Bearded dragons are popular pet reptiles known for their unique appearance, docile nature, and omnivorous diet. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to provide your bearded dragon with a balanced and varied diet that meets their nutritional needs.
One question that many bearded dragon owners have is whether or not their beloved pet can eat strawberries.
In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of strawberries, the potential benefits and drawbacks of feeding them to your bearded dragon, and how to safely incorporate them into their diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries
The answer is yes! Bearded dragons have an omnivorous diet, and in their natural habitat, they consume a diverse range of food, which can include fruits such as strawberries. While they are a sweet and tasty treat, it’s important to remember that fruits should be given in moderation.
So go ahead and give your beardie a slice of strawberry, but make sure to balance their diet with other foods such as insects, vegetables, and greens.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries
If you’re wondering whether baby bearded dragons can eat strawberries, the answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. Baby bearded dragons have different nutritional requirements than adult beardies, and they need a high amount of calcium for their growth. Their diet should consist of 80% insect-based and live foods, while only 20% should be plant-based.
Giving them a nutrient-poor fruit like strawberries as a significant part of their diet doesn’t make sense. However, if you plan to treat your larger beardies to strawberries later on, you can introduce tiny pieces of strawberry to a baby beardie’s diet to get them used to the fruit without sacrificing their nutritional needs.
What Kind of Strawberries Can a Bearded Dragon Eat
You don’t have to worry about the type of strawberries you’re feeding them as all 100 different types are safe for them to eat. However, it’s important to ensure that the fruit is organic to avoid any chemicals or pesticides.
It’s recommended to wash the strawberries thoroughly before feeding them to your lizard to remove any potentially harmful substances.
Nutritional Value of Strawberries
Strawberries are not just a tasty fruit but also have numerous nutritional benefits. They are packed with antioxidants that can prevent cell damage caused by harmful free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers and diseases.
Despite their sweetness, strawberries do not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, making them a safe option for pets with metabolic conditions like diabetes. Additionally, their high water content can help keep pets hydrated, and their fiber content aids in satiety and promotes smooth gastrointestinal functioning.
Nutritional Value of Strawberries
Values per 100 g of Strawberries
| Water | 90.95 g |
| Energy | 32 kcal |
| Protein | 0.67 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.68 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4.89 g |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Potassium | 153 mg |
| Vitamin C | 58.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1 µg |
| Iron | 0.41 mg |
| Magnesium | 13 mg |
Information courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Benefits of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Strawberries
Adding strawberries to a bearded dragon’s diet may have various benefits. These sweet and juicy fruits are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that can enhance your pet’s diet. Strawberries have a high water content, which makes them lower in carbohydrates, resulting in a slimmer and healthier bearded dragon.
Moreover, strawberries are abundant in Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber, contributing to the overall well-being of your pet. In fact, strawberries are often recommended as one of the top fruits to feed bearded dragons due to their nutritional value. So, if you’re looking for a healthy and tasty treat for your bearded dragon, strawberries are a great option to consider.
Health Concerns to Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Strawberries
While bearded dragons may enjoy the taste of strawberries, it is important to be cautious when feeding them this fruit. Strawberries contain high levels of sugar and do not provide the necessary calcium and phosphorus that bearded dragons need for healthy bone growth.
Additionally, the seeds of strawberries can lead to gastrointestinal issues, especially if too much is fed or if the portion size is too large for the size of the bearded dragon. It is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s intake of strawberries and other fruits to ensure they are receiving a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries
Bearded dragons can enjoy the occasional treat of strawberries, but it’s important to feed them in moderation. Depending on their age and size, you can safely give your bearded dragon strawberries twice a week, but it’s best to space them out and not feed them two days in a row.
The appropriate portion sizes for strawberries vary based on the maturity of your bearded dragon. For a full-grown adult, a small, whole strawberry is sufficient. For a juvenile, half of a small strawberry is recommended, while a baby should only be given a quarter of a small strawberry.
By following these guidelines, you can safely incorporate strawberries into your bearded dragon’s diet as a tasty occasional treat.
How to Prepare Strawberries For Your Beardie
When preparing strawberries for your bearded dragon, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure their safety.
Inspecting the Strawberries
Before giving your bearded dragon any strawberries, it’s important to inspect them carefully. Look for any signs of over-ripeness, mold, or rot, and discard any strawberries that are not in good condition.
Choosing the Right Strawberries
To ensure the safety of your bearded dragon, it’s best to choose strawberries that are certified organic and pesticide-free. This will help to avoid any potential exposure to harmful chemicals.
Washing the Strawberries
After inspecting the strawberries, it’s important to wash them thoroughly to remove any traces of soil or fertilizer. This will help to reduce the risk of your bearded dragon ingesting any harmful substances.
Cutting the Strawberries
Cutting strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces can make them easier for bearded dragons to eat. This will also help to prevent choking.
Presenting the Strawberries
When presenting the strawberries to your bearded dragon, it’s best to mix them in with the vegetables or greens that you are giving them. This will help to ensure that they are getting a balanced diet. Use a shallow bowl for all foods to make it easier for your bearded dragon to eat.
By following these steps, you can provide your bearded dragon with a tasty and safe treat.
FAQs
How Many Strawberries Should I Give My Bearded Dragon?
According to veterinary advice, it is recommended that bearded dragons consume only one small strawberry every one to two weeks to avoid potential health issues such as obesity, excess sugar, and calcium deficiency.
Can Strawberries Be Harmful to Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons can eat strawberries, but not too many. Strawberries are safe for them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry Seeds?
Bearded dragons are able to eat strawberry seeds, but it’s important to only give them in moderation to avoid overfeeding.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried or Frozen Strawberries?
It is advisable to avoid feeding bearded dragons dried strawberries as they contain high levels of sugar. Opting for fresh fruit would be a better choice.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry Jam And Juices?
It is not recommended to feed strawberry jam or other preservatives to a beardie due to the high sugar content which can cause digestive issues and potentially fatal outcomes in severe cases.
From What Age Can My Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?
It’s recommended to introduce strawberries to your bearded dragon’s diet when they reach one year old. At this age, they will have begun transitioning from a primarily carnivorous diet to a more herbivorous one. So, if you’re considering adding strawberries to your bearded dragon’s diet, make sure to do so in moderation and only after they have reached the appropriate age.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry Leaves?
It is generally safe to feed a bearded dragon a moderate amount of strawberry leaves.
Can Dragons Eat Strawberry Tops?
Strawberry tops have less sugar than the rest of the berries, which can be good for pets. However, they may not be as tasty. It is possible for dragons to consume the tops of strawberries, although they may have a preference for the fruit’s sweetness. It’s safe for pets to eat the tops, as long as it’s in moderation with the rest of the fruit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, strawberries can be a great addition to your bearded dragon’s diet as long as they are given in moderation. Just like with any new food, it’s important to introduce them slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.
With the right balance of fruits, vegetables, and insects, your bearded dragon can enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
