Bearded dragons have an omnivorous diet that consists of a wide range of fruits and vegetables. However, not all fruits and vegetables are safe for them to consume. One fruit that many bearded dragon owners wonder about is blueberries. Are blueberries safe for bearded dragons to eat?
The article will provide information on the nutritional benefits of blueberries, their compatibility with bearded dragon diets, and methods for including them in their meals.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries
Blueberries are a safe and tasty treat for your beardie, and they can even provide some health benefits when fed in moderation. However, it’s important to remember that fruits should only make up a small part of your bearded dragon’s overall diet, so don’t overdo it with the blueberries.
As with any new food, it’s always a good idea to introduce blueberries slowly and in small quantities to ensure that your bearded dragon tolerates them well.
How Many Blueberries Can Bearded Dragon Eat
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon blueberries, the amount they can eat will depend on their overall diet for the day. It’s important to remember that blueberries should be offered as a treat or dessert after they have eaten their main meal. As a general rule, be sure to limit the amount of blueberries you offer to avoid overfeeding and maintain a balanced diet.
This is a meal chart for bearded dragons that includes blueberries as a dietary option.
| Feeding Time | Insect | Vegetable | Fruit |
| Morning | Crickets x 10 | Kale leaves x 2 A small slice of pumpkin x 1 | Blueberry x 1 |
| Lunch | Dubia roaches x 10 | Collard green leaves x 2 A small slice of sweet potato x 1 | Peach slice x 1 |
| Dinner | Crickets x 10 | Kale leaves x 2 A small slice of pumpkin x 1 | Blueberry x 1 |
Is It Safe to Feed Bearded Dragon Blueberries
Feeding bearded dragons blueberries is perfectly safe and can even be a favorite treat for them. However, it is important to exercise caution when feeding them. Always make sure to give them clean and washed blueberries, and if possible, opt for organically grown ones.
Additionally, practicing portion control is crucial to ensure they don’t consume too much. Overall, blueberries can be a safe and enjoyable addition to your bearded dragon’s diet.
The Nutritional Value of Blueberries
This table shows the nutritional information of blueberries per 100g.
| Nutrient Name | Amount |
| Water | 84.21 g |
| Energy | 57 Kcal |
| Protein | 0.74 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.33 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.49 g |
| Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Sugars | 9.96 g |
| Calcium | 6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 12 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Vitamin C | 9.7 mg |
| Iron | 0.28 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2+3) | 0 ug |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.052 mg |
| Vitamin A | 3 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.57 mg |
| Vitamin K | 19.3 ug |
Health Benefits of Blueberries for Bearded Dragons
Blueberries can be a healthy addition to your bearded dragon’s diet. They have a high water content, which can help keep your pet hydrated. Blueberries are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can support your pet’s immune system, promote heart health, and reduce inflammation. Vitamin K found in blueberries can help with blood clotting and bone development.
Additionally, blueberries are a good source of manganese and fiber and provide a source of carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for keeping up energy levels in your bearded dragon. Overall, incorporating blueberries into your bearded dragon’s diet can provide several health benefits.
Health Risks of Blueberries for Bearded Dragons
While blueberries may seem like a healthy snack for bearded dragons, they actually pose risks to their health. These fruits are high in sugar, which can lead to obesity, tooth decay, and heart issues. Additionally, the calcium to phosphorus ratio in blueberries is dangerous for bearded dragons. The ideal ratio for these reptiles is between 1.5:1 to 2:1, while blueberries have a ratio of 1:1.6.
This can lead to hyperparathyroidism, calcium deficiency, and metabolic bone disorder (MBD). Oxalates or oxalic acid levels in blueberries should also be taken into account, as they can bind with calcium and cause similar health issues. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding blueberries to bearded dragons and opt for safer food options.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries
When it comes to feeding baby bearded dragons, it’s important to provide them with a diet that has a higher proportion of protein to vegetation. This is because they need a lot of protein to support their growth and development, as well as calcium to build strong bones.
However, it’s important to be cautious when it comes to feeding blueberries to baby bearded dragons. Blueberries can reduce calcium absorption, which can be detrimental to their bone health. As such, it’s best to avoid feeding them blueberries as a regular part of their diet. If you do want to give them a treat, it’s best to offer a very small amount of blueberry as an occasional treat.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberry Seeds
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe for your bearded dragon to eat blueberries with the seeds, the answer is yes! Your pet can eat the whole blueberry, including the seeds.
You don’t have to worry about removing them before serving blueberry pieces to your bearded dragon. Just make sure to wash the blueberries thoroughly before feeding them to your pet.
Can Blueberry Seeds Cause Impaction
If you’re wondering whether blueberry seeds can cause impaction for your bearded dragon, the answer is no, according to veterinarian Dr. Jess. She advises that it’s safe to leave the seeds in and that there is no need to remove them, but this only applies if blueberries are given in moderation and not more than once a week.
As with any food, it’s important to monitor your bearded dragon’s intake and make sure they are getting a balanced diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Unripe Blueberries
Bearded dragons should not eat unripe blueberries. If the blueberries are still light in color, they are not yet ripe and may taste sour and unpleasant. In addition, consuming unripe blueberries may lead to stomach discomfort due to their acidity. It is important to only feed your bearded dragon ripe and safe fruits to ensure their health and well-being.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Moldy Blueberries
Bearded dragons should not be fed moldy blueberries. If the blueberries have become soft, squishy, wrinkled, or furry, they are no longer nutritious and have higher sugar content. It’s best to avoid unknown potential toxins, as some fungi that cause fruit to rot may be harmless but others may not.
