Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile that requires a well-balanced diet to maintain their health. While many owners know that they need to feed their bearded dragons a variety of greens, insects, and other foods, they may not know if fruits like cantaloupe are safe for their pets to eat.
In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits and potential risks of feeding your bearded dragon cantaloupe. We’ll also discuss how to properly prepare and serve cantaloupe to your pet lizard.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe
Bearded dragons can eat cantaloupe. Cantaloupe is a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and water, which are all beneficial for bearded dragons in moderation.
However, too much fiber can cause runny stool, and too much cantaloupe can cause diarrhea. It’s important to feed cantaloupe in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe Every Day
Bearded dragons should only eat cantaloupe as a treat because it has too much sugar, can lead to overhydration, and has an unfavorable ratio of phosphorus to calcium. Too much sugar can be harmful to bearded dragons and too much water can prevent nutrient absorption and cause diarrhea.
Cantaloupe also has more phosphorus than calcium, which can lead to calcium depletion and metabolic bone disease if fed too often. It’s more important for bearded dragons to have a daily diet of vegetables and greens.
Nutritional Value of Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is low in calories, high in water content, and contains protein, carbohydrates, and some fat. It’s also a good source of potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C according to the USDA Food Data Central database.
Nutritional value of Cantaloupe
The table below the main nutrients found in a 177g serving of cantaloupe.
| Nutrient | Amount in 1 cup (177 g) |
| Energy (calories) | 60.2 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 14.4, of which 13.9 g are sugar |
| Fiber (g) | 1.6 |
| Calcium (mg) | 15.9 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.4 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 21.2 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 26.6 |
| Potassium (mg) | 473 |
| Sodium (mg) | 28.3 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 0.7 |
| Fluoride (mcg) | 1.8 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 65 |
| Beta carotene (mcg) | 3,240 |
| Vitamin A (mcg RAE) | 270 |
| Folate (mcg DFE) | 37.2 |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin (mcg) | 46 |
| Tocopherol, gamma (mg) | 0.2 |
| Vitamin K (mcg) | 4.4 |
Is Cantaloupe a Safe Food for Bearded Dragons
While cantaloupe is safe for Bearded Dragons to eat, it should not be a regular part of their diet due to its high sugar content and potential health risks such as obesity, tooth decay, and digestive tract obstructions. The proper balance of nutrition for an omnivore reptile is 20-35% fiber, 20-25% protein, 3-6% fat, and the rest consisting of vitamins and minerals.
Cantaloupe also has a higher phosphorus content than calcium, which can lead to metabolic bone disease if fed too often. Signs of this disease include lethargy, swelling in the legs or jaw, and poor appetite. It is important to correct the animal’s diet if these symptoms are observed.
Health Benefits of Cantaloupe for Bearded Dragons
Cantaloupe is a healthy treat for your dragon as it has several health benefits.
1. Hydration
Cantaloupe is a fruit with a high water content, making it a good option for keeping a dragon hydrated, as it contains about 90% water. Being properly hydrated can help prevent various diseases and keep your dragon healthy. Cucumbers are also a good option for hydration.
2. Beta Carotene
Cantaloupe’s bright color comes from Beta Carotene, which becomes Vitamin A or antioxidants. These help fight free radicals and improve eye health, the immune system, and healthy blood cells. Cantaloupe also contains Vitamin C, which helps fight illness.
3. Folate
Cantaloupe contains folate, which is essential for the skin and tissues of your dragon. Folic acid supplements can also contain Vitamin B-9.
4. Fiber
Cantaloupe is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain reasonable body weight. However, providing too much fiber can cause a runny stool, so it’s important to offer it in moderation. Feeding bearded dragon fruits like blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and blackberries adds fiber to their diet.
5. Potassium
Cantaloupe is rich in potassium, which is essential for heart and muscle health, nerve health, and muscle movement. Potassium, along with sodium, helps maintain body fluids and blood volume. The carbohydrates in cantaloupe also provide energy.
6. Other Vitamins and Minerals
Cantaloupe also contains other essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, and Manganese, which are beneficial for your pet’s overall health.
Overall, providing cantaloupe as a treat to your pet bearded dragon can be a healthy choice, as long as it is offered in moderation.
Potential Health Risks of Cantaloupe for Bearded Dragons
While cantaloupe can provide many benefits to your bearded dragon, it’s important to understand why it should be given in moderation.
1. Sugar Content
Cantaloupe contains high amounts of sugar, which can cause obesity if overfed to your bearded dragon. In the wild, dragons get plenty of exercise, but those in captivity may not have the same opportunity. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor their sugar intake to prevent health issues.
