severe dehydration.
- If a bearded dragon has prolonged diarrhea, he will eventually become unable to properly absorb any nutrients.
- Long term, as you can imagine, this causes the beardie’s health to slowly but surely deteriorate.
- Some Dragon Keepers might give their dragon a piece of citrus fruit now and then (every several months or so), but at the end of the day, you have to decide if you want to take the risk.
You might wonder why bearded dragons can eat tomatoes more frequently than other citrus fruits. Actually, tomatoes aren’t citrus fruits; they’re part of the nightshade family, and they are safe for your bearded dragon to eat once in a while.
What fruits can bearded dragons eat a lot?
What are some types of plant material I can feed my bearded dragon? – Most (80-90%) of the plant material should be leafy green vegetables and flowers and only 10-20% should be fruits. Yellow, red, and orange vegetables may also be included. Avoid fiber-rich, nutrient-poor, and vitamin-deficient light green vegetables, including iceberg or head lettuce and celery, as these vegetables are mainly composed of fiber and water with little nutrient value.
| collard greens | beet greens | mustard greens | broccoli | turnip greens |
| alfalfa hay/chow | Bok choy | kale | parsley | Swiss chard |
| watercress | clover | red/green cabbage | savory | cilantro |
| kohlrabi | bell peppers | green beans | escarole | dandelion |
A lesser percentage of the diet can include:
| cactus | squash (various) | sprouts | cooked sweet potato |
| parsnips | okra | cucumber | asparagus |
| mushrooms | carrots | peas | corn |
Acceptable fruit can include (most nutritious are bolded):
| apple | pear | banana (with skin) | mango |
| grapes/raisins | star fruit | peach | tomato |
| guava | kiwi | melon | figs |
| apricot | dates | raspberry | strawberry |
Fruits may be preferred by your bearded dragon but are generally mineral-poor and should be fed sparingly as top dressing only. Swiss chard, spinach, and beet greens should also be fed sparingly, as they contain oxalates that can bind calcium and other trace minerals, preventing their absorption.
- Diets composed primarily of these foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
- Caution should also be exercised when feeding cabbage, kale, and mustard greens because they contain goitrogens (substances that suppress thyroid gland function by interfering with iodine uptake) and excessive intake may lead to hypothyroidism.
Vegetables can be offered cooked or raw, although raw is more natural and retains more nutrients. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables. They should be finely chopped and mixed to ensure your bearded dragon eats a wide variety of food types and to discourage the selection of a single preferred food item.
Flowers such as geraniums, carnations, dandelions, hibiscus, nasturtiums, and roses may also be offered as treats. Flowers can be homegrown or purchased from floral shops. Often, floral shops throw out older, wilted flowers. While these may be unacceptable for sale to the public, bearded dragon owners can often get them at no charge.
Before feeding them to your dragon, be sure that no chemicals have been applied to the flowers or water. Food should be presented in a shallow, clean dish that is not easily tipped over.
What should a bearded dragon eat in a day?
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? – Young bearded dragons are omnivorous (approximately 50% insects and 50% plant matter). As they mature, they will eat more vegetables and transition to mostly herbivorous (approximately 90% plant matter).
Insects – Feed gut-loaded insects (crickets or dubia roaches) 1x daily. Mealworms, superworms and waxworms should be offered in only small amounts. Young bearded dragons need a diet that’s more insects than vegetables because they need the added protein to grow and develop.
Vegetables – Veggies should make up 25% of a young bearded dragon’s food and half of an adult’s. Favorites include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, zucchini and shredded carrots. Make sure to remove any vegetables that have not been eaten so they do not go bad inside their habitat.
Fruits – Fruits like melons, berries and citrus may be offered 1 time a week.
Prepared Diets – Bearded dragon pellet food, moistened with water, may be offered daily. Commercial food adds variety to a beardie’s diet. Many brands are available in high-protein formulas for juvenile lizards and lower-protein versions for adult beardies.
Vitamins/Supplements- Dust food with a calcium/Vitamin D3 powder: 4-5x a week (juveniles); 2-3x a week (adults). Dust food with a multivitamin 1x a week (juveniles); 2x a month (adults), or as directed by your veterinarian.
Water – Cleaned daily and provided at all times. Pet parents should empty out their beardie’s water and refresh it at least once a day.
Can bearded dragons eat apples everyday?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples? They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But are they good for our little reptile friends, too? Can bearded dragons eat apples? Good news: bearded dragons can eat apples weekly! In fact, apples are one of the safer fruits for dragons to eat on a regular basis.