Fruit is essential to a bearded dragon’s diet, but in moderation. Obesity, fatty liver disease, diarrhea, dehydration, diabetes, tooth and gum decay, and other health issues can result from excessive sugar intake.
To get a balanced diet, bearded dragons should eat vegetables, insects, and fruits.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fruit?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat some types of fruit as an occasional treat, but fruit should not replace the bulk of their greens and insects in their regular diet. Here are some guidelines for feeding fruit to bearded dragons:
- Good fruits for bearded dragons include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, melon and banana in moderation. Avoid citrus fruits.
- Limit fruit to no more than 1-2 times per week. Too much sugar from fruit can cause diarrhea, obesity and other issues.
- Remove any seeds from melon or other fruits before feeding. Seeds can cause impaction.
- Wash fruit thoroughly before feeding to remove any pesticide residue.
- Feed small pieces of fruit – about the size of your bearded dragon’s head or smaller. Avoid large pieces that may cause choking.
- Watch for signs of illness after feeding fruit like lethargy, loss of appetite or diarrhea. Reduce or eliminate the fruit if you notice any issues.
- Berries like blueberries and raspberries are good choices as they are low in sugar, high in fiber and nutrients. But even these should be limited.
- Bearded dragons need a diet primarily based on leafy greens, vegetables and live insects to provide the protein and nutrients they require for growth and health. Fruit is considered an occasional treat.
In summary, yes – bearded dragons can eat small amounts of certain fruits as an occasional treat, but fruit should not form the basis of their diet. Monitor how your bearded dragon handles different fruits and reduce the amount or frequency if you notice any signs of illness.
Fruits are part of a bearded dragon’s diet, but not daily. They should make up 10–20% of a dragon’s diet.
The bearded dragon eats plants, insects, and a few fruits. Vegetables should make up most of the bearded dragon’s diet.
Vegetables provide calcium, which is essential for bone health. Dragons can develop metabolic bone disease (MBD) from eating fruits high in oxalates, which prevent calcium absorption.
Nutrition of Fruit
Fruit is vital to a bearded dragon’s diet. Vegetables and fruits should make up 75% of a bearded dragon’s diet, with insects and vertebrates making up the rest.
Apples boost bearded dragons’ immune systems with vitamin C and antioxidants. They stay hydrated due to their high water content.
Cut them into small pieces before feeding your pet. Your bearded dragon will get the nutrients they need without digestive issues.
Bananas, apples, pears, melons, and grapes are also bearded dragon favorites. They are treats, not meals.
Health Benefits and Risks of Fruit
Beardies get vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fruits. They prevent constipation and keep your dragon hydrated.
However, only treat your bearded dragon occasionally with fruits. Remember that they do not need much fruit and can get overweight or mouth rot if given too much.
Beardies can eat apples, pears, bananas, grapes, mangoes, star fruit, raisins, peaches, kiwi, and melons. Potassium and magnesium boost cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
Other Alternatives to Fruit
Bearded dragons eat a variety of insects and plants in the wild. This diet provides essential nutrients, but some pet owners want more options.
Offering fruit as a treat is one way. Many fruits are safe for bearded dragons.
Your beardie can benefit from grapes. They are low in phosphorus and high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Bearded dragons also eat bananas. Oxalates are high in them, so do not feed them too often.
Vegetables like turnips and dandelion greens can replace fruit. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, but they must be cooked for your pet to digest them.
Conclusion about Eating Fruit
Apples, strawberries, grapes, melons, peaches, and raisins are good for bearded dragons, but they should not replace a healthy diet. Cut each piece of fruit into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.
Your bearded dragon can get vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fruit. However, it should not replace a balanced diet of crickets and other insects, vegetables, and animal-based proteins.