Looking at reptiles like leopard geckos, you might think that caring for them will be an expensive and dangerous responsibility. However, that isn’t the case at all because they are just insect lovers. So if owning a pet leopard gecko is the topmost priority on your to-do list, you may wonder: what do leopard geckos eat?

In this article, we will consider all the typical foods that can and should be fed to leopard geckos to meet their basic nutrient requirements. Keep reading to learn all about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to feeding these reptiles.

What Do Leopard Geckos Eat?

For starters, leopard geckos are insectivorous animals. They don’t eat meat, fruits, or vegetables because their digestive tract is not built to digest those components. Therefore, the ideal meal for these reptiles is primarily insects. 

But not all insects are valuable meals for leopard geckos. So it is important that you know what exactly should be fed as a staple food or treat and what should not be considered. 

Leopard geckos that are kept as pets are expected to maintain the diet of those geckos in the wild. In light of this, insects that are eaten by wild leopard geckos are deemed acceptable for domesticated ones. 

So without further ado, here are the basic foods leopard geckos eat, according to their natural dietary needs.

Darkling Beetles

These insects are often referred to as mealworm beetles. They are excellent sources of calcium which are important for healthy bone development. 

The downside of this feeder insect is that it has a repulsive smell and can be aggressive due to its size. So, you have to feed your leopard gecko the darkling beetle that is proportionate to or even smaller than its size, or else your gecko will suffer much harm when feeding. 

Not all leopard geckos will enjoy this feed and it’s understandable due to the fact that darkling beetles are aggressive and lacking in some basic nutrients. But if your pet likes darkling beetles, you can make up for the nutritional inadequacies by gut-loading them before feeding them to your leopard gecko.

Crickets

If you want to go for a more affordable feeding option for your Leo, then crickets are your go-to feed. These insects contain a good amount of protein, just like darkling beetles.

Also, they are good for hydration because they contain a decent amount of moisture than most insects. And if you are concerned about your Leos weight, crickets are simply good enough for maintaining a normal and healthy fit in leopard geckos. This is particularly due to their low-fat content.

Crickets can be found online and in pet stores, so you won’t go through much stress looking for them to buy. In addition to that, they can last for a long time when stored properly. Give or take, they can live up to 10 weeks, which is enough time for you to feed your leopard gecko easily.

Dubia Roaches

Most leopard geckos love dubia roaches. These roaches have a lot of essential nutrients that are beneficial to the health of most geckos so you must not miss out on this feeding option. 

Dubia roaches are high in protein which helps reptiles in maintaining an active and healthy body system. To make up for the unbalanced nutrients in dubia roaches, they can be gut-loaded with fresh vegetables, whole grain cereals, and even fruits about 12 hours prior to your leopard gecko’s feeding time. 

Feeding dubia roaches to leopard geckos is a stress-free procedure. These feeder insects are slow-moving and so you don’t have to worry about them causing a lot of trouble when they are offered to your pet reptile.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Black soldier fly larvae, also known as Calci worms, are good for consumption by leopard geckos. They are rich in a lot of essential nutrients that are easily digestible. Leopard geckos, both wild and domesticated, can do with one or two of these insects in their diet.

One good thing about this insect is its nutritional composition. A Black Soldier Fly larvae have a very good amount of protein and proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio due to their calcium-rich exoskeleton. In fact, they have 30 to 50 times more calcium than other insects, especially mealworms.

Another interesting fact about these caterpillars is that they don’t require extra supplements or additives. This means you don’t have to gut-load or dust any powdered supplements on them before feeding them to your leopard gecko. They are naturally appetizing to eat and nourishing at the same time.

So, with all these perks, it’s not surprising that leopard geckos would naturally like black soldier fly larvae.

Supplements

A healthy leopard gecko is one that takes a lot of supplements. These supplements can either be in powdered or liquid form. 

The powdered form can be dusted on the feeder insects at the time of feeding. Nutrients that can be dusted on such meals are calcium, minerals, and multivitamins. This is important because a lot of insects don’t provide enough calcium to leopard geckos. Therefore, the bulk of these inadequate nutrients will be derived through this powdered supplement. 

On the other hand, liquid supplements are obtained from blended matter. This majorly includes fruits. Leopard geckos don’t have a cecum in their digestive system and the absence of this cecum makes it difficult for leopard geckos to digest cellulose in fruits and vegetables. 

However, since the diet of leopard geckos still consists of vitamins and minerals, which can be derived from veggies and fruits, the best way to ensure they are fed appropriately is through supplements. 

You can blend feeder insects with fruits like apples, bananas, papayas, peaches, and others that are high in calcium. Let them blend to slurry then you can feed them to your leopard gecko.

Hornworms

Hornworms are sweet and tasty for leopard geckos. They have colorful skin that’s appealing to geckos and don’t have chitin, making them easily digestible for these reptiles. 

These caterpillars have a generous amount of nutrients also that can improve the health of mature, juvenile, and baby leopard geckos and even sick and recovering ones too. Hornworms are rich in calcium which fosters bone development; protein which promotes body-building; and low-fat which prevents weight gain and ensures fitness. Additionally, hornworms have high moisture content which can prevent dehydration.

If you need your gecko to remain fit and active, then hornworms are the recommended feed. However, you should note that too much intake of this caterpillar could either make your gecko addicted to it at the expense of more healthy insects or could lead to protein, vitamins, and mineral deficiency.

Adult leopard geckos can be fed two to three moderate sizes once a week. As for baby geckos, one small hornworm once a week would suffice.

Silkworms

For a fact, leopard geckos love silkworms. These worms are in the larval stage of Mulberry silkmoths. They are odorless, slow, tasty, and really easy to eat. Coupled with the fact that they eat mulberry leaves and are naturally enriched with essential nutrients, there is no need for gut-loading silkworms to feed leopard geckos.

As earlier stated, silkworms are endowed with several nutrients. They have a low-fat content and a high amount of protein, calcium, and moisture and with this combination, your leopard gecko will have no problem staying fit and hydrated. Also, they have a decent amount of minerals and vitamins, especially Vitamins A, which strengthen the immune system and prevent infections in the digestive and respiratory tract.

Basically, silkworms are safe to consume, in the sense that they do not bite or wound leopard geckos when they are offered as a meal. 

Silkworms are prized feeds. It can become scarce in the market at times and may be expensive to maintain since you would have to purchase a supply of mulberry leaves frequently. But in the long run, it is definitely worth it, for you and your leopard gecko.

There You Have It!

It is relatively easy and budget-friendly to feed leopard geckos. Since they are insectivores, you will have no problem getting a few grubs at home, in the gardens, at pet shops, and even online. 

For the sake of your pet’s health, you are obligated to provide any of the aforementioned feeds for them to eat. And once you’ve fulfilled your duties on this part, you will just how healthy your gecko will become and how much you’ll be loved for it.

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You may want to keep a reptile pet, and the leopard gecko seems the right choice. However, the stress of feeding comes to mind and you get confused all over again. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! This article will help you effectively understand the feeding of baby leopard geckos. Keep reading to find out what baby leopard geckos eat. 

What Do Baby Leopard Geckos Eat?

Baby leopard geckos are voracious predators and eaters. As long as they are can hunt down their prey, they can eat them. Baby leopard geckos eat a wide range of other animals. Examples of their wide palette include–  beetles, scorpions, rats, cricket, tiny snakes, and other smaller lizards. 

As earlier said, baby leopard geckos are very active hunters, unlike other lizards. Therefore, rather than waiting and letting their meal pass them by, baby leopard geckos will go after and hunt down their meal. Also, their great sight is beneficial in helping them track and methodically stalk their prey.  

Baby leopard geckos wag or violently vibrate their tail when hunting, as result, this instills fear in their prey, making it easy for them to scare their prey into surrender. However, as pets, the lack of activity makes them prone to obesity. But baby leopard geckos need to be fed regularly to help them grow since they are in their development phase.

Therefore, to prevent obesity, their food component has to be observed in other to prevent obesity.

What Are The Diet Content Of Baby Leopard Geckos?

 The diet of baby leopard geckos should be well-balanced and all-encompassing. A Safe option for baby leopard geckos is crawling food options. Examples of crawling food options for baby leopard geckos include– crickets, hornworms, mealworms, waxworms, cockroaches, and so many more.

However, when feeding your baby leopard gecko, nutrition is not the only consideration. For instance, roaches and mealworms are preferred options to house crickets. This is because house crickets are very noisy and messy for baby leopard geckos to eat but they still eat them anyways. 

Waxworms, on the other hand, are high in fat and low in protein, therefore they are not a suitable regular feeding option. However, since baby leopard geckos in their natural habitat will consume a variety of animals, it is essential as their owner to replicate this wide range of eating patterns as much as possible. 

Also, keeping an eye on the nutritional value of insects that you feed them is very essential.

What Is The Eating Volume Of Baby Leopard Geckos?

Generally, leopard geckos are voracious eaters and they have a fast metabolism that helps them digest their food quickly. However, feeding baby leopard geckos should be done more often than adult ones. This is because they are in their growth and development process, therefore they require more food. 

It is preferred to feed baby leopard geckos once a day, and as many crickets and other insects as they can consume within 10 minutes. However, Feeding Nature says that after 10 minutes, leftovers should be removed. When it comes to food acceptance, baby leopard geckos are more hesitant to collect their meals directly from their owners.

Therefore, providing them with an eating dish works better. However, take out any remaining food after ten minutes. As a result, feed them as many crickets and other crawling insects as they can consume within ten minutes.

What Is The Eating Pattern Of Baby Leopard Geckos In The Wild?

According to Osama Z, a long-time pet reptile feeding researcher,  baby leopard geckos are insectivores, therefore, it is important to replicate this while feeding them. In the wild, baby leopard geckos will consume any insects they can find or hunt. However, most times their insect diet mostly depends on the insects close to their habitat. Therefore, insects like moths, spiders, all types of worms, grasshoppers, crickets, and so many more are a go-to food option.

Conclusion

As much as nutrition is not the only focus for feeding leopard geckos, baby leopard geckos should be taken care of differently. That is, the nutritional component of their meal should be highly considered. Feeding them once every day and trying as much as possible to replicate their insectivore eating pattern in the wild is essential to their growth.

As a lover of leopard geckos, you’d probably know that these reptiles love a variety of insects and grubs. So, you will have no difficulty adding crickets, worms, or caterpillars to their daily diet. But other than those options, can leopard geckos eat hornworms?

In this article, we will look at the health benefits attached to feeding hornworms to leopard geckos. Keep reading to learn more about what good this insect can serve for your pet reptile.

Can Leopard Geckos Eat Hornworms?

Yes, leopard geckos can eat hornworms. In fact, they love it so much that they can get addicted to them at the expense of their natural diet.

Hornworms are easy to feed on and due to their colorful appearance, they are always appealing to leopard geckos. Your pet will likely not turn down this treat once it sights it. 

Ordinarily, domesticated leopard geckos are expected to mimic the diet of geckos in the wild. As such, hornworms will naturally be a good feeding option for them. So by all means, you can feed your pet hornworms but only as a treat and with moderation.

Are Hornworms Healthy For Leopard Geckos?

For the most part, hornworms are safe for consumption by leopard geckos. They have several nutritional benefits for both mature and juvenile leopard geckos. Here are some of these health benefits:

• Hornworms have a good protein and calcium content which are necessary for the body and bone development.

• They do not have chitin which makes them very easy to digest. 

• They are good sources of water due to their high moisture content. So you wouldn’t have to worry about your gecko getting dehydrated once they are fed.  

• Hornworms also contain low-fat content. This can keep leopard geckos fit and prevent obesity and other health complications from ever arising.

• Also, hornworms are good feeds for sick and recovering geckos due to their nutritional compounds.

With these health benefits on the line, there is no doubt that hornworms are naturally good feeds for leopard geckos. However, you should bear in mind that your gecko will grow well if fed in moderation.
Compared to other insects, hornworms have a low protein content. So over-consumption could lead to protein deficiency in geckos. Therefore, it’s important that you give your pet, preferably one to four medium-sized hornworms, at least once a week.

How To Feed Hornworms To Leopard Geckos

Feeding leopard geckos is relatively easy, especially because they are not picky with their food. When it comes to feeding them hornworms, here’s some basic information you must put into consideration:

• Don’t feed juveniles big hornworms so they don’t choke on them. Two medium-sized or about three small sizes or less are moderate portions that can be fed twice a week.

• Live hornworms in cup habitats should be bought from credible sources either at pet shops or online.

• Baby leopard geckos should only eat a small hornworm once a week.

• Hornworms caught in the wild must not be fed to domesticated leopard geckos because they are carriers of harmful bacteria.

• Serve hornworms with other insects like crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, and many more in order to make the meal more nutritious.

When all these are considered, you won’t have any problem feeding your pet gecko the right proportion of hornworms. 

You can try gut-loading the hornworms. Since they don’t necessarily have a pool of nutrients, especially protein, it won’t be a balanced or valuable meal for your leopard gecko. So to make it nutritional, you can feed the hornworms foods that are rich in protein and other essential nutrients about 12-48 hours before feeding it to your gecko.

Then another alternative feeding method is dusting. Sprinkling supplement powder on hornworms will add more vitamins and minerals to the meal for your gecko.

In Summary 

Hornworms are a good feeding option for leopard geckos. They are rich in many nutrients and can be fed to mature and juvenile leopard geckos. But these worms are meant to be taken as treats and not a regular staple because most geckos are bound to get addicted to the sweet taste. 

So be mindful of the age of your pet gecko as well as the size of the hornworm whenever you feed it.

Having a Russian tortoise as a pet can be a totally new experience, especially if you don’t know the variety of foods these creatures eat. Well, rest assured. Russian tortoises are not picky eaters and would naturally eat anything as long as it belongs to their natural diets.

Unlike other tortoise breeds, Russian tortoises are herbivores. So they love to eat leafy vegetables and leafy products like weeds and dead plants. On some occasions, flowers and fruits can also make good additions to their feeding menu. However, grains, insects, and meat are not interesting food choices for these tortoises because they do not fall under their dietary charts. So from this brief collection, you must be wondering, what exactly do Russian Tortoises eat?

This article will provide answers to this very question while addressing the health problems and benefits attached to certain food preferences for Russian tortoises. Keep reading if you want to be equipped with all the information you will need for feeding your pet Russian tortoise.

What Can Russian Tortoises Eat?

As earlier stated, Russian tortoises survive on an all-plant diet. This includes vegetables and fruits. Such foods provide all the necessary nutrients required by the tortoises. However, there are certain factors that must be considered in selecting feeds for Russian tortoises.

Technically all vegetables can be fed to these creatures, but this does not apply to all fruits too. Also, not all vegetables and plants are considered healthy enough to be fed to tortoises in large quantities. So, learning the feeding habits and order for your pet tortoise can be a bit of work at times.

Taking all the aforementioned into consideration, here are a few good food options that Russian tortoises can eat, as well as the proportions required for their dietary needs. 

Broccoli

Broccoli makes an excellent feeding choice for Russian tortoises, particularly because of its richness in nutrients. The vegetable contains a good amount of Vitamin A which is good for bone and shell formation; and Vitamin C which acts as a nutritional supplement. In addition, broccoli has hydration benefits, making it a really good food option for your Russian tortoise.

However, while Russian tortoises can attain all these possible benefits from consuming broccoli, they can suffer health complications if care is not taken.

This is because broccoli contains high amounts of goitrogens which can be harmful to the kidney, thyroid, and liver of tortoises. So feeding them broccoli once or twice a week or two weeks will be sufficient. Similarly, you can garnish your tortoise’s broccoli meal with other healthy vegetables like shredded carrots and green beans.

As a prenote, avoid mixing other goitrogen-high meals like kale and spinach with broccoli. This will be extremely harmful to your Russian tortoise’s health.

Spinach

If there’s anything Russian tortoises can eat but shouldn’t, it is definitely spinach. This vegetable has a steady stream of health benefits, as well as health complications if fed liberally to these tortoises.

Spinach is rich in calcium which is highly beneficial for strengthening the shell and eyesight of Russian tortoises. Similarly, it contains a good level of phosphorus content which helps to promote a healthy digestive system and skeletal growth in tortoises. It is for these reasons that some owners settle for a spinach-rich diet for their Russian tortoises.

But the downside is that spinach contains an excess amount of oxalic acids which inhibits the digestion of calcium and certain essential nutrients in tortoises. In addition, spinach has a substantial amount of calcium oxalate crystals which causes bladder and kidney stones in tortoises. 

So, you have to be extremely careful when feeding spinach to Russian tortoises. But if your tortoise likes this vegetable and you would like to add it to their feeding menu, then you can mix it with other healthy vegetables like lambs lettuce, collard, carrot tops, kale, mustard greens, and even hay to make it more appetizing.

Cucumbers

Naturally, cucumbers are great suppliers of water which, therefore, can help with hydration. Russian tortoises love this meal because of its coolness, crunchiness, and delicious taste. So, you might want to consider giving your tortoise this food, especially during summer.

Cucumbers are healthy and toxin-free, making them safe to eat. Over 96% of its nutritional composition is water while the remaining 4% consists of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

Feeding Russian tortoises cucumbers will go a long way in building their skin and fighting diseases. However, you should note that over-consumption of this fruit will stop them from eating other healthy meals. 

Cucumbers can be overfilled, especially due to their high water content. And so, too much intake of it can make your tortoise full and somewhat addicted. That said, you need to limit their consumption of cucumbers to once or twice a week.

Celery

Celery is nutritious for Russian tortoises. It contains sufficient amounts of Vitamins A and C which are beneficial to their bodies, shells, and digestive system. 

However, celery contains a high level of oxalates which affects calcium absorption in Russian tortoises. Also, it has low carbohydrate content and high sodium content, both of which can result in quick dehydration in tortoises if consumed regularly.
So, you need to feed your tortoise celery in little quantities, preferably twice a month. This way, your tortoise won’t be susceptible to the toxic properties derived from over-consumption but will still gain all the nutrients present in the vegetable.

Strawberries

Russian tortoises can eat strawberries, but only as a treat. Due to the high sugar content present in strawberries, these tortoises can suffer from diarrhea, beak decay, or obesity if they eat a lot of it.

On average, 3-5 strawberries a week is a moderate size for mature Russian tortoises and 2-3 strawberries a week is more than enough for young ones.

Strawberries are rich in calcium and phosphorus which are necessary for bone and shell development in young and mature Russian tortoises. In addition to that, strawberries contain a good amount of water which prevents dehydration in tortoises. 

Go for strawberries whenever you feel like treating your tortoise to a cool and sugary snack. But beware of the health risks as you do so.

Carrots

Apart from cucumbers, carrots also provide the same cool, tasty and crunchy texture most Russian tortoises look for in their foods. 

