two beardies waiting to be fed

What Is a Bearded Dragons Favorite Fruit? [And Which to Avoid]

Bearded dragons are omnivores and enjoy a variety of fruits as part of their diet. The five most popular fruits for bearded dragons are apples, blueberries, peaches, strawberries and watermelon. 

Apples are packed with vitamin C, fiber and potassium, while blueberries contain a good amount of vitamins A, B6 and C. 

Peaches are a great source of fiber, iron and protein, while strawberries are a fantastic source of vitamin C. 

Watermelon is an excellent way to provide your bearded dragon with hydration and contains vitamins A and C. 

All of these fruits should be washed thoroughly before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Additionally, they should be cut into small pieces and peeled (if necessary).

5 Most Popular Fruits For bearded Dragons

Apples

An apple a day keeps the vet away!

Apples are a great choice for bearded dragons. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Apples can be served in slices, chopped or pureed. 

Apples contain high levels of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, making them a nutritious treat for your bearded dragon. 

However, make sure to remove the seeds first, as they can be harmful if ingested!

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the favorite fruits for Bearded Dragons as they are a great source of vitamin C and vitamin K. They are safe for them to eat and the outer skin is edible. 

Blueberries can be a great treat for dragons, however, care needs to be taken when feeding them fruit as it may cause constipation and increase calcium oxalate levels. 

Peaches

Peaches are a popular choice of fruit for bearded dragons, and for good reason. 

Peaches are a nutrient-rich fruit containing fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and a high water content. 

Strawberries

Strawberries must be one of the tastiest natural treats on planet earth! And every bearded dragon owner loves to give their beardie a well-deserved treat. 

In moderation, they can be a great addition to your pet’s diet, as they contain vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. 

Strawberries are pretty big, so be sure to cut them into smaller pieces after washing them. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is one of the more popular fruits among bearded dragons. They love the sweet taste. Watermelon should always be served as a treat, and not as a staple part of their diet. 

Like the other fruits mentioned, watermelon is high in sugar, it should be given in limited amounts and only occasionally. 

Why You Must Be Careful With Fruit Intake

It is important to be mindful of the fruit intake of your bearded dragon since too much is bad for their overall health. 

High In Sugar Content

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Bearded Dragons love sweet fruits, but it is important to be mindful of their sugar intake. Fruits like apples, blueberries, peaches, strawberries, and watermelon are particularly high in sugar content, so it is important to feed them only in moderation. 

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health risks such as constipation or increased calcium oxalate levels.

May Cause Constipation

It is important to note that while fruit can be a great source of vitamins and minerals, it can also lead to constipation if it is overfed. Too many fruits in the diet can cause the dragon’s system to become backed up and unable to pass feces normally. 

This can be very uncomfortable for your dragon and can lead to serious health issues if not treated promptly. 

If you notice your dragon becoming constipated, its best to reduce their fruit intake and increase their intake of water and/or leafy greens. 

Adding a few drops of apple cider vinegar to their water bowl may also help.

May Increase Calcium Oxalate Levels

Bearded dragons, like humans, are susceptible to calcium oxalate levels in their diets. If fed too much fruit, these levels can quickly rise and cause health issues. 

Certain fruits contain higher levels of oxalate than others. Grapes (not green) and olives, for example, are very high in oxalate levels. As such, they should be limited or even avoided. 

How To Feed Fruit To Bearded Dragons

Once you’ve chosen the best fruit for your bearded dragon, it’s important to know how to feed it to them. Don’t forget that a balanced diet is crucial, so be sure to offer a variety of other vegetables and proteins as well!

Wash The Fruit

Before feeding your bearded dragon any fruit, make sure it is clean. Wash the fruit with cold water, and if you’re going to be feeding the skin, use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or other contaminants. 

To ensure your bearded dragon’s safety, make sure that the fruit is free of pesticides or insecticides. You should also discard any rotten or moldy pieces. 

By taking the necessary precautions, you can rest assured that your bearded dragon will be safe from harm while enjoying their favorite treats.

Cut Into Small Pieces

Once you have washed the fruit, you should cut it into small, bite-sized pieces to make it easier for your bearded dragon to eat. For example, you can slice apples and peaches into thin slices or cubes, and cut the watermelon and strawberries into tiny pieces. 

Baby/juvenile bearded dragons need their food cut into even smaller pieces, so that they can swallow them without choking. This also applies to the insects you feed them; make sure that the insects are small enough for them to eat!

Peel, If Necessary

Although not required, it’s best to peel certain fruits before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Apples, peaches, plums and pears can all be peeled before feeding to your beardie. 

Bananas, however, should not be peeled as the skin is a great source of potassium. 

Key Points

  • Bearded dragons enjoy a variety of fruits as part of their diet, including apples, blueberries, peaches, strawberries, and watermelon.
  • Fruits should be washed thoroughly before feeding them to your bearded dragon and cut into small pieces.
  • Too much fruit can lead to health issues such as constipation and an increase of calcium oxalate levels.
  • Some fruits have high levels of oxalates and should be avoided.
  • When feeding fruits to your bearded dragon, cut them into small pieces and peel them (if necessary). Monitor their bowel movements to ensure they do not become constipated.