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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries? (See What Happens)


can bearded dragons eat blackberries

No, you should not feed your bearded dragon blackberries because they contain saponins that are toxic to reptiles.

Bearded dragons are one of the favorite pets for many people, and who can blame them? These lizards are too cute to resist! Next to watching their behavior, another great way to learn more about them is by feeding them. You can experiment with different kinds of food items that you think they might like. There are cases though that what seems the right thing to feed your pet may not necessarily be so.

is it safe for bearded dragons to eat blackberries

Bearded Dragons and Blackberries

One of the most common questions asked is if bearded dragons can eat blackberries. At first glance, these two seem like a good match but upon closer investigation, there may be some things you need to know before trying this out for yourself. Most commonly cited as an inappropriate food item is the blackberry, but there are other things you need to consider before offering it.

Bearded dragons are omnivores and they require a lot of protein in their diet. They also get their water intake from what they eat and drink including fruit items. Because of this, people think that giving them fruit is okay. While some fruits like raspberries and blueberries can be fine to feed your pet, others should not because of the high sugar content that could lead to many complications that may put your pet’s life at risk.

Nutritional Composition of Blackberry Juice

One such berry which you should avoid feeding bearded dragons is blackberry juice. When you look up the nutritional value of blackberries, there seems nothing wrong with them as they contain relatively the same number of calories, protein and fiber as other fruits. Their sugar content is somewhere in the middle too. But unlike most other fruits which you can freely feed your pet, blackberries contain relatively high amounts of saponins that are toxic to reptiles.

Saponin toxicity can cause many problems for your pet’s health including gastrointestinal problems. It may also lead to conditions affecting the liver, kidneys and pancreas among others. These are very serious complications that will need proper veterinary care because they will not go away on their own once present in the body of your bearded dragon.

Is it okay to give them juice?

A better substitute would be fruit juices with no added sugar or honey since these only serve to make them fatter. All you need to do is provide your pet with fresh water for drinking and use a spray bottle if they are outside during summer. If you want to make them feel like it’s summer, place the bearded dragons in an area where they can receive natural sunlight or full-spectrum lighting.

Bearded dragons may not be able to tell you when something is wrong but these lizards are capable of showing signs whenever they are feeling under the weather. Some of the common symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, lack of appetite among others that will help show how your pet feels about what he eats.

Snacks instead!

If you still want to give them fruits, think about giving them smaller portions as snacks only so they will not gain too much weight from it. They will still enjoy the fresh flavors and have a nice treat just like you would want to eat if you needed to.

Can Bearded Dragons Consume These Foods?

Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Blackberries

There are only a few pros of feeding your dragon blackberries.

  •  Provides freshness to the diet
  •  Contains antioxidants which are good for health
  •  Gives the dragon treats (in moderation) without putting on weight

Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Blackberries

  • May contain saponins which can cause kidney failure in some cases. This will likely only happen if there is consumption of large quantities over long periods though. Still, this means that must be avoided at all costs.
  • Too much consumption may lead to obesity due to high sugar content. This will not be good especially if your pet is not given regular exercising opportunities outside their cages or vivariums. If they already get out regularly, it’s not so bad but still urge you to avoid giving too much of these to them.
  • There may be a risk of choking if the berries are too large for your pet. This will likely only happen for young dragons though. You can simply cut up the larger berries for them if this is the case.
  • Some animals may have allergies to blackberry juice which may lead to itching and rashes. These problems are rare but still need mention.
  • Some other animals may not be able to tolerate the high fiber content in blackberries. This will likely result in gastrointestinal problems which may also cause bloating and frequent defecation.

Alternative Foods For Bearded Dragons

You can use other fruits as replacements for your pet. Some of these include mulberries, strawberries, papayas and kiwis among others. These are safe to eat without the risks that come with blackberries due to their lower saponin contents.