Carrots are rich in fiber, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins which are beneficial to the tortoise’s muscle, shell, and eye growth. Also, carrots contain a generous amount of water, so Russian tortoises will remain hydrated, especially in hot seasons. 

Russian tortoises will eat carrots or carrot tops if fed at all, either moderately or liberally. So you have to be careful of the number of times you add this fruit to their meals.

Carrots have a host of benefits, as well as adverse effects. Over-consumption of carrots can lead to calcium deficiency and health complications like kidney and bladder stones in Russian tortoises. This is mostly due to the high level of oxalic acid present in it. 

Hence, you should treat carrots as a treat and not a regular addition to a Russian tortoise’s daily diet. Feed your tortoise two or three carrots once a week and mix them with other healthy vegetables to make the meal more nutritious.

Tomatoes

While it is not completely advisable for tomatoes to be fed to Russian tortoises, there are some health benefits these creatures can gain from consuming a modest amount from time to time.

Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A which helps in boosting the immune system of Russian tortoises and Vitamin C which aids the development of blood, skin, and bones. Also, tomatoes are good sources of fiber, minerals, and water which are all essential nutrients required by Russian tortoises.

By feeding your tortoise tomatoes sparingly, you will meet its dietary needs rightly. However, excessive intake of this fruit will lead to extreme health hazards as a result of its high water, phosphorus, and sugar content. Thus, ensure that you feed your tortoise tomatoes once a week.

In Conclusion

As an owner of a Russian tortoise, you won’t have any headaches when providing your pet with its basic food requirements. All the aforementioned foods contribute massively to a Russian tortoise’s health but the bottom line is that they should be served sparingly.

Also, it is important that these food options are not cooked or processed because this will decrease the natural nutrients present in the plants and increase the acidic content which may be harmful to tortoises. So, ensure that these vegetables are organic and thoroughly washed in order for your Russian tortoise to derive the most nutrition it can get from them.

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The feeding palette of various tortoises varies according to their breed. Therefore, the feeding of a Russian tortoise which falls under the Mediterranean breed is different from that of a rainforest tortoise.  The question now is, do Russian tortoises eat strawberries?

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Strawberry?

The simple answer is yes, but then, they have to be fed sparingly as treats and not as a staple food. Strawberries are an amazing source of nutrients for Russian tortoises and even tortoises in general. However, overfeeding Russian tortoises strawberries is harmful to them and can cause diarrhea due to the high sugar content of the fruit. 

Fruits are great additions to a Russian Tortoise’s diet, but according to FelizPets, they should only contain 5% of their entire diet to prevent excessive consumption. Therefore, for Mediterranean and desert tortoises, fruits should not be high-option. However, for fruit-eating tortoises, fruits are safe for them because they are part of their diet, but they should not be fed excessively as well.   

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Strawberry Leaves?

Young strawberry leaves contain antioxidants that are rich in bioactive natural sources that are great for Russian tortoises. However, old strawberry leaves should be avoided because of the hydrogen cyanide content which is harmful to Russian tortoises. 

Also, strawberry leaves contain microbial pathogens that are safe and beneficial to Russian tortoises, however, this beneficial content of strawberry leaves can only be gotten from young and fresh strawberry leaves and old strawberry leaves should be avoided entirely.

Benefits Of Feeding Russian Tortoises Strawberry

There are various benefits attached to feeding Russian tortoises strawberries. Some of these benefits include–

Hydration 

Strawberries and other fruits alike are great sources of water for Russian tortoises. Hydration is an important necessity for Russian tortoises. When Russian tortoises are dehydrated, it can lead to life-threatening issues like– chemical imbalance, bladder stones, skeletal issues, shell weakness, and digestive issues. 

Therefore, strawberries are great water sources for Russian tortoises, but they should never be fed excessively. Therefore, the best water source for Russian tortoises is a basin of water that is changed regularly and kept clean for them to comfortably reach. 

Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins are a very essential component that cannot be joked with in a Russian tortoise’s diet. The provision of Vitamins is crucial for the growth and development of the skeleton and shell of young Russian tortoises. Vitamins are also crucial to the health of adult Russian tortoises. 

Also, important minerals include; calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is crucial for shell development and skeleton formation. Lack of calcium in a Russian tortoise’s diet can lead to stunted growth in younger Russian tortoises, while it can lead to weak shells for older Russian tortoises. 

According to FelizPets, the calcium ratio should be higher than phosphorus, and Strawberries contain a ratio of 1:5:1 of calcium to phosphorus. Therefore, strawberries are an amazing calcium-high fruit compared to their phosphorus ratio. 

Fiber

Asides from hydration, fiber is a great nutrient source for Russian tortoises.  Young Russian tortoises need nutrients that will help them grow, while older Russian tortoises need nutrients to help them maintain good health. Therefore, an appropriate balance diet for a Russian tortoise should contain, fiber, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, all in the right proportion.  

How Do You Feed Your Russian Tortoises Strawberries?

Organically grown strawberries are amazing options to feed your Russian tortoises. These strawberries have to be free from pesticides because pesticides are very harmful to Russian Tortoises. Also, to feed your Russian tortoise strawberries, you have to wash them thoroughly, you can decide to either cut or offer them as a whole, or mix them with other vegetables and fruits. 

However, it is essential to remember not to overfeed your Russian Tortoise to avoid stooling problems.

How Many Strawberries Can You Feed Your Russian Tortoise?

For older Russian tortoises it is preferable to feed them 3-5 strawberries to prevent the side effect or obesity. Also, for younger Russian tortoises, you can feed them 2-3 strawberries. 

Conclusion

Strawberries are amazing nutrient sources for Russian tortoises. They are great sources of hydration, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and so many other beneficial nutrients that are essential to both young and older Russian tortoises. However, do not feed strawberries to Russian tortoises excessively.

Feeding a pet Russian tortoise can be scary for new owners. These pets are the reptile versions of dogs, and their inquisitive nature makes humans always want them. However, their feeding may seem very simple from afar but up  close, their feeding needs greater care than you would think. Now the question is, can Russian tortoises eat celery? 

Russian tortoises are herbivores, but do you think that includes celery as well? Keep reading to find out.  

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Celery?

The simple answer is yes, but not really. This means that Russian tortoises can eat celery, but it is definitely not one of the top things to feed your Russian tortoise. This plant is perfectly safe for Russian tortoises to consume, however, they should be fed moderately. Also, the leaves of the celery plants are more beneficial for your Russian tortoise consumption, but the stalk can be a little too hard.  Both the leaves and stalks of the celery leaf provide your Russian tortoise with fiber. 
Animal Hype advises that it is better to serve your Russian tortoise celery alongside other leafy greens. That way they get to enjoy the numerous nutrients that all these combinations will provide.

How Often Should You Feed Your Russian Tortoise Celery?

Feeding celery occasionally can be beneficial to them, because it provides them with fiber which is essential for their growth and development. However, regularly feeding your Russian tortoise celery can be harmful to their health, especially if it’s not mixed with other leafy greens. 

Also, when you feed your Russian tortoise celery remember to feed them moderately and also limit the quantity you feed them as well.

Is Celery Safe For Your Russian Tortoise?

Russian tortoises are herbivores by nature therefore, their diet is mostly made up of vegetables and fruits. This means that celery is safe for your Russian tortoise’s consumption. However, it is better and safer to feed your Russan tortoise celery with a combination of other vegetables, and fruits.

Component Of The Celery Plant

Celery is high in oxalate level, therefore feeding your Russian tortoise celery regularly can be harmful to them. This is because the oxalate component of celery can be toxic to Russian tortoises if consumed excessively. Also, celery is very high in sodium and excessive intake of sodium in Russian tortoises or tortoises, in general, can be very harmful. 

Celery seeds also contain diuretic properties that cause excessive urine production. As a result, excessive intake of Celery can lead to a high loss of water in your Russian tortoises, therefore, leading to dehydration.

How To Feed Celery To Your Russian Tortoise?

It is important to prepare your celery at home when you intend to feed your Russian tortoise. Also, organically grown celery is the best and preferred type of celery to feed your Russian tortoise. It is advisable to purchase the celery you intend to feed your Russian tortoise with,  from an organic store rather than plucking it from your garden, or any outdoor area. 

Furthermore, plucking celery from an outdoor garden can be harmful because it might contain harmful additives that can be harmful and toxic to your Russian tortoise. 

According to Sarah Psaradelis, a passionate pet owner advises that before you feed your Russian Tortoise celery, you must;

• Properly wash under warm water before feeding it to your Russian tortoise.
• Boil celery under hot water to help soften the hard parts for easier chewing. You do not have to boil the soft parts like the leaves. 
• After boiling use a metal spoon or any metal utensil to squish the celery until it is a soft and sticky consistency. However, do not overdo it. 
• Sprinkle a bit of calcium powder, the celery can hold the powder because it is in a sticky form.
• Do not forget to mix the celery with other vegetables and fruits before you serve your Russian tortoise.

Conclusion

Celery is a great food addition to your Russian tortoise’s diet. However, you have to follow the above instruction when you want to feed your Russian tortoise celery. Also, Russian tortoises also get to benefit from the fiber content that celery provides. However, if you want to be extra careful before feeding your Russian tortoise with celery, you should contact a veterinarian.

Russian tortoises are commonly reared as pets, and their owners wonder what to feed their new pets. However, the eating range of tortoises is very wide as long as the food is plant-based, is broccoli a safe choice?

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Broccoli?

The simple answer is yes. However, it is advisable to serve them to Russian Tortoises sparingly. Broccoli is known to be high in goitrogen, therefore, while they are great additions to the Russian tortoise diet, they should not be served with other plants that are high in goitrogen. 

Broccoli is a great source of nutrients for a Russian tortoise. This is possible if you serve them broccoli alongside other vegetables like shredded carrots, green beans, and many more. But avoid other vegetables that are also high in goitrogens like spinach and kale.

Is Raw Broccoli Safe For Russian Tortoises?

Raw broccoli is advised to be fed instead of cooked broccoli. When Russian tortoises are in the wild, they only feed on raw broccoli, since there is no one to cook for them. However, cooked broccoli takes away part of the nutrients in it. Therefore, it is very advisable to feed your Russian tortoises with raw broccoli.

However, you can still cook and give to them, but you have to do that moderately. Raw broccoli is crunchier anyways!

Can You Feed Canned Broccoli To A Russian Tortoise?

Canned broccoli is not an advised choice of food to feed your Russian tortoise. This is because canned broccoli is mostly high in sodium and salt. Some canned broccoli are high in sodium than others, however, figuring out which is higher in sodium might be difficult. Therefore, it is better to stay clear of canned broccoli altogether. 

Therefore, it is advised to just stay clear of serving canned broccoli to your Russian tortoises. Russian tortoises do not need salt in their diet anyways. However, sodium is essential for Russian tortoises, but not in high quantity.

Russian tortoises and even tortoises, in general, are small in size, therefore a negligible amount of sodium will be harmful to Russian tortoises. Also, canned broccoli is mostly cooked and cooked broccoli is not advised for Russian tortoises.

How Much Broccoli Can A Russian Tortoise Consume?

Experts advise that raw fruits and veggies should make up 20% composition of a Russian tortoise’s diet. However, this does not imply that broccoli should make up all 20%. Broccoli is an amazing nutritional source for Russian tortoises, but they should be served alongside five to six other veggies and fruits. 

According to Kristin Hitchcock, a passionate pet parent, broccoli should typically contain 3% of the total 20% fruits and vegetable diet of your Russian tortoises. However, feeding your Russian tortoise broccoli alone would not harm your tortoise directly, it would lead to nutritional deficiencies that will in the long run cause multiple health issues.  

Broccoli is rich in goitrogen and excessive feeding can be harmful.  

How Should I Feed My Russian Tortoise Broccoli?

It is very important to wash any food you serve to your Russian tortoise, and talk more of a vegetable that could have come in contact with the pesticide. Pesticides can be very harmful to your Russian tortoise, therefore, it is advised to thoroughly wash the broccoli before offering it to your Russian tortoise. 

You should also bear in mind that broccoli should be served alongside other vegetables and fruits, but the complimentary vegetables should not be high in goitrogen like broccoli. Therefore, goitrogen-high vegetables like spinach and kale should not be served with broccoli.  

Also, when you want to feed your Russian tortoise broccoli, it is advised that you cut it into smaller pieces. Smaller Russian tortoises may find it difficult to cut their food into smaller pieces, therefore, it is advised to serve broccoli in smaller cut pieces to smaller Russian tortoises. However, bigger Russian tortoises can break their food into bits but it is never harmful to help them cut it into bits as well. 

Conclusion

Broccoli is a great choice of food for Russian tortoises, however, they should not be served to them alone. Rather they should be served alongside other fruits and vegetables that are not high in goitrogen. According to PetKeen, broccoli is an amazing source of hydration, and vitamins A and C.

When it comes to feeding Russian tortoises, there are a variety of foods to pick from. Ordinarily, these creatures are lovers of leafy green products, so they depend on vegetables and certain fruits for their nutrients. That said, can Russian tortoises eat cucumbers?

In this article, we will look at the possible health benefits and risks associated with feeding cucumbers to Russian tortoises. So, if you are thinking of feeding your pet tortoise this healthy vegetable, then you must keep reading.

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Cucumbers?

Yes, Russian tortoises can eat cucumbers. It is quite safe for consumption and most tortoises tend to enjoy eating them a lot, compared to other fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers have a low concentration of calories and high water content. In addition, the vegetable contains a generous amount of vitamins and minerals which can be beneficial to Russian tortoises.

Aside from the fruit, tortoises can also consume cucumber leaves and skin. The leaves provide more nutritional benefits than the cucumber itself and this makes it all the more appetizing for tortoises. And on the other hand, the skin has insoluble fiber and antioxidants that aid bowel movement and healthy skin. In essence, both cucumber parts make good alternative feeding options for tortoises that don’t like cucumber itself. But the thing is, the leaves and skin might be a bit bitter for Russian tortoises, so they may not be motivated to eat it. If that is the case for your tortoise, you don’t have to force it on your pet. For the most part, it is not even advisable to feed them.

Cucumbers are not toxic for tortoises; hence they can be added to their feeding menu. The delicious taste, crunchiness, and coolness of this vegetable could even make them addicted to it in the long run. However, they must always be cucumbers fed in moderation so they don’t get too pumped with water and fiber.

Are Cucumbers Good For Russian Tortoises?

Normally, cucumbers don’t contain a pool of nutrients. About 96% of the vegetable is water while the remaining 4% consists of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Due to this high amount of water content, cucumbers are good for hydration. 

As far as health benefits go, cucumbers are definitely helpful. Here are some health benefits attached to cucumbers for Russian tortoises:

• They keep tortoises hydrated, especially in summer or dry seasons. 
• They have antioxidants that fight bacteria in the body to prevent health problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune illnesses.
• Cucumbers help slow down the growth of a tortoise’s beak which can strengthen its defense efforts against predators.
• Cucumbers can be used to hide medication for tortoises that stubbornly refuse medication.

These are the health benefits Russian tortoises gain from consuming cucumbers. But if consumed in large quantities, cucumbers can overfill tortoises and prevent them from eating other nutritional meals. Feeding tortoises cucumbers once or twice a week is sufficient.

How Can You Feed Cucumbers To Russian Tortoises?

Ideally, cucumbers are not a body of healthy nutrients. But this doesn’t mean that they are not healthy treats for Russian tortoises. So, if you want to feed your pet cucumbers, here’s all you need to consider:

• Use organically-grown cucumbers.
• Blend the cucumber and pour it on the tortoise’s meal.
• Slice it into small pieces for easy consumption.
• Add additives like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, celery, and other green leaves to make the meal more nutritious. 
• Grate the cucumber into a bowl of vegetables for dietary variety.

Your Russian tortoise will definitely enjoy this cucumber treat and if fed in moderation, you will see how fresh your tortoise will become over time.

Conclusion

Cucumbers are healthy fruits Russian tortoises can consume for their needed nutrients. They contain a very high amount of water, as well as a healthy fiber content for their roughages. 

However, a high intake of cucumbers can get Russian tortoises addicted and thus, hinder them from eating other healthy meals. Therefore, cucumbers must be fed not as a staple but as a healthy treat occasionally. With this guide, you can be sure to provide the best cucumber-based treats for your Russian tortoise while maintaining some manner of decency for your pet’s health.

After you have learned that tortoises eat fruits like watermelon, you become curious whether they can eat oranges as well. However, since there are different species of tortoises, they all react to oranges in different ways. Keep reading to find out whether or not tortoises can eat oranges.

Can Tortoises Eat Oranges?

Feeding oranges to tortoises are spoken against by most experts. Oranges and citrus fruits are high in sugar content which may be very dangerous to tortoises but if fed moderately can pose no imminent problem. 

Oranges are high in sugar and citric acid, which may be very harmful to the gut of tortoises. Also, excessive eating of it may cause health issues such as poor digestion. However, when tortoises are fed oranges in little quantities, there are no adverse effects.

The feeding diet of all tortoises regardless of the group should contain fiber-rich food such as grass, vegetables, alfalfa hay, leafy greens, flowers, weeds, and fruits (but in great moderation).

Are Oranges Safe For Tortoises Consumption? 

According to Moffitoh, a pet shop operator, oranges should be fed to tortoises n moderation because they are high sources of vitamin A, which is important for tortoises’ growth and development regardless of their species. But to essentially provide the needed nutrient, tortoises should be fed oranges sparingly. 

Feeding tortoises with oranges excessively is very dangerous to their health due to the high component of sugar and citric acid in oranges. Oranges are amazing sources when fed in moderation. However, it is very advisable to feed tortoises oranges alongside other fruits and vegetables.

Advantages of Feeding Oranges To Tortoises?

Even though oranges are to be given to tortoises in little amounts, they still provide a number of benefits to tortoises. One benefit that oranges provide to tortoises is hydration. Against popular belief that tortoises rarely drink water, water is very essential to their diet. 

However, water offered to tortoises must be clean, fresh, and chlorine-free.

How To Feed Oranges To Tortoises?

As earlier mentioned. It is very advisable to feed your tortoise oranges in as little quantity as possible in other to avoid the health effects that may come from excessive feeding. Therefore, according to Feliz Pets, to correctly feed your tortoise oranges, it is essential to follow these steps;

• Make sure to thoroughly wash the oranges that you give to tortoises.
• Cut oranges into smaller pieces for easier consumption.
• You can also use oranges as a way to tortoises mediation by putting their medication inside it.
• You can either offer oranges to tortoises alone or mixed with other fruits. Tortoises are color-responsive animals and providing them with a variety of fruits of various colors can help spice up their diets.

Are Orange Peels Safe For Tortoises?

Before you feed your tortoises orange peels, it is very important for you to wash them thoroughly. This is important because washing will help get rid of any pesticide that may have resided in the orange peel from the garden or farm. 

