Bearded dragons should not eat cheese for a variety of reasons. Cheese is not part of their natural diet. It is made up of a combination of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that can be difficult for their digestive systems to process. Eating cheese can also cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as other changes in behavior like lethargy and unexpected weight loss.
All types of cheese contain high levels of fat and phosphorus, which can be dangerous for bearded dragons if eaten in large amounts. Cheese also contains a high level of sodium which can cause dehydration, and depending on where the cheese was made, could contain harmful bacteria which could be bad for your beardie.
Taking all this into consideration, is best to avoid giving your bearded dragon any kind of cheese.
What You'll Learn
Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Should Not Eat Cheese
Cheese Is Not Part of the Natural Diet
Bearded dragons are not like us humans who enjoy indulging in cheese and other dairy products. Cheese is not part of a bearded dragon’s natural diet, and it should be avoided at all costs.
Dairy Is Difficult to Digest
Bearded dragons, like most lizards, lack the ability to digest dairy products. Their bodies are lactose intolerant and cannot break down the lactose found in dairy. If a bearded dragon eats cheese, it can cause an accumulation of gas in their stomach, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress (more on that below) and discomfort.
Cheese Can Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Cheese can cause serious gastrointestinal issues in bearded dragons. Eating cheese can lead to bloating, indigestion, and an impacted digestive tract. Cheese is high in fat and cholesterol, which can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest.
What to Expect if Your Bearded Dragon Got Into Some Cheese
- If your bearded dragon got into some cheese, you may be concerned about their health.
- It is important to monitor your beardie for signs of discomfort or changes in behavior.
- Common signs to look for include unexpected weight loss, changes in appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues are a common consequence of a bearded dragon eating cheese. If a bearded dragon has eaten cheese, it is important to look out for signs of digestive distress, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. All of these symptoms can be indicative of an impacted digestive tract, which can be extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening for a bearded dragon.
Changes in Behavior
If your bearded dragon has ingested cheese, it is likely that you will observe some changes in their behavior. Bearded dragons can become agitated or lethargic after eating something they shouldn’t. They may also stop eating altogether and become withdrawn from their normal activities.
Weight Loss
Since cheese is difficult to digest and can cause an upset stomach and gastrointestinal issues, your bearded dragon won’t have much of an appetite. This will result in weight loss.
Are All Types of Cheese Bad for Bearded Dragons?
- Bearded dragons should not consume any type of cheese, as all cheeses are high in fat and phosphorus.
- Cheeses also tend to be high in sodium, and can contain bacteria that can be harmful to the bearded dragons.
- Cheese is not part of their natural diet, and their digestive systems have difficulty digesting dairy products.
All Cheese Is High in Fat and Phosphorus
All types of cheese are high in fat and phosphorus, which can cause serious health problems for bearded dragons. The high fat content will lead to the digestive issues mentioned above. The high amount phosphorus can cause calcium deficiencies in beardies if eaten in large amounts. Too much phosphorus can also cause kidney damage and other serious health issues for these reptiles.
Too Much Sodium
Too much sodium can cause an adverse effect on a beardies health, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and seizures. Too much sodium can also lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can be harmful. All types of cheese contain high amounts of sodium, so it is best to avoid feeding cheese to your bearded dragon entirely.
High in Bacteria Which Can Be Bad for Beardies
Cheese has been nicknamed a “live” food because of all the bacteria in contains. The bacteria found in cheese can cause gastrointestinal issues, changes in behavior and unexpected weight loss. A little bacteria is fine, but too much will cause issues.
What to Do if My Bearded Dragon Ate Cheese
- If you find that your bearded dragon has gotten into some cheese, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
- The best thing to do is to provide plenty of fresh water and vegetables for your bearded dragon. This will help flush out any cheese and dairy that has been consumed.
- Monitor your bearded dragon for any changes in behavior or unexpected weight loss.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water and Veggies
If your bearded dragon has consumed cheese, the first step is to provide them with plenty of fresh water and veggies. Water helps to flush out any toxins from the cheese and vegetables provide essential nutrients that help to maintain their health.
Fresh vegetables like kale, collard greens, and zucchini are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals for bearded dragons. Make sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces so that your bearded dragon can easily swallow them.
Monitor and Call the Vet if Necessary
Once you’ve provided fresh water and veggies, the next step is to keep an eye on your beardie for the next few hours. It is possible that they may experience gastrointestinal issues and severe discomfort. If you think your bearded dragon is uncomfortable, it might be best to contact the vet. They can provide you with advice on how to best care for your dragon and provide any necessary medical assistance.
Key Points
- Cheese is not part of a bearded dragon’s natural diet and is not easy for them to digest.
- Eating cheese can cause serious gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, indigestion, impacted digestive tract, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Cheese can cause changes in behavior, such as lethargy and withdrawing from normal activities, and lead to weight loss.
- All types of cheese are high in fat, phosphorus, and sodium which can cause serious health problems for bearded dragons.
- If a bearded dragon eats cheese, provide plenty of fresh water and vegetables and monitor for any changes in behavior or weight loss. Contact a vet if necessary.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
