Bearded dragons should not be fed any vegetables that contain high-oxalate content, such as spinach, kale, beet greens, collard greens, or swiss chard, as these are known to cause health problems. They should also not be given specific fruits like apple, grapes, and citrus fruits.
Fruits can be used as treats, but should not exceed 10% of the total diet given. Other vegetables to avoid include broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and onion, as these can all cause gastrointestinal distress if consumed.
Keep in mind that some vegetables are toxic to Dragons even in small amounts, so always check with a vet to be sure of what is safe. In addition, bearded dragons should not eat any wild plants or mushrooms, as they could contain toxins that can cause serious health problems.
It is best to provide vegetable variety by rotating vegetables every 3-5 days to ensure they get the most needed vitamins and minerals in the most appropriate ratios.
Can bearded dragons eat Cheetos?
No, bearded dragons should not eat Cheetos. Cheetos are a type of snack food made with processed and deep-fried cornmeal that does not provide any nutritional value for bearded dragons. While some people may think that Cheetos are a treat for their pet, they are actually very unhealthy and should be avoided.
Plus, Cheetos contain a high amount of salt, fat, and sugar that can negatively affect the health of these reptiles. Generally, bearded dragons should only eat foods that have been specifically designed for them, such as commercial dietary supplements and fresh, organic vegetables and fruits.
Also, while some bearded dragons may enjoy a few pieces of Cheetos as a “treat”, they should never consume a large amount on a regular basis and should be given sparingly as a once-in-a-while snack.
Can Beardies eat grapes?
No, Bearded Dragons (Beardies) should not eat grapes. Grapes are high in sugar, and can lead to health problems in Beardies such as obesity, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes. Grapes also contain trace amounts of toxins which can, if consumed in large amounts, lead to severe health problems and ailments.
Not only can grapes harm a Beardie’s health, they do not provide any nutritional benefits, as Beardies require a high-protein diet. Not to mention, if eaten in large quantities they can cause gastrointestinal problems.
To ensure your Beardie’s health and wellbeing, it is best to stick with a diet that includes foods specifically made for them such as live insects, vegetables, and prepared formulated dragon diets.
What’s poisonous to bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons, also known as Pogona Vitticeps, are relatively low-maintenance reptiles. Nevertheless, there are certain items and foods that can be poisonous to them.
It is important to never feed a bearded dragon wild insects, as these can carry dangerous parasites. Additionally, the following should be avoided to prevent poisoning:
– All types of nutmeats, including peanut, almond, walnut, hazelnut, cashew, macadamia, and pistachio
– Any kind of container-raised insects, as these can contain high levels of pesticides
– Spinach (high in oxalates, which can block calcium absorption)
– Chocolate (contains theobromine, a caffeine-like substance that is lethal to reptiles)
– Avocado (toxic to reptiles due to a fungicidal toxin)
– Milk and dairy products (bearded dragons are lactose-intolerant)
– Raw potato (toxic to reptiles due to solanine)
When feeding bearded dragons, it is safest to stick to a diet of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes; fruit, such as apples and pears; and high-protein insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
Always remove uneaten food from the enclosure quickly, to prevent spoilage and to avoid attracting pests.
How much banana can I give my bearded dragon?
It is best to limit how much banana you give your bearded dragon, as too much of any food can be bad for them. You should provide your dragon with a variety of foods to get a balanced diet. Bananas should be given as an occasional treat, rather than as part of their regular diet.
When feeding your bearded dragon banana, a single small piece (about the size of their head) no more than once a week is usually considered safe. Additionally, make sure the banana is very ripe, as the sugar in unripe bananas can be difficult for a bearded dragon to digest.
When feeding your dragon, be sure to remove any fruit or insect pieces left after they’ve eaten so that it doesn’t spoil and allow time for them to drink fresh water afterwards. Lastly, be sure to clean the dish after eating so they don’t develop a taste for the fruit.
What chemicals are toxic to reptiles?
Some of the most common include cleaners, soaps, detergents, and other household chemicals. These can be harmful if ingested or even if they come into contact with the skin of a reptile. Other potentially toxic chemicals include insect retreats, wood preservatives, paint thinners, and even some reptile-specific products such as cage disinfectants.
Ingestion of nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol should also be avoided, as these too can be dangerous for reptiles to consume. Additionally, medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can also be toxic and should be avoided in reptile care.
Lastly, specific toxic metals, such as lead and zinc, should also be avoided. Reptiles are easily affected by these potentially harmful substances. It’s important to always research any substances that may come into contact with a reptile before using them and to only use approved reptile-friendly products.
Do bearded dragons get sick easily?
No, bearded dragons do not typically get sick easily. They have a fairly robust immune system, and are generally considered low-maintenance pets when it comes to providing care. However, it is important to keep their environment clean by cleaning their living space frequently, and to feed them a balanced, nutritious diet to help keep them healthy.
Bearded dragons are susceptible to parasites, and there are several viral and bacterial diseases to which they may be exposed, so it is important to monitor their behavior and health carefully, and to take them to the veterinarian for regular check ups.
Some signs of illness or distress can include loss of appetite, listlessness, mouth or nasal discharge, or discoloration or scabs on the skin. If any of these symptoms appear, then it is important to contact your veterinarian right away.
Can I feed my bearded dragon vegetables everyday?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon vegetables every day. However, it is important to follow the 80/20 rule, so 80% of your pet’s diet should consist of dark, leafy greens, such as collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens.
The other 20% can be made up of a variety of other vegetables, such as squash, zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Offer small amounts at each feeding, no more than your pet can eat in a few minutes.
The variety of vegetables you feed your pet should also be rotated weekly to prevent nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to offer a calcium and vitamin supplement twice a week to ensure your pet is getting all the essential nutrients they need.
How many meals should a bearded dragon eat a day?
A bearded dragon’s diet should be varied and consist mostly of insects and plants. The frequency of feeding depends on the age of the dragon – younger dragons should be fed more often than adults. In terms of exact number of meals, it is generally recommended that hatchlings and juveniles should be fed two or three times a day, while adult dragons should receive one or two meals a day.
When feeding hatchlings or juveniles, it is important to provide size-appropriate food. You should also ensure that the foods are gut-loaded and dusted with vitamin supplements when necessary. For adult dragons, you can offer a variety of items such as fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Insects, however, should always make up the majority of their diet.
It is important to note that protein should be restricted in adult bearded dragons. Typically, they should receive three-fourths of their diet from vegetables and green leafy plants and only one-fourth from animal sources.
Foods that are high in fat and calcium, such as mealworms, should be avoided and offered as an occasional treat.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of over-feeding your dragon. They should not be allowed to gorge themselves, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues. Ensure that your dragon is getting enough of a variety of foods to stay healthy and strong.
What can I feed my bearded dragon if I don’t have food?
If you don’t have food for your bearded dragon, you can provide some safe alternatives for a quick meal. Fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries make good treats for your beardie. Other safe fruits include apples, grapes, melons, and mangos.
Vegetables like collard greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes are ideal options for bearded dragons. You can also offer your bearded dragon mealworms and crickets, which can typically be purchased from pet stores.
Be sure to avoid feeding your bearded dragon lettuce, spinach, and broccoli as they are too high in oxalates and can lead to stomach irritation. Additionally, live insects should also be dusted with calcium supplements to provide your dragon with calcium and additional minerals.