Also, orange peels are great vitamin C and vitamin A components, therefore they are great for tortoises’ consumption.

Are Oranges Good For Russian Tortoises?

As earlier said, feeding oranges to tortoises is very much dependent on their species. For russian tortoises which are Mediterranean species, feeding them oranges might not be the best option. 

Oranges can be totally avoided from the diet of russian tortoises, while other fruits should be provided in minimal quantities. Oranges are not great options for russian tortoises because the high sugar content of these tortoises may later result in a destroyed microflora in their gut.

Are Oranges Safe For Desert Tortoises?

Fruit-eating tortoises are classified as safe orange eaters, desert tortoises are considered at risk if they over-consume oranges. To feed a desert tortoise orange, it is best to do it in moderation and very occasionally. 

Frequent feeding of oranges to desert tortoises can lead to life-threatening health issues like diarrhea and loss of gut microflora. It is very widely advised by experts that oranges should be fed to Mediterranean and Grazing tortoises in moderation. 

Conclusion

If oranges are fed to tortoises moderately, possible health issues can be avoided. However, oranges are great options for offering medication to your tortoises by hiding them in the orange. Before, giving oranges to your tortoises, ensure you clean them thoroughly.

Are you looking to get a Russian tortoise as a pet and you have been wondering what their food diet should contain? The eating palette of tortoises is dependent on the type of breed they fall under.

Russian tortoises for instance are Mediterranean species and unlike fruit-eating tortoises and rainforest tortoises, their eating diet should be put together differently. The question now is can Russian tortoises eat tomatoes?

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Tomatoes?

The simple answer is yes but they have to be fed in little quantities. Feeding Russian tortoise tomatoes has to be very minimal. This is because tomatoes contain certain acids that if taken in excess by a Russian tortoise, can lead to several health issues.

However, this does not mean that Russian tortoises cannot be fed tomatoes, they just have to be fed sparingly. Also, the vines and leaves of tomatoes cannot be eaten by tortoises because they are very toxic for them. One thing to bear in mind is that tortoises are not meant to be fed tomatoes excessively.
According to Feliz Pets, unripe tomatoes are also a no for tortoises and Russian tortoises as well. This is because the tomatoes themselves, their leaves, and vines are still very much toxic for tortoises. Also, whether ripe or unripe, tomatoes contain a high acid concentration. From citric acid to malic acid and sugar, tomatoes, if fed in excess to Russian tortoises, will lead to health issues because of the difference in the digestive system of grazing and Mediterranean tortoises that Russian tortoises fall under.

How Safe Are Tomatoes For Tortoises?

Fruit-eating and rainforest tortoises are the best candidates for eating tomatoes. However, for other classes of tortoises like the Mediterranean tortoises which Russian tortoises fall under, tomatoes may not be safe for them, if fed to them in excess.

This does not mean you cannot feed Russian tortoises tomatoes, it only means that feeding them tomatoes or fruits and vegetables, in general, should be done moderately in other to avoid health issues.

How To Feed Tomatoes To Russian Tortoises?

According to Moffitoh, to feed your Russian tortoise tomatoes, you need to feed them organically grown ones, free of any fertilizing chemicals. It is very advisable to feed them tomatoes directly from your garden. Therefore, to feed your tortoises tomatoes, there are ways to do it and things to do. These include:

• Make sure to clean the tomatoes to be fed to your Russian tortoise thoroughly.
• For large-sized or medium-sized tomatoes, cut them into two for big Russian tortoises, and into smaller bits for younger Russian tortoises. 
• Do not place the tomatoes to be fed to your tortoise on the ground, They may pick up dirt and sand while eating.
• Always place your tortoises’ food on a slab.
• Make sure to remove any uneaten vegetables or fruits at the end of the day to prevent contamination.

What Are The Health Risk Of Overfeeding Your Russian Tortoises With Tomatoes?

Tomatoes, like any other fruit, are high in sugar. Therefore, feeding too many to your Russian tortoises will result in weight gain and other health issues. Also, excessive weight gain in tortoises can lead to various health issues that may shorten their life span. 

Therefore, feeding your Russian tortoise tomatoes which are high in sugar can lead to excessive fat because they do not get to exercise. This excessive sugar will later convert into fats which is adversely bad for tortoises.

Also, excess fat in Russian tortoises will lead to diarrhea. As earlier established that tomatoes are very high in sugar content, however, the sugar in tomatoes, if fed excessively to tortoises can be very harmful to their beaks.

This means that excess sugar can cause harm to a Russian tortoise’s beak. This happens when a Russian tortoise is fed tomatoes in excess and it eventually leads to the decaying of the beak due to the bacteria deposited from the excess sugar.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are amazing additions to Russian tortoises’ diet, but they have to be given in very minimal quantities to avoid health issues. However, if you have to feed your Russian tortoise tomatoes, make sure to clean and cut them for easier consumption.

Russian tortoises are natural herbivores, so they depend on a plant-based diet for their nutrients. But a lot of people assume all kinds of plants are acceptable feeding options for these tortoises. So this begs the question: Can Russian Tortoises eat spinach?

In this article, we will discuss the nutritional benefits and health risks associated with feeding Russian tortoises spinach. So, keep reading to find out whether you should add this vegetable to your tortoise’s food chart or not.

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Spinach?

Yes, Russian tortoises can eat spinach but only infrequently and in very small quantities. This is because spinach contains an excess amount of oxalic acids which prevents the tortoise’s body from absorbing beneficial nutrients into its digestive tract. 

Some Russian tortoises will eat spinach willingly but others will not like it. If you have a picky tortoise like that, it is probably best that you don’t force it to eat spinach.

Most times, it is advised that spinach should not be fed to tortoises at all. The stems, stalks, roots, and leaves of spinach are not considered healthy for consumption due to their acidic content. If they are to be fed to tortoises at all, then they should be served minimally on infrequent occasions.

Is Spinach Healthy For Russian Tortoises?

While Russian tortoises eat any leafy green vegetable, there are some vegetables they must consume in limited amounts. Spinach is an example of these vegetables. This is because spinach has a high concentration of oxalic acid and this acid makes it impossible for the tortoise to absorb calcium and other essential minerals. 

Also, spinach contains a substantial amount of calcium oxalate crystals which is a common cause of kidney stones in tortoises. And other than that, there is a chance that the tortoise may suffer irritation on the skin and the inner mucous membrane. From these deductions, it is no secret that these health problems can be deadly in most cases.

On the bright side, however, spinach has a few nutritional benefits attached to it. For one, spinach contains a very good amount of calcium which is beneficial to the tortoise’s eyesight and shell. Also, spinach helps maintain a healthy digestive system and skeletal growth in tortoises due to its phosphorus content. This is why some owners add spinach to their tortoise’s diet. 

But since the adverse effects outweigh the nutritional benefits, it is safe to say that spinach is not a recommended feeding option for Russian tortoises. If anything, it should not even be considered a treat since there are many risks involved.

If you have been feeding your Russian tortoise spinach as a staple food, then you should probably set an appointment with the vet to check for underlying issues, if any are present.

How Should You Feed a Russian Tortoise Spinach?

Irrespective of all the possible health risks involved, spinach is not a toxic food since it contains a few nutritional benefits. So, it can be fed to Russian tortoises in some cases. However, you have to be careful if you want to feed your tortoise spinach. 

Go for spinach during Fall season instead of spring and summer. It has been scientifically proven that oxalates are most prevalent in the summer and spring seasons when dehydration is at its peak.

After considering the season, be sure that the spinach is fresh and organic. Frozen or cooked spinach is not ideal for Russian tortoises. So you only have to wash and let the spinach dry first before you serve it in small quantities. A few leaves at a time is more than okay in one sitting.

If you can, add other healthy vegetables to the mix, so that the meal can be more healthy. Carrot tops, hay, romaine lettuce, collard, kale, and mustard greens are good additives in this case.

Conclusion

Since Russian tortoises have a strict all-plant diet, many owners assume any kind of fresh vegetable is good for them. However, spinach is not the kind of vegetable because it contains high levels of oxalates which can be extremely harmful to the digestive properties of the tortoises when consumed in excess. 

So, you only need to feed tortoises spinach infrequently in limited quantities.

Russian tortoises are quite a popular breed. Plus, they make good household pets. So, if you are planning on owning one, then you may probably like to know if these Russian tortoises can eat carrots.

In this article, we will answer the question of whether or not Russian tortoises feed on carrots, the nutritional benefits attached to this feed, and the possible ways carrots can be fed to these tortoises. Keep reading to know if your Russian tortoise can truly eat carrots.

Can Russian Tortoises Eat Carrots?

Russian Tortoises can eat carrots. While they may prefer carrot tops due to their all-plants diet, they can still manage a few bites or carrots from time to time. However, this depends on the taste buds of the tortoise in question. 

It is not every Russian tortoise that enjoys eating carrots. So, you should not be surprised if your pet tortoise does not seem motivated to eat carrots.

On the other hand, however, some Russian tortoises may consume an awful lot of carrots uncontrollably. In such cases, it is wise to control their intake, especially since there may be possible risks attached to over-consumption.

Are Carrots Good For Russian Tortoises?

Naturally, tortoises are meant to be fed an array of foods ranging from plants to fruits. Carrots are one such fruit that can be added to a tortoise’s diet. However, many experts advise that it may cause adverse effects, especially if the tortoise consumes them liberally.

Carrots contain a good proportion of healthy vitamins which can promote a Russian tortoise’s body and eye health, as well as boost its immune system. Also, carrots are rich in phosphorus and calcium which can help in strengthening a Russian tortoise’s shell.

If you are worried about hydration and proper digestion in your pet tortoise, then you can feed it fresh carrots. This is because carrots contain a substantial deposit of fiber and minerals that can meet every tortoise’s health requirements. 

But while your tortoise can gain these nutritional benefits from carrots, it is not advisable to feed them this vegetable in large quantities. Carrots contain a high level of oxalic acids which can cause calcium deficiency and other health complications like kidney failure and bladder stones in most tortoises. 

Therefore, you are advised to give your Russian tortoise carrots as a treat and not as a staple. Most preferably, you can feed your tortoise two or three carrots once a week.

How Do You Feed Russian Tortoises Carrots?

This is quite an easy task since tortoises are gentle feeders. Just wash the carrots thoroughly and chop them into bits so that the tortoise will be able to chew properly with its teeth. 

When chopped, the carrots will digest faster and will likely not pose a health risk to your tortoise. You can even add more leafy vegetables to the carrots to make them more enticing and nutritious for your pet. But if you want to get your tortoise to enjoy carrots more, you can combine the chopped pieces with carrot tops and stems. Russian tortoises love them.

In addition, ensure that the carrots you feed your tortoise are organic. They can be grown in your home or bought in the market. Organic carrots are free from chemicals and are less likely to harm the tortoise’s digestive system. 

As a reminder also, carrots are only safe for consumption for tortoises when they are fed infrequently in minute quantities. So, be careful not to feed your tortoise more than once a week. 

The Bottom Line

Russian tortoises can eat carrots but not all of them will enjoy them. This is partly because most tortoises enjoy plant-based foods and some tortoises have unique food tastes. Regardless, your tortoise might enjoy carrots and in turn, will gain the benefits contained in this vegetable. 

But the thing is, carrots contain a certain level of harmful acids which can be harmful to the health of Russian tortoises. Hence, they are to be fed to these tortoises as a staple meal. With the basic information provided above, you can be sure that your Russian tortoise will derive the best nutrients from carrots provided they are fed the right way.

Bearded dragons eat insects, vegetables, and fruits. They can even eat smaller animals like mice.

They are omnivores, which means that, just like humans, they can eat a wide variety of foods.

But not all foods are safe, and some can even be toxic. So when answering the question of “What do bearded dragons eat?” – There are quite a few things to keep in mind.

We’ve therefore created the ultimate guide to the best bearded dragons diet, complete with an easy food list, charts, and even a feeding schedule.

So let’s get into how you can keep a beardie healthy and happy by what it’s fed.

This is a big guide, and we have divided it into different food groups and regular questions around hydration and appetite. So feel free to use the jump links to get to the section you’re most interested in.

Be sure you don’t miss our easy infographic at the very end, which summarizes everything.

It’s also an excellent quick reference guide whenever you have a question about a particular food. So make sure you bookmark it for future use.

Insects & Live Feed

Insects should be a staple part of a bearded dragon’s diet. This would in the wild be the biggest source of their food and should be mimicked in captivity.

Keep in mind that you need to be careful feeding wild insects, as they can come with parasites that can be harmful.

It’s always best to get insects from a breeder or pet shop that specializes in food for reptiles. You can also even breed them yourself.

Best Insects for Bearded Dragons to Eat

The best insects, bugs, and meats for bearded dragons are crickets and dubia roaches. They can be eaten regularly as a staple part of the diet.

Here is a list of insects a bearded dragon can eat:

• Crickets
• Locusts
• Cockroaches
• Dubia roaches

Best Worms for Bearded Dragons to Eat

While technically still insects, we’ve also broken down the best worms for bearded dragons to eat. As we point out, some of them should only be fed to adults, or sparingly.

Worms that can be fed regularly:

• Kingworms
• Earthworms
• Silkworms
• Butterworms
• Phoenix worms

Additional worms that you can also feed, but mainly as a treat due to the high-fat content are:

• Waxworms
• Morioworms
• Mealworms (only feed to adult bearded dragons as they have a hard outer layer).
• Superworms (only feed to adult bearded dragons as they are quite large).

Best Greens for Bearded Dragons to Eat

There are a number of greens that you can also feed regularly. They’re full of vitamins and flavor, and will usually be thoroughly enjoyed by your beardie.

These are some of the best greens for bearded dragons to eat.

• Spring greens
• Floret mix
• Lambs lettuce
• Dandelion greens
• Turnip greens
• Mustard greens
• Endive
• Rocket
• Coriander
• Watercress
• Kale
• Collards
• Parsley
• Clover

Best Veggies for Bearded Dragons to Eat

The best vegetables for bearded dragons to eat are:

• Pak choi
• Yellow squash
• Asparagus
• Okra
• Swiss chard
• Peas
• Green beans
• Courgette
• Butternut squash
• Sweet potato
• Bell pepper
• Ocra
• Acorn squash
• Cabbage
• Kohlrabi
• Parsnip

Broccoli can also be included in this list, but only in small pieces on a weekly basis.

Best Fruit for Bearded Dragons to Eat

Bearded dragons can eat fruits of a different variety. But granted the higher sugar content these should generally be fed as a treat, more than a daily staple.

In general, avoid feeding citrus fruits as these can cause stomach issues.

Stick to these fruits as an occasional treat:

• Kiwi
• Pears
• Guava
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Apricots
• Figs
• Watermelon
• Apples
• Mango
• Papaya
• Dates
• Peaches
• Apricots
• Plums

Best Berries for Bearded Dragons to Eat

If you have some berries around, these are also something you can share with a bearded dragon.

The best ones to feed are:

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

Best Weeds for Bearded Dragons to eat

Some of the top weeds that you can feed to your bearded dragons are:

• Dead nettle
• Plantain
• Dandelion
• Casear

Foods Bearded Dragons Can’t Eat

Not only is it important that you only feed your bearded dragons healthy, nutritious foods – but you also need to keep them away from foods that can be harmful or even toxic.

Some of the things you should never feed a beardie are:

• Chrives
• Mushrooms
• Lemon, orange, and other citrus fruits
• Wild insects
• Rhubarb
• Onion
• Celery
• Avocados

Important Vitamins

A varied diet is important to ensure that your beardie gets all the vitamins and nutrients that it needs. These are some of the key vitamins that are important they get sufficient amount of, and what they do.

• Vitamin A promotes eye health and supports the immune system. In addition, it aids in reproduction and assists in proper lung, heart, and kidney function.
• Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a significant nutrient found in many fruit and vegetables.  Vitamin C aids proper growth and development,  supports immune health, and helps keep bones and teeth strong.
• Vitamin E repairs damaged cells and prevent inflammation
• Vitamin K is essential for tissue and blood cell maintenance
• Vitamin K1 regulates blood clotting and supports bone health

• Folate assists in tissue growth and cell maintenance
• Antioxidants strengthen the immune system and also your bearded dragon’s digestive system
• Manganese helps regulate metabolism and blood clotting
• Zinc helps maintain recovery after injury
• Fiber aids in digestive function, prevents impaction and constipation, and softens hard stools.
• Iron is essential for baby bearded dragons as they grow and develop.  It boosts immune health and muscle function and transports oxygen throughout the body.
• Magnesium strengthens bones, normalizes blood pressure, and supports heart function.
• Potassium regulates blood pressure and the nervous system.  It also helps keep your beardie’s muscles working and retain proper water retention.

The Importance of Calcium in Your Bearded Dragon’s Diet

Calcium is vital for your bearded dragon’s health and wellbeing. So it can be natural to question if you’re providing enough.

Bearded dragons need calcium for different reasons, but amongst the primary ones are: 

• Bone development
• Muscle contractions
• Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females

Dragons’ bodies need calcium so much that if the body becomes deficient, it starts pulling calcium from its bones, causing metabolic bone disease (MBD). Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons, but it’s so easily preventable with proper diet and care.

Metabolic bone disease refers to several painful skeletal disorders caused by a lack of calcium in the body. The condition causes severe bone, muscle, and tissue damage, resulting in paralysis or death.

Alert your vet immediately if you notice any signs of metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon. These include:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Stress
• Constipation
• Receded lower jaw
• Swollen limbs and jaw
• Bumps along the spine or bones
• Soft jaw and facial bones
• Bowed limbs and arched spine
• Fractures and broken bones
• Greenstick fractures (folded or bent bones)
• Trembling and twitching limbs
• Tremors and seizures
• Paralysis or difficulty moving

If your bearded dragon is deficient in calcium, any of the following could be the culprit:

• Insufficient calcium in the diet
• Too much phosphorus or oxalates (oxalic acid) in the diet
• Poor supplementation
• Poor lighting, causing a Vitamin D3 deficiency

Dragons who suffer from metabolic bone disease have trouble doing the simplest of tasks, like walking, because their tissue is deteriorating, and their bones are soft and easily breakable. In addition, the disease is quite painful and very difficult to reverse. 

So ensure you pay attention to the calcium content of the food you serve, and a supplement can also be a good idea.

How Often Should Bearded Dragons Eat?

As babies or hatchlings, bearded dragons can be fed three meals a day at regular intervals. However, they tend to eat less often as they age, sometimes choosing to eat only once every couple of days. 

It is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about – though we do suggest that you make fresh salads available to them every day, should they need a little snack.

