If you’ve just got a bearded dragon and wonder what they eat, you’re in the right place! You might be surprised at some of the fruits that bearded dragons can enjoy as part of their diet.
Feeding your pet the right diet is important and beardies are no exception. A bearded dragon’s diet should include a healthy mix of grains, greens, insects, and, yes, even some fruit.
In this article, I’ll cover what fruits can be included in a bearded dragon’s diet. We’ll look at which ones are safe to feed them, as well as which ones to avoid giving your beardie.
Fruit Is Not Needed Every Day For Bearded Dragons
When feeding your bearded dragon, it is important to be mindful that fruit should not form the basis of their daily diet. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health issues, such as tooth decay, kidney problems, digestive troubles, and interference with calcium absorption due to oxalic acid.
In addition, whatever type of food is given, should have more calcium than phosphorus in order to prevent metabolic bone disease in Bearded dragons. Lastly, any fruit you feed them should be organic and chopped into small pieces – no bigger than the space between their eyes.
Although fruit is not necessary every day for Bearded dragons, incorporating some into their diet can provide positive benefits in moderation and help promote a healthy lifestyle.
Which Fruits Bearded Dragons Can Eat
Are you looking for an exciting way to treat your Bearded dragon? Fruits are a great option that can provide many benefits for your pet. Bearded dragons can enjoy these safe and delicious fruits listed below.
Apples
Apples are a great choice for Bearded dragons. They can have it up to once a week since the high sugar content is not recommended for too much consumption. There are thousands of varieties of apples available in the United States and all are safe for your dragon to eat, with Granny Smith being an especially nutritious option due to its vitamin A and C content.
This fruit is also packed with fiber, carbohydrates, and most important of all, water! Since Bearded dragons don’t drink a lot of water on their own, the high water content found in apples will help keep them hydrated. Just make sure you peel off the skin first so that it doesn’t pose a choking hazard.
Bananas
Bananas can be a great treat for your Bearded dragon, but it’s important to only feed them sparingly. They contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium, which are all excellent for your dragon’s health, but they also have high levels of oxalates that block calcium absorption.
For this reason, it’s best to stick to feeding them a few pieces once or twice a month as a treat. It’s also worth noting that the peel is safe for your lizard to eat – making bananas an ideal snack for them!
Watermelon
Watermelon is certainly a summertime favorite. It’s sweet, packed with hydration, and has a great texture. But even though it is tasty, watermelon isn’t, particularly nutrient dense for our little friends in the reptile department – namely, the beardie!
While it does provide some vitamin C and beta carotene (which are important nutrients for your pet), not much else can be gained by consumption. Plus, watermelons are quite high in sugar content so it’s best to only give your reptile small pieces once each month.
Blueberries
Blueberries are absolutely jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They contain Vitamin C and K which are highly beneficial for growth, immune support, and vision health. Plus, you don’t have to worry about those pesky sugar levels, as they are great low-sugar fruits!
However, the oxalates in blueberries can block calcium absorption. So if you’re going to feed your dragon blueberries, don’t go overboard. No more than 1 or 2 blueberries a week is recommended in order to not only receive their benefits but also make sure that your dragon’s nutrition isn’t compromised by blocking the absorption of other nutrients found in other foods.
Prickly Pears
Prickly Pears are an excellent source of nutrition for Bearded Dragons. Not only are they fruit and vegetable, but they also provide vital vitamins A, B, and C. The pear party is high in fiber, iron, and protein, while the vegetable part provides even more beneficial nutrients. Most importantly, the prickly pears contain an abundance of calcium – important for dragons to maintain strong bones.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to find some around your area, you’ll need to prepare them properly. Make sure that all spines, skin, and seeds have been removed before feeding them to your pet as these can be dangerous if ingested. Prickly pears are definitely worth adding to even the healthiest dragon diets!
Blackberries
Blackberries are a great occasional treat for your Bearded dragon. Offering these berries to your pet every 2 weeks is perfectly okay, although no more than 2 or 3 should be given at any one time. Not only do they have a high water content of 88%, but they also contain vitamin C – making them a nutritious treat!
It’s important to note that blackberries have relatively high sugar and oxalate levels, so they should not be given too often. As with any food item, it is best to discard any uneaten blackberries from the enclosure as soon as possible, as these can spoil quickly.
Raspberries
Raspberries are a great snack for Bearded dragons, but they shouldn’t be their main dietary source of fruit. That’s because the sugar and oxalate levels are too high to be considered a regular part of their diet. However, even as an occasional treat, raspberries can provide some vital nutrients and vitamins.
For example, they contain iron, potassium, and vitamins K, E, and C – all essential for keeping Beardies healthy and happy! So if you have a Beardie who is looking for something extra special once in a while, raspberries might just be the perfect snack!
