Are you a proud owner of a bearded dragon, but confused about what to feed them? Are you wondering if cherries can be a part of their diet? In this article, we will discuss whether bearded dragons can eat cherries, the nutritional benefits, and any potential health issues.
We will also cover the sugar and phosphorus ratio, the calcium to phosphorus ratio, and the key nutrients present in cherries. Read on to ensure that you are providing your pet with a well-balanced diet and avoiding any health issues caused by improper feeding.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherries
Bearded dragons can benefit from the nutritional value of cherries, which contain essential nutrients such as vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, and antioxidants. Potassium and copper are also present in cherries and aid muscle and kidney function, as well as blood cell health. However, cherries have a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1:1.6, which can lead to calcium deficiencies and other health issues if fed excessively.
Cherries can be given to your bearded dragon as an occasional treat. They should not replace a balanced diet of leafy greens, protein sources, and calcium powder. When feeding cherries, make sure to remove the pits and leaves, as they can be toxic to your beardies. Fresh, frozen, and canned cherries can also be given, but be mindful of added sugar content in canned cherries and glace cherries.
It’s important to note that there are different types of cherries available, such as sweet cherries and sour cherries. While both can be given in moderation, sweet cherries have a higher sugar content and should be given in smaller amounts. Before feeding any fruit or vegetable to your pet, make sure to wash it thoroughly and offer it in appropriate portions.
Are Cherries Bad for Bearded Dragons
Feeding your bearded dragon cherries frequently can put their health at risk. Cherries have a high sugar content, fruit acids, and low calcium content. Calcium is an essential nutrient for your bearded dragon. It helps to build strong bones and muscles.
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in cherries is not ideal for your beardie. This deficiency can lead to metabolic bone disease, and the weak bones can cause your bearded dragon to become deformed and unable to walk. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in any food you feed your beardie should be either 1:1 or 2:1.
In addition to calcium deficiencies, cherries also contain fruit acids like oxalic acid. These fruit acids can disrupt the digestive functions of your bearded dragon. Frequent consumption of cherries can cause digestive issues and increase the risk of dehydration.
Cherries have a high sugar content of 13g per cup. This sugar content is hazardous for your bearded dragon, particularly for adult beardies. They have a higher risk of developing health issues like obesity, heart failure, liver and kidney damage, and tooth decay.
Do Bearded Dragons Like Cherries
When it comes to bearded dragons’ responses to cherries, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Determining individual preferences is essential because these lizards have different personalities. While it is a fact that beardies like fruits, including cherries, some may refuse to eat them. Veterinary advice states that beardies prefer strawberries, dates, raspberries, figs, and apricots.
However, offering fruit in moderation is still crucial because it contains high levels of sugar but is low in other essential nutrients. Serving the right fruits also contributes to a balanced diet. Although cherries may not be the most well-liked fruit for bearded dragons, they can still be consumed.
To ensure that your pet receives the necessary nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C, it is always recommended to offer a variety of fruits and other food items. For instance, leafy greens like mustard greens provide a source of protein while fortified calcium powder ensures proper muscle functions and prevents calcium deficiencies.
Nutritional Value Of Cherries For Bearded Dragons
Cherries are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them a healthy and nutritious snack for bearded dragons. To help you understand the nutritional value of cherries, we’ve provided a helpful table outlining the nutrients that cherries are high in, as well as any nutrients that they may be lacking.
For optimal health and well-being, it’s important that bearded dragons receive a diverse and balanced diet, rich in key vitamins and minerals. Cherries are a great source of vitamin C, which can promote healthy organs and overall well-being in your pet.
In addition to vitamin C, cherries are also high in antioxidants which can support immune function and protect against disease. However, it’s important to note that cherries should be given in moderation as excessive sugar intake can lead to digestive issues and calcium deficiencies.
Nutritional Information For Cherries Per 100g
Note: We Have Included The Most Relevant Nutritional Information Only
| Name | Amount | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 82.25 | g |
| Energy | 63 | Kcal |
| Protein | 1.06 | g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.2 | g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 16.01 | g |
| Fibre | 2.1 | g |
| Sugars | 12.82 | g |
| Calcium, Ca | 13 | mg |
| Iron | 0.36 | mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 21 | mg |
| Sodium, Na | 0 | mg |
| Vitamin C | 7 | mg |
| Vitamin D (D2+3) | 0 | µg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.049 | mg |
| Vitamin A RAE | 3 | µg |
| vitamin A IU | 64 | µg |
| Beta Carotene | 38 | µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.07 | mg |
| Vitamin K | 2.1 | µg |
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned, Frozen, or Dried Cherries
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon cherries, fresh is always best. However, canned and frozen variations may be acceptable as well if given appropriately.
Dried cherries should not be fed to your beardie as they are more concentrated in sugar and can be tough to chew. This variety of cherries is one of the worst forms you can give your pet due to their lack of nutritional value.
Canned cherries may be safe for your bearded dragon, but it is essential to read the label before giving them to your pet. Some canned cherries contain added preservatives or ingredients that can be hazardous to your beardie’s health. On the other hand, canned cherries in water with no added ingredients can be safe for consumption.
