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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chicken? (See What Happens)


No, bearded dragons should not eat chicken. While chicken is a great food source for humans, it is not a food that is healthy or balanced enough to feed bearded dragons.

Bearded Dragons are omnivores. Therefore, their diet should consist of plant and animal matter. Fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, crickets, worms…these are all examples of great sources for bearded dragons to get their necessary nutrients from. This helps them build up their muscles for exercise and digest correctly so they can move waste out of the body efficiently.

Like humans, they also use calcium in order to fight off illnesses and function properly on a daily basis. However, unlike human’s calcium needs which can be easily met with just one glass of milk per day (and probably not even that much), bearded dragons need amounts in order to stay healthier. For them, calcium is needed in much larger quantities and they must get it from their diet.

Is it Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Chicken

 

Valuable Nutrients in Chicken

Are there any valuable nutrients in chicken for bearded dragons?  This is a very common question among new owners.

Chicken is high in protein, but it is the only nutrient that it contains in any notable amounts. There are other good sources of protein such as beans, peas and seeds.

Chicken fat and oils also contain valuable nutrients that bearded dragons need to stay healthy. However, if they consume too much of these fats, they can end up with serious health problems like obesity (larger than ideal weight for their bodies).

Excessive Amounts Of Calories In Chicken

Bearded dragons require a calorie intake each day in order to function properly. They should not get any more calories than necessary though because eating too many calories can make them gain weight or even die from heart disease or other conditions caused by being overweight.

Unfortunately, chicken has an excessive number of calories compared to the other foods that bearded dragons can eat. It has an excessively large amount of protein too, which is another important nutrient for bearded dragons to have in their diet, however, they need to get it from somewhere else.

Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Chicken

The only real benefit of feeding your bearded dragon chicken might be is that he/she likes it. Whereas we recommend giving it as a small treat every few months. Otherwise, there are really no known nutritional benefits.

Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Chicken

There are a lot of risks when feeding your bearded dragon chicken. One big problem is the calcium to phosphorus ratio. The calcium to phosphorus ratio should be close to 1:1 in order for bearded dragons to stay healthy. However, chicken contains a ratio of 1 to 16.7. Meaning chicken has a lower amount of calcium and the overall bulk of the food is mostly made up of phosphorus.

Also, bearded dragons are omnivores and while they can eat meat, their bodies haven’t developed the proper enzymes to digest all animal proteins easily.

Another major risk when feeding your bearded dragon chicken is the number of calories in every ounce of meat you feed him/her. This can cause obesity very quickly with little babies, making them grow faster than their bodies are capable of handling, leading to injuries or even death.

As we mentioned, bearded dragons are omnivores so they do need some animal protein along with plant matter each day. However, chicken just is not good enough nutritionally to give them more than an ounce or two per meal.

Can Bearded Dragons Consume These Foods?

Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons

There are some great protein sources that bearded dragons can eat. Beans and peas, as well as seeds like pumpkin and sunflower, make good substitutes for chicken. Here is a list of safe foods to feed your beardie:

  • Beans (kidney beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans)
  • Peas (split or green)
  • Lentils

Seeds

  • Canary Grass Seed
  • Hemp Seed
  • Flax Seeds
  • Kale/Spinach
  • Pumpkin
  • Sunflower

Berries

  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Melon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Watermelon
  • Kiwi

Green Leafy Vegetables

  • Spinach
  • Turnip Tops
  • Mustard Greens Collard

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chicken? – The Conclusion

No, bearded dragons can not eat chicken.

Instead, they should be given a nutritious meal with the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Chicken is high in protein, but it’s also loaded with calories and does not have the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio that bearded dragons require for a healthy diet. Chicken will make your bearded dragon obese or sick if you feed them too much of this food.

Unfortunately, people see the word “chicken” and immediately assume it must be safe because it is known as a superfood for most humans and apply that logic to bearded dragons. Sadly, that is not the case.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple? (See What Happens)


Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple

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.

