Bearded dragons can occasionally have banana as a treat, but it should not be a part of their regular diet. Banana is a fruit that is low in nutrition, but high in carbohydrates and sugars. These foods can lead to obesity and other health problems in bearded dragons.
It’s best to feed them a balanced diet made up of vitamin- and calcium-rich food including insects, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables. If you do feed your bearded dragon banana, it should be given in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the banana is cut into small pieces so that they don’t choke on it.
Table of Contents
How much banana can a bearded dragon eat?
Bearded dragons can typically eat up to one-third of a banana a day as part of a balanced diet. Generally, it is best to feed them pieces of banana sliced into small cubes to avoid them choking. A bearded dragon should never eat more than one-third of a banana a day because it is high in sugar and may cause digestive issues.
To ensure that a bearded dragon remains healthy, it is important to feed them a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are safe for them. Vegetables such as kale, carrots, and squash should be fed daily, with fruits only used as a treat.
A balanced diet also includes high-quality commercial bearded dragon food, insects, and occasional lean meats.
What fruit is toxic to bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards native to Australia, and are commonly kept as pets. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of live invertebrates such as insects, spiders, and other small animals.
In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, including fresh vegetables and fruits. While most fruits are safe for them to eat, there are some that are toxic and should be avoided.
The most common toxic fruits for bearded dragons are citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, as well as other related fruits like tangerines and kumquats. These contain high levels of citric acid, which can cause digestive issues in bearded dragons and even lead to kidney failure.
Additionally, fruits that contain a large amount of sugar, such as grapes and apples, can cause digestive issues and obesity in dragons.
In general, it is best to avoid feeding your bearded dragon fruit altogether, as they need a balanced diet of vegetables, proteins, and calcium to stay healthy. If you do choose to feed them fruit, always do so in moderation and make sure to remove any uneaten pieces from the enclosure to prevent spoilage.
Can my bearded dragon eat his dead skin?
No, you should never let your bearded dragon eat his own dead skin. Bearded dragons naturally shed their skin on a regular basis, and while they may sometimes snack on small pieces of their dead skin while they’re shedding, they should never be allowed to swallow these pieces.
Dead skin can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and parasites that could negatively affect your bearded dragon’s health. Additionally, feeding your bearded dragon his own skin may interfere with proper digestion and can actually make shedding problems worse, as your bearded dragon won’t shed as readily if he’s eating the dead skin.
If your bearded dragon does ingest some of his own dead skin accidentally, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, but regular consumption is not recommended.
Does soaking bearded dragons hydrate them?
Yes, soaking bearded dragons can help keep your Beardie hydrated. Because these reptiles do not produce their own body fluids, they rely on ingesting fluids from their diet, as well as from a soaking.
Soaking helps bearded dragons absorb more water than when drinking from a water dish and is particularly helpful for those with metabolicbone disease, which often makes it difficult for them to absorb water.
A 20-minute soak in 2 to 4 inches of lukewarm water should be enough to keep your Beardie hydrated. You can even use a few drops of reptile-friendly vitamins or electrolyte supplements in the soaking water to give your pet an extra boost.
Be sure to empty and change the water after each soak, as standard, untreated tap water can quickly become contaminated with bacteria if left standing. Finally, it’s important to remember that soaking is just one way to help keep your Beardie hydrated, and you should also provide plenty of water in the form of a shallow water bowl for drinking.
Should you soak a bearded dragon?
Yes, you should soak a bearded dragon as part of their regular care and health maintenance. Bathing or soaking a bearded dragon is known as hydrotherapy, which is especially important for shedding skin.
Bearded dragons should be soaked for 10-15 minutes in shallow, warm water about once a week. Make sure to only fill the tub or container with enough water to reach the beardie’s shoulders so he can easily move around and can stay above water if needed.
If the temperature of the water is not monitored, it can be too hot or too cold for the reptile, causing stress or shock. The ideal temperature for the water should be between 80-90°F (27-32°C). After the soak, you should dry your bearded dragon with a nonabrasive cloth and let them warm up in a secure location.
Additionally, bathing promotes good hygiene, conditions the skin and prevents potential parasites. Therefore, it is important to include bathing as part of the regular maintenance of your bearded dragon.
Can lizards eat their dead skin?
