Yes, they can. Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. What you give them plays a big role in how healthy they are, even if it’s something like an aloe plant.
Bearded Dragons will eat fruits and vegetables, but should only get the plant parts of them because other parts may be toxic to them. Plant leaves are okay, but all seeds or fruit pits should be avoided at all costs. Check out the list of vegetables.
Valuable Nutrients in Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is made up of assorted vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are good for the diet of bearded dragons. There are no special benefits to giving aloe vera, but it can be a great way of getting them to eat new things.
The Plant Itself
Most owners of dragons typically buy this plant at their local garden supply store or floral shop. When they get home, they’ll then cut off a portion of the leaf and give it to their pet dragon. Most often they just provide it as a treat once in a while because there’s no real benefit beyond tasting good for them.
If dragons refuse to eat the aloe vera you offer them, try cutting off another part until they take something from you.
Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Aloe Vera
The benefits of feeding aloe vera are mostly because of its nutrients. However, it’s not as beneficial as giving them something healthy like green leafy vegetables.
Still, because this plant contains Vitamin A and C, it’s still good for the dragon if they eat it even though there is no real benefit beyond its taste. The vitamins just help keep their skin and scales healthy along with helping digest food properly
Like all plants you feed dragons, make sure that they don’t have any pesticides on them before offering them to your pet. If you can pick the leaves yourself from a garden area away from traffic areas where people walk around with chemicals on their shoes, then this would be safe for your dragon to eat.
Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Aloe Vera
There isn’t any risk or side effects of aloe vera, but that doesn’t mean you start giving them this plant willy nilly. The best way to do it is by cutting off a part and then feeding only that. It’s okay if they eat the leftover with dirt and stuff on it, but make sure they don’t eat too much of it because there could be an upset stomach from eating too much which causes diarrhea.
Remember that dragons won’t always like what you offer them as food, so go slow when introducing new things for them (like aloe vera) with small portions at first before giving more. You never know how their body is going to react to new foods, even if they seem healthy and good for them.
Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Consume
Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons
One of the best ways for bearded dragons to get their nutrients is by eating insects. Crickets are a great source of protein and calcium which helps them with growing strong bones, muscles, and teeth.
Offering crickets not only gives them what they need nutritionally but also keeps them entertained as well. For every two or three vegetables you give them daily, then offer four or five crickets instead. Be sure that whatever you do give them is cut up small enough so it doesn’t cause any problems if they eat too much at one time.
Bearded Dragons will eventually embrace what you have to offer.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe Vera? – The Conclusion
Aloe vera is a plant that most people think of as being solely for humans to use on their skin. But the truth is, many types of animals will eat it if they have access to it. In fact, aloe vera is often used as a treat or supplement for lizards and bearded dragons because it contains all-natural vitamins and minerals that are good for them.
While there’s no special benefit to feeding aloe vera other than something healthy they can taste, you should offer your pet lizard small portions until it gets used to eating this new food. Just remember that too much of anything can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea so go easy at first before offering more later on.