Yes, and you can feed it to your dragon whenever you want! Butternut squash is high in fiber which can help your bearded dragon digest other foods easier. It’s also a good source of carotenoids and antioxidants that support healthy vision and keep the immune system running strong.
In general, you should feed your Bearded Dragon orange vegetables to ensure they’re getting enough Vitamin A from their diet.
What is Butternut Squash for Bearded Dragons?
Butternut Squash for Bearded Dragons is a starchy root vegetable with dense orange flesh that’s easy to digest. They’re high in fiber, low in fat, and are an excellent source of carotenoids.
Butternut squash is technically a fruit even though it’s more regularly served as a vegetable. Check out the which vegetables bearded dragons can eat?.
Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Butternut Squash
There are numerous dietary benefits to feeding your Bearded Dragon butternut squash. It’s high in fiber which is beneficial for digestion, and it contains carotenoids that help keep your dragon’s vision sharp, their immune system strong, and they’re generally more alert.
Butternut squash is also easy on the digestive system because of its low-fat content, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming constipated or bloated after eating too much or incorrectly.
Another great advantage of butternut squash is its color. Your bearded dragon will be attracted to its bright, vibrant color sticking out amongst the green leafy vegetables that he/she in turn will eat more of those awesome vegetables too!
Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Butternut Squash
Of course, like anything else, there are some disadvantages to feeding your bearded dragon butternut squash. The biggest drawback—and most serious potential side effect—is if they eat too much of it.
It’s recommended that you feed your dragon no more than three-quarters of a cup of butternut squash per every ten pounds of body weight. Displaying symptoms of indigestion, vomiting, or diarrhea are good indications that they’re not being given enough water.
Where to Get Butternut Squash for Bearded Dragons
You can find butternut squash at any grocery store or farmer’s market. Check your local listings to be sure, just make sure it’s organic so you’re not exposing your dragon to harmful chemicals. You can even grow your own if you have enough space to do so!
How Much Butternut Squash Should I Feed My Dragon?
The best way to figure out how much Butternut Squash you should feed your Bearded Dragon is by using the “hand method”. Hold your hand flat and use your thumb and pinky finger as measuring units, so if your dragon eats 1/8th you’d count “one unit”, 3/8ths would be three units”. You can also use a kitchen scale if you prefer weight measurements over volume measurements. Keep this in mind when it comes to your pet’s health and safety!
Final Thoughts
The benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to how bearded dragons feel about eating butternut squash. It boosts their immune systems and vision while also supporting healthy digestion and making them feel full faster! Here’s to wishing your beardie a long and healthy life!