A balanced diet is essential for the health and longevity of your bearded dragon. Greens, vegetables, and fruits play a vital role in their overall well-being. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration that your dragon needs to thrive.
However, not all greens, vegetables, and fruits are suitable for bearded dragons, and some can even be harmful. In this guide, I’ll cover what’s good, what’s bad, and what to avoid when feeding your bearded dragon.
What Bearded Dragons Can and Can’t Eat: General Rules and Toxic Ingredients
Proportion of greens, vegetables, and fruits in the diet
A well-balanced bearded dragon diet consists of a mix of protein (insects), greens, vegetables, and fruits. Adult bearded dragons should consume about 80% plant-based food and 20% insects, while younger dragons require a higher proportion of insects (around 70%) and less plant-based food (30%).
Make sure to read more about the proper diet of bearded dragons if you still have questions!
Foods to avoid
There are certain foods that can be toxic or harmful to bearded dragons. These include:
Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to bearded dragons.
Rhubarb: Contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can lead to calcium deficiency.
Onions and garlic: Contain high levels of thiosulphate, which can be toxic.
Raw meat and dairy products: Can cause digestive problems and carry harmful bacteria.
It’s also important to avoid feeding your bearded dragon insects that you catch in the wild, as they may contain pesticides or parasites that can harm your pet.
Greens for Bearded Dragons
Greens are a staple food source for bearded dragons, are easy to buy and store, and should be available to your bearded dragon at all time. There should be a food bowl just for plant-based foods in your beardie’s tank, and a good portion of that should be greens. However, not all greens are okay for bearded dragons!
Good Greens
Collard greens: These leafy greens are rich in calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. They’re an excellent choice for bearded dragons, as they provide essential nutrients for strong bones and overall health. Feed them raw or lightly steamed.
Dandelion greens: Dandelion greens are packed with calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. They’re widely available, and you can even pick them from your garden (provided they’re pesticide-free). Your bearded dragon will love these nutritious greens!
Mustard greens: High in calcium and vitamins A and K, mustard greens are another great option for your bearded dragon. They have a slightly spicy flavor that many dragons enjoy. As with other greens, feed them raw or lightly steamed.
Turnip greens: Turnip greens are a calcium-rich option that also provides vitamins A, C, and K. They can be slightly bitter, but many bearded dragons enjoy them. Serve them raw or lightly steamed to retain their nutrients.
Escarole: Escarole is a variety of endive with a milder taste, making it an appealing choice for bearded dragons. It’s a good source of calcium, fiber, and vitamins A and K. Feed it raw for the best nutritional value.
Watercress: Watercress is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. Its peppery flavor adds variety to your bearded dragon’s diet. Feed it raw or lightly steamed.
Bad Greens
Spinach: Although spinach is high in vitamins and minerals, it contains oxalates that bind to calcium, making it difficult for bearded dragons to absorb. This can lead to calcium deficiency and related health issues. It’s best to avoid feeding spinach to your beardie.
Beet greens: Like spinach, beet greens are high in oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption. As a result, it’s better to choose other greens for your bearded dragon’s diet.
Swiss chard: Swiss chard also contains high levels of oxalates, which can cause calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Avoid feeding this leafy green to your pet.
Lettuce (Iceberg and Romaine): Lettuce, especially iceberg lettuce, is low in nutrients and high in water content. Feeding your bearded dragon lettuce can lead to diarrhea and doesn’t provide any significant nutritional benefits. Romaine lettuce is slightly more nutritious but still not an ideal choice for beardies. Opt for more nutrient-dense greens instead.
Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
Vegetables contain a good balance of healthy nutrients and important micronutrients like vitamins that are essential for your bearded dragon’s well-being. Make sure to include a good variety of vegetables in your beardie’s daily diet!
Good Vegetables
Butternut squash: Butternut squash is a fantastic vegetable for bearded dragons, as it’s high in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and C. You can feed it raw or cooked, but make sure to remove the skin and seeds before serving.
Bell peppers: Bell peppers, in all their colorful varieties, provide vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. They can be served raw or lightly cooked, and your bearded dragon will appreciate the crunchy texture.
Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your bearded dragon’s body. Serve them shredded or finely chopped, either raw or cooked. Keep in mind that carrots should be fed in moderation, as excessive vitamin A can be harmful.
Green beans: Green beans are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. They can be served raw or cooked, but make sure to cut them into small pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Zucchini: Zucchini is a hydrating and nutritious vegetable that provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium. Serve it raw or lightly cooked, and cut it into bite-sized pieces for your bearded dragon.
Peas: Peas are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and make a tasty treat for your bearded dragon. You can serve them raw or cooked, but remember to remove the shells if you’re feeding them fresh peas.
Vegetables to Limit or Avoid
Broccoli: Although broccoli is nutritious, it contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function in bearded dragons. It’s best to feed broccoli sparingly or avoid it altogether.
Cabbage: Like broccoli, cabbage is high in goitrogens, which can negatively affect your bearded dragon’s thyroid function. Limit or avoid feeding cabbage to your pet.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is another vegetable high in goitrogens, which can disrupt thyroid function. Feed it sparingly or opt for other vegetables instead.