  • You can also give them vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes or even pumpkin which are often used to make pies during Halloween time.
  • Lettuce is another option but make sure it’s darker color types only because too much intake of lighter lettuce varieties may result in diarrhea. Avoid giving them iceberg lettuce under all circumstances though since this might cause gastrointestinal problems including bloating and diarrhea too if they eat too much of it.
  • Other fruits you can use include apples (sliced), oranges (sliced) and pomegranates (halved). Stick to the safe types only!
  • If you’re worried about too much sugar content in some of these fruits, consider cutting each piece into smaller chunks. It will not be as fun for your pet but at least they won’t gain too much weight from this.

Summary

It’s not advisable to offer dragons blackberries since there are too many risks involved. These include the chance of obesity and even kidney failure which is why it’s best to avoid giving them these fruits under almost all circumstances. There may be some exceptions such as cutting up the larger berries but again, it should only be done rarely and for young dragons only.

If you’re looking for a perfect replacement, think about other fruit options first before considering blackberries. Some safe recommendations include strawberries, papayas and kiwis among others without too much sugar content or saponin toxicity that comes with this particular fruit type. Lettuce should also be avoided due to risk of gastrointestinal problems but other types work well so long as you stick to the safe ones only.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Arugula? (See What Happens)


can bearded dragons eat arugula

Arugula is a low-calorie green leafy vegetable that you might not think of when it comes to bearded dragons. But is arugula safe for them?

Yes, organic arugula grown in the USA or Europe is perfectly fine for your beardie to eat. You can feed it to them fresh or lightly blanched. They will also love the added benefit of having a lot more energy from eating this nutrient-rich plant. Arugula contains important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and protein.

There are two different types of arugula; one type (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) has slightly reddish veins while the other (Eruca sativa Mill.) has green veins. Both types are much more nutritious than dark green leafy veggies like kale and spinach.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Arugula? Answer: Yes! Feed at least once a week as it has additional benefits for them such as increased energy and staving off metabolic bone disease. It’s also very low-calorie and great for shedding. For the complete list please click here.

is it safe for bearded dragons to eat arugula

Nutritional Components of Arugula

Arugula has a lot of nutrition components in it. It is one of the healthiest foods that your bearded dragon can eat and benefits from being eaten by you too!

Protein: A 100-gram serving contains 1.6 grams of protein which makes up 3% of your bearded dragon’s daily requirement for this nutrient. Proteins are very important in a beardies diet for a number of reasons, but mainly because they help their muscles grow and repair when they are being used so much through exercise or when shedding. Beardies have been known to gain muscle mass when fed arugula regularly.

Calcium: In the same 100-gram serving, there is 33mg calcium which accounts for 5% of your beardie’s daily need for this mineral. Calcium is important for helping your beardie to develop strong bones, muscles and teeth.

Vitamin A: There are 382 IU of vitamin A per 100 grams which makes up 5% of their daily intake. Vitamin A helps them to see properly at night (their vision is greatly reduced without it) and even improves their ability to find food in the wild.

Vitamin C: There is 7mg of vitamin C in every 100 grams which is 1% of their daily requirement for this vitamin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant (antioxidants protect cells from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals). It has powerful anti-inflammatory components.

Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Arugula

Arugula is one of the healthiest vegetables on this planet for you to feed your bearded dragon. So why not try it out?

It’s Rich in Nutrients: When you consider all the benefits that arugula has, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t try feeding some to your beardie. It contains many vitamins and minerals which will improve their overall health and wellbeing.

They Will Have More Energy: A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that feeding fruits means they will get an instant sugar rush (which they do). But after the initial sugar high disappears, expect them to crash soon afterward. leaving your beardie sluggish. However, feeding them arugula gives them a steady supply of energy from the carbohydrates contained within. This gives them more consistent energy levels throughout the day.

It’s Low in Calories: A 100 gram serving of arugula contains only 18 calories. This makes it a great food for bearded dragons who are trying to lose weight or want their diet to be lower in calories.