Is it Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Pineapple

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.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grass? (See What Happens)


Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grass

Yes, you CAN feed your bearded dragon grass. However, it begs the question, “why would you want to?” Grass doesn’t provide much nutritional benefit to your bearded dragon. There’s no need to go out and buy a bag of grass clippings from the nursery just for your bearded dragon. This is especially true when you consider that there are more beneficial foods for your bearded dragon to eat.

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s okay to feed your bearded dragon grass, the answer is yes. However, don’t think that feeding your pet grass will provide any real benefit in terms of nutrition or health. Check out the vegetables bearded dragons can eat.

Is it Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Grass

What Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, so their diet consists of both meat and vegetables/fruit. Insects make up the majority of their natural diet in the wild. These include small lizards, beetles, cockroaches, crickets, flies, moths, and grasshoppers. In captivity, they can get the same nutrition from gut-loaded feeder insects, such as crickets or mealworms. Bearded dragons also eat a variety of plants in the wild. They forage for fruits, flowers, leaves, stems and seed pods on a regular basis.

In captivity, bearded dragons should be fed a well-balanced diet of greens and vegetables along with a small portion of protein. You can use commercial diets designed specifically for beardies to supply them with all the nutrients they need while avoiding vitamin/mineral deficiencies that result from poor dietary planning.

Valuable Nutrients in Grass

Bearded dragon owners might wonder if there are any valuable vitamins and minerals in grass. The truth is, there are. You just can’t get them from feeding your pet grass.

One of the nutrients found in grass is calcium carbonate, which is the same calcium found in cuttlebone for pet birds. Calcium carbonate contains 40 percent calcium. However, bearded dragons don’t need to supplement with additional calcium because they obtain enough of this mineral through their diet. The remaining 60 percent of calcium carbonate is useless filler that isn’t absorbed by your bearded dragon’s body.

The other nutrient found in grass is cellulose (fiber). This indigestible portion of plants can act as a laxative if too much of it is eaten at once. Feeding your bearded dragon some grass occasionally won’t provide any negative effects, but it won’t provide any positive ones either.

Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Grass

Are there any benefits to feeding my beardie grass?

The answer is no. Bearded dragons, like other reptiles, get water from the food they eat. They don’t need to drink water because all the moisture they need is contained in their food.

Grass also doesn’t provide much in terms of vitamins and minerals so you can’t rely on it to provide your bearded dragon with any additional nutrients if their diet isn’t well-planned. Grass provides very little nutritional value compared to the many vegetables that are available for feeding your bearded dragon. There’s just no reason to give grass another thought when it comes time to feed your beardie something healthy and nutritious

Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Grass

The simple truth is that grass doesn’t offer your bearded dragon anything of nutritional value. It’s completely unnecessary to include it in their diet and can actually cause problems if you feed them too much of it at once. Grass is notoriously hard to digest. When eaten in large amounts, it can cause intestinal blockages that are often fatal to bearded dragons.

The grass itself also harbors bacteria and parasites which can make your beardie sick if they ingest it. If you’ve ever stepped on a pile of moist grass or cut the lawn without wearing shoes, then you probably know what kinds of things might be hiding in it. If not, consider the fact that dogs often eat grass before vomiting for exactly this reason. I haven’t heard any reports of dogs dying from eating grass but it’s still something to keep in mind whenever you consider feeding grass to your bearded dragon.

Vegetables

If You Still Want To Feed Your Bearded Dragon Grass…

There’s nothing wrong with giving your beardie a little bit of grass every now and then. It won’t harm them if the amount is very small. Just don’t make a habit out of it or you could end up with a sick bearded dragon.

If you feel the need to feed your beardie some grass, get it from an area where animals aren’t fed for human consumption. You can also run the grass through a blender and dry it in an oven set at its lowest temperature to kill any parasites or bacteria that might be present. In addition, make sure your bearded dragon has access to cuttlebone so they can get calcium whenever they want

Add all this together and there’s really no benefit of feeding your bearded dragon small amounts of clean green grass compared to not doing it at all.

Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons

Here are some alternative foods for bearded dragons.

Mealworms make a great treat food for your pet lizard if you’re looking to mix things up every now and then. They should only be used as an occasional treat because they contain less calcium than other foods which can lead to health problems over time

Earthworms, on the other hand, are extremely nutritious for pet bearded dragons. You can feed them earthworms or even better, use earthworm castings (the worms’ poop) as part of their daily diet. This is especially effective if your beardie has any kind of nutritional deficiency

How about crickets? Crickets are something many pet owners ask me about quite often. “Can I feed my bearded dragon crickets?” The answer is yes, as long as you take the necessary precautions to keep them from making a mess inside of your beardie’s tank. They can also carry parasites and bacteria that could make your beardie sick

How about vegetables? Vegetables are an important part of a bearded dragon pet’s diet. You’ll want to feed them fresh veggies every day that contain calcium and vitamin D3 – two things they need to stay healthy

If you’re going to give your bearded dragon grass, make sure it comes from a safe source and remember that they don’t need any more water in their diet since all the moisture they need is contained in their food.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grass? – The Conclusion

The answer to the question “can bearded dragons eat grass?” is no, they don’t need it and actually risk getting sick if you give it to them. The best way for your pet lizard to stay healthy is to feed them foods that are naturally high in calcium like insects or cuttlebone. Vegetables are also good treats but should only be offered every now and then as part of a complete diet (and not with any grass).​

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peppers? (See What Happens)


Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peppers

Yes, you can safely feed your bearded dragon peppers. We do suggest limiting pepper intake to only a few times per week. You also want to make sure that the peppers are either cooked or prepared with a particular type of oil.

We’ll cover some more specific details about what types of peppers can be eaten, how often you should feed them to your bearded dragon, and why it’s important for their health. For the complete list please click here.

Is it Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Peppers

Types Of Peppers You Can Feed A Bearded Dragon

There are many different types of peppers that you can feed your bearded dragon. Oftentimes people will assume that all peppers are poisonous but this is not true at all. Actually, the main ingredient found in most hot peppers is capsaicin which has known anti-inflammatory effects. Capsaicin also stimulates certain receptors on nerves that signal heat. This is likely what gives hot peppers their “spiciness”.

Here are some examples of types of peppers that you can feed your bearded dragon:

  • Bell Peppers
  • Red Peppers
  • Green Peppers
  • Poblano Peppers
  • Chile Pequins
  • Habanero Peppers (you will want to limit these)

How Often Should You Feed Your Bearded Dragon Peppers?

You typically don’t want to feed your bearded dragon hot peppers too often. They’re certainly not necessary in their diet and can even be potentially harmful if fed too frequently. Just like for humans, eating foods with capsaicin could lead to stomach problems or heartburn. It’s best, for this reason, to keep intake minimal. Also, since hot peppers do have a high level of vitamin C, feeding them too often makes it harder for your bearded dragon to get other sources of vitamin C which can lead to serious health problems.

We recommend feeding your bearded dragon peppers 1-2 times per week at most. If you do feed them more often, make sure they are always cooked. We’ll go over why in the next section.

Why Should You Cook Your Peppers?

Bearded dragons can eat cooked and raw peppers without issues but it’s important to understand why we suggest cooking them. There is a compound called solanine found in hot peppers that can cause serious illness in humans and animals if eaten in large doses. Solanine is what causes unripened potatoes and tomatoes to be poisonous when consumed in high amounts but this chemical is also found in bell and hot chili peppers too.

Cooking peppers will break down most of the solanine and make them safe for consumption. However, this is only a partial reason to cook or prepare your hot peppers in oil. The other main reason is to make the vitamin C much easier for your bearded dragon to absorb and utilize.