Here is a rough guide for insect feeding intervals based on your bearded dragon’s age:

• Babies/Hatchlings – 1-4 Months Old: 3-5 feedings per day
• Juveniles – 4-12 Months Old: 2-3 feedings per day
• Sub-Adults – 12-20 Months Old: 1-2 feedings per day
• Adults – 20+ Months Old: 1 feeding every day, or every other day

Feeding Ratios – Insects vs. Plant Food?

A general guide to follow for insects vs plant food ratio will also change as a bearded dragon grows. Here is a rough guide to follow through the different development stages: 

• Babies/Hatchlings – 1-4 Months Old: 80% insects and 20% plant food 
• Juveniles – 4-12 Months Old: 70% insects and 30% plant food
• Sub-Adults – 12-20 Months Old: 30% insects and 70% plant food
• Adults – 20+ Months Old: 20% insects and 80% plant food

How Much Food to Give Your Bearded Dragon

Determining how much to feed your dragon is pretty simple. You’ll let your dragon choose how much to eat by only allowing a certain amount of time at each feeding. When feeding insects, you should allow just 10 minutes for your dragon to eat the insects, removing uneaten insects at the end of the time.

Vegetables and fruits work similarly. Once you put them in your dragon’s enclosure for feeding, only leave them in for 30 minutes. This gives your dragon time to eat its fill while preventing overfeeding and ensuring that leftover food doesn’t cause mold problems.

What To Do If A Bearded Dragon Is Not Eating

Before deciding what to do when your beardie is not eating, identify the reason for this behavior.  

There can be various reasons, such as:

• Brumation
• Shedding
• Impaction
• Stress
• Wrong diet
• Vitamin deficiency
• Injury

Brumation

In the winter, bearded dragons go through a period of dormancy to help save energy. This is called brumation. Brumation starts in the winter as temperatures begin to cool and daylight shortens.

Bearded dragons lose their appetites during brumation and dig themselves into the substrate. Then, they can sleep for three or four months!

Brumation is a natural behavior. If your beardie starts to brumate, you should not try to stop it. Instead, you should:

• Lower the cage’s temperature to 72 to 75°F.
• Maintain a hot basking spot.
• Reduce all lighting to 8 to 10 hours per day.

Brumating dragons slow down their metabolism. They can go for three months without a full meal, but they will still drink. Many will snack on occasion to maintain an energy store. Make sure you offer food once a week to a brumating dragon and keep a constant water supply in the enclosure.

After brumation, his appetite will return quickly, and he should begin to eat again after five to seven days.

Shedding

As bearded dragons grow, they shed their outer layer of skin. Their skin becomes white and papery during this process and is rubbed off in patches.

A large adult may take two weeks to shed fully, while a juvenile may finish shedding in a day or two. Younger dragons can shed every month and sometimes every two weeks. Older adults may shed twice a year.

If you notice your bearded dragon is not eating as much as usual, check if he is about to shed. If you see white papery skin, this is the likely cause.

Before and during shedding beardies may eat less or not at all. They should generally be eating within a week after shedding. 

Impaction

Impaction happens when food, or any item, gets stuck in your beardie’s intestinal tract and causes a blockage. This blockage is highly uncomfortable and leads to a bearded dragon not eating.

The most notable symptoms of impaction are a lack of appetite and a change in feces.

Unlike brumation, where his appetite slowly decreases, impaction occurs as a sudden lack of eating.

If you think your bearded dragon is impacted, then stop feeding and take him to a vet as soon as possible. Sometimes impaction can clear up on its own, but it usually requires a trip to the vet.

Stress

Not eating is the number one sign of stress in bearded dragons. Refusing food, lower activity levels, increased aggression, black beards, pacing, and glass surfing are signs of stress.

There are many causes of chronic stress:

• Wrong tank temperature or humidity.
• Small enclosure (less than 75-gallons).
• Bad diet.
• Improper handling.
• Illness.

Stress in bearded dragons is the most difficult to understand. If your pet appears stressed, begin going through the possible reasons above, starting with temperature and moving down the list.

It is normal for bearded dragons to be stressed when first brought home. However, this stress is not chronic and should reduce quickly within the first week.

Wrong Diet

A common reason for a bearded dragon not to eat is when it is fed the wrong foods.

Beardies are omnivorous insectivores. This means they eat mostly plants but get most of their protein from insects. You should not feed your bearded dragon foods like meat, fish, dairy, dead insects, and onions. Bearded dragons can sometimes be picky eaters.

Try offering a variety of fruits, veggies, and insects to find out which foods your bearded dragon likes.

Food variety is also a great way to ensure they get a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Vitamin Deficiency

There are several vitamins that bearded dragons need to stay healthy. Vitamin E, A, and B1 are all essential to their diet.

A Vitamin E deficiency can cause a lack of appetite, but it is very rare.

Vitamin D is the vitamin that many bearded dragons lack. Calcium supplements are often mixed with vitamin D3, so dusting food with a calcium supplement will prevent any deficiency.

By feeding your beardie a balanced diet that has lots of leafy vegetables, you will prevent most, if not all, vitamin deficiencies.

If you think your lizard might have a vitamin deficiency, then take him to a vet to check his blood vitamin levels. Trying to self-dose your beardie with vitamins can result in an overdose.

Injury

An injured bearded dragon is likely to stop eating, especially if the injury is bad. Therefore, severe or infected injuries should always be treated by a vet.

You can clean minor injuries at home with warm water and an antibiotic. Usually, a small cut will not stop your bearded dragon from eating unless it is infected.

How To Feed A Sick Bearded Dragon

People who keep beardies need to be aware of their pet’s habits and watch out for signs and symptoms that indicate an illness. Some of the things a pet owner can do to take care of a sick bearded dragon include taking the pet to a vet, including special worms in its diet, and letting it recover in a quiet room.

If the beardie has no appetite, then feeding it liquid foods with a syringe may be necessary. Owners may also sprinkle multivitamin powders on the sick bearded dragon’s food to help improve immune functions and reduce vitamin deficiencies.

Keeping the sick bearded dragon well hydrated is essential, and some owners use a warm water bath. The beardie can soak in water that is shoulder deep, leaving its head well above the waterline.

A few people prefer to mist their dragons instead of bathing them in water dishes. However, regular water baths can help improve the condition of dehydrated or constipated beardies.

Bearded Dragon Hydration

Bearded dragons obtain most of their moisture through fruits and vegetables, but it’s essential to make sure they have water available. Always keep a water bowl in your dragon’s cage, but observe whether your dragon drinks out of it. Some dragons prefer to soak in their water bowl instead.

Beardies tend to urinate or leave solids in their bowl, so change their water regularly. After each feeding, remove any drowned insects from the bowl. If your dragon does not drink from the water bowl, spray a water mist into the cage twice daily. It will keep your pet hydrated.

What To Feed A Pregnant Bearded Dragon

A pregnant bearded dragon requires special care, which includes feeding it food high in nutrients such as calcium.

Kelp is a good source of calcium for bearded dragons. Calcium is the most vital nutrient to supply when caring for a pregnant bearded dragon. Supplements are required at least five times each week, and multivitamins should be administered three times a week.

Green vegetables, squash, cranberries, alfalfa sprouts, papayas, kelp, and wheatgrass are some high calcium foods that are good for a bearded dragon that’s expecting. As small pets, it is crucial to watch the food intake of these lizards, but pregnant bearded dragons require more nutrition and additional insect snacks such as silkworms.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat In The Wild?

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivorous, opportunistic predators.  They will eat any prey they can subdue, including insects predominantly. They will also eat a variable amount of available greens.

The following are examples of food bearded dragons will eat in the wild.

• Dubia roaches
• Goliath worms
• Waxworms
• Mealworms
• Crickets
• Butter worms
• Earthworms
• Dandelions

Common Feeding Mistakes

Here are some of the common feeding mistakes to watch out for.

Overfeeding

Obesity in adult bearded dragons is very common. However, like most reptiles, bearded dragons have a healthy appetite and are prone to obesity if fed too many insects.

It is easy to accidentally overfeed as they will eat as many insects as you give them. Obesity is a significant health issue as it can predispose your bearded dragon to heart disease and joint problems.

Feeding Juveniles Mealworms

Feeding juveniles mealworms can stunt their growth and prevent them from receiving nutrients.

Mealworms have an outer shell made up of chitin that juveniles cannot properly digest. Therefore, avoid feeding bearded dragons mealworms, but as an option, feed them super worms when they reach 18 months of age instead.

Not Gut Loading

When feeding your bearded dragon live insects, it is vital to gut load them at least a day before feeding.

Gut loading involves feeding the insects fruits and vegetables dense in nutrients before feeding the insects to your bearded dragon. This process greatly improves the number of nutrients that your bearded dragon receives.

Conclusion

As mentioned previously, bearded dragons are omnivores and can eat various insects, fruit, and vegetables. One of the most important things about your bearded dragon’s diet is variety, they need a varied diet, and the amount of edible options makes them a fun reptile to feed

Continually research new food you want to introduce into your bearded dragon’s diet. Even food that seems healthy can have risks for your bearded friend.  If you remain unsure, always ask your vet for advice.

Below here you’ll find an easy infographic with a lot of the most common foods, sorted by category, and if it’s something that can be fed to a bearded dragon or not.

Feel free to bookmark this page for quick reference on a particular food should you need it for the future, or share it on the web by copy/pasting the link below:

<a href="https://whatanimalseat.com/bearded-dragons/"><img style="width:100%;" src="https://whatanimalseat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/what-do-bearded-dragon-eat-infographic-1.png"></a><br>What do bearded dragons eat infographic by <a href="https://whatanimalseat.com">WhatAnimalsEat.com</a>

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Leaping Lizard! Bring The Collard Greens

Bearded dragons can eat collard greens. They are ranked as one of the most nutritious leafy greens. Because of their high nutritional value,  we recommend that you feed your bearded dragon collard greens daily.

In this article, we will look at the benefits, risks, nutritional value, and preparation of collard greens.

Nutritional Information And Benefits Of Collard Greens

Collard greens are among the leafy green veggies that supply generous amounts of nutrients and are low in fat. The vitamins in collards make a decent contribution to the bearded dragon’s diet. Water – 89.6g

Energy – 32 kcal

Fiber – 4g

Protein – 3g

Calcium – 232 mg

Phosphorus – 25mg

Vitamin C – 35.3mg

Vitamin A – 251 mg

Vitamin K – 437,1ug

Vitamin E – 2.3mg

Folate – 129ug

Ca:P ratio – 9.3:1

Collard greens contain critical vitamins and minerals your bearded dragon needs to stay healthy.

Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of these vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A, C, and K

Vitamin A promotes eye health and supports the immune system. It aids in reproduction and assists in proper lung, heart, and kidney function.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a significant nutrient found in collard greens.  Vitamin C aids proper growth and development,  supports immune health, and helps keep bones and teeth strong.

Vitamin K helps regulate blood clotting and maintains bone and heart health.

Fiber

As a raw vegetable, collard greens are rich in fiber.  Fiber aids in digestive function, prevents impaction and constipation, and softens hard stools.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for bone health and growth, especially in baby and juvenile bearded dragons.  It also prevents metabolic bone disease and helps females’ eggs form properly. Collard greens are excellent sources of calcium with low levels of phosphorus.  

Iron

Iron is very important for baby bearded dragons as they grow and develop.  It boosts immune health and muscle function, and transports oxygen throughout the body.

Magnesium

Strengthening bones normalizes blood pressure and supports heart function.

Low Calories

The levels  of carbohydrates, fat, and sugar are relatively low.  Collard greens are a healthy, nutrient-dense food that every bearded dragon owner must add to their pet’s’s diet.

Risks Of Feeding Collard Greens Daily To Bearded Dragons

There are risks in feeding greens to your bearded dragon.

Your bearded dragon’s digestive system might get upset if it  eats too many collards. 

Collard green leaves must always look fresh and green.  Rotten collard greens can lead to your bearded dragon contracting food poisoning..

Preparing Collard Greens For Your Bearded Dragon.

To preserve most of the collard green’s nutrient values, it is best to serve it raw. Specific things to remember when preparing a collard green meal for your beardie are:

Organic is always best.  Purchase all-natural vegetables free from pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers.  Organic collard greens keep your pet lizard safe from additives that can be harmful or even fatal to its health.

Keep the collards clean.  Thoroughly wash the collard green leaves to get rid of dirt and germs.  

Chop it up.  Remove the stems to prevent choking and reduce impaction. lice the collard greens into smaller pieces so  it is easier for your beardie to chew.  

Mix with other vegetables.  Select leafy vegetables that complement each other and add nutrients to your pet needs.  You can also add flowers and fruit to balance your bearded dragon’s diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked or Frozen Collard Greens?

Collard greens should never be cooked or baked. Cooking them depletes the vitamin A, C, E, and zinc content, and the fiber becomes less effective during the heating process.

Bearded dragons can eat frozen collard greens.  The vitamin C and calcium content remain mostly intact after freezing.  

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens?

Baby bearded dragons grow quickly, and their bodies need a lot of calcium to make them grow healthy and strong.  our focus should be on how much calcium your baby bearded dragon absorbs.

Collard greens are a great food to feed your baby beardie because of the low phosphorus levels.  Calcium is absorbed from the diet effectively without any interference.  

To Conclude

Collard greens are safe to feed your bearded dragon daily.  It is one of the most nutritional greens that bearded dragon owners can include in their  diets.  

The vitamins and minerals in collard greens play an essential role in the overall health of your bearded dragon.  

We recommend you read about foods you want to include in your beardies diet. Keep in mind not all greens are equal.   Even healthy veggies have some risks.

Bearded Dragon’s Love-Hate Relationship With Asparagus

Asparagus, a popular savory side dish with a hint of bitterness, has had a love/hate relationship with bearded dragons.

Can bearded dragons eat asparagus?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat asparagus but in moderation and if prepared in the right way. 

What is the nutritional value of asparagus and what are the benefits and risks of feeding it to your beardie?

Nutritional Facts of Asparagus

Asparagus is packed with nutrition that benefits your pet bearded dragon.  It also contains oxalate which has more phosphorus than calcium. To prevent any adverse health issues, you should only feed asparagus to your bearded dragon once a week.

Asparagus contains a moderate amount of oxalates which prevents minerals such as calcium from being absorbed and has a low amount of calcium.  Bearded dragons need calcium in their diet to prevent metabolic bone disease.

Asparagus is nutrient-rich yet low in calories and fat.  It contains fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.

Nutritional value for 90g of cooked asparagus.

• Calories – 20
• Protein – 2.2g
• Fat – 0.2g
• Fiber – 1.8g
• Vitamin C – 12% of the RDI
• Vitamin A – 18% of the RDI
• Vitamin K – 57% of the RDI
• Folate – 34% of the RDI
• Potassium – 6% of the RDI
• Phosphorus – 5% of the RDI
• Vitamin E – 7 % of the RDI

Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Beardie Asparagus

Asparagus has many health benefits in your bearded dragon’s diet.  Let’s take a look at some of them.

Kidney function:

Asparagus contains potassium which strengthens the kidneys and aids muscle function. It also has a 92% water content which keeps your bearded dragon hydrated.

Improve Immune System:

There are antioxidants and vitamin C in asparagus that keep your bearded friend healthy and safe from disease and inflammation.  

Digestion:

Asparagus is a good source of fiber which is important for a healthy digestive system.  It keeps your beardie free from constipation.

Blood and cells:

Vitamin E prevents inflammation but also builds up damaged cells while Vitamin K regulates blood clotting.  The folate facilitates tissue growth and cell function.

Strong Muscles:

A  small amount of protein maintains and strengthens a bearded dragon’s muscles.

Risks of Feeding Asparagus to your Bearded Dragon

Here are some not-so-great aspects of feeding asparagus to your bearded dragon.

Too little calcium, too much phosphorus:   Asparagus is very low in calcium which is why it cannot be a staple vegetable.  Even more concerning is that asparagus has even more phosphorus than calcium.  Phosphorus will prevent calcium absorption in your beardies blood which can cause metabolic bone disease.

Moderate oxalates and oxalic acid:

Asparagus contains oxalates, a pesky ingredient.  Like phosphorus,  It prevents calcium absorption and can also cause metabolic bone disease.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Asparagus?

Even though baby bearded dragons and younger dragons can eat asparagus it is recommended that you not give them any.  It does not have enough nutrients to help your baby beardies grow.

Baby bearded dragons grow very quickly and need a lot of food that is high in protein and calcium.  For this reason, their diet should consist of 80% live food and 20% veggies.

How To Prepare Asparagus For Your Pet Dragon

You can feed your bearded dragon asparagus either cooked or raw.  In this case, it is better to let your beardie eat cooked asparagus because the cooking process reduces the number of oxalates but it also reduces vitamins.

However you want to serve it, you should always opt to buy organic asparagus.  Make sure the asparagus is washed thoroughly before you do anything with it.

If you cook the asparagus, you must do so without adding any oil, salt, pepper, or any other ingredient. Adding such ingredients can make your dragon sick.

Chop the raw or cooked asparagus into very small pieces to prevent your beardie from choking.

Your beardie can eat asparagus mixed with other vegetables as a salad.  Make sure to remove any leftover food from your beardies’ environment.

Wrapping Up

As a bearded dragon owner, you want to share foods you enjoy with your pet dragon.  With a flavor as strong as its odor, asparagus is not everyone’s cup of tea.  Asparagus is one of the vegetables that are safe for your beardie to eat as long it is eaten in moderation.  

Although it can make a tasty treat, there is no guarantee that your adult bearded dragons will enjoy it.

Banana News:  Safe Or Dangerous For Bearded Dragons

Can bearded dragons eat bananas?  We are sure this is a question many bearded dragon owners have asked themselves.  Well, yes, bearded dragons can eat bananas. 

Your adult bearded dragon will love this potassium-filled treat.

Feeding your bearded dragon bananas has nutritional value, benefits, and risks.

Nutritional Information Of Bananas In Bearded Dragon’s Diet

Nutritional Value Of Bananas Per 100 Grams

Nutrient Name	Amount
Water	74.91 g
Energy	89 kcal
Protein	1.09 g
Total lipid (fat)	0.33 g
Carbohydrates, by difference	22.84 g
Fiber	2.6 g
Sugars	12.23 g
Calcium	5 mg
Phosphorus	22 mg
Sodium	1 mg
Vitamin C	8.7 mg
Vitamin B-6	0.37 mg
Vitamin A	3 ug
Iron	0.26 mg
Magnesium	27mg
Potassium	358 mg

Benefits Of Feeding Your Beardie Bananas

Bananas are nutrient-rich fruit that contains many essential vitamins and minerals. They offer your pet bearded dragon key benefits when fed in small doses.

Vitamin C

The Vitamin C in bananas helps build a robust immune system that prevents disease and keeps bearded dragons happy.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A promotes better eyesight and eye health, healthy skin, and a strong immune system and helps to break down unwanted materials in the body. 