They Will Have Stronger Teeth and Claws: Feeding your beardie arugula on a regular basis will help with the wear and tear of their teeth and claws. This is because the calcium in it helps build stronger bones which results in stronger teeth and claws, unlike most other plants which do not contain this mineral.

There Is No Risk of Bacteria or Parasites: Arugula has been eaten by humans for thousands of years and there is no record of anyone getting sick from eating it. You can be sure that this plant is completely safe to eat.

Which Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Eat?

Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Arugula

It’s Important to Limit the Amount They Get: Arugula does have a lot of nutrients in it, which makes it an excellent food for your bearded dragon. However, too much of a good thing can be bad. It’s important that you limit how much they get and only give them enough so they know it is available to eat (around 2-3 times per week). Forcing or hand feeding them is not recommended as the risk of injury is too high if they feel threatened in any way.

Alternative Foods For Bearded Dragons Arugula

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale?

Yes! Feed at least once per week as this vegetable has additional benefits such as increased energy and staving off metabolic bone disease.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spinach?

Yes! Feed regularly in moderation because it contains high concentrations of oxalates which can make them sick if eaten in excess (only feed when other sources are not available).

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Silverbeet?

Yes! Treat like you would kale and keep the portions small because it contains high amounts of oxalates which are harmful if eaten in excess.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Collard Greens?

Yes! Feed occasionally in small amounts because it contains high levels of calcium which can make them sick if given too much.

Summary

Arugula is a plant that has been used in salads for thousands of years. However, it is now gaining popularity as a vegetable that bearded dragons can eat on a regular basis.

In conclusion, arugula is not toxic to bearded dragons and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Iron, Magnesium and Calcium. It also has some fiber which will aid with their bowels while keeping them feeling full.

Please make sure you always research foods before feeding them to your beardie, even if they are safe to eat “most of the time”. Every beardie’s nutritional needs are different so even if it is safe for one person’s dragon it may not be safe for yours.

I hope this article has helped answer the question of “Can Bearded Dragons Eat Arugula?”

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cauliflower? (See What Happens)


can bearded dragons eat cauliflower

Yes, bearded dragons can eat cauliflower! Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both vegetation and meat. As their names suggest, they love to eat vegetables like cucumbers and peppers.

Cauliflower is known as Brassica oleracea in the scientific community. It is a cultivar of cabbage, part of the Brassicaceae family. Like all cabbages, cauliflower is rich in fiber but does not contain any protein or fat. Just like other leaf vegetables (including kale), it contains high levels of vitamin C. Cauliflower is an excellent source of several other vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin and folate. Check out the vegetables.

is it safe for bearded dragons cauliflower

Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Cauliflower

Cauliflower is an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals that your bearded dragon needs. This veggie also contains fiber, which regulates digestion. It will keep the digestive system of your beloved pet in check all throughout the day.

Bearded dragons are omnivores, so it’s great to feed them a variety of foods from both plant and animal sources. Cauliflower is a vegetable, but it has no protein or fat at all! While this may seem bad for bearded dragons who need those nutrients, there are other vegetables that you could feed your pet that contain these macronutrients. French beans, cooked carrots or peas would make good choices as well because they boost the amount of protein and fat in its diet. In fact, peas are rich in protein (about 10%, which is high for plant-based proteins) and can help bearded dragons get the amount of protein that they need.

Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Consume

Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Cauliflower

You’ve probably already seen your bearded dragon chomping away at cauliflower leaves or having fun with a whole head. It’s fine to let them play with it because it’s not poisonous like some other vegetables like rhubarb. But you should make sure that your pet doesn’t eat too much of this vegetable all at once. This is because eating a lot of cauliflower could lead to a condition called steatitis, where yellow fat appears around the belly area as well as swollen joints. This problem may cause serious damage to your pet, so it’s best that you monitor the amount of cauliflower that your beardie eats.