Yes, lizards can eat their dead skin. Lizards get rid of their skin by shedding it, and it is actually quite common for them to eat it afterwards. This behavior is believed to help lizards regulate the amount of calcium within their body.
Eating shed skin is especially beneficial for pregnant female lizards as it provides additional calcium that is necessary for the development of eggs. Additionally, dead skin is high in protein, providing lizards with a much-needed nutritional boost.
Studies have also shown that lizards are more likely to eat their shed skin when they don’t have access to other food sources. While not all lizards eat their dead skin, this behavior is more common among omnivorous species.
Should I peel the dead skin off my bearded dragon?
No, it’s best not to peel the dead skin off your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons naturally shed their skin, and trying to peel it off can damage their delicate integumentary system. If you notice dead skin on your dragon, it’s best to wait for them to shed it naturally.
If you are concerned that the skin is not coming off fast enough, you can provide them with a warm bath to help the process along. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you are providing your dragon a balanced diet so they have the nutrition they need to naturally shed their skin.
Some people like to help their dragon in the shedding process by using a damp warm cloth to rub the scales, but it’s important to be gentle and not to create too much friction. If ever you notice any signs of infection, you should visit your vet for the necessary treatment.
Are bearded dragons skin toxic?
No, bearded dragons’ skin is not toxic. Bearded dragons are part of the Agamidae family of lizards, native to Australia. They have dry, scaly skin that is covered in spines, some of which may be poisonous.
However, their skin is not toxic, and you can safely handle them. Bearded dragons tend to be docile and enjoy interacting with humans. In order for them to remain strong and healthy, however, they require a specific diet of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Proper care and nutrition are key to maintaining the overall health of your bearded dragon, and this includes their skin. Regular bathing and shedding helps keep their skin healthy and moisturized. Additionally, providing your dragon with an environment with proper heat, light, and humidity will help keep its skin in optimal condition.
Is there anything a bearded dragon should not eat?
Yes, there are a few things that a bearded dragon should not eat. These include: chocolate, caffeine, any type of dairy product, garlic, onions, fruits high in sugar (like grapes and mangoes), spicy foods, moths, mealworms, grasshoppers, large crickets, and any type of processed food.
These foods can be toxic to bearded dragons, cause digestive issues, and can even be fatal if ingested in large quantities. It is best to stick to a diet of small insects, like crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, as well as dark leafy greens and a few fruits.
Additionally, fresh water should be available at all times.
What foods are poisonous to Beardies?
Bearded Dragons (also known as “Beardies”) are omnivorous lizards who primarily eat a variety of insects and leafy greens. There are certain foods that are poisonous to Beardies and should be avoided at all costs.
First, certain fruits should never be fed to Beardies. Some examples include apples, peaches, and citrus fruits (e. g. , oranges and lemons). Fruits of this variety have high levels of natural sugars that are not suitable for Beardies and can lead to dangerous and potentially deadly conditions such as diabetes and pancreatitis.
Second, vegetables and other foods with high levels of oxalic acid should also be avoided. Examples include kale, rhubarb, spinach, courgette (zucchini). This acid binds with calcium, preventing its absorption in the Bearded Dragon’s body and leading to calcium deficiencies.
Third and finally, don’t feed your Beardie with mushrooms as these contain compounds which can cause liver damage.
In summary, it’s important to note that certain foods that are safe for humans may not be safe for Beardies, so it’s important to always consult a veterinarian before feeding them any food. It’s best to stick to safe, approved foods, such as crickets, mealworms, and other insects for proteins, and dark, leafy greens for vegetables and fibres.
Can Beardies eat tomatoes?
Yes, Beardies can eat tomatoes, although it is not recommended to feed them tomatoes or any other fruit or vegetable too often. Tomatoes can be a part of a balanced diet for bearded dragons, but should only make up a small portion of their diet.
Tomatoes are known to be a food source high in acidity, which could potentially lead to digestive problems for your Beardie. It is important to thoroughly rinse and cut the tomatoes into very small pieces to reduce the risk of digestive issues.
Furthermore, tomatoes contain oxalates, a group of chemicals that can contribute to kidney stones, so should not be consumed in large quantities. Feeding a variety of vegetables, greens, and insects will provide your Beardie with the nutrients they need without the risk of potential health issues.
