Bearded dragons (also referred to as “beardies”) enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables. Some of their favorites include carrots, squash, bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, peas, and kale.
These vegetables should be finely chopped so that it’s easier for them to eat. Whenever possible, try to purchase organic produce. It’s also important to provide variety to ensure that your beardie gets all the essential vitamins and minerals it needs.
All vegetables should be dusted with calcium powder to give them some extra nutritional value. Vegetables should only make up a portion of your beardie’s diet; the rest should consist of a variety of protein sources such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, and occasionally pinkie mice.
What veg can bearded dragons eat daily?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of veggies on a daily basis. A good mix of dark, leafy greens is important for a healthy diet. Some good choices include arugula, collard greens, dandelion greens, escarole, kale, mustard greens, spinach and turnip greens.
They can also be offered a small amount of various vegetables such as bell peppers, bok choy, broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumber, green beans, peas, squash, sweet potatoes and zucchini. Fruits should only be offered occasionally as treats, but some good choices include apples, apricots, blueberries, cantaloupe, figs, grapes, mango, honeydew, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries and strawberries.
All fruits and veggies should be chopped into small pieces and offered in moderation. It’s also important to dust their meals with a high-quality calcium-based vitamin supplement two to three times per week.
What is toxic to bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that require a special diet and habitat to stay healthy. Unfortunately, there are some everyday items that can be toxic to them and should be avoided at all costs.
Some of the most common items that can be toxic to bearded dragons include chocolate, caffeine, fruits high in sugar or acid, and tobacco products. Ingesting any of these items can cause a range of problems from stomach upset to more serious concerns like difficulty breathing or seizures.
Also, wild caught crickets and mealworms can carry bacteria and parasites that can be detrimental to their health.
In addition to food items, bearded dragons can be harmed by everyday objects in their enclosures as well. Items such as copper or glass can be extremely hazardous to their well-being, as copper can leach into their system or the glass can cause them to develop cuts due to sharp edges.
Chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers can also adversely affect the environment they live in and should never be used near their habitat. Bedding such as cedar or pine can also be problematic and should be avoided.
Overall, it’s important to take special care when owning a bearded dragon to avoid any potential toxins as they are very sensitive creatures. Shopping for food and habitat items only at reliable pet stores, or even online retailers specializing in bearded dragon supplies, can help keep them safe and healthy.
Do bearded dragons need to eat everyday?
Yes, bearded dragons do need to eat every day. They are omnivores, so their diet should consist of both plants and insects. They should be fed daily. Their diet should include a variety of vegetables, such as collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, and other leafy vegetables.
Also, they should include insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms, hornworms, and silkworms. When offering these, it is important to provide calcium-dusted insects. Feeding bearded dragons fruits should be done sparingly, as they have a high sugar content.
Bearded dragons, like most reptiles, need a set daily routine that should include daily feedings and plenty of time out of the tank. In order to have a healthy, long-lived dragon, a proper diet should be a part of their routine.
What should I not feed my bearded dragon?
It is important to not feed your bearded dragon foods that are high in fat and protein, such as dairy, fatty meats, and processed foods. Additionally, anything with a lot of sugar or acid such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and even some types of fruits should be avoided since they can upset the sensitive digestive system of a bearded dragon.
Furthermore, wild-caught insects should also not be fed to your bearded dragon as they may contain parasites or other harmful organisms. It is best to purchase insects from a pet store or online that have been specifically bred for reptiles.
Lastly, crickets should not be given to your bearded dragon as a regular part of their diet, as the chitin that is found on the exterior of the cricket can cause problems with digestion.
Do bearded dragon eat bananas?
No, bearded dragons typically do not eat bananas. While they may nibble on one if offered, it is not a recommended food source due to their high sugar content. It’s best to stay away from giving your bearded dragon bananas as they can cause digestive issues and other health problems such as problems with the kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
Instead, you should offer them foods like leafy greens, insects, and fruits like melons, mangoes, or apples. As with any new food, be sure to introduce it slowly and watch your dragon for signs of digestive upset or other reactions.
Can bearded dragons have potatoes?
No, bearded dragons should not be fed potatoes. Potatoes are part of the nightshade family and are high in carbohydrates, which is not the best food for a bearded dragon. Other vegetables and fruits in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes and eggplant, should also be avoided.