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B6 helps metabolize fats and protein and plays a role in regulating weight.

Potassium

Bananas are high in potassium which helps regulate blood pressure and the nervous system and keeps your dragon’s muscles working for proper water retention.

Antioxidants

The antioxidants in bananas can lower cholesterol and the risk of heart problems.

Iron

Baby bearded dragons need iron. It is a supplement that you should give sporadically. Too much iron causes long-term health issues. Be cautious when feeding your bearded pet dragon bananas.

Magnesium

Contributes to healthy muscles and brain function.

Risks Of Feeding Bananas To Your Bearded Dragon

If you feed your bearded dragon too much banana and often, it can cause sickness and, in severe cases, lead to paralysis and even death.  

Phosphorus To Calcium Ratio

Bearded dragons rely on a calcium-rich diet where the calcium to phosphorus ratio is either 2:1 or 1:1.  Too much phosphorus binds with calcium and prevents the calcium from being absorbed into the dragon’s system.

Long term, this can cause severe calcium depletion.

When a dragon repeatedly consumes a phosphorus-rich, calcium-low diet,  MBD (metabolic bone disease), a debilitating and deadly disease, can result, causing pain or even paralysis or death. Thus bearded dragons should eat bananas only in small doses,  once or twice a month. 

You can also add calcium supplements to your beardie’s diet to ensure a proper level of calcium.

Tooth decay

Feeding sugary food to your bearded dragons can lead to tooth decay.

Bananas are rich in natural sugar and very sweet. They can stick to your bearded dragon’s teeth, increasing the chance of tooth decay.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Banana Peels Or Banana Leaves?

Banana Peels

Banana peels contain healthy nutrients including

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• Carotenoids
• Polyphenols
• Protein
• Magnesium

In small quantities, peels can form part of a healthy diet for your bearded dragon. However, peels and leaves may be difficult for your dragon to eat.  They have textures that are tougher than that of bananas.  However, Bearded dragons can eat sliced banana peels.

Banana Leaves

Bearded dragons can eat banana leaves. Ensure that the banana plant is organic to prevent exposing your beardie to harmful pesticides. 

 plant leaves contain vitamin beneficial B6 and fiber.

However, leaves are tough and could be a choking hazard. Cut leaves into small pieces no bigger than the distance between your beardie’s eyes.

It’s better to feed bananas to your beardie than leaves because the banana has more nutrients.

Is Dried Banana Ok For Bearded Dragons?

Do NOT feed dried bananas to your bearded dragon. They have too much sugar. Dried bananas have more sugar than fresh fruit. Sugar is concentrated in dried bananas because  water evaporates during the drying process. 

Dried bananas have more fiber than fresh bananas. It’s better to use banana leaves, peels, or veggies for fiber.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas?

The ideal amount of plant-based food in your beardie’s diet varies depending on its age.

Younger beardies, still developing and growing, should only be given a small amount of banana,  ideally not more than once a month. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should have a diet rich in animal matter, as the protein helps them grow.

Adult bearded dragons can have a bit more banana,  up to one or two times a month.

Banana should be a rare treat as it is high in sugar. Also, the calcium/phosphorus content can cause serious health issues.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Banana?

While banana is not toxic for baby bearded dragons, it can cause significant bone development and health problems.

Therefore,  limit this treat to a small amount once a month for beardies who are under two years old.

How To Prepare Bananas For Your Beardie’s Meal

Bananas may be served whole or peeled, depending on your bearded dragon’s taste preference.  

Buy Organic

 Serve organic ripe bananas to your beardie. They are far less likely to have been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.

Wash it

Even if you buy organic, give the banana a good rinse before feeding. .  It will remove harmful germs from the banana’s skin and minimizes the risk of your beardie ingesting them.

Get Chopping

To reduce the risk of choking.  slice the banana into chunks no bigger than your beardie’s eye. This step is essential if you give your beardie bananas with the peel still attached.  

Mix the banana pieces with other greens such as collard greens, dandelion greens, and sweet potato.

Watch Them Eat

Observe your beardie as it safely eats bananas for the first time. You will see if they like eating the peel and if they adjust to the portion size.

Clean up

Once your beardie has finished eating, take any old food out of the terrarium. You don’t want them eating food that has gone bad!

Final Thought

You cannot allow your bearded dragon to go bananas over bananas.  It is a very nutritious fruit but there are risks that can severely affect your bearded pet’s health.  

It is hard to determine which foods are safe for your bearded dragon.  Some fruits that appear  harmless and nutritious can be harmful or fatal to your bearded pet.

Always research any new food you want to introduce to your bearded dragon.  If still uncertain, you can always contact your vet for advice.

Aloe Vera – Toxic Or Non-Toxic.

Aloe vera has many uses, both imagined and real.  But can it be part of your bearded dragon’s diet?

So, can bearded dragons eat Aloe vera?  

The short answer is no. Bearded dragons cannot eat aloe vera.

Classification And Appearance Of Aloe

Wikipedia describe Aloe, or Aloe Vera, as an evergreen perennial plant.  The word evergreen means it has healthy leaves year-round and is perennial, which means it has a life cycle longer than two years. 

The Aloe plant has long, thick green leaves.  When the leaves are cut open, they reveal a thick oil.  This oil is one of the known qualities associated with Aloe Vera.

Nutritional Content In Aloe

Below is the nutritional profile of aloe vera per 240 grams

Nutrient Name	Amount
Water	230.9 g
Energy	36 Kcal
Total sugars	9 g
Calcium	19 mg
Sodium	19 mg
Vitamin C	9.1 mg
Iron	0.04 mg

From the above table you can see aloe has low nutritional value..  Bearded dragons should not eat the aloe vera plant. 

Rest Assured, Aloe is totally NOT toxic or dangerous to your bearded dragon. 

The Risk When Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe

Bearded Dragons are not allowed to eat Aloe plants because they are bad for their health.
 

• The Laxative Effect

Aloe is not allowed in your beardie’s diet because it contains aloe vera latex. .  When you cut the plant open, the latex is the yellowish liquid that can be seen.  .  

It is called the laxative effect because it affects your bearded dragon’s bowels.  When your beardie consumes this latex, it can have side effects such as 

• Allergic reactions

Many animals are allergic to aloe vera and its scent. Consuming aloe liquid can easily cause an allergic reaction.

• Internal Abdominal Irritation

The latex in the aloe plant is very toxic when swallowed, and can cause internal irritation.

• Dehydration

The latex is too strong for your bearded dragon and can lead to dehydration.  

• Diarrhea

The most common outcome effect of ingesting latex is diarrhea.  Your bearded dragon is not used to the ingredient, and its stomach repels it instantly. y.

Excessive amounts of Aloe can lead to your beardie getting severe nausea and a visit to the vet.

Are There Any Benefits Of Aloe To Your Bearded Dragon?

After viewing the risk factors, you might wonder if there are any advantages and benefits to feeding it to your pet.

Help With Shedding

Some bearded dragon owners believe Aloe Vera will ease the pain of shedding which occurs when bearded dragons do not shed all of their skin.

There is an unsubstantiated myth that the soothing and moisturizing qualities of Aloe Vera may help with shedding if applied to a bearded dragon’s skin.  There is no evidence to support this theory.

Good Source Of Vitamin C

Aloe provides 9.1 mg of vitamin C per cup, which is crucial for bearded dragons’ growth and development.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe?

No. 

Baby bearded dragons need a steady, proven diet to maintain their healthy growth and development.  

Consuming such a dangerous plant as Aloe can cause severe adverse reactions.  

Again, do not feed aloe vera to your bearded dragons!  

Aloe Vera As Decorative Plant

Aloe is not suitable for eating, but can it have other useful purposes?  Some people would place Aloe plants in their bearded dragon enclosure as decoration but this is not a smart use of the plant.

Cutting this vigorous plant inside it can make the air suffocating.  

Your bearded dragon will start feeling nauseous after a few hours of inhaling aloe vera.

Some bearded dragons will even bite the leaves of the aloe plant.  

Soon after, your beardie will start experiencing side effects and will become very sick.  eep this plant away from your bearded dragon’s cage.

Wrapping Up

Aloe Vera is not a good choice for your bearded dragon.  

Instead, provide foods such as collard greens, dandelions, and sweet potato.  Always remember to research any foods before introducing them to your bearded dragon.  If you are still unsure, consult your vet.

Sugar Snap Peas; Delicious Crunchy Treats For Bearded Dragons?

Sugar snap peas, a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas, are perfect treats for your beardies, but preferably once a month because they have a high phosphorus level. 

This article discusses the health benefits and concerns of feeding sugar snap peas to your bearded dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Snap Peas?

Bearded dragons can eat sugar snap peas but not as a main meal. 

Benefits of Feeding Sugar Snap Peas To Your Bearded Dragon

Fiber: Sugar snap peas have a high amount of dietary fiber which helps digestion.

Low Fat: The vegetables contain low fat and are the perfect low-calorie snack for  your bearded dragon.

Vitamins C, A and K: Vitamin C is essential for your beardies. It helps to improve  its immune system. Vitamin A helps to improve and maintain your bearded dragon’s vision. Vitamin K helps develop strong and healthy teeth.

High Water Content: Proper hydration is important to your bearded dragon, but in moderation. The main meal should be a steady source of hydration rather than as a treat.

Nutritional Value

Although they are a cross between the snow pea and the garden pea, sugar snap peas have many nutrients your pets will enjoy.

Nutrition	Value (%)
Water Content	88.89
Fat	0.39
Protein	2.8
Dietary Fibre	2.6
Calcium	0.043  (43 mg)
Potassium	0.2    (200 mg)
Phosphorous	0.053    (53 mg)
Vitamin A	54  (ug/100g)
Vitamin C	60  (ug/100g)

Risks of Feeding Sugar Snap Peas To Your Bearded Dragon

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease is the major side effect of sugar snap peas. Over time, the calcium-phosphorus ratio can lead to weak bone structure.

The calcium to phosphorus ratio results in less calcium than phosphorus. If you regularly feed your bearded dragons these peas, it may have long term negative health effects.

Preparing Sugar Snap Peas For Bearded Dragons

You may serve it cooked and use it in a salad. Some bearded dragons enjoy biting on the whole pod inside and others only eat the peas. If you feed it raw sugar snap peas, your beardies will love it for the crunchy texture and nutritional benefits.

You can feed canned sugar snap peas to your pet but only ones that do not contain any added preservatives such as sugar.

To gauge your bearded dragons’ preference,  feed it small amounts. 

Can Juvenile or Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Sugar Snap Peas?

Baby beardies can eat snap peas. Cut the peas into small, chewable bits so that your baby bearded dragon does not choke on them.

You can also soften them by cooking, which is the best way to prevent choking. The cooked sugar snap pea will not get stuck in your baby bearded dragon’s throat.

Make sure that your baby beardies are eating insects more than other foods. Do not let them snack too much on fruits. Live insects are the best food choice for baby beardies.

Final thoughts

Do not feed this snack with regular meals. Raw or cooked, cut them to size and feed them only in small amounts. They may not be as nutritious as apples, but they keep your beardie healthy.

Feeding Papaya to Your Bearded Dragon; Benefits and Risks

Vibrant, colorful, and rich in taste, Papaya, or pawpaw, is an exotic food that bearded dragon lovers should add to their pet’s diet,  but only on an occasional basis because of its high moisture and sugar content. 

Can Bearded Dragon Eat Papaya?

Papaya is very nutritious. Feed it sporadically as the high water content could lead to diarrhea for your bearded dragons.

Benefits of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Papaya

Papaya is a fruit rich in minerals, Vitamin C and fiber and has many health benefits.

Aids Digestion

Fiber aids digestion. Papaya fruit contains a good amount of fiber which will prevent constipation.  

Prevents Illness

Papaya provides Vitamin C, which helps build a strong immune system. If your pet falls sick or is inactive, papaya will restore its health and agility.

Proper Hydration

Papaya keeps your pet hydrated because it has a high water content

Nutritional Value Per 100 Gram

Nutrients	Value
Carbohydrates	10.82 g
Sugar	7.82 g
Fiber	1.7 g
Fat	0.26 g
Protein	0.47 g
Vitamin C	62 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Phosphorus	10 mg
Potassium	182 mg
Water	88 g

Risks of Papaya For Your Bearded Dragon

The calcium and phosphorus ratio in papaya is not ideal when compared to other fruits. It contains more phosphorus than calcium which means you should serve it moderately and rely upon other edible options with a good calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Is It Safe To Feed Your Bearded Dragons Papaya Seeds?

Papaya seeds are edible and are not toxic. So, yes, you can feed your bearded dragons papaya seeds.

Most beardies will ignore the seeds in papaya and eat the colorful fruit. This habit is not a concern for your pet’s health.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Papaya Skin?

You can also feed your bearded dragons papaya skin. The skin is safe to eat and has no toxic component that can harm your pet beardie. Do not  feed your bearded dragon papaya skin which was bought in a grocery store. Chemicals are used to grow this fruit for better yields and to protect it from pests. These chemicals usually gather on the skin of the fruit which could be dangerous to your pet.

But you can feed your bearded dragon organic papaya skin.

How To Prepare Papaya For Bearded Dragons

Wash the fruit well before serving it.  You can cut the fruit into halves and give it to your beardie or into tiny pieces. Also, for variety, you can mix small quantities of papaya with vegetables.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Papaya?

Baby bearded dragons can eat papaya. But ensure that they eat meat more often than they do vegetables and fruit. 

Their foods should be similar to dubia roaches and other small creatures that supply significant amounts of calcium and protein.

Final Thoughts

Feed bearded dragons papaya in moderation. Too much of it can cause  calcium-deficiency. It could lead to weak bones and metabolic bone disease.   Avoid feeding papaya with other watery foods. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cranberries; Go-To Treats Or Not?

Bearded dragons can eat cranberries in small pieces but only once a month. A beardie’s health would be at risk if it ate cranberries more often.  The high sugar content and insufficient calcium to phosphorus ratio make cranberries a poor diet choice. 

This article discusses the nutritional value of cranberries, the risks involved in feeding them to your bearded dragon, and other important facts you should know.

Nutritional Value of Cranberries 

What you should know about the nutrients in cranberries.

Nutrients	Value
Water	87%
Sugar	4 g
Vitamin B6	0.057 mg
Protein	0.4 g
Magnesium	6 mg
Vitamin C	13.3 mg
Fiber	4.6 g
Potassium	16 mg
Vitamin K	5.1 g
Carbohydrates	33 g
Calcium	8 mg
Vitamin E	1.2 mg
Phosphorus	13 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.02 mg
Iron	0.25 mg

Risks of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Cranberry

High Sugar Content

The high sugar content can cause unhealthy high blood glucose levels and upset  stomach, leaving your beardie in pain.

Insufficient Nutrient Ratio

Cranberries have a poor calcium to phosphorus ratio and a low acidic content. Thus, cranberries should be fed in small quantities.

If you regularly feed your pet cranberries, it could suffer metabolic bone disease. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried Cranberries?

Yes, but you can feed them dried cranberries but more rarely than you do fresh ones because dried cranberries have a higher sugar content and less nutritional value than fresh ones. 

You can feed one or two dried cranberries to your bearded dragons bi-weekly.

Can You Give Cranberry Sauce to Your Bearded Dragon?

No.  Do not feed cranberry sauce to your bearded dragons. As with other fruits, it is not good for bearded dragons because it contains chemical preservatives and added sugars. 

Can Bearded Dragons Drink Cranberry Juice?

You, but do it sparingly by mixing a small quantity with water before serving it.

Although bearded dragons need water to stay hydrated, too much cranberry juice can cause stomach pain  and runny stool.

Can Baby Bearded Dragon Eat Cranberry?

You should not feed your baby bearded dragons cranberries. They could develop metabolic bone disease.  They need calcium and protein to grow healthy and strong bones. Instead, feed them insects like dubia roaches. 

There are better food choices than cranberries.  Your baby bearded dragons could also choke on the cranberries. 

How to Feed Cranberries to Your Bearded Dragon?

Wash the cranberries thoroughly.  Take out the seeds before serving by cutting them into smaller pieces.  They may choke or become impacted because they cannot digest the seeds properly.

Final Thoughts

Although cranberries may look desirable, do not feed them to baby bearded dragons.  They need a balanced diet with a mix of live food (70% feeder insects) and leafy greens for high water content (30%) at this early age. The best way to feed them to older bearded dragons is to serve them as occasional treats.

Is Ham Harmful To Bearded Dragons: Yes or No?

The best foods for bearded dragons are vegetables, moderate amounts of fruit, and insects. Although bearded dragons are omnivores, do not feed them ham because it is toxic.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ham?

No. Ham contains excess fat and cholesterol. Bearded dragons that eat ham have health problems. 

Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Ham?

Ham is a processed protein laced with preservatives to keep it in good condition. Although proteins nourish bearded dragons, ham is not a healthy choice of protein for them. 

More importantly, ham does not contain vitamin D3, A, and calcium, which are vital vitamins your bearded dragons need. 

Again, do not feed ham to your bearded dragons.

Nutrients Derived From Ham

Bearded dragons  get niacin, protein, zinc, folate, thiamine, vitamin B6, and riboflavin from ham. 

100 grams of ham have only about 8 mg of calcium compared to about 159 mg of phosphorus. If you regularly feed them ham, you will expose your bearded dragons to metabolic bone disease.

Although bearded dragons may get some nutrients from ham, it is not an ideal food to feed your bearded dragons because the risks far outweigh the benefits.

Risks of Feeding Ham To Your Bearded Dragon

Fat and Cholesterol

The high cholesterol and fat content is bad for your bearded dragons. It causes obesity, weak bones, and digestive problems.

High Sodium Content

Ham’s high sodium content and preservative chemicals can cause dehydration which can worsen without other hydrating foods.

Ham Poisoning Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of ham poisoning include 

• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea. 

If your bearded dragon becomes sick, visit the veterinarian immediately.  Even if it does not become sick, do not feed it ham again.

What Happens When a Bearded Dragon Mistakenly Eats a Ham?

What happens when your bearded dragons eat ham? It is not fatal but it will suffer the effects mentioned above. 

But, you need to monitor any signs which indicate that your bearded dragon is suffering from ham poisoning.

Safe Foods For Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons cannot eat all protein rich foods.  Some are lacking the needed nutritional value of a proper meal.

You can feed them scrambled eggs (as long as you do not add any other ingredient) and boiled eggs (which should be eaten in moderation). 

But do not feed your pet highly processed meat like ham, chicken breast, and even plain chicken because these can lead to digestive problems.

Insects

Feed your bearded dragon live insects such as dubia roaches, locusts, mealworms, cockroaches, crickets, king worms, silkworms, waxworms, and butter worms. You can serve these live insects as lunch meat alongside other vegetables.