Summary

Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins and minerals for bearded dragons. It also contains fiber, which keeps their digestive systems healthy all throughout the day. However, too much cauliflower could lead to steatitis or yellow fat around the belly area as well as swollen joints. To be on the safe side, pay close attention to how much cauliflower (or any other food) your pet eats!

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Nightcrawlers? (See What Happens)


can bearded dragons eat nightcrawlers

Bearded Dragons can eat nightcrawlers, but it is important to be careful when feeding them earthworms in the wild.

Bearded Dragons are typically omnivores, so their diets typically consist of both vegetation and meat. Grassy greens such as mustard greens or collard greens make up the majority of a healthy Bearded Dragon’s diet. However, in the wild, it is common for their food source to be supplemented by small insects such as crickets and mealworms. Recently there has been an increase in people who feed their Bearded Dragon earthworms rather than the typical crickets. This brings us to our question: Can Bearded Dragons eat nightcrawlers?

The short answer is Yes! In fact, earthworms are a healthy addition to your Bearded Dragon’s diet.

If they are not found near water or in topsoil, then you should avoid giving them worms that have come into contact with dirt. Once an earthworm has been pulled from the ground, it will begin to suffocate and release toxins in order to prevent any predators from eating it. It is best to give your dragon only the part of the worm that you want him/her to eat, without touching anything else on the worm itself as this could poison your bearded dragon. For example: if you wanted to only feed your bearded dragon half of the worm, you would cut the worm in half at the diameter (assuming it’s not already split), and then pull apart each side of the worm and give your bearded dragon only the soft inside of the worm. Check out which insects bearded dragons can eat?

is it safe for bearded dragons to eat nightcrawlers

Nutritional Components of Nightcrawlers

Nightcrawlers are high in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. They contain small amounts of vitamin C as well as the B-complex vitamins thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6). However, since nightcrawlers are typically not suggested in large quantities, you should also give your Bearded Dragon other sources of these nutrients.

As with any food that you feed to your Bearded Dragon, nightcrawlers do carry the risk of impaction if they are fed too often or in excess. Impaction occurs when there is an obstruction of the digestive tract usually due to feeding too many indigestible food items or because of a mineral imbalance. This is typically more harmful to the animal if it occurs in young, juvenile Bearded Dragons.

If you would like to increase your dragon’s calcium intake, then nightcrawlers are a good idea as long as they aren’t fed too frequently and other calcium sources such as leafy greens like collard greens are included in their diet.

Insects for Bearded Dragons

Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Nightcrawlers

  • High in protein, calcium and iron.
  • Can be safely fed to juvenile Bearded Dragons with proper supervision.
  • Earthworms contain small amounts of B-complex vitamins and vitamin C; can be a good source for my Bearded Dragon.

You should always wash your hands before handling your Bearded Dragon in order to reduce the chance of accidentally transferring any soil onto their skin. It is also important to make sure that your bearded dragon’s enclosure is kept clean at all times in order to prevent impaction from occurring if you accidentally transfer something into their cage that they shouldn’t eat.

Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Nightcrawlers

  • Can be difficult to find in some regions, especially if you are unable to go digging for them yourself.
  • May contain traces of soil which can lead to impaction if too many worms are fed at one time.
  • Nightcrawlers may have come into contact with contaminated soil and/or pesticides that, if eaten, could hurt your bearded dragon.

How Many Nightcrawlers Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

A good rule of thumb is to give your dragon only one nightcrawler about once a week. At least until he/she gets used to them.

If they are not eaten that day, then you can remove them from the enclosure in order to prevent them from being dug into the substrate and becoming part of your Bearded Dragon’s natural habitat.

Any time you feed your dragon something new, you should watch carefully for signs of impaction or distress in order to make sure that they are able to digest it properly with no issues. If any problems arise with feeding nightcrawlers to your bearded dragon, then avoid giving it anymore until their digestive system has had time to heal itself after the previous food item has been removed.

