Although bearded dragons can be fed a variety of fruits, some are toxic and should never be given. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, and pineapple should be avoided because their acidity can be harmful to the bearded dragon’s health. Avocados, rhubarb, apple seeds, cherry pits, and grapefruit are other fruits that are toxic to reptiles. All of these contain toxins that can be harmful to the reptile’s health.
Fruit toxicity in bearded dragons causes diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and appetite loss. To avoid fruit toxicity in bearded dragons, research their diet before feeding them any fruit and consult with a veterinarian for personalized nutrition advice.
What You'll Learn
Common Fruits That Are Toxic to Bearded Dragons
Avocados
Avocados are a popular food in the modern human diet, but they are toxic to bearded dragons. This is due to the presence of persin, a fungicidal toxin that can be poisonous to animals, particularly birds and reptiles.
Avocados are also high in oxalic acid and have little nutritional value for lizards. Avoid feeding avocados to bearded dragons in order to avoid any potential health issues.
Rhubarb
Because rhubarb contains high levels of oxalic acid, it is best to avoid it when deciding what food is safe for your pet.
Apple Seeds
Although apples are great for bearded dragons, the seed are not! The toxicity of apple seeds is caused by a chemical called amygdalin, which when digested converts to cyanide.
Cherry Pits
Cherry pits contain a trace of cyanide, making them poisonous to bearded dragons. Cherries are also high in acid, which can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues in a bearded dragon if consumed.
Grapefruit
Because of its high citric acid content, grapefruit should be avoided when feeding bearded dragons. Citric acid is toxic to bearded dragons and can cause diarrhea if consumed in large quantities.
Symptoms of Fruit Toxicity in Bearded Dragons
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- Fruit toxicity in bearded dragons causes diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and appetite loss.
- If a bearded dragon is exposed to any of the previously mentioned fruits, these symptoms may occur.
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Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of fruit toxicity in bearded dragons. A bearded dragon’s diet can become imbalanced if they consume too much fruit or leafy vegetables, resulting in a runny stool. Furthermore, if a bearded dragon consumes any food containing the fungicidal toxin persin, they may begin experiencing diarrhea 6 hours to 6 days later.
Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of bearded dragon fruit toxicity. If your pet dragon consumes any of the fruits listed above, there’s a chance vomiting may occur.
Lethargy
If your dragon seems lethargic, it might be because they ate fruit they weren’t supposed to eat. Lethargy can also be caused by a number of other medical conditions, so take your beardie to the vet if his energy levels do not improve.
Difficulty Breathing
This is one of the scariest signs of fruit toxicity. This is usually caused by the dragon’s body reacting to the toxins in the fruit, which can cause airway inflammation. In severe cases, this can result in respiratory failure or death.
Loss of Appetite
Bearded dragons that have been exposed to toxic fruits may lose their appetite. This symptom is dangerous because not eating enough can lead to other health problems in the near future.
Prevention of Fruit Toxicity in Bearded Dragons
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- Always research the diet of bearded dragons before feeding it to your pet to ensure the fruit is safe.
- For personalized nutrition advice, consult with a veterinarian.
- If you’re unsure about a specific fruit, err on the side of caution and avoid feeding it to your bearded dragon.
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Researching the Diet of Bearded Dragons Before Feeding Them
To avoid fruit toxicity, it is critical to research the diet of bearded dragons before feeding them. Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and insect matter.
Plums, peaches, figs, and other soft fruits are common fruits that bearded dragons can eat. However, some fruits (including the ones mentioned above) can make your beardie sick. Knowing which foods are safe and which are not can aid in the health of your bearded dragon.
Consulting With a Veterinarian for Personalized Nutrition Advice
If you’re not sure what fruit your beardie can eat, call the vet’s office. Your vet can also go over the risks of feeding certain fruits and vegetables to your bearded dragon, as some of them may contain toxins that are harmful. Bearded dragons are extremely sensitive creatures, and it is critical that their diet is properly managed to keep them healthy.
Consultation with a veterinarian can assist you in providing your pet with a balanced diet that contains all of the vitamins and minerals required for their continued growth and development.
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- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines, pineapple), avocados, rhubarb, apple seeds, cherry pits, and grapefruit should not be fed to bearded dragons because they contain toxins that can harm the reptile.
- Fruit toxicity in bearded dragons causes diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and appetite loss.
- Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin as well as oxalic acid, which can be toxic to bearded dragons. Rhubarb is high in oxalic acid, and apple seeds contain a chemical that when digested converts to cyanide. Cherry pits contain a trace of cyanide, while grapefruit has a high citric acid content.
- It is critical to research a bearded dragon’s diet and consult a veterinarian for personalized nutrition advice before feeding it. Plums, peaches, and figs are common safe fruits for the reptile.
- To avoid fruit toxicity, avoid feeding toxic fruits to bearded dragons and ensure their diet is properly balanced and managed.
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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