Frozen cherries can also be an alternative to fresh cherries but make sure to check the ingredient list before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Opt for plain and simple frozen cherries, free from any added ingredients or preservatives.
Which is Healthier: Canned, Frozen, Fresh, or Dried Cherry
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon the occasional treat of cherries, fresh is always the best option. While dried cherries may have a good calcium to phosphorus ratio, they also contain a higher level of sugar which is not beneficial for your pet. This is also true for canned cherries, which contain high amounts of sugar and chemical preservatives that can negatively affect your beardie’s health. As a rule of thumb, it is best to avoid feeding your bearded dragon canned foods altogether.
Frozen cherries are a safe option for your bearded dragon, but not necessarily the best choice. Always make sure to thaw frozen food to room temperature before feeding it to your pet. While cherries in any form are not outrightly bad for your bearded dragon when fed in extreme moderation, regular consumption of unhealthy processed foods can lead to health issues.
When it comes to nutritional value, fresh cherries are the best option. The water content in fresh cherries is higher than in dried or canned cherries, making them a healthier choice. Fresh cherries also have a good calcium to phosphorus ratio, while canned cherries have a significantly lower calcium content.
Health Benefits of Cherries for Bearded Dragon
Cherries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but unfortunately, many of them are not considered essential for bearded dragons. While it’s true that cherries do not offer high numbers of any nutrient that is helpful to bearded dragons, one of the key nutrients that they do contain is potassium.
Potassium is a vital nutrient for bearded dragons as it plays a significant role in their overall health. It helps with various bodily functions, including the nervous system, which is essential in maintaining a healthy body.
In addition, cherries are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect bearded dragons against the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants have been shown to help strengthen the immune system and prevent the buildup of harmful free radicals in the body.
However, it’s crucial to feed cherries in moderation to ensure the bearded dragon’s balanced diet. Although cherries offer a good source of essential nutrients, consuming too many cherries may lead to digestive issues, especially high sugar levels.
Risks of Feeding Cherries for Bearded Dragons
Cherries are a popular treat among bearded dragon owners due to their sweet taste and juicy texture. However, overfeeding cherries can cause harm to these reptiles, which is why it’s important to feed them in moderation. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the risks associated with feeding cherries to bearded dragons.
1. Cherries Are High In Sugar
One of the biggest risks of feeding cherries to bearded dragons is their high sugar content. Consuming too much sugar can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, digestive issues, and heart failure. In fact, excessive sugar consumption can lead to diarrhea in bearded dragons, which can be difficult for them to digest. To avoid these risks, bearded dragons should only be given very small amounts of cherries as an occasional treat.
2. Cherries Are Low In Calcium
Calcium is a vital nutrient for bearded dragons, as it is essential for muscle function, bone growth, and metabolism. Unfortunately, cherries have very low calcium content. Ongoing consumption of low-calcium foods can cause severe health issues like metabolic bone disease (MDB). Feeding your beardie nutrient-rich greens like mustard greens can help alleviate calcium deficiencies.
3. Cherries Have an Unbalanced Calcium and Phosphorus Ratio
The calcium to phosphorus ratio is another critical factor to consider while feeding fruits to your bearded dragon. The ideal ratio is 2:1 in favor of calcium, as phosphorus can stop calcium from being absorbed in the body. Unfortunately, cherries have an unbalanced ratio with more phosphorus than calcium. Bearded dragons that consume unbalanced calcium and phosphorus intake can pose health problems such as metabolic bone disease.
How to Prepare & Feed Cherries to Your Bearded Dragon
As a responsible bearded dragon owner, it’s crucial to know how to prepare and serve cherries to your reptile. Here are some essential tips on how to prepare and serve cherries to your beardie.
1. Choose Organic Cherries
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, always choose organic fruits and vegetables. While they may cost more, organic options are healthier for your beardie as they are free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. This way, you can avoid health issues caused by pesticides.
2. Wash the Cherries Thoroughly
Before feeding cherries to your beardie, you must wash them thoroughly. This step removes any dirt or bacteria that could harm your pet’s digestive system. Rinse the cherries in clean water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Remove Cherry Pits
Cherry pits are extremely harmful to bearded dragons. Therefore, it’s essential to remove the pits before feeding your reptile with cherries. Make sure to cut them into small pieces and further remove the pit before feeding them.
4. Serve in Moderation
While cherries are a nutritious snack, they should be given to bearded dragons in moderation due to their high sugar content. As with any fruit, limit the amount you feed your pet to avoid health issues caused by overconsumption.
5. Consider Using Cherries as a Salad Topper
To encourage your bearded dragon to eat other healthy and nutritious greens, consider using cherries as a salad topper. This technique can help increase your pet’s appetite for leafy greens and other nutritious vegetables.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherries
When it comes to offering cherries to your bearded dragon, frequency is everything. While these fruits do offer some nutritional value, eating too many cherries can lead to health risks, especially for beardies prone to metabolic bone disease.