Vegetables

Also, bearded dragons can feed on juicy vegetables and leafy greens such as acorn squash, sweet potato, and other hydrating vegetables. But not iceberg lettuce as it is lacking in the vital nutrients your pet needs.

Safe Fruits For Bearded Dragons

Feed only safe fruits to your bearded dragons, which include apples, bananas, grapes, and watermelon.

Final Thoughts

Ensure your baby bearded dragons eat more insects than adult bearded dragons which  eat more vegetables. Feed them fruit as occasional treats. Let them eat veggies but not more so than  insects. 

Tangerines for Bearded Dragons; Taboo or not?

Tangerines are citric fruits that are plentiful and enjoyed regularly.

Can bearded dragons eat tangerines? 

The answer is NO! You should never feed  your bearded dragons eat tangerines. 

This citrus fruit contains too much sugar and is too acidic for your pet.  It is harmful to your pet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tangerines?

NO and for two main reasons:

Excessively Sugary

Tangerines are excessively sugary that could lead to tooth decay and other health problems for your bearded dragon’s digestive system. 

Citric Acid

Bearded dragons cannot handle tangerines because of its high acidic level.  It will make them sick.  Do not feed them tangerines.

Risks of Feeding Tangerines to Your Bearded Dragon

Heartburn, Diarrhea and Dehydration

Tangerines are rich in citric acid and your bearded dragon can suffer from heartburn, causing the stomach lining to become irritated if they eat it. 

Diarrhea and dehydration are other effects your beardie may experience.

Eating tangerines can also prevent your bearded dragon from ingesting other needed nutrients into its bloodstream.

Metabolic Bone Diseases

Tangerines, like other citric fruits, are rich in oxalic acid. The compound, calcium oxalate, is a combination of oxalic acid and calcium. 

Calcium oxalate reduces the level of calcium in your beardie which can lead to metabolic bone disease.  Symptoms include deformities, soft bones, and paralysis. 

Metabolic bone disease is not always fatal but it usually has serious health effects. 

Obesity

Tangerine’s sweetness can cause your pet to become obese because of its addictive nature. This high level of sugar can also cause fatty liver diseases and heart failure. 

Should You Give Feeder Insects Which Consume Tangerines To Your Bearded Dragon?

Insects can break down everything they eat in tangerines, including acids, into less harmful substances to get nutrients like calcium. 

So if you feed your feeder insects tangerines, you can also feed them to your beardies because they would have already broken down the fruit acids in their systems. 

But do not feed the insects tangerines often. About once or twice per week is enough.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tangerine Peel?

No, bearded dragons should not eat tangerine peels. 

Although tangerine peels are rich in calcium and do not have the high sugar level the fruit itself has, they contain oxalic acid, which reduces the calcium level in bearded dragons. 

The peels do not have a soft and comfortable texture. You can be sure that your bearded dragon will have a tough time chewing these peels. 

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Tangerine?

The answer to this is an emphatic NO. 

Do not feed your baby beardies tangerine. They are too sweet and acidic for your baby beardies to handle.  Insects and other calcium and protein-rich foods are what baby beardies need at this early stage.

Can Baby Beardies Eat Other Fruits?

70% of their staple food should be live insects and the other 30% vegetables. 

You can feed them any safe fruit but very sparingly. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Other Fruits?

Although tangerines are off the menu, other fruits are still an option. 

Many non-citrus fruits like Mango, Papaya, Apples, and peeled bananas  will do. 

Leafy greens such as turnip greens, mustard greens, green beans, dandelion greens and other foods with great nutritional value are also appropriate but in small portions.

Final Thoughts

As pet owners, the goal of a healthy diet is to help your bearded dragon stay safe and healthy. You can do this by knowing what and what not to include in its regular diet.

Ensure your bearded dragon’s diet is full of nutrient-rich food rather than sugary treats that can reduce its lifespan.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Leeks?

Can bearded dragons eat leeks? Yes, they can. But only the green part and occasionally. Feeding them the white part of this vegetable is not healthy and not really edible. 

This article will explain the benefits about feeding your bearded dragon leeks.

Benefits of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Leeks

The green parts of leeks are the most nutritious. They contain vitamins A, K, and C. Vitamin A improves your bearded dragon’s eyesight. It also reduces the chance of metabolic bone disease because it helps your pet build healthy skeletal tissues such as strong bones and teeth.

Vitamin K helps produce proteins needed for blood clotting and bone development. Vitamin C, on the other hand, helps your bearded dragon grow and repair injured tissues.

Good Source of Hydration

Bearded dragons need to be adequately hydrated to prevent desiccation. Eating high moisture vegetables such as leeks helps this process. 

Nutritious

Leeks contain beneficial nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, potassium, and copper. They also contain calcium, which is vital to your pet’s growth and development.

Raw Or Cooked Leeks: Which Is Better for Bearded dragons?

Bearded dragons can eat raw and cooked leeks. It does not matter. Make sure you cut them into smaller pieces equal to  the size of the gap between your beardie’s eyes.

How to Get Leeks for Your Bearded Dragon

You can buy leeks from convenience or grocery stores. If gardening interests you, you can plant and grow this vegetable yourself. All you need to do is plant it in a suitable place, water it, and let it grow. 

Leeks should last about 4-8 weeks before going bad so long as you properly secure them.

Other Information to Know

Not all bearded dragons love leeks. If your bearded dragon does not enjoy it, do not feed it to them.  If your bearded dragons cannot adapt to leeks, there are other nutritious and acceptable vegetables. They include the following:

• Beet greens
• Green beans
• Collard greens
• Bell peppers
• Bok choy
• Turnip greens
• Mustard greens
• Acorn squash 

When deciding on the green to introduce to your bearded dragon, only serve leafy green vegetables that are moderately rich in calcium. Moderation is essential because while your bearded dragons need calcium to develop their bones, too much of it can be dangerous. 

Your bearded dragons can eat kale and other green leaves, but they must be finely chopped and fed in moderation! 

Be careful with frozen vegetables and do not feed them onions of any variety. 

Live food such as dubia roaches and worms, is nutritious and will also keep your bearded dragons healthy. They also eat dandelions, boiled eggs, and brussel sprouts,  basil, and swiss chard. But moderation is key.

Final Thoughts

Leeks are good for bearded dragons, but not all the time.  Feed your bearded dragons leeks in small pieces so that you don’t overwhelm them. Allow your beardies to eat fruits too. Ensure they eat apples, bananas, as treats for a balanced diet.

When feeding your bearded dragon, the proportion and nutritional value is important. This way, your bearded dragons get the nutrients they need at the right time and in the the right amount.

Dill For Bearded Dragons, Safe or not?

Although common herbs can be part of a bearded dragons’ diet, it does not mean that it  is safe to do so. So, can bearded dragons eat dill?

While the herb is very nutritional, the answer is NO.  The dangers outweigh any possible benefits.  We do not recommend dill. If you do so, feed it in small quantities and occasionally.

This article will provide the necessary information about feeding dill to bearded dragons.

Is Dill Safe For Your Bearded Dragon Dill?

Dill is not an ideal food to add to your beardie’s diet. 

The herb is too acidic and does more harm than good. If you want to keep your beardie safe, do not feed it dill. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dill Pickles?

No. Dill pickles or other preserved vegetables such as bell peppers, green and mature onions, and garlic are potentially toxic. 

Your bearded dragon can eat raw or cooked bell peppers and holy basil, but not often. Your bearded dragons eat them occasionally in a veggie mix. 

Other safe and occasional herbs include rosemary, parsley, fennel, cilantro lavender, and thyme. They should be substitutes for staple foods like dubia roaches, beet greens, and nutritious fruits like banana, apple, and papaya.

Tempting Benefits of Feeding Dill To Your Bearded Dragons

Although an acidic herb, dill contains nutrients such as fat, proteins, phosphorus, sugar, calcium, vitamin A & C, manganese, folate, and riboflavin. These nutrients are ideal for your bearded dragon to grow healthy and strong.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient. It helps maintain vision, boosts the immune system, and aids in stimulating the reproductive system.

Calcium and Phosphorus

These two minerals are essential to bearded dragons and help them stay healthy in proper dosages.

Calcium helps keep their bone structure intact. Phosphorus is also essential for maintaining your pet’s health.

Hydration

Beardies need to always stay hydrated. Dehydration is an indication of poor diet or illness. Dill provides hydration for your bearded dragon.

Disadvantages of Feeding Dill to Your Bearded Dragon

Eating dill can be risky, especially if eaten too often and in large quantities. Dill should not be a staple diet for your bearded dragon for these reasons:

Excessive Vitamin A

Eating too much dill leads to an excess of vitamin A.  Fresh dill leaves and fresh dill should be eaten only in small quantities to avoid vitamin A toxicity.

High Fiber Content

Fiber is an integral part of a bearded dragon’s diet. But excessive fiber from too much dill can harm your beardie’s digestive system. 

Inappropriate Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio

The calcium phosphorus ratio should be either 1:1 or 2:1. But dill has an unbalanced calcium to phosphorus ratio which prevents your beardie from absorbing vitamin D. 

Vitamin D helps your beardies properly utilize calcium in their body. So this lower calcium level to phosphorus ratio makes the herb a poor  food choice.

Bearded Dragons and Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for bearded dragons. It helps build the skin tissues, stimulates vision, and aids in growth and reproduction.

Beardies get vitamin A from canthaxanthin, carotene, and lutein which is in leafy and orange and yellow vegetables. Some nontoxic fruits are also procurers of this vitamin.

While vitamin A in dill is healthy for humans, it could lead to hypervitaminosis for your pet. 

Final Thoughts

Feeder insects, leafy greens, and some safe fruits are great options to feed your bearded dragons. Mix them well for variety to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.

Jalapenos For Bearded Dragons, Is This Spicy Good?

Bearded dragons can eat jalapenos. Jalapenos are chili peppers and a part of the capsicum family of vegetables and fruits. 

Other hot peppers in this category include bell and cayenne pepper. Jalapeno boosts your bearded dragon’s immune system and digestion. Jalapeno is spicy and not something you should regularly give your pet in large quantities. 

Bell peppers are a much better pepper choice to feed them more often.

This article will discuss the risks and benefits of feeding jalapeno to your pet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Jalapenos?

Yes, but only occasionally and not in large quantities. Jalapeno contains capsaicin, enabling nerve endings on the tongue which stimulates taste. 

It will give your bearded dragons a fiery feeling if they eat too much of it. 

Also, alkaloids in jalapenos affect certain functions like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and digestion. 

Feeding bearded dragons jalapenos in large quantities will irritate them.

Use them in moderation as appetizers before a juicy meal or as a snack when you want your beardie to be energized. 

Is Jalapenos A Beneficial Snack To Bearded Dragons At All?

Yes, it is. Jalapenos have certain benefits for bearded dragons. 

It is a source of vitamin E and Vitamin C. As an antioxidant, vitamin C  stimulates the immune system to keep your bearded dragon healthy.

Jalapenos are also a source of energy for bearded dragons. They give bearded dragons a burst of energy whenever they eat them. 

Bearded dragons enjoy jalapenos as an occasional treat. But be careful.  Treating your bearded dragon to jalapenos frequently is not healthy.

Risks of Feeding Jalapenos To Bearded Dragons

Feeding jalapenos has risks, especially if your bearded dragons cannot handle spicy foods. The risks include severe digestive issues, which cause stomach burns.

A healthy dose should be no more than a few small pieces.

Feedings of Jalapenos To Adult Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons usually become picky with food as they grow older. Do not make this pepper a staple food for your pet. 

The nutritional value does not compare to other vegetables like collard greens, beet greens, and other safe greens that provide the required vitamins and minerals your pet needs. 

Jalapenos have no calcium and protein as live insects do. So feed it occasionally in very small pieces.

How Often To Feed Jalapeno Peppers

If your bearded dragons enjoy the jalapeno, they should not eat them daily.  It would be dangerous. 

Jalapeno or any other snack should never replace vegetables and other smaller prey animals that comprise a bearded dragon’s diet.

Feed your dragon small pieces and pace the feeding time.  Your pet’s affinity for the pepper should determine the amount it eats. You can feed jalapeno peppers minus leaves about once a month. 

Anything more will cause your bearded dragon to have digestive upset and runny poop.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Peppers?

Do not give jalapeno peppers to baby bearded dragons. They need regular live food that provides calcium for strong bones and protein for growth. 

Do not add peppers to their diet. Add veggies but they should be no more than 30% of their diet. 

The other 70% of what they should eat must include insects like dubia roaches, crickets, and worms.

Preparation of Jalapenos For Your Bearded Dragon

Before presenting jalapenos to your bearded dragon, ensure that you remove seeds and leaves which reduces the heat for your pet. The peppery nature of jalapenos is mainly embedded in the seeds and ribs of the pepper leaves.

Boil the jalapeno (whether ripe or unripe) before offering it to your bearded dragon. This will make it soft for eating.

Jalapenos vs. Bell Peppers and Others

Jalapenos are mild peppers that contain less capsaicin which is why you can feed it to you pet.

Eating too much spice results in stomach upset, and some bearded dragons even experience allergies to it. So, stick to jalapenos only if your bearded dragon can handle small pieces.

Final thoughts

Jalapeno is not a bad idea, but it would be if you fed them regularly in place of nutritious vegetables. They work best as snacks for bursts of energy or appetizers to keep your beardie up for a healthier and filling meal.

Owners often ask this question because grapes are an incredibly convenient and affordable food. The good news is that they can. 

Is it safe for bearded dragons to eat grapes? This reptile can eat various kinds of fruit. In fact, according to many certified veterinary professionals, they love eating fruits more than vegetables. No matter if the grapes have skin or not, the bearded dragons can eat them. However, make sure that they don’t eat the grape seeds. So, remove any grape seeds feeding them this treat.

Bearded dragons enjoy washed and finely sliced grapes. But how many grapes should you give them? And are they nutritious? 

How are Grapes Beneficial for Bearded Dragons?

Grapes come with a plethora of beneficial qualities for bearded dragons.

• Helps with Cognitive Function

Green or red grapes feed the brain which enables a sharper response time.

• Offers Powerful Antioxidants

Helps in fighting free radicals in the body.

• Levels Blood Sugar

Can regulate the blood sugar level in the body.

• Regulates Digestive Function

Keeps the digestive system functioning at a moderate pace.

What Nutrients Can be Found in Grapes?

When bearded dragons eat grapes, it provides them with large quantities of essential minerals and nutrients. Here are the ones that are particularly important for bearded dragons.

Name	Amount	Unit
Sugar	15.48	9
Phosphorous	20	mg
Calcium	10	mg
Water	81	g

*Nutritional value per 100g

Grapes have nutrients that may or may not be good for most adult bearded dragons.  Some  of these nutrients are the reason grapes have been excluded as regular food for bearded dragons.

How Often Can You Feed Grapes to Your Bearded Dragons?

Now that you know bearded dragons can eat grapes, pay attention to how often you should feed them.

Bearded dragons can eat grapes moderately and occasionally. Serve them as a treat. For instance, you can rub them on the greens to make them palatable.

The reptile’s diet should consist mainly of insects, vegetables, and leafy greens. They love grapes but they are not a major part of a proper diet.  

How to Prepare the Grapes for Bearded Dragons?

There are only a few ways to feed bearded dragon grapes. Even if you have seedless grapes, check them for seeds before you feed them to your reptile pet. Eating seeds may cause  impaction.

You can feed grapes with skin on them as they are easy to digest.

Cut every piece of grape into 4 small pieces before being served. You can add them to vegetables to increase leafy green consumption.

Are Grape Peels, Leaves, and Seeds Good to Feed Your Bearded Dragon?

Bearded dragons can eat grape skin. It is good for old and young bearded dragons. Grape seeds are difficult to digest and should not be fed to a baby dragon.

Even though you shouldn’t feed them grapes often, you can feed them grape leaves as much as you like as it can be good for their bowels. They have high nutritional value such as protein, calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K all of which keeps the bearded dragon’s body healthy.

Does the Kind of Grape You are Feeding Bearded Dragons Matter?

Beardies enjoy green grapes, purple grapes, and red grapes. Your bearded dragon may enjoy one grape more than the other. This is just an individual preference.

As long as you prepare these types of grapes the way we outlined, you are good to go. But don’t forget, too many grapes are not good for the bearded dragon’s diet. 

Final Thoughts

Grapes can serve as a good snack for bearded dragons since they love to eat them but they love to eat grape leaves. When you are serving them grapes, make sure you prepare it the right way. It should fit with the beardie’s diet. Also, make sure that you give them grapes in moderation and not every day. If your pet  looks sick after eating grapes, take it to a reptile vet. 

Breaking Bread With Bearded Dragons – The Need To Know

Bread is a staple breakfast food in most homes. But can bearded dragons eat bread?

No, they should not eat bread. It adds almost no nutritional value to a bearded dragon.

Here are the reasons for that.

Bread In A Bearded Dragon’s Diet

Bearded dragons can and should eat a wide range of foods.  They are omnivores, eating a combination of plant and animal-based foods. But bread is one of the baked foods that bearded dragons should not eat.

Bread has no nutritional value and could harm your bearded dragon when it expands in its stomach.

Bread contains wheat flour, yeast, sweeteners, salt, and fat.  Other ingredients can include cream, juice, butter, and eggs.  

It is a starchy food that bearded dragons are unaccustomed to eating in the wild.

Learn more through this chart about bread and its effect on bearded dragons.

Nutrient Content Of Some Types Of Bread

	White Bread	Whole Wheat Bread	Sourdough Bread
Serving Size	1 slice (25 g)	1 thin slice (33 g)	1 small slice (32 g)
Calories	67	92	93
Total fat	1 g	2 g	0.6 g
Carbohydrates	13 g	17 g	18 g
Protein	2 g	3 g	4 g
Fiber	0.6 g	2 g	1 g
Thiamine	8 %	7 %	9 %
Folate	7 %	5 %	12 %
Sodium	7 %	5 %	9 %
Manganese	6 %	31 %	8 %
Selenium	6 %	18 %	12 %
Riboflavin	5 %	4 %	5 %
Niacin	5 %	7 %	8 %
Iron	5 %	6 %	6 %

Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Bread?  The Risks

Low nutritional value

It is clear from the above nutritional table that bread has little to no nutritional benefit to bearded dragons. Eating nutritious food is very important for their growth, especially for baby bearded or juvenile dragons.

Only feed your dragon food that is healthy and nutritious.

Dehydration

Bread absorbs water and then swells in bearded dragons.

Because bearded dragons do not drink that much water and the importance of hydration, eating bread is not healthy.

Dehydration is dangerous to a bearded dragon that is shedding or preparing to shed.

Therefore, again, avoid feeding bearded dragons bread.