Valuable Nutrients in Peppers

Bearded dragons can eat hot peppers without any problems but they do offer some benefits outside of the capsaicin content. Some types of peppers (such as bell and green) actually contain a decent amount of calcium too. This is important to have in their diet since bearded dragons are omnivores who should have a well-balanced intake of both plant and animal matter.

Paprika, which has been dried, ground into powder, then smoked comes from sweet peppers that are high in vitamin A. Again, it’s best not to feed your bearded dragon paprika very often but it does have its own health benefits when eaten appropriately.

Which Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Eat?

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Green Peppers?

Yes. Green peppers are another type of pepper that you can feed your bearded dragon without too many issues because they also do not contain as much capsaicin as their red and yellow counterparts.

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Red Peppers?

Red bell peppers are a good source of Vitamin C which is one reason why we recommend feeding them to your beardie (as mentioned earlier). You should, however, avoid feeding them the seeds and white parts found inside the bell pepper where solanine tends to be heavily concentrated.

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Yellow Peppers?

Like the red bell pepper, yellow peppers are also an excellent source of Vitamin C. They are also high in carotene which is another nutrient that bearded dragons need to have healthy skin and good vision.

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Poblano Peppers?

Poblano peppers are one of our favorite types because they’re mild in flavor yet slightly spicy too. If fed cooked or raw, they are great for bearded dragons to eat.

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Banana Peppers?

While you can feed your beardie banana peppers, they are very mild in flavor so it’s not necessary. If fed cooked or raw, they are high in Vitamin A, however. Do keep this in mind if you go ahead and feed them though.

Just remember that it is always smart to wash all fresh fruits & vegetables thoroughly before serving them up to your beardie. This will help ensure that there aren’t any pesticides left over on the food which may harm your dragon.

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Other Kinds Of Peppers?

Yes, as long as you cook them first. We’ve already mentioned why but it’s important to remind people that just because many types of peppers do not have solanine doesn’t mean they’re completely safe for your pet dragon. A general rule of thumb with feeding a variety of different fruit and vegetables is to avoid ones with any part that is white, milky, or contains seeds unless cooked thoroughly.

Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Peppers

Aside from providing bearded dragons with vitamin C and some other beneficial nutrients, feeding them peppers is beneficial because it gives them something new to eat. Many bearded dragons can become picky eaters so introducing something new to their diet often helps keep things interesting for both you and your beardie.

Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Peppers

While the risks of feeding your bearded dragon hot peppers are negligible, it is important to be mindful of a few things. If you feed them too much capsaicin or chili powder, they may become more lethargic and sluggish due to the spicy spices disrupting their blood flow a bit. Furthermore, while some types of peppers will not harm your dragon if eaten in small amounts, others contain solanine which can build up inside their body from eating too many large quantities over time.

Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons

Instead of feeding your beardie hot peppers, you can opt to feed them sweet bell peppers instead. You can also opt to give them winter or summer squash (such as zucchini), eggplant, cucumber, pea pods, and other types of fruits & veggies on occasion too. As long as they are fed in moderation and cooked thoroughly first, these foods make great alternatives for anyone who doesn’t want to feed their pet dragon hot/spicy peppers.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peppers? – The Conclusion

Yes, Dragons can eat peppers. Bearded dragons can eat red, yellow, poblano, and banana peppers (and other types of peppers too). We recommend feeding your pet dragon cooked or raw peppers but make sure they are washed thoroughly before serving them up. Peppers contain vitamin C and carotene which is beneficial for your beardie’s health and growth. Just make sure to avoid hot peppers like cayenne and jalapeno because while they will not harm your pet if eaten in small amounts, eating capsaicin over time may be harmful to their blood flow.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Papaya? (See What Happens)


Can Bearded Dragons Eat Papaya

Yes, bearded dragons can ABSOLUTELY eat papaya. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Bearded dragons are unique for a reptile in that they will eat fruit of some sort, whereas other reptiles may not be able to process it.

