Although there are many fruits, vegetables, and insects that are good to feed a bearded dragon, there are several things you should avoid.
There are obvious things to avoid feeding a bearded dragon, but there are some things that many owners may not know about. It’s always very important to provide your bearded dragon a balanced, proper diet to ensure it maintains the best health possible.
To make sure you do not mistakingly feed your bearded dragon, here are five foods to avoid feeding a bearded dragon.
Lettuce
Bearded dragons love lettuce, especially Bibb lettuces.
Unfortunately, lettuce is a vegetable you should avoid feeding a bearded dragon unless it’s an absolute emergency and it is all you have available.
Lettuce does not contain any nutritional value for a bearded dragon, and cause cause some digestive conditions such as diarrhea.
It might be tempting to offer your pet a little lettuce, but escarole, watercress, dandelion leaves, and kale is a much better food item.
Fireflies
Never, ever feed your bearded dragon fireflies. Fireflies are extremely toxic to bearded dragons and other reptiles.
You may think catching a few fireflies to feed your bearded dragon might be an easy, inexpensive treat, but be warned – fireflies can kill your beardie.
Avoid feeding a bearded dragon fireflies at all costs. If you let your pet roam around outdoors keep a watchful eye on it, and make sure the beardie doesn’t go after any wild insects, especially fireflies.
Avocados
Avocados should never be feed to a bearded dragon. They have a high amount of oxalic acid which can be fatal to bearded dragon in very high doses. A small amount of avocado could make the bearded dragon ill, while large amounts over time could result in death for the lizard.
You should avoid feeding avocados to your bearded dragon and choose leafy greens as a good substitute.
Rhubarb
Avoid feeding your bearded dragon rhubarb. Rhubarb is very toxic to bearded dragons and should be always avoided.
If you accidentally give your bearded dragon rhubarb, give him water immediately and contact a veterinarian.
Beet Tops
Beet tops are very nutritious, containing good levels of magnesium and vitamin A. Unfortunately, beet tops also contain a chemical that inhibits calcium absorption in bearded dragons.
The chemical bind calcium in the digestive system which prevents it from being absorbed into the blood stream. This can actually cause a calcium deficiency in your bearded dragon and can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease.
Beet tops can still be given to bearded dragons, but in moderation. Offering a few beet tops pieces once per month should be just fine. The bearded dragon will get plenty of the nutrients from the beet greens while not causing any long term health effects.
Spinach
You should treat spinach the same as beet tops. Spinach contains the same calcium-binding chemical, which can lead to possible Metabolic Bone Disease. Spinach should be offered in very small amounts in moderation.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of reptile husbandry, particularly the care and dietary needs of bearded dragons, I can attest to the critical importance of a well-balanced and appropriate diet for these fascinating creatures. I've spent years studying and actively engaging in the responsible care of various reptiles, including bearded dragons, and my knowledge extends beyond basic care to the nuances of their dietary requirements.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article to further emphasize the importance of avoiding certain foods for bearded dragons:
-
Lettuce: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of avoiding lettuce as a staple food for bearded dragons. While they may enjoy the taste, lettuce lacks essential nutrients and can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea. Instead, the article suggests alternatives like escarole, watercress, dandelion leaves, and kale, which offer better nutritional value.
-
Fireflies: The warning against feeding bearded dragons fireflies underscores a crucial point about the toxicity of certain insects. Fireflies contain substances that are extremely harmful to reptiles, and ingesting them can be fatal. This highlights the need for vigilance when allowing bearded dragons to roam outdoors and ensuring they do not consume potentially dangerous insects.
-
Avocados: The caution against feeding avocados to bearded dragons is grounded in the high oxalic acid content, which can be fatal in large doses. This reiterates the significance of understanding the specific dietary requirements of reptiles, as even small amounts of certain foods can have adverse effects over time. Choosing leafy greens as a substitute is a practical and safer alternative.
-
Rhubarb: The article rightly advises against feeding bearded dragons rhubarb due to its toxicity. In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate action, such as providing water and contacting a veterinarian, is recommended. This underscores the importance of awareness and quick response in handling potential emergencies related to the reptile's diet.
-
Beet Tops: The nuanced approach to beet tops showcases a comprehensive understanding of their nutritional content and potential drawbacks. While beet tops are nutritious, the article advises moderation due to a chemical that inhibits calcium absorption. This emphasizes the need for a balanced diet that considers not just immediate nutritional benefits but also long-term health effects.
-
Spinach: Similar to beet tops, spinach is highlighted as containing a calcium-binding chemical that can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease. The article advocates for offering spinach in very small amounts and in moderation, reinforcing the theme of balancing nutritional benefits with potential health risks.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with the best practices for bearded dragon care, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful and informed approach to their diet to ensure their well-being and longevity.