Symptoms of dehydration are

•  Constipation
• Sunken Eyes
• Wrinkled Skin
• Lethargy
• Lack Of Appetite 

Constipation

Bread may cause constipation as it swells the bearded dragon’s stomach and becomes hard to digest. Even worse, a constipated dragon may not be able to eat and pass poop.

Constipation causes Impaction that is dangerous and sometimes fatal to bearded dragons

To avoid impaction and constipation, ensure your dragon has enough fiber and exercise. Some of the best exercises are swimming and letting it chase after its prey.

Symptoms Of Bread Poisoning In Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons that eat bread can experience several adverse symptoms, including indigestion, intestinal cramping, constipation, and even poisoning.

Signs that a bearded dragon may be suffering from bread poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left untreated, bread poisoning can be fatal.

For this reason, do not feed your bearded dragon bread.

Can Bearded Dragons Be Allergic To Bread?

Bearded dragons cannot be allergic to bread.  Bearded dragons can eat other more nutritious things, such as insects.

If you are looking for food to give your bearded dragon, there are many different types of insects that they can eat. You can find these insects at your local pet store, or you can also catch them yourself.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon Ate Bread

If your bearded dragon eats bread, you should.:

First, contact your vet. Even if the bread is not a choking hazard, it can still cause health problems for your bearded dragon.

Second, remove all bread from your bearded dragon’s diet.

Bread is high in carbohydrates and can cause obesity and diabetes.

Instead, feed your bearded dragon healthy vegetables and fruits. These are low in carbohydrates and provide your bearded dragon with the nutrients it needs.

A healthy diet is crucial for a healthy bearded dragon. So, if your bearded dragon eats bread, make sure to make some changes to his diet.

Other Foods Bearded Dragons Should Avoid

As you already know, bearded dragons in captivity should eat natural foods that emulate their diet in the wild. And their balanced diet involves the combination of fruits, vegetables, and live wild insects.

However, there are fruits, vegetables, and insects that bearded dragons should avoid eating. Such food includes avocado, dairy products, and pumpkin seeds, which are harmful and even toxic.

Food For Thought

Foods safe for your bearded dragon to consume include sweet potato, collard greens, dandelions, and raspberries.

Continually research the food you want to introduce to your bearded dragon’s diet.  Food that is safe for humans to consume might be risky for bearded dragons.  Whenever you feel uncertain, please seek veterinary advice.

Honeydew Delights For Bearded Dragons – Fact Or Fiction?

Fruits are a staple of any bearded dragon diet. They are delicious and provide crucial vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. But not all fruits are created equal. 

There are a variety of fruits for your bearded dragon, both good and bad. 

Can bearded dragons eat honeydew?

The short answer is yes.  It is nutritious and healthy for them to eat.

This article will explore the role of honeydew melon in a bearded dragon’s diet.

Nutritional Profile Of Honeydew Melon.

Nutritional content for 1 cup of honeydew melon

Nutrient Name	Amount
Calories	64
Carbohydrates	16 g
Fiber	1.4 g
Protein	1 g
Calcium	6 mg
Vitamin C	53%
Vitamin B6	8%
Folate	8%
Vitamin K	6%
Potassium	12%
Magnesium	4%
Water	89.82 g
Energy	36 Kcal
Sugars	8,12 g
Phosphorus	11 mg

Benefits When Bearded Dragons Eat Honeydew Melon

Here are some health benefits of honeydew:

Calcium For Healthy Bones

Bearded dragons need plenty of calcium for healthy bones.  Without it, your bearded dragon can contract Metabolic Bone disease.

Bearded dragons bodies become deficient without calcium as it starts pulling calcium from its bones, which causes metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons, but it is easily preventable with proper diet and care.

Alert your vet immediately if you notice any signs of metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon. These include:

•  Lack of appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Stress
• Constipation
• Receded lower jaw
• Swollen limbs and jaw
• Bumps along the spine or bones
• Soft jaw, and facial bones
• Bowed limbs and arched spine
• Fractures and broken bones
• Greenstick fractures (folded or bent bones)
• Trembling and twitching limbs
• Tremors and seizures
• Paralysis or difficulty moving

Vitamin K

Honeydew is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for tissue and blood cell maintenance 

Water

Honeydew melon is a good source of hydration.  It is high in water content. It will help keep the bearded dragons hydrated, especially during the summer.

However, make sure they do not eat too much honeydew. Too much water in their diet can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea and an upset stomach.

Vitamin C

The Vitamin C in honeydew is essential for a healthy immune system. If they become sick, plenty of vitamin C will help them recover quickly.

Vitamin A

The Vitamin A in honeydew promotes better eye health, healthy skin, a strong immune system, and helps to break down unwanted materials in the body.  

Potassium

Honeydew is high in potassium which helps regulate blood pressure and the nervous system and helps keep your dragon’s muscles working and with proper water retention.

Magnesium And Folate

The magnesium in honeydew melon maintains healthy muscles and brains while the folate assists tissue growth and cell maintenance.

Energy

The fruit provides the right amount of calories, which is an important energy source. 

Risks When Bearded Dragons Eat Honeydew Melon

Phosphorus Content

Phosphorus in honey melon is higher than its calcium content. It has a disproportionate ratio of calcium to phosphorus.  The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio should be 1:1 or 2:1.

The honeydew should be an occasional treat and not a diet staple.  With disproportionate calcium levels, the phosphorus binds with the calcium in a bearded dragon’s body and prevents its absorption into the bloodstream.

If there is a lack of calcium in a bearded dragon’s body, the bones will secrete calcium to make up the shortfall which can lead to a calcium deficiency resulting in metabolic bone disease.

The calcium content should be higher than that of phosphorus.

Sugar

Do not give honeydew to your pet regularly but as an occasional treat because of its sugar level. Too much honeydew melon can be harmful to reptiles and lead to tooth decay, obesity, diarrhea, and heart disease.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Honeydew Melon?

Baby bearded dragons can eat honeydew in moderation.

When they are young, they require food with plenty of protein to help with their fast growth. For that reason, a baby beardie diet should consist of 80% live food and 20% vegetables. Live food can be insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles.

You can incorporate fruits such as honeydew into your baby bearded dragon’s diet.

Cut it into small pieces. Each piece be no larger than the space between its eyes.

How Often Can You Feed Honeydew To Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons should be fed honeydew in small quantities and once or twice per week. 

Too much phosphorus will prevent minerals such as calcium from being absorbed by the body which could lead to metabolic bone disease.

To ensure the honeydew doesn’t cause your beardie any health problems, give them a small piece of honeydew once or twice per month.

Prepare Honeydew Melon For Bearded Dragons

Preparing honeydew melon for your bearded dragons is straightforward. Make sure the fruit is fresh, and if possible, organic.  It is free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals.

With a sharp knife, cut the melon in halves and remove the seeds. The seeds are too large and could cause them to choke.

Once all the seeds are removed, slice off the rind which will leave the flesh, which is soft and nutritious.

Finally, cut the honeydew into bite size pieces. Each piece of the fruit should be no larger than the space between its eyes.

Wrapping Up 

Although honeydew isn’t a perfect food for your bearded dragon, it has health benefits. Feed it honeydew melon occasionally and not as a staple.

Whenever you decide to introduce new food to your bearded dragon’s diet, always research its nutritional value.  The food that seems the safest is not always the best.  If unsure, please ask your vet for advice.

Alfalfa Sprouts and Bearded Dragons, What You Must Know

Bearded dragons can eat alfalfa sprouts. They love them. You can feed your bearded dragon alfalfa sprouts but only occasionally.

Things to Anticipate

Below are  insights on the proper way to feed alfalfa sprouts to your bearded dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Alfalfa Sprouts?

Yes.  These immature shoots of the alfalfa plant are  nutritious. But letting bearded dragons eat them in excess or more than every day can cause metabolic bone diseases because of its high calcium to phosphorus ratio. You can feed it once every week with other food choices to keep your pet happy.

Nutritional Value

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional content of alfalfa sprouts.

Nutrients	Values
Water	92.8 g
Energy	23 kcal
Fat	0.7 g
Sugar	0.2 g
Calcium	32 mg
Fiber	1.9 g
Phosphorus	70 mg
Vitamin C	8.2 mg
Vitamin A	8g
Vitamin K	30.5 g
Beta-carotene	87 g
Ca:P ratio	1:2

Pros of Feeding Alfalfa Sprouts To Bearded Dragons

The sprouts are rich in Vitamins C and K, Magnesium, Copper, and Iron. Below are reasons you should include alfalfa sprouts in your bearded dragons’ diet.

High Water Content

A hundred grams of alfalfa sprouts contain some 93 grams of water. Alfalfa sprouts will keep your bearded dragon hydrated. Your pet will remain hydrated after every meal by occasionally mixing alfalfa sprouts with other safe vegetables which will also help your pet maintain healthy skin. But do not overdo it. Otherwise, you could cause digestive problems for your pet. 

Fair Amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A

Vitamin A improves the vision of your bearded dragons. Its antioxidant properties also neutralize harmful substances in your bearded dragon’s body. And vitamin C helps your bearded dragons build a strong immune system and prevents them from falling victim to disease. 

Amazing Source of Fiber

Bearded dragons digest alfalfa sprouts easily because they contain the right amount of fiber. This helps your beardie digest it well and remain healthy.

Not enough fiber in your bearded dragon’s diet can cause constipation, while too much of it can lead to diarrhea. You need to maintain balance to keep your beardies happy and healthy.

Cons of Feeding Alfalfa Sprouts To Bearded Dragons

Disproportionate Ratio of Ca:P

The perfect calcium to phosphorus ratio for bearded dragons is 1:1 or 2:1. However, the ratio of alfalfa sprouts is 1:2, which means there is less calcium than phosphorus, a less than ideal situation.  The high phosphorus content reduces the calcium level in your beardie. 

Calcium deficiency leads to metabolic bone disease. Learning how to feed your beardie this vegetable is important. 

How To Feed Alfalfa Sprouts To Your Bearded Dragon

Always use fresh organic alfalfa sprouts. It is best if you can get them from a local garden and directly from the alfalfa plant. Wash them thoroughly. 

It is especially important to remove chemicals or dirt. Cut them into small bits so that they are no bigger than the gap between your pet’s eyes. Finally, mix the sprouts with other vegetables or fruits to make a nutritious salad. Don’t forget that variety is the spice of life for beardies.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Alfalfa Sprouts

Feed the sprouts once every week along with other leafy greens such as beets, swiss chard, mustard greens, and dandelion leaves, that will keep your bearded dragon hydrated and happy.  Always remove leftover foods from the bearded dragon’s enclosure.

Final Thoughts

After considering the pros and cons of this food choice, you can design what works best for your beardie.

As long as you don’t make alfalfa sprouts the basic food component and don’t feed the sprouts more than once a week, all will be fine.

Feeding Your Bearded Dragons Some Crunchy Popcorn: Beneficial or Not?

Sharing your food with pets because it is delicious is natural. So, “can bearded dragons eat popcorn?”  There is no benefit to feeding a bearded dragon popcorn.  It has no nutritional value and could adversely affect your pet’s health.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Popcorn?

Apart from the low nutritional value, the unpopped kernels may cause choking, and the butter and added sugar will lead to obesity and other health problems.

Bearded dragons should not eat corn, cooked or canned.

Are There Any Benefits of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Popcorn?

Bearded dragons get some benefit from eating popcorn such as iron, phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and B3. 

100g of popcorn has only about 5mg of calcium. This calcium deficiency will cause metabolic bone disease.

The downsides of popcorn outweigh the benefits.  There are other healthy foods and treats that can provide the proper nutrition for your bearded dragons, which include crickets, cockroaches, and cabbage.

It is better to feed your pets what they would eat in the wild, the natural order of their diet. Cooked corn does not qualify in this group.

Is There Any Kind of Popcorn Bearded Dragons Can Eat?

Bearded dragons should not eat any type of popcorn. Do not add popcorn to your pet’s diet.

Risks Involved in Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Popcorn

Digestive Impaction

Impaction will occur if your dragon eats popcorn because some kernels will remain unpopped in the process. 

Digestive impaction means your bearded dragon has its digestive tract blocked by a hard mass. If you are not careful, this can paralyze your beardie and even lead to death.

Choking

Allowing your bearded dragon to eat popcorn will cause choking. 

Insufficient Dietary Benefit

Popcorn has few benefits.  They are unworthy of being a beardie food or snack. There are better food choices such as vegetables, fruits, and insects with sufficient nutrients.

High-Fat Content

Popcorn has high-fat content which your bearded dragon does not need.  Too much fat accumulation in bearded dragons can lead to health problems like diarrhea and obesity.

Toxic Components

Most of the additives or seasoning added to popcorn is often laced with preservatives and chemicals. All these additives cause stomach problems like diarrhea.

Can Baby or Juvenile Bearded Dragons Eat Popcorn?

No.  First, unpopped kernels cause digestive problems for baby bearded dragons. Second, these pet baby beardies don’t have the strength and makeup of an adult bearded dragon. The seeds of unpopped corn may choke them because they are smaller than the tiny insects baby beardies usually eat. 

And finally, baby beardies, at this early stage of life, should eat food that provides more nutritional value. 

They eat insects like dubia roaches and vegetables.

Make sure your pets eat more vegetables, raw or cooked.

Greens such as kale are best for mature beardies.

Always clear out leftover food from the bearded dragon’s enclosure. 

Final Thoughts

Popcorn is not safe for your beardie either as a snack or food. Avoid letting them eat corn and other dangerous items like butter and fat. Also, avoid foods and any fruit that has no nutritional value.

Blazin Raisin – Yea And Nay Of Raisins For Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are aggressive eaters and will eat almost anything put in front of them.  In the wild, bearded dragons eat fruit, but it is usually fresh and not dried.

But dry or fresh, can bearded dragons eat raisins?

The short answer is yes. Bearded dragons can safely eat raisins without the fear of toxicity.  But that does not mean that they should.

This article explores the positives and negatives of bearded dragons eating raisins.  So, if you are a raisin fan, read on.

Nutritional Profile Of Raisins

The Most Relevant Nutritional Information For 100 grams of raisins

Nutrient Name	Amount
Water	15.43 g
Energy	299 Kcal
Protein	3.47 g
Total lipid (fat)	0.46 g
Carbohydrate by difference	79.18 g
Fiber	3.7 g
Sugars	59.19 g
Calcium	50 mg
Iron	1.88 mg
Phosphorus	101 mg
Sodium	11 mg
Vitamin C	2.3 mg
Vitamin B6	0.174 mg
Vitamin E	0.12
Vitamin K	3.5 ug

Health Benefits Of Feeding Raisins To Bearded Dragons 

Even though raisins are not known as a particularly healthy choice of food for beardies, they do contain some healthy nutrients.

High In Fiber

Raisins are very high in dietary fiber, a key health benefit..

From the table above, you can see that raisins contain a large amount of fiber (3.7g per 100g).

Fiber performs many roles in the body, including bowel health, which is important for bearded dragons to aid digestion and help with impaction issues.

Risks Of Feeding Raisins To Bearded Dragons

Raisins are not a  good energy source for bearded dragons. Although many they have many nutrients, not all are present in sufficient amounts.

Unhealthy Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

Bearded dragons need a high daily dosage of calcium. It helps support their bone structures as they mature.

Calcium is also essential for gravid females so that their eggs can endure the laying process. Without sufficient calcium, female egg-layers risk a significant loss of calcium  which causes many health problems.

Calcium is not the only important nutrient. You should monitor how much phosphorus is in your bearded dragon’s diet. Phosphorus prevents calcium from being absorbed into their bodies.

The recommended ratio for calcium to phosphorus is 1:1 or 2:1 parts calcium to one part phosphorus. It will ensure that your bearded dragon gets the correct calcium amount.

But with raisins, the ratio is flipped. There’s double the amount of phosphorus as there is calcium! It can be detrimental to your lizard if fed to them in large quantities which may cause metabolic bone disease.

High Sugar Content

Raisins have a high sugar content, around 59.19 grams per 100 grams.  Fortunately, diabetes is extremely rare in bearded dragons. However, many issues may arise instead, such as

• Tooth decay
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Obesity

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Raisins?

If you have a baby bearded dragon, you should never feed it raisins.

These babies (below 18 months) need an animal-based diet with more protein for healthy growth and development.

Therefore, during this period, be sure that 75% of their diet is made of live

insects and an occasional serving of leafy greens.

Because these little beardies have a delicate digestive system that is not used to

digesting sugar, eating raisins, as with all fruits, would upset their stomach quickly.

How Often Can You Feed Raisins To  A Bearded Dragon?

Raisins make a wonderful, tasty treat due to their sweet and sugary taste but you should not serve them every day.

The amount of phosphorus in raisins is the biggest health threat for your pet.  Sugar content may cause tooth problems and obesity.

Therefore, you should only serve your pet raisins once a week and, ideally, only when it has low bowel function.

Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Raisins Safely With Skin On? 

Raisins are dried grapes. So you can give skinned raisins to your bearded dragons.

Raisin skin has dietary fibers, an essential nutrient for proper bowel function. 

Should Raisins Be Cooked For Your Bearded Dragon?

Cooking the raisins removes any bacteria that might be present on the fruit.

So, yes! Your beardie lizard can eat cooked raisins. They will enjoy the benefits of clean and purified raisins without any salmonella entering their stomach, preventing infections. As an added plus, they taste better cooked!

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Raisins?

Raisins in the dried or frozen form are the same. They are still raisins with the same chemical composition of minerals and nutrients.

Your beardie will love this food. But, you have to restrict it to only a weekly meal. Frozen raisins are not toxic to your beardie, but they are generally not recommended due to an imbalance of minerals and high sugar concentration.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raisin Leaves?

Nutritionists do not recommend raisin leaves.  The leaves may have some good chemicals to support their health, but overall, the contents of raisin leaves are not healthy for your pet.

Prepare Raisins For Your Bearded Dragon

Raisins do not require any preparation.

Most foods will either need washing, cooking or slicing before you can add them to your beardie’s salad bowl.

But not with raisins.  They can be added to your bearded dragon salad bowl straight out of the packet.

 Wrapping Up

Now that you know more about raisins and bearded dragons,  avoid feeding your bearded dragon too many raisins. 

Raisins are high in sugar and can cause liver and kidney damage.

Furthermore, raisins have poor phosphorus to calcium ratio, which is bad for your bearded dragon.  We recommend feeding your bearded dragon more nutritious foods such as collard greens, mango, apple, and raspberries.

Research any food you wish to add to your bearded dragon’s diet.  Even the safest food can have risks.  When you are unsure, please ask your vet for advice.

Bearded Dragons And Pumpkin Seeds – The Yea or Nay

Halloween is when pumpkins are carved into Jack ‘O Lanterns, and pumpkin pie is on the menu. 

While carving the pumpkin, you might have wondered: can bearded dragons eat pumpkin seeds?