Summary

Nightcrawlers are safe for your bearded dragon to eat. However, if you want to remove the risk of impaction then only feed them once per week. Just be sure that it has been thoroughly washed before giving it to your bearded dragon and that they are big enough that they won’t get stuck in their throat!

You can always give your bearded dragon fresh vegetables with no added salt or spices as well. Feel free to consult our list of safe veggies, fruits and insects for bearded dragons for more information about what foods you can feed them. If you have any other questions or concerns about feeding nightcrawlers to your Bearded Dragon, then feel free to leave us a comment at the bottom of this article.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dragon Fruit? (See What Happens)


can bearded dragons eat dragon fruit

Yes bearded dragons can eat dragon fruit. Fruit is an important part of any healthy Bearded Dragon diet.

There are many fruits that Bearded Dragons can eat, but one that some owners swear by is dragon fruit. This article will explore whether it truly is safe for your Reptile to consume this unusual, brightly colored fruit.

Just like other Beardie food sources, fruits should not comprise more than about 20% of the lizard’s daily diet. Fruits also contain lots of good nutrients and provide your pet with much-needed water for hydration. The key to whether dragon fruit makes the cut is its sugar content. Dragon fruit is very high in sugar and can easily make your beardie obese if you feed them this treat too often. Check out the complete list of fruits.

is it safe for bearded dragons to eat dragon fruit

Nutritional Components of Dragon Fruit

  • Crude Protein: 1.3%
  • Fat: 0.2%
  • Sodium: 5mg/100g, 2%
  • Protein: 21.6mg/100g, 4.5%
  • Vitamin C: 97mg/100g, 169% of daily requirements
  • Calcium: 27mg/100g, 6% of daily requirements
  • Iron: 0.7mg/100g 7% of daily requirement
  • Fiber: 3.1%. 9 calories per gram.
  • Potassium: 340 mg/100 g, 8 percent of the RDI for adult humans
  • Despite sugar being a negative selling point with dragon fruit, this fruit is mostly made up of water fiber which is very healthy for Beardies.

Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is important when considering the Bearded Dragon’s diet; 4:1 is ideal. When it comes to fruit, dragon fruit is perfect. One whole serving of the fruit gives your beardie an excellent balance of calcium and phosphorus.

Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Dragon Fruit

There are several advantages to adding dragon fruit to your Beardie’s diet.

Naturally occurring taurine is found in dragon fruit, which is great for calcium absorption and overall bone health. This means that your beardie can grow into a healthy adult without the need for synthetic supplementation with taurine. Dragon fruit also contains high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and vitamin A. Vitamin C is vital for maintaining strong bones by facilitating collagen production, while fiber aids digestion by promoting the movement of material through the digestive tract. Potassium also plays an important role in many bodily functions including nerve transmission regulation as well as fluid balance throughout your Bearded Dragon’s body. Dragon fruit is also high in fiber.

Fruits Bearded Dragons Can Eat?

How to Feed My Bearded Dragon Dragon Fruit

The safest way to feed your Beardie dragon fruit is to cut it into small pieces and feed it to them by hand. Make sure you wash the fruit thoroughly before handling and never give your Beardie any part of the pit or seed.

Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Dragon Fruit

Despite all of the advantages dragon fruit has to offer, there are also some disadvantages you should be aware of.

First, the main con associated with feeding your Bearded Dragon this type of fruit is that it can get stuck in their jaw causing them to choke, or worse.. If you have a smaller beardie it might be too big for them to chew on so they could choke on it.

Second, due to the high sugar content in dragon fruit, care must be taken so that your Beardie does not become obese. Obesity can increase blood pressure and decrease life expectancy.

Another negative aspect of feeding dragon fruit is that its high phosphorus content when combined with low calcium intake over time could lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Finally, while dragon fruit is a great source of several important minerals and vitamins, its high sugar content means that you should only feed it to your Beardie sparingly.

