Bearded dragons can eat yellow squash. Many people keep them as pets, so it is important to know what they are able to eat in order to provide proper nutrition for their health. Yellow squash is very healthy for bearded dragons and they should have access to it often throughout their lives.
If you own a Bearded Dragon then I’m sure that you know how expensive it can be when buying all of the different foods needed in order to provide the proper diet for your pet lizard. I think this is why many owners end up feeding their beardies cheap vegetables like yellow squash, but also because our beardies really seem to enjoy them!
Before we jump into whether or not Bearded Dragons can eat yellow squash let’s briefly go over this popular vegetable. Check out the vegetables.
What is Yellow Squash?
Yellow squash is actually a term that describes several different types of summer squashes that are related to zucchini. While all of them may be called yellow squash, they can range in color from pale to bright yellow and even orange. The main characteristics that separate it from other squashes is its shape (which resembles a cucumber) and the fact that it has thin edible skins with tender flesh.
The inside of these squashes usually consists of small seeds and watery flesh. The seeds can sometimes be roasted like pumpkin seeds, which I assume you’ve probably heard, taste delicious! One thing to keep in mind however is that many types of summer squashes contain high levels of moisture, which means they will spoil quicker than other vegetables if not stored properly.
Nutritional Components of Yellow Squash
The yellow flesh of summer squashes like yellow squash is high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lutein. These carotenoids contribute to the color of this vegetable and are responsible for its health-promoting properties. Yellow squash contains a fair amount of vitamin C and potassium too. Other vitamins include:
- vitamin A
- vitamin B1 (thiamin)
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- vitamin B3 (niacin)
- vitamin E.
It’s no wonder why Bearded Dragons can eat yellow squash because it contains all of the nutrients they need. All of the vitamins and minerals in this vegetable are easily digested by reptiles, which means they are actually using them instead of just passing them through their digestive system.
Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Consume
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Snow Peas
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Squash
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes
Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Yellow Squash
I really like to feed my bearded dragon yellow squash because it’s high in water content, which is very beneficial for them. This vegetable has a lot of health benefits when it comes to the digestive system including the following:
- provides hydration
- prevents constipation
- reduces intestinal disorders.
For Bearded Dragons specifically, yellow squash can aid with shedding since their skin contains vitamins that help keep the skin healthy and moist while they are shedding too. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help stop your beardie if he accidentally injures himself while out in his enclosure running around or during a feeding frenzy!
Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Yellow Squash
There are some disadvantages when feeding yellow squash to your Bearded Dragon.
The high juice content of yellow squash can result in loose stool, so it is best to feed this vegetable in moderation.
It’s true! I sometimes get “squash butt” when my beardie eats too much yellow squash because it causes them to have really runny poop… yuck!
Note: Even though there are some disadvantages when feeding yellow squash, they aren’t very severe and you should still try to feed it often throughout the year. It is very beneficial for their health overall and most bearded dragons absolutely love the taste (just like me)!
How to Feed Yellow Squash To Your Bearded Dragon?
There are many different ways that you can feed your bearded dragon yellow squashes. One way is to place several slices in a Ziploc bag (or another airtight container) and put it in the fridge until you are ready to feed them. Just make sure to wash the yellow squash prior to feeding it to your dragon! I typically will cut up the yellow squash into small rings because my beardie loves this and eats every single piece of it when I feed him.
How Much Yellow Squash Can My Bearded Dragon Eat?
It is recommended that an adult bearded dragon can eat about 1-2 tablespoons of yellow squash per feeding. However, if you notice that your bearded dragon has loose stool after eating too much then try reducing the amount you feed them at one time so their digestive system can get used to digesting such a fibrous food.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Yellow Squash? – The Conclusion!
Overall, it is safe to feed your bearded dragon yellow squash and most of them absolutely love the taste. It can be fed raw or cooked so long as you remember to remove the skin, seeds and core before feeding them to your pet. It’s best to purchase organic yellow squash from a local farmer if possible because they are less likely to contain pesticides than conventionally grown vegetables.