Bearded dragons should not eat pumpkin seeds. Ingestion of a single seed is not a cause for concern. But they should not eat pumpkin seeds as they are difficult to digest.

This article will explore feeding bearded dragons pumpkin seeds.

Are There Benefits To Feeding Pumpkin Seeds To Beardies?

The answer is again no. The reason is that even though the seed contains many good vitamins and minerals, beardies cannot tolerate any condensed amount of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, two of which cover a pumpkin seed. 

Why Are Pumpkin Seeds Harmful To Bearded Dragons?

A beardie can eat a pumpkin once in a while, but be sure to remove all of the seeds and peel them before giving them the raw pumpkin flesh because pumpkin seeds are particularly tough for beardies to chew.

They may cause choking or the seeds may become trapped in your bearded dragon’s digestive tract. 

The meat of a pumpkin can be eaten occasionally. However, you should never feed the seeds and peel them to your bearded dragon.

Pumpkin seeds contain too much vitamin A for your bearded dragon. 

Overfeeding bearded dragons causes a severe problem in their digestive system.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Leaves?

Avoid Pumpkin leaves and pumpkin purée in your beardie’s diet. If you do offer them pumpkin, use raw, organic, and properly cleaned chunks. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Flowers?

Yes.  Both the pumpkin flowers and gut are edible. Because of their high protein, pumpkin seeds should be removed and not be fed to your bearded dragon.

Can You Feed Pumpkin To Bearded Dragons?

Yes, you can occasionally give your beardie raw or cooked pumpkin, but raw pumpkin is the most nutritious of the two. Pumpkin is packed with vitamin A which helps your beardie’s vision.  

It also contains Vitamin C, which helps boost its immune system. Pumpkin’s higher water content helps a beardie’s hydration.

Pumpkin helps with your pet dragon’s digestive health.  It also contains high fiber, which helps digest food properly and makes bowel movements regular.

There are nutritional benefits and risks to feeding pumpkins to adult bearded dragons.  

The main concern is the calcium to phosphorus ratio.  Bearded dragons need a 2:1 calcium/phosphorus ratio, and pumpkins have the opposite ratio. A cup of cooked pumpkin is unsuitable for beardies because it has 73mg of phosphorus and only 36mg of calcium.  

A lack of calcium in your little bearded friend’s diet can lead to fatal metabolic bone disease..  

Feeding your bearded dragon pumpkin daily can stop growth, increase calcium in its blood, and displace other food necessary for it to survive. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Puree?

We do not recommend feeding your bearded dragon pumpkin puree. It is a natural laxative and should only be given to bearded dragons for medicinal purposes. 

Raw pumpkin, however, is safe with small servings, appropriate once or twice each month.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Pumpkin?

You can feed your bearded dragon canned pumpkin to help with impaction.

Impaction is a condition where bearded dragons can’t fully pass bowel movements.

We recommend diluting the canned pumpkin with water.

Final Thought

Pumpkin is food with questionable nutritional value for adult and baby bearded dragons.  A bearded dragon can eat the raw fruit occasionally but should always be fed its staple foods of insects and vegetation in proper proportions. 

Never give pumpkin seeds to your bearded dragon.

Continually research new vegetables you want to include in your bearded dragon’s diet because even the healthiest food for humans can be fatal to your bearded dragon. If you are unsure, please contact your vet for advice.

The Herb Called Rosemary And The Bearded Dragon

Herb is a plant used as food, flavoring, and medicine for humans.  Is this common household spice safe for your bearded dragons?

More specifically, can bearded dragons eat rosemary?  The short answer is yes, in small amounts with each meal.

This article will explain how to use rosemary for your bearded dragon.

What Is Rosemary?

Rosemary is a fragrant, healthy, Mediterranean herb with a woody taste and an evergreen-like  fragrance.  Rosemary is used as a base for some perfumes.

Rosemary is a member of the Lamiaceae family which includes oregano, thyme, basil, and lavender.

Plants bloom in spring or summer in temperate climates, but rosemary can bloom continuously in warm climates. The flowers on this herb come in various colors, such as white, purple, pink, and blue.

Nutritional Profile Of Rosemary

The table below shows the nutritional profile of rosemary

Nutrient Name	Amount
Total fat	6 g
Saturated fat	2.8 g
Polyunsaturated fat	0.9 g
Monounsaturated fat	1.2 g
Sodium	26 mg
PotassiumTotal carbohydrate	668 mg
Fiber	21 g
Vitamin A	14 g
Protein	58 %
Vitamin C	3.3 g
Calcium	36 %
Vitamin B-6	31 %
Iron	15 %
Magnesium	22 %

Pros And Cons When Bearded Dragons Eat Rosemary

The main topics when researching food for your bearded dragon are protein, fat, sugar, fiber, calcium acid content, phosphorus, and water levels in the food.

The calcium to phosphorus ratio should be 1 to 2:1.

Calcium

From the above table, we can see that rosemary has high amounts of calcium. Still, unfortunately, there is no data available about rosemary’s acidic content.

Calcium is vital for bearded dragons’ health and wellbeing. Bearded dragons need calcium for:

• Bone development
• Muscle contractions
• Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females

SIGNS OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN BEARDED DRAGONS

Alert your vet immediately if you notice any signs of metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon. These include:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Stress
• Constipation
• Receded lower jaw
• Swollen limbs and jaw
• Bumps along the spine or bones
• Soft jaw and facial bones
• Bowed limbs and arched spine
• Fractures and broken bones
• Greenstick fractures (folded or bent bones)
• Trembling and twitching limbs
• Tremors and seizures
• Paralysis or difficulty moving

Dragons’ bodies need calcium because a deficiency pulls calcium from their bones, causing metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons but is easily preventable with proper diet and care.

Metabolic bone disease refers to painful skeletal disorders caused by a lack of calcium in the body. The disease causes severe bone, muscle, and tissue damage, resulting in paralysis or death. 

Fiber

Rosemary is rich in fiber, bulking up the stool for optimal digestion and preventing constipation. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rosemary Leaves?

Yes, the bearded dragon can eat some rosemary leaves for each feed, but not as a staple food.

You should provide tiny amounts per serving as larger quantities will cause digestive irritation.

Herbs have many benefits for bearded dragons as they stimulate the immune system and improve digestion.  They also help your pet increase its blood flow to the head which improves concentration.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Basil?

Yes. Bearded dragons can eat basil.  Herbs should be a part of your bearded dragon’s diet, as they offer an array of nutrients not available in other foods.  Giving your bearded dragon basil will help balance its diet with healthy ingredients.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried Basil Leaves

Although bearded dragons can eat fresh basil, dried basil is an entirely different substance.  When basil is dried, the nutrients become concentrated, and you have much higher amounts of vital nutrients such as calcium.

It is not only the healthy nutrients that are concentrated.  Dried basil has high fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and phosphorus levels.  We recommend that you not feed your bearded dragon-dried basil.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fresh Dill Leaves?

Beardies can have fresh dill leaves as a treat in sparingly small amounts. Be careful since dill is high in vitamin A which can lead to toxicity if given in very large quantities. However, avoid dill pickles as they are very salty.

Can Your Bearded Dragon Eat Basil Flowers?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat basil flowers. They are safe and will not harm your pet.  

Other Herbs Safe For Bearded Dragons

If you cannot give rosemary to your bearded dragons, there are alternative herbs that they can eat.

Adult beardies tend to eat more greens than their younger counterparts.

Adult beardies’ diet is composed of about 80% greens. It may include a mix of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

For baby and juvenile bearded dragons, the percentage of green consumption is lower by about 20% because young beardies tend to eat more live insects to satisfy their protein needs.

Some of the safe herbs for bearded dragons to consume occasionally include:

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Fennel
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Mints
• Oregano
• Thyme

Herbs To Avoid

There are several herbs that you should avoid giving to your bearded dragons. These herbs contain high levels of acid, oxalates, and other harmful substances for bearded dragons.

Herbs to avoid are:

• Sage
• Dill
• Garlic
• Chives

Final Thought

Bearded dragons can eat a variety of herbs, including rosemary, on an occasional basis.

Although rosemary is safe, we do not recommend it as a staple food for beardies.

Continually research new foods you wish to include in your bearded dragon’s diet.  Sometimes the food that seems the healthiest is dangerous to your bearded dragon.  If you are unsure, please consult your vet for advice.

The Juicy Facts About Bearded Dragons And Raspberries

With their sweet and tart taste, juicy raspberries have long been a favorite by themselves or in smoothies, jams, desserts.  Can bearded dragons eat raspberries?

The short answer is, yes. Bearded dragons can safely consume two to three raspberries every few weeks, as a treat.

This article will explore the benefits and risks of bearded dragons eating raspberries.  

Nutritional Profile Of Raspberries

Nutrients of 100 grams fresh and raw raspberries

Nutrient Name	Amount
Water	85.8 g
Energy	52 kcal
Protein	1.2 g
Calcium	25 mg
Phosphorus	29 mg
Sugars	4.42 g
Dietary Fiber	6.5 g
Vitamin C	26.2 mg
Vitamin A	2 ug
Vitamin E	0.87 mg
Copper	0.09 mg
Magnesium	22 mg
Niacin	0.6 mg
Pantothenic acid	0.33 mg
Lutein + zeaxanthin	136 ugs
Ca:P ratio	1:1.2

Raspberries contain fiber, calcium and vitamin C. which have significant benefits for your bearded dragon’s health.

Health Benefits Of Feeding Raspberries To Bearded Dragons

Key vitamins and minerals offered by raspberries include

• Carbohydrates, which provide energy 
• Fiber, which promotes smooth digestion 
• Vitamin C, which is vital for growth, a healthy immune system, vision, reproduction, and organ and tissue maintenance and repair 
• Manganese, which aids metabolism
• Vitamin K, which regulates blood clotting and aids in bone and overall health 
• Iron, which helps strengthen blood and bones and oxygenates the organs
• Magnesium, which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels 
• Vitamin E, which protects the body’s cells 
• Potassium, which regulates blood pressure and nerve function

Raspberries are 87% water if your dragon needs a quick boost of hydration.  Raspberries are also nutritionally dense and contain antioxidants that help prevent cell oxidation and damage caused by free radicals.

Risks Of feeding Raspberries To Bearded Dragons

High Sugar Content

The main problem with most fruits for bearded dragons is their relatively high sugar level.

While the sugar in raspberries is the healthier fructose variety, it can still negatively impact your beardie’s health.

Too much sugar can cause tooth decay, affect digestion, and create weight problems.

Incorrect calcium-to-phosphorus ratio

Raspberries have more phosphorus than calcium, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1:1.2, which is not ideal because phosphorus binds with calcium and prevents absorption in the bloodstream.

The low ratio can lead to a calcium deficiency and eventually to Metabolic Bone Disease for bearded dragons, a debilitating and potentially deadly disease. It can also cause skeletal problems, renal issues, and kidney stones.

Moderately high levels of oxalates

Raspberries also contain about 48 mg of oxalates or oxalic acid per cup which is high.

Like phosphorus, oxalates are dangerous because they bind with minerals like calcium and cause mineral deficiencies.

They also create kidney stones and renal problems. Therefore, the amount of oxalic acid in your bearded dragon’s diet should always be closely monitored.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Raspberries?

Juvenile bearded dragons should not eat raspberries. Baby bearded dragons and younger dragons have a very sensitive digestive system. Most of their diet should come from feeder insects, with some appropriate leafy greens.  Therefore, it is best to avoid all fruits, including raspberries, until at least twelve months of age.

How Often Can You Feed Raspberries To A Bearded Dragon?

If adult bearded dragons eat raspberries regularly, they may begin to reject other high-nutritional foods. Bearded dragons love this fruit because of its sweet flavor and velvety texture.

Raspberries are not good food for daily feeding. Since they are heavy in water and sugar, excessive water consumption can result in overhydration and diarrhea in beardies. These reptiles can thrive on a small amount of water for a few weeks. They do not need a lot of water to stay alive.

The high sugar content of raspberries is a concern for bearded dragons. Excess sugar causes obesity, tooth decay, and diarrhea. 

It is crucial to make raspberries an occasional treat rather than a diet staple. Bearded dragons can eat not more than one or two raspberries every other week. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Raspberries?

Do not give frozen raspberries to your bearded dragon. They can cause choking.

Sometimes you run out of fresh fruits.  If you have no other choice, especially at this time, defrost the frozen raspberries to a normal temperature before feeding them to your dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Safely Eat Raspberry Leaves?

Bearded dragons may consume raspberry leaves in moderation. Raspberry tree leaves operate as a mineral concentrator. 

More significantly, consuming raspberry leaves helps beardies control and reduce blood sugar levels. It makes them healthy. The leaves also include a lot of bioflavonoids and antioxidants.

Preparing Raspberries For Your Bearded Dragon

To develop a healthy diet for your bearded dragon, you need to know how to prepare it. Here is how.

Choose The Berry

Select ripe and fresh raspberries for your dragon.

Wash It

Wash the raspberries with clean water.

Typically, when any berry grows, there’s spraying to get rid of pests. Cleansing removes any chemicals.

Chop It

Cut the raspberries in half to make them comfortable for the bearded dragon to swallow. 

Serve The Berry

Now, it’s time to let your bearded dragon enjoy its meal. Put them in a bowl as part of a salad.  You can also have them eat out of your hand.

Bottom Line

Raspberries are considered a safe and healthy addition to a bearded dragon’s diet. They are rich in several vitamins and multiple minerals. They also contain dietary fiber and they are a good source of water for your lizard.

Raspberries are also quite sweet. There are more beneficial foods to give to your beardie, so they should be considered an occasional treat rather than a staple item.

Continually research new foods you wish to include in your bearded dragon’s diet. Even food that seems the healthiest can pose risks to your bearded dragon.  If you are unsure, please contact your vet for advice. 

The Cheezy Truth About Bearded Dragons And Cheese

Cheese is a common human dairy product.  Unfortunately, not all human food should be fed to bearded dragons.

So, can bearded dragons eat cheese?

The short answer is no. Bearded dragons should not eat cheese.  Dairy products are not good for beardies.

Why Cheese Is Not Safe For Bearded Dragons

Cheese and dairy are often recommended as good sources of calcium and protein. But they are not suitable foods for a bearded dragon and have no nutritional value.

Bearded dragons are reptiles that do not lactate. Females do not produce milk, or do baby bearded dragons drink milk in their infancy.

Beardies have not evolved to produce the necessary enzymes to break lactose down in their stomachs.

Lactose is a carbohydrate and most reptiles are lactose intolerant.

Beardies cannot digest the milk proteins or absorb the nutrients found in cheese.

You should never feed cheese to your bearded dragon.

What Are The Risks When Bearded Dragons Eat Cheese?

When bearded dragons eat cheese, they may suffer from diarrhea, bloating, and an upset stomach. The severity of their reaction may depend on the amount of cheese digested.

When eaten in large amounts, beardies may suffer from impaction, which occurs when food is not digested. Bearded dragons’ digestive systems do not have the enzymes needed to break down lactose.

The worst outcome is damage to the digestive tracts which happens if bearded dragons eat cheese over a period of time.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Any Other Dairy Product?

Bearded dragons can not eat any dairy products.   Water is all they need to stay hydrated.

Most dairy products are high in fat in addition to containing lactose. Consuming cheese and other dairy foods high in fat can cause kidney failure and an upset stomach.

All Dairy products must be avoided. 

Let’s Explore Calcium And Adult Bearded Dragons

As bearded dragon owners, you know how vital calcium is for bearded dragons’ health and wellbeing. New and longtime owners alike often wonder if they provide enough calcium for their pets. 

WHY BEARDED DRAGONS NEED CALCIUM

Bearded dragons need calcium for the following reasons:

• Bone development
• Muscle contractions
• Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females

SIGNS OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN BEARDED DRAGONS

Alert your vet immediately if you notice any signs of metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon. These include:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Stress
• Constipation
• Receded lower jaw
• Swollen limbs and jaw
• Bumps along the spine or bones
• Soft jaw and facial bones
• Bowed limbs and arched spine
• Fractures and broken bones
• Greenstick fractures (folded or bent bones)
• Trembling and twitching limbs
• Tremors and seizures
• Paralysis or difficulty moving

Dragons’ bodies need calcium.  Otherwise, it starts pulling calcium from its bones, causing metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons.  It is also preventable with proper care.

Metabolic bone disease refers to a severe painful skeletal disorder caused by a lack of calcium. The disease causes severe bone, muscle, and tissue damage, resulting in paralysis or death. 

Other Suitable Foods For Calcium And Protein

If you are worried about the lack of calcium in your beardies diet, you can add an appropriate calcium supplement to its regular meal. 

If you use calcium powder,  do so in moderation, adjusted for your beardie’s age and health. 

Too much calcium can cause bone problems, so check with your vet about supplement questions you might have.

Even with proper supplementation, it is still essential to provide calcium-rich foods to your beardie. Leafy greens are excellent sources of calcium, especially these options:

• Collard greens
• Dandelion leaves
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Kale 
• Rosemary

Another way to improve calcium absorption is ensuring their enclosures have UV lamps.

Certain insects are much better and healthier sources of protein – crickets are a great example. 

Make sure you get your beardie’s insects from a feeder insect supplier. Never feed your bearded dragon bugs you find outdoors. They may have parasites and trace amounts of pesticides, which are dangerous to your pet lizard.

Baby bearded dragons need more protein in their diet than do adult beardies. As they age, they become more herbivorous as their protein needs lessen.

Other Harmful Foods Bearded Dragons Should Avoid

Bearded dragons have an omnivorous diet where their plant and animal matter ratio varies according to their age-dependent diet needs.

As babies, beardies eat mostly insects. Their diet requires 80% animal matter and 20% plant matter. As they grow into juvenile bearded dragons, they need more plants until the ratio becomes 50/50. An adult bearded dragon’s diet should have a balance of 75/25.

While certain foods that bearded dragons should eat, you should avoid other foods at all costs. 

Aside from cheese and dairy products, beardies should avoid eating avocados because they contain oxalic acid. 

Even in small quantities, this acid can make your beardie very sick and if ingested in higher amounts, lethal.

Beet tops and rhubarb should also be avoided.

Lettuce is the least harmful food for bearded dragons. However, it has no nutritional value and can cause problems in the digestive tract and diarrhea. 

Spinach should also be avoided as it hinders calcium absorption. If you offer your beardie some spinach as an occasional treat, it is unlikely to cause harm.

If your bearded dragon consumes any of the foods mentioned above, consult a vet as soon as possible.

Final Thought

That bearded dragons are reptiles who don’t produce milk for their young suggests that dairy products like cheese are not natural for them to eat.

Continually research any new food you wish to add to your bearded dragon’s diet.  Certain foods that seem healthy to humans can be fatal to your bearded dragon.  If unsure, please contact your vet for advice.