Bearded dragons love the taste of papaya. It’s tangy yet somewhat sweet. They will actually prefer fresh fruit over feeder insects if given the choice.

Some of the downsides to feeding your bearded dragon papaya is that it has a high level of sugar, which if eaten too often, can result in obesity. It also has a relatively short shelf life–meaning it goes bad pretty quickly. If you go through these fast enough and your bearded dragon eats enough, this shouldn’t be an issue though.

Papayas also come with their own little hazards as well, such as the rind. The rind of the papaya fruit is pretty tough. It doesn’t offer much nutrition to your bearded dragon at all, but it’s incredibly hard to digest, which means it is not something your bearded dragon’s body can use. This absolutely must be removed when you feed the papaya to your beardie. Check out fruit list for bearded dragons.

Is it Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Papaya

Valuable Nutrients in Papaya

All that being said, there are some great benefits to feeding your bearded dragon papaya. As already mentioned, it’s a naturally sweet fruit so they will love eating it. It also contains Vitamin C which is important for bearded dragons since they are an omnivore species. They need this vitamin because reptiles can’t produce their own Vitamin C as humans can, and they must get it through their diet.

Another nice benefit to feeding your bearded dragon papaya is that the roughage in it helps them digest their food better. The rind of the papaya also provides roughage to help with digestion as well as maintaining their intestinal tract health–in other words helping prevent any blockages or issues related to digestion.

The major point here is that even though there are some benefits to feeding your bearded dragon papaya, it’s still not something you should overdo. If you feed them too much fruit they will develop nutritional deficiencies that can lead to obesity or just not being as healthy as they could be otherwise.

Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Papaya

The biggest risk of feeding your bearded dragon papaya is that they will develop nutritional deficiencies. This means they won’t be able to process all the nutrients and minerals in their food as well as an omnivore should and they could become unhealthy.

Another issue with too much papaya consumption is obesity. A dragon that’s obese can develop other health problems such as fatty liver disease which is something you never want to see your beardie develop.

Fruits

So What Other Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Aside from papayas, there are a few other fruits bearded dragons can eat, but not many.

So can bearded dragons eat bananas? Yes, they can, however, this is only if the dragon has lots of other fruit in their diet to balance it out. Bananas are very high in sugar and your bearded dragon should not be eating them every day–only as an occasional treat. If you feed your bearded dragon too many fruits like bananas or papaya, they will develop nutritional deficiencies much more quickly than dragons who don’t get fed these often.

Bearded Dragons Should Only Eat Fruit Every Other Day

The key thing with growing beardies is making sure they get good plant matter (in addition to all the insects you must feed them) so that their digestive system works properly and they’re able to process everything properly. This means that it’s crucial that you don’t feed them fruits every day. One or two fruits a week is plenty for most bearded dragons, but if you want to give them more, make sure it’s in addition to plant matter–not instead of the plant matter.

Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons

One big issue with feeding fruit to a bearded dragon is that it can go bad quickly. It goes without saying that the absolute best snack you could give your bearded dragon is going to be insects. This way, you know they’re getting what they need and not just eating something that tastes good because it’s sweet or full of flavor.

Insects are a better option for a number of reasons–not only do they satisfy the dietary needs of your bearded dragon but also keep them moving about and healthy in general. Giving them worms or crickets will not only help their diet but also provide them with natural prey items so they don’t get bored when you bring out their food every day.