To ensure a balanced diet for your bearded dragon, it’s important to consider the other fruits you are feeding them regularly. If your bearded dragon is already getting a lot of sugary fruits that are low in calcium, it’s best to limit their cherry intake.
As a general recommendation, we suggest treating your bearded dragon with cherries no more than once per month. This way, you can maintain a balanced diet which contains essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and protein, without exposing your pet to the risks that come with sugary foods.
How Many Cherries Should My Bearded Dragon Eat
When it comes to feeding cherries to your bearded dragon, it’s all about determining the right portion size. Since cherries are considered an occasional treat, it’s important to limit the serving size to ensure your bearded dragon maintains a well-balanced diet.
While there’s no set rule for how many cherries to offer, we recommend feeding your beardie no more than three pitted cherries at a time. This is all they need as a sweet treat.
To incorporate cherries into your bearded dragon’s diet, one of the best ways is to add them as a salad topper on top of a mix of other nutritious greens. This way, your pet can enjoy the benefits of cherry without overdoing it on the sugar content.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Cherries
When it comes to feeding guidelines for baby bearded dragons, it is important to prioritize key nutrients such as calcium and protein. While it is technically possible for baby bearded dragons to eat cherries in moderation, it is not recommended.
As baby bearded dragons grow at a rapid pace, they require nutrient-dense foods to fuel their growth. Every mouthful counts, and it is essential to offer them high-quality greens and protein sources that support their development.
Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding cherries to baby bearded dragons altogether. Instead, pay close attention to the greens and protein sources you are offering them during their first year of life. Opting for nutritious foods will ensure that their development stays on track.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherry Pits/Stones
It is risky to feed your bearded dragon cherry pits or stones due to their potential to cause impaction. Impaction is a serious concern, and it may lead to excruciating pain and even death. Therefore, you must remove pits from cherries before feeding them to your pet. Removing the pit can be done quickly with a knife.
You must also remove the stem from the cherries if it is still attached before giving them to your dragon. Although the stem is less likely to cause impaction concerns, it is best to avoid feeding anything that may be difficult for your pet to digest.
Cherry pits contain small amounts of cyanide, which is highly toxic and could cause serious health implications for your bearded dragon. Therefore, it is preferable to find safer fruits for your dragon to consume, such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Alternative to Cherries for Bearded Dragons
If you’re looking for alternative fruits to feed your bearded dragon aside from cherries, we’ve compiled a list of 5 fruits recommended by vets and animal nutrition experts. However, take note that feeding these fruits to your beardie should still be done in moderation as they are still high in sugar and may lack key nutrients essential to their health. Here are the fruits that made it to the experts’ top picks:
1. Raspberries
These sweet and juicy berries make for a tasty treat for your beardie, and they are packed with vitamin C and dietary fiber.
2. Strawberries
Bearded dragons love strawberries because they are delicious and fragrant. These heart-shaped fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
3. Dates
Dates are known for their high sugar content, so they should only be given to your beardie in moderation. Despite this, they are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, fiber, and iron, making them a healthy treat option.
4. Figs
Figs are an excellent source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great treat option for your bearded dragon.
5. Apricots
Apricots contain essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and dietary fiber. Feed them to your beardie occasionally as they are also high in sugar.
Remember that these fruits should only make up a small percentage of your bearded dragon’s diet. As much as possible, their diet should consist of leafy greens, protein, and calcium-rich foods. When in doubt, always consult with your vet or nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet for your beloved pet.
FAQs
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Cherries?
Bearded dragons should not consume cherries frequently, whether they are sweet or not. Cherries contain high levels of fruit acid that could irritate their digestive system, causing digestive problems and diarrhoea.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Glace Cherries?
Glace cherries are not recommended for bearded dragons to eat. These cherries contain excessive amounts of sugar which pose a severe threat to their health. It’s crucial for pet owners to avoid offering treats like glace cherries to maintain a balanced diet and prevent potential health issues.
Are Cherry Pits Or Stones Bad for My Bearded Dragon?
Feeding cherry pits or stones to your beardie is not advisable as it can lead to serious health problems in the long run. These parts of the fruit contain traces of cyanide which can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Therefore, it’s best to avoid giving cherry pits or stones to your beardie.
How Can I Serve Cherry to My Bearded Dragon?
To ensure your bearded dragon’s health and safety, always opt for organic cherries when feeding them as treats. This helps avoid exposing your pet to harmful chemicals and pesticides used during the growth process. Before serving, be sure to thoroughly wash the cherries to remove any external contaminants. After washing, remove the pits or stones, dice the cherry into smaller pieces, and serve to your beardie. These simple steps will ensure your pet can safely enjoy cherries as a tasty treat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article provided helpful information about feeding cherries to your bearded dragon. While fresh cherries can be an occasional treat for your pet, canned cherries and other sugary foods should be avoided. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet that includes key nutrients for muscle function and overall health.
Be sure to check the calcium to phosphorus ratio of any food items before feeding them to your bearded dragon. With this knowledge, you can provide your furry friend with the necessary nutrition and avoid potential health issues.
