Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards, meaning they can eat both vegetation and animal matter. However, there are certain foods that are not suitable for them, and should be avoided for their safety and health.
These include:
-Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons
-Raw potatoes
-Cabbage
-Wild-caught insects, such as butterflies and moths (commercial, gut-loaded insects are fine)
-Avocado
-Rhubarb
-Onions and garlic
-Legumes, such as beans and peas
-Excessively fatty meats, such as bacon
-Any kind of processed or sugary food, like chocolate
-Any animal meat that is not specifically designed for reptiles
In addition to avoiding these foods, it is also important to feed your bearded dragon variety. A good diet should include a mix of vegetables, some live insects, and some commercial food mix that is formulated for reptiles.
It is also important to monitor how much and often your bearded dragon is fed, as too much of one food can cause a vitamin or calcium deficiency.
What should you never feed a bearded dragon?
You should never feed a bearded dragon anything other than what is designed for their diet. Generally, it is not recommended to feed adult bearded dragons fruits, vegetables, grains, or dairy products.
Insects should make up 75% of their diet and another 25% should consist of non-meat sources such as dark leafy greens and other vegetables such as squash, bell peppers, and green beans. It is also important not to overfeed insects and to stick to the recommended frequency of feeding.
Avoid foods high in fat and calcium such as nuts, cereals, potato chips and other snack foods. Additionally, you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon live prey such as mice and birds as they can cause injury to the dragon.
What is toxic to bearded dragons?
Many everyday items that can be found in households or consumed by humans can be considered toxic or dangerous to bearded dragons, including certain foods, plants, stones, oils, laundry detergents, and more.
Foods that are especially harmful to bearded dragons include avocados, tomatoes, onions and garlic, citrus fruits, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and human vitamins. Bearded dragons should mainly be fed a diet of leafy greens and insects like crickets, meal worms, and waxworms.
Bearded dragons should also not consume any plants, stones, or soil from outside. Certain types of flowers, plants, and cacti can be toxic, such as daffodils, ivy, and succulents. Stones that contain excessive amounts of calcium carbonate (e.
g. marble, limestone, and granite) can cause impacted intestines and should never be ingested.
In addition, bearded dragons should not come in contact with oils, perfumes, room fresheners, or laundry detergents, as many of these items can be hazardous. It’s also important to keep bearded dragons away from potential predators, including cats, dogs, and some birds.
By avoiding these items and monitoring the bearded dragon’s environment and diet, owners can help ensure their pet stays safe and healthy.
What human foods can bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables such as apples, apricots, bananas, bell peppers, bok-choy, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, corn, collard greens, cucumber, dandelion greens, endive, hibiscus flowers, kale, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, parsnips, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, turnips, and sweet potatoes.
They should not eat any kind of processed human food such as chips, popcorn, or potato chips. Additionally, they should avoid onion, rhubarb and garlic.
Bearded dragons should have a diet comprised of insects, grubs, and worms such as crickets and mealworms. Livefoods should be dusted with Vitamin and Calcium supplement when fed in order to best nourish the bearded dragon.
Other occasional treats could include scrambled eggs, baby food, and cooked poultry. Fruits and vegetables should be offered in small portions three times a week, but as a treat. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues in bearded dragons.
Can Beardies eat cheese?
Yes, Beardies are generally able to eat cheese, within moderation. Cheese provides a good source of calcium and other nutrients, which can help support bone health, particularly among larger dogs like Beardies.
However, it should not be considered a main source of food for Beardies. Cheese should only be fed in moderation, as it is high in fat and calories which can contribute to obesity in dogs. Aside from obesity, excess fat intake can put an unnecessary strain on a Beardie’s digestive system and lead to gastric issues like bloating and vomiting.
If you decide to feed your Beardie cheese, it should be given in small chunks as treats, or mixed into other healthier foods like plain cooked meat.
How much banana can I give my bearded dragon?
It’s important to feed your bearded dragon food that is appropriate for their size. Bananas are generally considered a treat food, so it’s best to feed your bearded dragon no more than about two small pieces per week.
Additionally, it’s important to cut any banana pieces small enough for your beardie to eat them comfortably, as larger pieces can be a choking hazard. Be sure to always offer your bearded dragon a variety of different types of fresh vegetables, fruits, and insects to ensure they are getting all of the necessary nutrients for their growth.
Is it OK to feed bearded dragons banana?
Yes, it is OK to feed bearded dragons banana, but it should only be done in moderation. Bananas are a type of fruit that can be enjoyed as an occasional treat for bearded dragons, because they are rich in fiber, potassium, and other minerals and vitamins.
Bearded dragons can eat both the whole banana and mashed banana, but it is important to remember that they should never eat more than 5% of their total diet as treats. If too much banana is given, it can cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.
Bananas should also be served in small pieces and given as part of a balanced diet, along with other items such as crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, and waxworms. Be sure to remove any uneaten bananas, as they can lead to bacterial growth.
Do I need to cut my bearded dragons nails?
Yes, you need to cut your bearded dragon’s nails regularly. Nails can continue to grow after they’ve stopped using them and if they’re left unchecked, they can start to curl which can cause the dragon pain and discomfort, as well as make their grip on things less secure.
Generally, a nail trim should be done every six to eight weeks, but beardies can benefit from more frequent trimming if necessary. It’s best to do this when your dragon is asleep, either during their daily “basking” period or just after they’ve gone to bed.
When trimming your dragon’s claws, try to cut off just the tips of the nails with a pair of good-quality clippers. If you make any mistakes, apply some antiseptic to the affected areas and keep an eye out for any infections.