Peaches
If you want to provide your bearded dragon with a nutritious and delicious treat, then look no further than peaches! With 88% water content, these juicy fruits can help to keep your reptilian pal hydrated. They’re also full of fiber and vitamin C, making them an enticing and healthy choice. If you want to give your pet peaches as a snack, once a week is plenty; just don’t forget to peel the skin off first!
Strawberries
Strawberries are great food for your bearded dragon! They have a balanced amount of calcium to phosphorus and vitamins, including vitamin C and calcium. What’s more, they are low in water content at 45%, so you don’t have to worry about them getting an upset stomach. Additionally, their small seeds ensure that there is no choking hazard for your reptile friend.
In short, yes: you can feed your beardy strawberries—as long as it’s in moderation. As part of a diverse diet with other fruit and veggies, strawberries make a great treat that will help keep your dragon healthy and happy!
Grapes
Grapes make for great treats for your Bearded dragon! According to experts, any of the many colors is fine to give your pet one to two once a week in small portion sizes. It’s essential to peel and remove any pits, then cut them into small pieces before giving them to your pet.
Not only are grapes packed with fiber and potassium, but they also have some sugar and water content, so be cautious not to give too much. Additionally, grape leaves have more nutrients than the grape itself and are a great source of calcium – perfect for keeping your little friend happy and healthy!
Dates
Dates are a great snack for Bearded dragons and can provide them with several essential vitamins and minerals. In moderation of course – no more than 1 to 2 dates a week should be fed to your dragon.
Fresh dates are the best choice as they boast beneficial nutrients like vitamins A and B, potassium, fiber, and magnesium. The only downside is that they contain quite a bit of sugar, so it’s good to feed them in moderation.
Overall, dates are a safe and healthy treat for Bearded dragons – just remember to keep the portions small!
Figs
Figs can be a nutritious and tasty treat for your Bearded dragon! They are chock full of beneficial nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin A, fiber, and calcium. Plus, they have just the right amount of water content to keep your pet hydrated.
However, you should be aware that figs do contain high levels of sugar content so you should feed them to your Bearded dragon in moderation. Additionally, it is not recommended that you give dried figs to your Bearded dragon as these typically have higher levels of phosphorus which can be harmful to their health.
Guava
Guava is a great treat for your bearded dragon a few times a month, as it has just the right juiciness and smell that they love. However, nutritionally speaking it’s not the best. It contains plenty of Vitamin C but is low in calcium and high in sugar.
That said, if your beardie isn’t in the mood to eat their greens, you can try sprinkling some guava on them! This will entice your dragon and they’ll happily devour their vegetables. Plus – make sure to peel the skin off before feeding it to your pet!
Kiwi
Kiwi is one of the most nutritious fruits out there. It’s filled with antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and K, calcium, copper, fiber, calcium, and protein – not to mention that there’s no fat! That being said, it also contains oxalates which can be dangerous when consumed in high amounts.
That’s why Bearded dragons should only consume kiwi 1 to 2 times a month – and when they do – make sure that it’s ripe, peeled, and preferably organic. With that taken into account Kiwi can provide them with a world of health benefits making it well worth the occasional splurge.
Pears
Pears make a delicious snack for bearded dragons! Filled with essential nutrients like calcium and iron, pears are a great food to include in your pet’s diet. They are juicy, fragrant, and packed with flavor that your dragon will love.
Pears can be served 1 to 2 times per week but should be peeled and finely chopped before serving to make it easier for your pet to eat. Pears are an excellent source of nutrition for your dragon and you’ll love watching them enjoy every bite.
Coconut
Coconut is a great, incredibly rare treat you can give your Bearded Dragon. But its high saturated fat content means it should be done in moderation at all times.
That’s why it’s important to feed only the inside part of the coconut — not the outer husk which can make them sick. Outside of this though, coconut does provide some essential nutrients that are good for your dragon, such as calcium, carbohydrates, and potassium.
Apricots
Apricots are a tasty treat that should be included in the diet of any Bearded dragon. It’s important, however, that fresh apricots are used as opposed to dried ones, as the fresh variety has much higher levels of essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C that can help keep your dragon healthy.
Fresh apricots also help to hydrate your dragon, since they contain more water than their dried counterparts. A few pieces every other week should be plenty for your pet! Keep in mind, however, that apricots can spoil quickly, so always make sure to pick out fresh fruits before offering them to your dragon.
Honeydew
Honeydew is a great snack for your Bearded dragon. Its potential health benefits are endless, as it’s loaded with potassium, and vitamins C and A. Plus, Honeydew contains calcium, though it also has phosphorus in higher amounts – so if you choose to give your bearded dragon this treat, it should only be given once a month.