Potatoes contain oxalates, which can cause health complications, such as calcium deficiencies, joint pain and mobility issues, if ingested in large amounts. Alternatives to potatoes for a bearded dragon’s diet include vegetables like kale, collard greens, and mustard greens; fruits like apples, pears, and grapes; and insects like mealworms, crickets, and waxworms.
Be sure to feed these items in moderation and supplement their diet with vitamin and mineral powders, such as Calcium with Vitamin D3 powder. Additionally, use a food supplement to supply all of their dietary needs, as this will ensure they have a balanced, nutritious diet.
Do bearded dragons eat raw or cooked sweet potatoes?
Bearded dragons can eat either raw or cooked sweet potatoes in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Raw sweet potatoes can be safer to feed than cooked sweet potatoes as they don’t readily absorb the sugar and starch present in the cooked ones.
However, some bearded dragons may find raw sweet potatoes too difficult to digest and may be more likely to eat cooked sweet potatoes.
When feeding sweet potatoes to bearded dragons, it is important to check if the sweet potato has been treated with any chemical or pesticide sprays that can be unsafe for reptiles and to make sure to wash the sweet potato thoroughly before feeding.
Sweet potatoes can be served in cubes, slices, or shredded pieces, depending on the size of the beardie. It is important to ensure the pieces are small enough for the beardie to easily consume. Note that sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates and high in phosphorus, with limited amounts of calcium, so it is important that the diet is supplemented with calcium to avoid any associated deficiency.
Additionally, they should be a part of a balanced diet and should not be given as a staple food.
Can Beardies eat cheese?
Yes, Beardies are able to eat cheese. Cheese can be a healthy snack for dogs when portion size and low-fat varieties are provided. It’s important to be mindful of a Beardie’s daily calorie intake and his individual dietary needs, as some Beardies may be more sensitive than others.
Cheese can also provide several important vitamins and minerals, like calcium, protein and phosphorous. However, it’s important to limit cheese consumption as it does contain a good amount of fat, which can lead to obesity in dogs.
It’s best to give cheese as an occasional treat, in small amounts. Be sure to buy only high quality, low fat cheeses, avoiding anything with preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. If your Beardie has an allergic reaction or displays signs of lactose intolerance, consult your veterinarian.
Is Banana OK for bearded dragons?
Yes, a bearded dragon can definitely consume bananas, however they should be given as an occasional treat and in moderation. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they can eat both plants and meat.
Bananas are high in sugars and low in vitamins, minerals and protein, so shouldn’t be used as a main food source for bearded dragons. Bananas should be cut into thin slices and can be served fresh or frozen.
They can also be pureed and mixed with other vegetables for a nutritional boost. When introducing banana to your bearded dragon, start with a very small amount and observe for any digestive issues. Too much banana can cause runny feces, so using it in moderation is important.
Bananas are a fun and healthy snack for your bearded dragon, and can be a welcome treat from time to time.
What food is toxic to reptiles?
Many foods can be toxic to reptiles, and owners should be sure to thoroughly research their pet’s dietary needs before offering any food items. In general, citrus fruits, like oranges and limes, should be avoided as they can cause digestive issues.
Avocado is also toxic, and can cause a range of health problems, including difficulty breathing and even kidney failure. Rhubard is highly toxic, and even small amounts can lead to severe reactions. Onions and garlic can cause anemia, and potatoes and tomatoes can be toxic in excess.
Even some species of plant life can be toxic, particularly the apple tree, and certain fungi and fungi-related plants should also be avoided. Grapes and raisins are poisonous, and can lead to kidney failure if ingested.
Most human snack foods, such as potato chips, crackers, and candy, should be avoided as they can cause gastrointestinal upset and contain large amounts of unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
In addition, raw meats and eggs can carry bacteria that can make your reptile sick.
Can lizards have sweet potato?
Yes, lizards can have sweet potato as part of their diet. Sweet potato is a nutritious vegetable for lizards, and is a great source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Sweet potato is also rich in minerals and vitamins such as beta-carotene, manganese, potassium, vitamins A, E and C, and, lignans.
As with most vegetables and fruits, the sweet potato needs to be chopped into small pieces and cooked or steamed in order to make it easier for lizards to digest. Lizards may also enjoy sweet potato in its raw form if it is chopped into very small chunks.
It is important to provide calcium supplements with the sweet potato, as it is low in calcium.
