The best fruits for a bearded dragon include:
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Blueberries
Bearded dragons are not picky eaters and can eat a variety of fruits.
When feeding fruits to your bearded dragon, remember to thoroughly wash them and cut them into small pieces that are easy for them to eat. Fruits should only make up 5-10% of their diet, but they do provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Just keep in mind the risks of eating too much fruit, such as the high sugar content, which can cause digestive issues.
What You'll Learn
Preparing Fruits for Bearded Dragons
Before feeding fruit to your bearded dragon, you’ll want to take some time to prepare the fruit. It is critical to wash fruits to remove any dirt or pesticides. Smaller pieces of fruit are also easier for the bearded dragon to consume and digest. The seed or pit of the fruit should also be removed since they can cause choking.
Washing
All fruits should be washed before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will aid in the removal of any dirt, pesticides, or other contaminants. Use a mild soap and warm water to thoroughly rinse the fruits before cutting them into small pieces. This will help ensure that your bearded dragon can safely consume the fruits and reap their potential health benefits!
Cutting Into Small Pieces
You must cut the fruit into small pieces after washing it for your bearded dragon. This allows them to properly chew the fruit while also making it easier for them to swallow. The small pieces also prevent choking since they may be unable to swallow a large piece piece. You can also mash or puree the fruit before feeding it to them to make it easier for them to consume.
Removing Seeds and Pits
After washing and cutting fruits into small pieces, it is important to remove any seeds or pits. These can become stuck in your bearded dragon’s throat or cause digestive problems. Some fruits, such as apples, contain a large number of seeds that should be removed before feeding your bearded dragon.
How Much Fruits to Feed Bearded Dragons
Moderation is everything when it comes to feeding fruits to your bearded dragon. While they enjoy the taste of juicy fruits and they have some health benefits, eating too much fruit can lead to digestive problems and obesity.
Fruits should account for approximately 5% to 10% of your bearded dragon’s diet. Offer your pet a variety of juicy fruits in small pieces, such as apples, strawberries, grapes, melons, plums, peaches, figs, raspberries, bananas, watermelon, cherries, pears, mangos, and papayas, and make sure to remove any seeds or pits before feeding them.
Potential Health Benefits of Eating Fruits
Fruits have numerous potential health benefits for your bearded dragon. Fruits contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which aid in the health of your dragon. Fruits are also a treat for dragons because of their sweet taste.
Vitamins
Vitamins are an essential component of a bearded dragon’s diet. Fruits are high in vitamins, which your bearded dragon requires for a healthy diet. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K can be obtained from fresh fruits such as blueberries, cantaloupe, and grapes. These vitamins are essential for good eye health as well as bone and muscle development.
Minerals
Many fruits are high in minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These minerals contribute to strong bones, teeth, and muscles. Apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, papaya, and mango are also high in minerals. Eating these fruits can help your Bearded Dragon stay healthy and provide the nutrients they require for optimal growth.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage. Many fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, and peaches are high in antioxidants.
Dietary Fiber
Apples, blueberries, strawberries, papaya, mango, and pears are high in dietary fiber. Dietary fiber aids in the smooth operation of their digestive system and can help prevent constipation. It is also necessary for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and can aid in appetite regulation.
They Love the Taste
The sweet flavor and textures of various fruits can make an excellent snack for your pet. Fruits provide a good occasional change in the diet. Since bearded dragons tend to love fruit, you can also use them as a training treat.
Potential Risks of Eating Too Much Fruits
Unfortunately, eating too much fruit can pose health risks to your bearded dragon. Fruits are high in sugar, which can cause obesity and digestive problems in your pet. Some fruits contain large seeds or pits that can cause choking or blockages in the digestive tract. Feeding your beardie fruits in moderation and thoroughly cleaning them before feeding them is crucial.
High Sugar Content
When feeding fruits to your bearded dragon, keep an eye out for high sugar content. Fruits are high in water, oxalate, and sugars, and consuming too many of them can cause health problems. Keep track of how much fruit your beardie consumes and only feed it in moderation.
Potential for Digestive Issues
Eating too much fruit can cause digestive issues such as gas and bloating. Digestive issues can lead to malnutrition, which would result in several other issues.
Key Points
- Fruits like peaches, grapes, bananas, apples, strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries are safe for bearded dragons to eat.
- Before feeding fruits to bearded dragons, they should be washed, cut into small pieces, and any seeds or pits removed.
- Fruits should only account for 5-10% of a bearded dragon’s diet due to their high sugar content, which can cause digestive issues.
- Fruits provide bearded dragons with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
- Bearded dragons enjoy the taste of fruits, and they can be a good way to add variety to their diet, but they must be consumed in moderation to avoid digestive issues and obesity.
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
