Yes, bearded dragons can eat pumpkin. They love it and it provides them with some excellent nutrients.
Pumpkins are from the Cucurbitaceae family (which contains this species) and are full of fiber and water, vitamins A and C, antioxidants and phytonutrients – all good things for your bearded dragon to consume.
It is a good idea to give your pet bearded dragon a bit of pumpkin every now and then as an extra treat or just because he/she seems like they’d enjoy it!
Just keep in mind that too much of any one thing could be bad though so it’s best not to overfeed your dragon anything. Check out which vegetables bearded dragons can eat?
What Are The Valuable Nutrients in Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber as well as some other nutrients that are great for your bearded dragon. Pumpkin contains vitamins A, C and E, along with antioxidants. It also has potassium which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
As it’s full of water, the pumpkin will also help keep your bearded dragon hydrated – an important thing to remember especially in cooler temps.
What Are The Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Pumpkin?
There are a ton of benefits to feeding your bearded dragon pumpkin – it’s healthy, delicious, and can even help with any digestive problems or constipation issues.
Pumpkin also helps with the overall health of your bearded dragon by providing him/her with some important vitamins and nutrients.
Pumpkin can also help to clear up their skin, which is beneficial when they are shedding. It’s a good way to get them ready for their next shed so that it all comes off smoothly without any problems.
Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cauliflower
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery Leaves
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery
What Type of Pumpkin Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?
The most important thing is to make sure that the pumpkin you feed your pet actually has pumpkin in it. Some canned pumpkin products tend to be mostly spices and don’t include actual pumpkin which most bearded dragons love!
Just be sure you check the label before buying. You can often find pumpkins at farmer’s markets or even pet stores near Halloween time.
How to Feed Your Bearded Dragon Pumpkin
Cut the Pumpkin into Pieces.
If you want to know how big the pieces should be then cut ’em about an inch thick and four inches long. Remember not to use a whole pumpkin at once but only a few little pieces here and there throughout the week.
Can I Cook & Then Feed it?
Yes, absolutely, you can cook the pumpkin first if you would like but it is not necessary. Simply cut it up and let your bearded dragon enjoy!
Can I Feed My Pet the Seeds?
Yes, you can feed your pet the seeds once they are dry since these are also good for them. However, if you want to be absolutely safe then put the seeds in water first. This will help to remove any bacteria that may have gotten onto the seeds when they were growing on the pumpkin plant.
Do Bearded Dragons Like Pumpkin Pie?
If you made a homemade pumpkin pie yourself by cooking some fresh pumpkins with spices, then yes your bearded dragon would probably love it! Just make sure it has cooled off before feeding it to him/her. You can’t give them hot food which could burn their
What Are The Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Pumpkin?
As with anything, there are a couple of risks to feeding your bearded dragon pumpkin.
Too much pumpkin can lead to loose stool. Overfeeding can also cause his/her blood sugar levels to drop and could make them very sick. It’s important not to overfeed your pet because this could happen since they don’t know when it is getting full.
Bearded Dragons should only get about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin per 100 grams of body weight. So for example, if you have a bearded dragon that weighs 120 grams then you would give him/her just 1 tablespoon or less each day.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Bearded dragons do have a tendency to eat pumpkin seeds so if you have them around they may try to snag one or two. Although you don’t want them eating too many (and definitely not exclusively) they’re fine for bearded dragons in moderation (and usually score pretty high on the ‘yummies’ meter for them).
Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons
If your bearded dragon does not like pumpkin then you can try feeding him/her:
- Bananas
- Apple slices
- Zucchini slices
- Cooked sweet potatoes
Make sure that the food you choose is cooked and has cooled down before giving it to your pet. If you are not sure if something is safe to feed them, then check with a local veterinarian or look up “safe foods for bearded dragons” online.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin? – The Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat pumpkin! It is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients that help them stay healthy. You just have to make sure that the pumpkin you feed your pet has pumpkin in it and that he/she doesn’t eat too much. This will ensure that your bearded dragon learns when they’re full so their food intake isn’t affected.
Please remember this is general information only and it is always best to check with your local veterinarian for specific advice regarding your pet.