2. Water Content
Cantaloupe is also high in water content, which can be both a benefit and a drawback. While hydration is important, giving too much fruit can lead to overhydration, which can cause issues like nutrient absorption problems and diarrhea.
3. Calcium to Phosphorus ratio
Cantaloupes contain a higher amount of phosphorus than calcium, which may result in decreased calcium absorption. This can be dangerous for bearded dragons and may even cause metabolic bone disease. It’s important to provide your bearded dragon with a balanced diet to avoid these issues.
How to Prepare Cantaloupes for Bearded Dragons
When feeding cantaloupes to your bearded dragon, make sure to limit the quantity to no more than 5.29 oz (150 g) at a time and use it as an occasional food or for a taste change only. Before preparing the fruit, wash the skin thoroughly with hot water to remove any pesticides or bacteria.
Peel the fruit carefully, removing the green part and seeds to avoid upsetting your beardie’s digestive system or causing accidental choking. Chop the cantaloupe into small pieces and gently press out excess water before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
How to Serve Cantaloupe for Bearded Dragon
Feed your bearded dragon ripe and organic canteloupe. If it’s not organic, wash it before slicing it to remove any pesticides or chemicals. Remove the peel and seeds, as the seeds can be a choking hazard. Slice the cantaloupe into small pieces and serve it with a salad or on its own. Your bearded dragon is sure to enjoy it!
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes should only be fed to bearded dragons as an occasional treat because overconsumption can lead to health issues. Adult bearded dragons can have at most 5.29 oz (150 g) of cantaloupe once a week or be divided in half and served twice a week. Younger bearded dragons should not be fed cantaloupe as they require more green vegetables than fruits.
Cantaloupes have an imbalanced calcium to phosphorus ratio and lack vitamin D, which can lead to digestion issues, diarrhea, and metabolic bone diseases. Overconsumption of cantaloupe can also cause high blood sugar, fatty liver disease, and tooth decay. It is important to ensure the optimal quantity and frequency of feeding cantaloupe to your bearded dragon.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe
While it’s safe to give baby bearded dragons a small piece of cantaloupe on rare occasions, it’s not recommended to include it in their regular diet. Baby bearded dragons need protein from insects as they are still growing.
According to reptile expert Pete Hawkins, it is recommended to feed juvenile bearded dragons a diet of insects five times a week, which can include small crickets and roaches. Cut fruit into small pieces for bearded baby dragons to reduce choking risk.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe Stems And Leaves
Bearded dragons should not eat the stems and leaves of cantaloupe as they can be harmful. The leaves and stems contain alkaloids, which can upset the digestive system, lead to hormonal imbalances, and cause irritation.
They also contain high amounts of water that can cause diarrhea or watery bowel movements. Additionally, wild cantaloupe leaves and stems can be poisonous. To avoid potential health issues, feed bearded dragons only the fruit portion of cantaloupe in limited quantities (3.53-5.29 oz/week or 17.63 oz/month).
FAQs
How Many Cantaloupes Can I Feed to My Bearded Dragons?
Feed bearded dragons small amounts of cantaloupe as a treat. Give them a small piece of fruit every other week to keep them happy and healthy. Don’t give them too much, or it could upset their stomach.
How Can I Prepare Cantaloupes For My Bearded Dragon
To prepare cantaloupes for your bearded dragon, remove all foliage and let it stand for a week to reduce its water content. Clean fruit with warm water to get rid of germs and insects.
Peel the skin carefully to avoid an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus. Slice the fruit into small pieces and let it drip off excess water. Only give your beardie one to two pieces to avoid any problems.
How Can I Feed Cantaloupe to My Bearded Dragons?
To feed cantaloupe to your bearded dragon, start by buying a fresh one and washing it thoroughly. Peel the cantaloupe and cut it into small pieces. Place the cantaloupe in a bowl and offer it to your dragon. Once they’re done eating, remove any uneaten cantaloupe and wash the bowl.
How Can I Choose a Good Cantaloupe?
Choose heavy, firm, symmetrical cantaloupes without bruises or soft spots at the grocery store. This will ensure that you get a good quality cantaloupe.
How Often to Feed Bearded Dragon with Cantaloupes
Bearded dragons should not be fed cantaloupes as a main meal, but if you choose to give them this fruit, there are some things to keep in mind. Wash the fruit, peel the green skin, and chop it into small cubes. Let the fruit sit out to dry before feeding it to your dragon. Only give small quantities and limit it to 100gms to 500gms per month for adult dragons to avoid calcium-phosphorus imbalance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while bearded dragons can eat cantaloupe in moderation, it’s important to remember that it should only be a small part of their overall diet. As with any new food, introduce it slowly and watch for any adverse reactions. With proper care and attention, your bearded dragon can enjoy a variety of healthy and delicious treats!
