Bearded Dragons are resilient, docile, and easy-to-care-for creatures that make excellent pets for lizard enthusiasts.
Affectionately referred to as Beardies, these scaley little guys are omnivorous, meaning that their diet consists of a range of both plant matter and insect meat.
If you’re a first-time Bearded Dragon owner, or you’re interested in getting one as a companion, you may be wondering what fruits they can eat.
I’ve done a bit of research in this regard, so read on to find out more.
What Fruits Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?
Bearded Dragons can eat plums, peaches, figs, apples, raspberries, bananas, watermelon, cherries, pears, mangos, and papayas. While it’s important to include fruit as part of your Beardie’s diet, it’s advisable to keep their intake to a minimum, at no more than 10% of their total daily feed.
Types of Fruits Bearded Dragons Enjoy
Bearing in mind that fruit should not comprise more than 10% of a Beardie’s diet, there are quite a few options in terms of what they might enjoy.
And with that being said, some fruits are better for bearded dragons compared to others.
Apples, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, papaya, mango, and pear are among the most beneficial fruits for Bearded Dragons and contain a good balance of nutrients and vitamins. These make a great treat roughly once each week.
Bananas, cherries, and watermelon are not quite as healthy as the above, but they are still a delicious snack for a Beardie (maybe once a month or so) and can change up the flavor profiles of their meals.
It is important to remember that Bearded Dragons are extremely intelligent, and just as humans wouldn’t enjoy the same meal day after day, week after week, neither will your Dragon.
Therefore, it’s good to mix it up in their fruit treats to keep them excited and coming back for more.
What Fruits to Avoid Feeding My Bearded Dragon
Some foods are an absolute no-go for Bearded Dragons, including some fruits.
Citrus and avocado should never be fed to a Beardie, as citrus is far too acidic for their systems to handle, and avocado contains toxins that are poisonous to most animals.
In general, if you’re unsure of whether or not you can feed your Dragon a particular type of fruit, rather avoid it and opt for something you know is safe for them to eat.
Benefits of Fruit for Bearded Dragons
While one should only feed fruit to Bearded Dragons sparingly, there are some excellent benefits to including small portions in their diets.
Most of the fruits that Beardies enjoy are packed with fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and water.
Fiber aids in their digestion and a small intake can prevent them from becoming constipated and keep their systems regulated.
Vitamins, especially Vitamin D and C and Calcium, keep them healthy and promote strong bones and consistent growth.
Similarly, antioxidants are vital for a Bearded Dragon’s wellness. Antioxidants are the compounds in fruits that prevent free radicals from damaging a Beardie’s blood and tissue cells.
Finally, as they are not prolific water-drinkers, the hydration stored in fruit is a great way for them to absorb much-needed liquids.
Together with the above, fruit is also immensely beneficial in terms of adding flavor and excitement to your Bearded Dragon’s diet.
They are known to be fussy eaters at times, and a bit of fruit goes a long way to livening up a bowl of healthy greens.
Indeed, a drop or two of fruit juice in their water bowls has also proven to be an effective way to get them to drink.
Why Too Much Fruit is Bad for a Bearded Dragon
Many fruits contain high levels of natural sugars, which can cause your Beardie to become overweight and listless in large quantities.
It also decays their teeth, which will make it difficult for them to eat over time, aside from being painful.
Oxalate is also present in many fruits. This prevents calcium absorption by binding calcium and turning it into a waste product, which then passes as a stool.
Calcium’s vital for a Bearded Dragon’s growth, so you want to avoid flushing it out of their systems.
Furthermore, too much fruit can be acidic for your Dragon and will cause indigestion and diarrhea.
As much as your scaled companion may love his fruity treats, it’s far better to serve them up in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions about What Fruits Can a Bearded Dragon Eat
How do you feed fruit to your Bearded Dragon?
Fruit is best served as part of their full meal as a starter. Add bite-sized pieces of fruit to a bowl of dark, leafy veggie greens or as a treat after your Beardie eats their insects.
Can Bearded Dragons eat canned fruit?
Canned fruits are usually loaded with preservatives, so it is not a good idea to feed them to your pet. Stick to fresh fruits. The first choice is to go organic so that you know there is no chance of pesticide residue that can potentially harm your Beardie.
Do Bearded Dragons eat even when they’re feeling full?
Adult Beardies usually know to stop eating when they’re full, but it is possible to overfeed juvenile Dragons. This can be very harmful to them, causing painful constipation or a food mass in their stomachs. Consult your breeder or a vet to make sure you know how much you can feed your Dragon.
Conclusion
If you want to treat your beautiful Beardie to a little bit of fruit, go ahead, but maintain awareness about the risks associated with feeding them too much.
The “everything in moderation” rule of thumb is vital when it comes to sugary snacks.
Needless to say, your Bearded Dragon will love the occasional fruit snack and likely adore you more for it.