Bearded dragons can drink a variety of liquids, including unsweetened fruit juice and insect smoothies, in addition to water. Water-rich vegetables and fruits can also help bearded dragons stay hydrated. Providing a variety of liquids and water-rich foods can help ensure that your bearded dragon receives adequate hydration.
What You'll Learn
Why Water is So Important
Water is an essential component of a bearded dragon’s diet, and it is critical to provide them with clean, fresh water on a daily basis. Drinking too little water can cause dehydration and other health problems, but not drinking enough can cause digestive problems.
It is critical to keep track of how much water your bearded dragon drinks and ensure that they are getting enough. Providing them with a variety of liquids can assist in keeping them hydrated and healthy.
Types of Water
[su_box title=”What You’ll Learn” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- Tap water is usually fine as long as it is safe for human consumption; however, some keepers prefer to use filtered or bottled water to ensure no unwanted minerals are present.
- It’s critical to use a shallow bowl to avoid accidental drowning.
- Whatever type of water you choose for your bearded dragon, keep it fresh and clean at all times.
[/su_box]
Tap Water
In cities with a good water treatment system, bearded dragons can safely drink tap water. While tap water is safe for humans to drink, it is critical to use a water conditioner, such as ReptiSafe, to remove chlorine from the water before giving it to your pet.
This ensures that the water is safe to drink and helps to keep their skin and scales healthy. It is critical to check the quality of the tap water on a regular basis to ensure that it is safe for your bearded dragon to drink.
If you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, filtered bottled water might be a better choice.
Filtered Water
Filtered water is an excellent choice for bearded dragons because it provides them with clean, safe water that is free of contaminants. Filtering water removes chlorine and other particles, making it an excellent choice for bearded dragons.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is an option for bearded dragons, but not all types are the same. Bottled water with added salts, minerals, or other ingredients should be avoided.
Bearded dragons should also avoid bottled water that has been stored for an extended period of time because it could contain bacteria or other contaminants. It is critical to always check the label of bottled water to ensure that it is safe for human consumption.
What Can Bearded Dragons Drink Other Than Water?
[su_box title=”What You’ll Learn” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- Bearded dragons can benefit from other fluids besides water, such as unsweetened coconut water, unsweetened fruit juices, and unsweetened almond milk.
- Insect smoothies (made from pureed and blended insects like crickets and mealworms) are another excellent source of hydration.
- While these options are not required for the survival of a bearded dragon, they can provide additional nutrients and hydration.
[/su_box]
Unsweetened Coconut Water
Unsweetened coconut water can also be beneficial to bearded dragons on occasion. This provides excellent hydration and has a mild, sweet flavor that dragons enjoy. However, be mindful of the amount you give your pet, as unsweetened coconut water is high in potassium and can cause digestive issues if consumed in excess. As a result, it is best to give dragons only small amounts of this drink on occasion.
Unsweetened Fruit Juices
Unsweetened fruit juice is an excellent source of hydration and flavor for bearded dragons. While it is not recommended to give them juice on a regular basis, it can be given as a treat on occasion.
Make sure to only serve unsweetened juices because sweetened juices can be too sweet for beardies. It’s also important to remember that fruit juices should not be used in place of plain water; water should still be your beardie’s primary source of hydration.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
Unsweetened almond milk is another great option for bearded dragons. It’s low in fat and high in calcium and potassium, both of which aid digestion. Almond milk, unlike dairy milk, is lactose-free and cholesterol-free, making it a healthy choice for bearded dragons.
Insect Smoothies
Insect smoothies are also popular among bearded dragons. These are created by combining a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, with a small amount of fresh fruit juice. This is a nutritious and tasty snack that your pet will love! Insect smoothies are high in calcium, protein, and other vitamins and minerals that bearded dragons require.
Dangers of Drinking Anything Other Than Water
[su_box title=”What You’ll Learn” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- Drinking anything other than water can cause digestive issues
- Your bearded dragon may also consume too much sugar and potassium.
- If they are given anything other than water, it should always be unsweetened and free of additives.
[/su_box]
Digestive Issues
Drinking anything other than water puts a bearded dragon at risk of digestive problems. This is due to their digestive system’s inability to process anything else, even if it appears to be harmless.
Too Much Sugar
Too much sugar can lead to a variety of problems, including diabetes, obesity, and even liver damage. As a result, you should avoid giving your bearded dragon any sweetened drinks or foods with added sugars. Unsweetened fruit juices, coconut water, and almond milk are all safe beverages for a bearded dragon to consume, but only in moderation.
Too Much Potassium
A few drinks (coconut water, for example) contains a lot of potassium, which can be harmful to bearded dragons. Excess potassium can cause kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, and other serious health problems. Although bearded dragons can drink coconut water, it should only be done on rare occasions and in small amounts.
[su_box title=”Things to Remember” box_color=”#5a5a5a”]
- Water and other liquids such as unsweetened fruit juice, insect smoothies, unsweetened coconut water, and unsweetened almond milk are acceptable for bearded dragons.
- Water is essential to their diet, and it is critical to provide clean and fresh water on a daily basis.
- Bearded dragons can drink safe tap water, filtered water, and bottled water that is approved for human consumption, but it is important to test the water quality and remove chlorine with a water conditioner.
- Unsweetened beverages and insect smoothies can provide additional hydration and nutrients, but they should be consumed in moderation because they can cause digestive problems.
- Drinking anything other than water can result in digestive issues, an excess of sugar, and an excess of potassium, so only offer unsweetened drinks with no added ingredients.
[/su_box]
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
