Yes, they can eat pineapple but in limited quantities. It’s not a staple of their diet and can be given as a treat. Bearded dragons are herbivores, which means they eat plants. This may include greens and vegetables as well as various fruits and plant materials.
The fruit of the pineapple is definitely a plant material that bearded dragons can eat. However, there is controversy over whether it should be fed to them or not. Some breeders and pet owners claim that giving their beardies pineapples will help nourish them, while others think it poses more harm than good.
At this point, there does not seem to be any actual evidence of harm from feeding pineapples to beardies, but some people still remain concerned about their safety. Check out what fruits bearded dragons can eat?
All in all, though, the Pineapple seems safe enough for bearded dragons at least occasionally.
Nutritional Information for Pineapple
Here are some facts about pineapple nutrition you should know:
Pineapple juice contains vitamin C and manganese (28% RDA). It’s also a good source of thiamin (vitamin B1) (19% RDA), magnesium (15% RDA), copper (12% RDA), phosphorus (11%), calcium (5%) and potassium (4%).
An average-sized whole fresh pineapple weighing about 2 lbs. contains about 92 calories, 0 grams protein, 26 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fat and 5 grams fiber. Pineapple also contains moderate amounts of vitamins A and C.
Proper Care for Bearded Dragons eating Pineapple
First of all, you have to be aware that fresh pineapple will cause some digestive issues for your pet. It has never been scientifically proven yet, but it is possible that it can lead to intestinal blockage or perforation (especially in small beardies). As always, make sure you wash off the fruit’s surface prior to feeding it to your pet. Also, cut off any crowns and green leaves on the top of the pineapple before presenting it as a treat.
Lastly, monitor how your beardie reacts after consuming pineapple. If they show no signs of discomfort within 24 hours then you’re good. Note that their stool may become softer than usual since they are still digesting the fruit. Their droppings should return to normal size and consistency in a day or two.
Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Pineapple
Pineapple is a healthy fruit that can be given to bearded dragons occasionally, but experts are divided on whether it should be an actual part of their diet or not.
Many pet owners believe that feeding their beardies pineapple will give them the following benefits:
- Carbohydrates help fuel your pet’s muscles so they have more energy to play and explore.
- Vitamin C is vital for wound healing as well as producing collagen, which forms connective tissues in bones, skin and tendons. This may help prevent injuries.
- Pineapple also contains manganese, copper and vitamin B1 – all of which are valuable nutrients for your pet’s health.
Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Pineapple
Unfortunately, there is a concern about how safe it is to feed pineapple to beardies – and what the possible risks may be.
Some pet owners think that feeding their dragon pineapples can lead to:
- Excessive weight gain: Which could cause other problems such as obesity and heart disease.
- Cavities: Due to its high sugar content. There is no scientific evidence yet though.
- Allergic reaction: Since some pets are sensitive to certain chemicals in fruit (similarly to humans). This has never been scientifically proven though.
- Intestinal obstruction or perforation: This mainly occurs when a large amount of fresh pineapple is given at once rather than a moderate serving size over time. Besides, all vegetables have a potential risk of causing intestinal blockage.
If your bearded dragon is healthy and eating a well-balanced diet, then they should be able to digest fresh pineapple with no problem. However, if you notice anything unusual after introducing the fruit into their diet – such as lethargy or loss of appetite – it’s best to discontinue feeding it immediately and talk with your vet.
Fruits for Bearded Dragons
How Often Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Pineapple?
There is still no recommended safe time limit for giving pineapple to beardies, though we recommend that you only give them this tropical treat occasionally (up to about once every 2 weeks) since it may cause digestive problems. Always wash off the fruit’s surface before offering it as treats and cut off any crowns and green leaves on the top.
If your pet is a fussy eater and you’re having a hard time feeding it vegetables, then feel free to use pineapple as a way to get them to eat their veggies. Why not make a homemade, healthy smoothie with other nutritious ingredients such as kale, broccoli or carrots? You could then freeze it into ice cubes for your beardies or put it in the fridge to drink later. Just remember that giving fruit to dragons will only work if they are already well-accustomed to eating vegetables themselves.
Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons
If you’re unable to find fresh pineapple at your local grocery store, then here are some other substitutes that you can give to beardies instead:
- Bananas: Similar in taste and texture, though it does contain less vitamin C.
- Mangoes: This fruit is very sweet so ensure not to feed too much of it.
- Melons: Watermelon or cantaloupe will provide the same benefits as pineapples.
- Apples: Healthier alternative with plenty of fiber and nutrients, but make sure they are cut into small pieces before feeding it to your beardie.
- Cherries: Look for brands with no added sugars or colors since these may upset a dragon’s stomach.
- Strawberries: It has plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C to promote a healthy immune system, but make sure they are organic.
- Peaches: It contains over 20% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A, which is vital for eye health.
As always, it’s best to consult with your vet before introducing any fruit (or vegetables) into your beardie’s diet to ensure that they are safe for them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple? – The Conclusion
In conclusion, pineapples can be given to bearded dragons occasionally but should only account for small servings not exceeding 2 ounces per serving. Always wash off the fruit’s surface before offering pineapple as treats and cut off any crowns and green leaves on the top.
Dragons that are pregnant or have other health issues should avoid it though, so always consult your vet first to ensure your pet’s safety.
As for whether pineapple can be considered an actual meal option for dragons – experts still do not have a clear answer to this question, but most say that pineapples are definitely not enough by themselves. It must be combined with vegetables or insects in order to meet their nutritional requirements.
Put simply, you may choose to feed your dragon pineapple if they are already eating plenty of vegetables on their own. But fresh fruit should never take up more than 10% of their diet.