Summary

In conclusion, dragon fruit is safe for your bearded dragon to eat, however, do not feed it to them every day because of its high sugar content which could lead to obesity. If you decide to give your bearded dragon fruit, cut the pieces into small pieces and only give it to them by hand.

Feeding other vegetables and fruits is a great way to promote healthy eating in your Bearded Dragon! I hope this article has provided you with valuable information on whether or not bearded dragons can eat dragon fruit. Thanks for reading! Look out for more great articles coming soon!

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery Leaves? (See What Happens)


can bearded dragons eat celery leaves

Yes! Bearded dragons love celery leaves and they’re a great treat for your dragon. Although very good for bearded dragons, they should only be given as occasional treats due to the high oxalate count.

Celery leaves have a lot of calcium in them and this is important to dragon health. Calcium helps to build strong bones.

Celery is also a good source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E.

So next time you need a treat for your bearded dragon make sure you have some celery stalks on hand. It’s inexpensive and easy to get from most grocery stores!

Water is very important for all animals, but especially so for lizards who cannot produce their own body moisture through internal means (such as other animals). For this reason, celery is an amazing hydrator for your bearded dragon. For the complete list please click here.

is it safe for bearded dragons to eat celery leaves

Nutritional Components of Celery Leaves

As I mentioned above, celery leaves contain a high amount of calcium, which is important for your pet’s health. They also contain vitamin C and A, as well as magnesium and potassium.

All of these contribute to a bearded dragon’s diet and general health offering an easy way to supplement their nutritional intake.

Celery leaves can be fed whole or chopped into small pieces; the smaller the pieces the more you will need to feed your dragon (so they don’t fill up on them and ignore their other food)!

You should only feed them celery occasionally because it has quite a high level of oxalates which can cause problems for reptiles if consumed too often.

If you do decide that you would like to feed your dragon celery leaves then I recommend feeding as many as they will eat.

If they turn their noses up at them, try putting a leaf or two in their enclosure so they can have a smell of them.

Like most greens, celery goes brown after a while so it’s best to prepare enough for one meal and no more.

Which Vegetables Bearded Dragons Can Eat?

Advantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Celery Leaves

There are many benefits to feeding celery leaves to your bearded dragon, such as the vitamins and minerals they provide.

Celery is also great for digestion.

A lot of food left in their guts can cause problems, like gas. Taking care of this issue by feeding them celery leaves will not only resolve this problem, but it’ll also make sure that your pet is getting plenty of fiber.

Celery leaves offer a tasty treat that’s full of nutrients and very healthy for bearded dragons. You should definitely try giving them celery if you haven’t already!

Disadvantages of Feeding My Bearded Dragon Celery Leaves

Celery leaves are very good for your bearded dragon, but you should NEVER feed your pet the stems or stalks.

These pieces of celery actually contain a toxin called oxalate, which can be fatal to reptiles (and humans).

If you do decide to feed them celery leaves make sure they’re only the ones at the top, with nothing else attached!

You shouldn’t have any problems if you follow this advice, but it’s still something worth being aware of.

As I mentioned before, just like most greens celery does go brown after a while so it’s best not to prepare too much at once on the off chance that they don’t eat it all.

Summary

In conclusion, it is okay to feed bearded dragons celery leaves, but only the leaves. Do not offer them stalks or stems as these can contain a toxin that’s harmful to reptiles.

Feeding your pet celery leaves is great because they provide plenty of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. There are many other vegetables and fruits you can also try feeding your bearded dragon instead of celery; some include peas, lightly cooked carrots, cooked potato skins, cucumbers, arugula, romaine lettuce, pumpkin, eggplant, etc.

Note: Please do some research on our page before deciding whether or not to feed your pet certain foods. We have an extensive list of foods for your bearded dragon!