Besides, there are other foods such as kale, collards, spinach, cucumber and even carrots that a bearded dragon can eat–just make sure you wash them all carefully before giving them to your pet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Papaya? – The Conclusion

So in short: can bearded dragons eat papaya? Yes, they can, but it’s not the best thing for their diet and is better served as an occasional treat rather than a daily (or even weekly) snack. Just like with most things when it comes to feeding your beardie there is an “everything in moderation” approach–feeding too much fruit will lead to nutritional deficiencies and obesity which can be deadly for your beardie. Papayas are really only good if they’re mixed in with other (better) fruits and vegetables and insects and worms provide tasty nutrients and minerals your beardie will love.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Applesauce? (See What Happens)


Can Bearded Dragons Eat Applesauce

Yes, bearded dragons can eat applesauce. Applesauce is a fruit so that makes it an option for bearded dragons to eat.  There are some baby foods on the market which are just applesauce with nothing else added.  This can be helpful if your baby dragon does not like eating fresh fruit but still needs some of the nutrients that are found in fruits. The best type of applesauce for bearded dragons is homemade or all-natural applesauce. Check out the fruits bearded dragons can eat.

Is it Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat Applesauce

Valuable Nutrients in Applesauce

The vitamins found in applesauce are Vitamin A, B-Complex Vitamins, and Vitamin C. There is also a lot of calcium in applesauce so it can be useful when mixed with the calcium powder.  Apples contain beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A by your dragon’s body.  You should not feed your bearded dragon more than two tablespoons of applesauce every other day because that would be too much Vitamin A for them.

Best Way to Feed Applesauce to Your Bearded Dragon

There are a few ways you can give the applesauce to your bearded dragon, but before you do so make sure it is prepared properly so they cannot choke on it.  You should slice or cube the applesauce and remove any seeds before giving them to your bearded dragons. The best way to feed the applesauce is by using a spoon or ice-cream scooper, but if need be, you can also use an eyedropper.

Benefits of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Applesauce

Just like humans, bearded dragons can also benefit from eating applesauce because it provides them with many important vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Potassium, etc.  A balanced diet is essential for your dragon’s overall health so adding some homemade applesauce to their diet is beneficial.

Applesauce can be good for your dragon’s health, but you must make sure it is prepared correctly.  Be extremely careful when feeding your bearded dragon applesauce because if the food is not prepared correctly there are some negative ramifications that can come along with it.

Can Bearded Dragons Consume These Foods?

Risks of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Applesauce

Apples contain a high amount of pectin, which is hard for them to digest since their stomachs are so acidic.  Their digestive system cannot break down pectin properly and this can lead to an intestinal impaction which basically stops healthy digestion in its tracks. This will put extra pressure on internal organs since they’re working harder than usual just trying to get rid of whatever’s stuck inside the digestive tract. Calling the vet may be necessary depending on how severe or protracted this condition becomes.

In rare cases, a bearded dragon will be allergic to apples and consuming them can lead to some negative side effects such as diarrhea or vomiting.  This is extremely rare though and if this occurs, it usually means that there’s something else wrong with your pet’s health.

Lastly, overfeeding applesauce can lead to obesity. Store-bought applesauce is high in sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. All of this sugar can hurt your bearded dragon’s stomach as well as pack on the weight.

Alternative Foods for Bearded Dragons

As with any other food you feed your bearded dragon, moderation is key.  There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that you can feed your pet to supplement their diet and the occasional bowl of applesauce will do no harm to them.

A few examples include:

  • Apples (small amounts in moderation)
  • Carrots (chopped up into small pieces and served raw or slightly steamed)
  • Mangos (high in Vitamin A and low in sugar)

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Applesauce? – The Conclusion

Applesauce is okay for dragons, but it can cause diarrhea. And you should always make sure to feed your dragon fresh fruits and vegetables, but just a little bit of applesauce is fine. As long as your dragon isn’t showing signs of constipation or diarrhea then the applesauce should be just fine for them.

If you do decide to feed your dragon applesauce, only give them about a teaspoon at a time as this will be healthier for them and less likely to cause an upset stomach.

You should also only give them the applesauce a few times per week as too much of it can lead to diarrhea.

As you can see, there are benefits and disadvantages to feeding your bearded dragon applesauce.  It is up to you how often you want to do so but keep in mind that giving it very infrequently is better than giving it frequently.