No matter what you decide, always make sure to wash and peel the melon before giving it to your pet! This way you can ensure that there are no bacteria on the surface of the fruit – allowing your pet to enjoy this delectable treat safely and healthily.
Cherries
Cherries are a tasty treat that your Bearded dragon is sure to love. They are packed full of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and calcium. Plus, they are juicy and delicious – something your Bearded dragon won’t be able to resist!
Unfortunately, one thing to be aware of is the high sugar content in cherries. With that in mind, it’s best to give these fruits as an occasional treat, no more than once a month at most. That way, you can still provide your reptile with the health benefits provided while limiting the negative effects of too much sugar.
Dragonfruit
Dragonfruit is a great snack for your beloved bearded dragon. It is not toxic, so you can give it to them on occasion. With a high content of vitamins B, and C, Calcium, and Carbohydrates; Dragonfruit offers essential nourishment and energy for your pet.
However, it should still only be offered occasionally due to the higher phosphorus levels present in Dragonfruit compared to other fruits. But no worries – your bearded dragon will love this tasty treat from time to time!
Best Fruit For Bearded Dragons
When it comes to feeding a bearded dragon, fruit should make up the smallest portion of its diet. But if you want to feed your pet fruit, you want to pick ones with low acid content and an appropriate amount of calcium relative to phosphorus. Some fruits that fit this description are grapes (not green ones), apples, berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries, and occasionally tomatoes.
Aside from these favorites, peaches and prickly pears are also great treats for bearded dragons. Lastly, Never give your bearded dragon citrus or avocados because they are not healthy for them
Benefits of Fruit for Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragons can greatly benefit from a small portion of fruit in their diets. Not only will this add some flavor and excitement to their meals, but the vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and water contained in most fruits can be extremely beneficial.
Fiber helps digestion and keeps their systems regulated, while vitamins such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Calcium help promote strong bones and consistent growth. Antioxidants found in fruit fight free radicals that could otherwise damage a Bearded Dragon’s tissue cells, while the hydration it provides is a great way for them to absorb much-needed liquids.
Overall, including some fruit in your Bearded Dragon’s diet can be incredibly advantageous for their health – just make sure not to overdo it!
Why Too Much Fruit is Bad for a Bearded Dragon
Fruit is a tasty treat for your Bearded Dragon, but too much of it can be bad for them. Natural sugars found in fruits – like their counterpart table sugar – can lead to your Beardie becoming overweight. On top of that, the high levels of sugar will also start decaying their teeth over time, making it difficult for them to eat and in some cases causing pain.
Oxalate is also present in many fruits, this prevents calcium absorption because it binds the calcium and turns it into a waste product. When this happens, the calcium that’s so important for your Beardie’s growth has been flushed out with their stool.
In addition to all these things, the acid contained within some fruits may cause indigestion and mess up your Dragon’s digestive system. That’s why it’s best to serve any fruity treats in moderation when caring for a dragon!
What Not to Feed a Bearded Dragon
If you own a bearded dragon, you know that it’s important to ensure that your pet has the proper diet and nutrition. Just as importantly, you need to know what not to feed your bearded dragon as some foods can be dangerous if ingested.
Some foods that should not be fed to your beardies include avocados, lettuce, horse chestnuts, scorpions, wasps, bees, poppies, ivy, fish, seafood, daffodil, elder bugs, lightning, or fireflies.
Additionally, any kinds of nuts such as walnuts or macadamia nuts are bad for them. Even certain vegetables including crocus and rhubarb along with flowers like buttercup should be avoided.
If ever in doubt of anything harmful for your pet Beardie contact your vet for recommendations and advice about their diet and nutrition regime. Together with consulting a vet if your Beardie stops eating or gets sick, these steps will ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.
FAQs
How Do You Feed Fruit To Your Bearded Dragon?
Fruit is a great way to complement a meal, and it can come in the form of small pieces added to dishes like dark, leafy veggies or enjoy as a delicious snack after your Beardie’s meal.
Can Bearded Dragons eat canned fruit?
It is best to provide your Beardie with fresh, organic fruits, as opposed to canned fruits which contain preservatives. This will keep them safe from pesticide residue.
Do Bearded Dragons eat even when they’re feeling full?
It is possible to overfeed juvenile Dragons, which can be very dangerous. Symptoms of overfeeding include constipation and food masses in the stomach. To ensure you’re giving your Dragon the correct amount of food, consult a breeder or veterinarian for advice.
Conclusion:
Bearded dragons are incredible creatures, and it’s important to keep them healthy so that they can live a full happy life. Understanding which fruits bearded dragons can and cannot eat will help you provide them with the best possible nutrition.
Stay aware of the risks associated with certain fruits and err on the side of caution with any new foods that you offer your reptile friend. With the right care and attention, your beloved pet will stay safe and healthy for years to come.