Corn: Corn is high in sugar and low in nutrients, making it a less-than-ideal choice for your bearded dragon’s diet. It’s best to offer more nutrient-dense vegetables instead.
Fruits for Bearded Dragons
Fruits also contain important micronutrients, but should only be served in small amounts since they contain a lot of sugar, which can be bad for your bearded dragon’s digestion and can lead to obesity if offered in large amounts.
Good Fruits
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): Berries are a delicious treat for bearded dragons, providing antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Feed them in moderation, as they can be high in sugar. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces for your bearded dragon.
Apples (peeled and no seeds): Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. Make sure to peel the apple and remove the seeds, as they can be toxic to bearded dragons. Feed them in moderation, as apples can also be high in sugar.
Banana (occasionally): Bearded dragons often enjoy the taste of bananas, which provide potassium and vitamins C and B6. However, bananas should be fed sparingly, as they are high in sugar and phosphorus, which can interfere with calcium absorption.
Grapes: Grapes are a hydrating and tasty treat for your bearded dragon, providing vitamins A, C, and K. Feed them in moderation due to their sugar content, and make sure to cut them in half to prevent choking hazards.
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew): Melons are a refreshing treat for bearded dragons, offering hydration and vitamins A and C. Serve them in small pieces and feed them in moderation, as they can be high in sugar.
Fruits to Limit or Avoid
Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes): Citrus fruits are high in citric acid, which can cause stomach upset in bearded dragons. They’re also high in sugar, making them a less-than-ideal choice for your pet. It’s best to avoid feeding citrus fruits to your bearded dragon.
Avocado: Avocado contains persin, a compound that is toxic to bearded dragons. Avoid feeding avocado to your pet, as it can cause serious health issues.
Rhubarb: Rhubarb is high in oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. It’s best to avoid feeding rhubarb to your beardie.
Common Food Questions & Recommendations
Can bearded dragons eat watermelon?
Frequency: Treat
Bearded dragons can eat watermelon, but it should only be offered as an occasional treat due to its high water and sugar content. Watermelon provides hydration and some vitamins, but it’s low in essential nutrients. Offer small, seedless pieces of watermelon as a special treat once in a while.
Can bearded dragons eat strawberries?
Frequency: Treat
Yes, bearded dragons can eat strawberries, but they should be given as a treat due to their high sugar content. Strawberries provide antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, but should be fed in moderation. Make sure to wash the strawberries thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces for your bearded dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat blueberries?
Frequency: Treat
Bearded dragons can eat blueberries as a treat. Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, but they also contain sugar. Feed blueberries in moderation, and make sure to wash them thoroughly before offering them to your pet.
Can bearded dragons eat broccoli?
Frequency: Avoid or Limit
Broccoli is nutritious but contains goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function in bearded dragons. It’s best to feed broccoli sparingly or avoid it altogether. Opt for other vegetables that provide similar nutrients without the potential risks.
Can bearded dragons eat bananas?
Frequency: Treat
Bearded dragons can eat bananas, but only occasionally as a treat. Bananas provide potassium and vitamins C and B6, but they are also high in sugar and phosphorus, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Feed bananas sparingly to prevent potential health issues.
Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?
Frequency: Avoid or Limit
Tomatoes are not an ideal food for bearded dragons due to their high acidity, which can cause digestive upset. Additionally, tomatoes are low in essential nutrients. It’s best to limit or avoid feeding tomatoes to your bearded dragon and offer more nutrient-dense vegetables instead.
Can a bearded dragon eat grapes?
Frequency: Treat
Bearded dragons can eat grapes as a treat, providing vitamins A, C, and K. However, grapes are high in sugar, so they should be fed in moderation. Make sure to cut the grapes in half to prevent choking hazards.
Can a bearded dragon eat spinach?
Frequency: Avoid
Spinach should be avoided in a bearded dragon’s diet due to its high oxalate content, which can bind to calcium and lead to calcium deficiency. Choose other leafy greens that are more suitable for bearded dragons, such as collard greens, dandelion greens, or mustard greens.
Can bearded dragons eat apples?
Frequency: Treat
Bearded dragons can eat apples as a treat, providing fiber and vitamins A and C. However, apples should be fed in moderation because they can be high in sugar. Make sure to peel the apple and remove the seeds before feeding, as they can be toxic to bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat carrots?
Frequency: Treat
Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in a bearded dragon’s body. They can be fed raw or cooked, but should be fed in moderation due to the potential for excessive vitamin A intake. Make sure to shred or finely chop the carrots before offering them to your bearded dragon.
Conclusion
Variety and moderation are key when it comes to feeding your bearded dragon greens, vegetables, and fruits. Providing a diverse range of safe and nutritious options will help ensure your pet receives the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed for optimal health. Remember to monitor your bearded dragon’s health and adjust their diet accordingly, as each beardie is unique and may have different dietary needs.
By following this guide and keeping your bearded dragon’s best interests in mind, you’ll be well on your way to giving your scaly friend a happy, healthy, and long life. Happy feeding, fellow reptile enthusiasts!