Patches of mold on larger fruits can sometimes be cut out, but this is not recommended for blueberries due to their small size. Mold on soft fruits like blueberries often spreads widely below the surface, so trying to cut it away is not advisable.
If the blueberries seem slimy, they should also be thrown away as this indicates the presence of bacteria that could cause food poisoning and stomach upset in your Bearded Dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberry Leaves
Bearded dragons can consume a few blueberry leaves without any issues, but it’s best to avoid giving them too many. While it’s not a major concern if a few leaves are mixed in with a bunch of blueberries, intentionally adding them to your beardie’s bowl should be done in moderation.
Although blueberry leaves may have potential health benefits for humans, there isn’t enough research to confirm if they are suitable for bearded dragons regularly. Therefore, it’s best to consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about feeding blueberry leaves to your bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Blueberries
The question of whether bearded dragons can eat frozen blueberries has sparked a lively debate among experts. Some argue that frozen blueberries are loaded with pesticides and preservatives, while others claim that fresh blueberries have higher pesticide levels. There is a belief that frozen blueberries may have higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants compared to fresh blueberries.
As there is no conclusive evidence to support one over the other, it’s best to do some research and form your own opinion. It’s recommended to consult a trusted reptile veterinarian for their input. However, in general, it’s considered safe to give your bearded dragon the occasional frozen blueberry.
Frozen Blueberries VS Fresh Blueberries
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon blueberries, frozen options are often chosen as an alternative to fresh ones. While it is generally considered safe to use frozen blueberries, it is important to note that they may contain pesticides and preservatives. However, it is worth noting that fresh blueberries may also contain pesticides.
Frozen blueberries are believed to have a higher concentration of antioxidants and vitamins, making them more nutritionally beneficial than fresh blueberries. Ultimately, it is important to conduct research and make an informed decision on whether to feed your bearded dragon fresh or frozen blueberries, as both options have their own health benefits for your pet.
Is It Safe to Feed Frozen Blueberries to Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons can have frozen blueberries as a treat once a week. It’s recommended to choose organic frozen blueberries to avoid any potential pesticide contamination. However, if organic options are not available, non-organic frozen blueberries are still a safer choice than fresh blueberries due to the differences in processing and storage.
Both fresh and frozen blueberries contain the same amount of nutrients. It’s important to remove any uneaten fruit from the enclosure to prevent rotting in the humid environment. Overall, feeding frozen blueberries to your bearded dragon is safe as long as it’s done in moderation and with proper care.
How Often Should Your Beardie Eat Blueberries
While blueberries offer several health benefits, including promoting good vision, skin, and heart health, and building a healthy immune system, it’s important to be mindful of the negative effects of overfeeding them to your bearded dragon.
Blueberries are high in sugar, which can lead to long-term health issues like obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Blueberries contain a high phosphorus to calcium ratio which can lead to the binding of phosphorus with calcium, thus reducing its potential benefits for a dragon.
We recommend feeding your bearded dragon no more than one serving of four or five blueberries per week, mixed in with their greens or vegetables. It’s important to prioritize a balanced diet with plenty of calcium to prevent health issues like a metabolic bone disease.
How To Feed Your Bearded Dragon Blueberries Safely
Feeding blueberries to your bearded dragon is a straightforward process. To ensure that your pet enjoys the berries, you should choose healthy blueberries, wash them thoroughly, and present them in a palatable way. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose Healthy Blueberries
Select only the best blueberries that are a lovely shade of dark blue. Avoid reddish or green berries, as they are not ripe and may cause stomach upset. Also, avoid berries that are too soft, too dark, or moldy, as they may not be safe for your pet.
2. Wash The Blueberries
Wash the blueberries under cold, running water to remove any residue. This step is crucial, as both organic and non-organic blueberries can contain dirt, pesticides, or manure traces. After washing, place the berries on a paper towel or kitchen towel to dry.
3. Cut Them In Half
For the safety of bearded dragons, it is recommended to cut blueberries in half before feeding to prevent the risk of choking. This step only takes a few seconds, and it’s essential for your pet’s safety.
4. Mix With Other Food
To make sure that your bearded dragon eats all its food, mix the blueberries with other food. Use a sturdy, shallow bowl that cannot be easily tipped over, as this will make it easier for your pet to eat all the way to the bottom of the bowl.
By following these simple steps, you can safely feed blueberries to your bearded dragon and keep your pet healthy and happy.
FAQs
How Many Blueberries Should I Give My Bearded Dragon?
Don’t give Bearded Dragons too many blueberries. They should only be a treat. Adult Bearded Dragons can have 4 or 5 blueberries once a week, but once a month is also okay.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberry Stems?
It is not recommended to feed your bearded dragon blueberry stems as they may not enjoy them and they can also pose a choking hazard. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon while snacking on any new foods.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberry Muffins?
Muffins, including those with blueberries, are not recommended for feeding bearded dragons due to added sugars and potentially harmful ingredients.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberry Juice?
Do not give your bearded dragon blueberry juice. The sugar content is harmful to your pet and can cause diarrhea and gastric upset. Avoid blueberry juice for your bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried Blueberries?
It is recommended to avoid feeding dried blueberry pieces to bearded dragons due to their high sugar content. Fresh fruit is a better option.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberry Jam or Preserves?
Feeding bearded dragons jelly or jam is not advised because of the high sugar content, which can have negative effects on the animal’s health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while bearded dragons can eat a variety of fruits, including blueberries, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Always make sure to introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dragon’s behavior and health.
With a balanced diet and proper care, your bearded dragon can enjoy the occasional sweet treat like blueberries. So go ahead and share a few with your scaly friend, but don’t forget to mix it up with other nutritious options as well.
