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Avocados are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are here, you are probably wondering can Bearded Dragons eat avocados? Luckily, we are here to help answer this question and more around adding fruits to your Bearded Dragon diet.
What is an avocado and where does it come from?
The avocado is a delicious fruit that is often used in salads and dips. But what exactly is an avocado, and where does it come from?
An avocado is a tree that is native to Mexico and Central America. The fruit of the avocado tree is green and pear-shaped, with a smooth, creamy texture. Avocados are high in healthy fats, and are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
The avocado tree was first cultivated by the Aztecs, who called it “ahuacatl.” The Spanish conquistadors who arrived in the Americas in the 16th century subsequently gave the fruit its current name. Today, avocados are grown in many parts of the world, including Mexico, California, Chile, Peru, South Africa, and Australia.
So next time you enjoy a delicious avocado salad or guacamole dip, remember that this popular fruit has a long and interesting history.
Can Bearded Dragons eat avocados?
When it comes to dietary concerns for our scaly friends, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. For instance, many people believe that Bearded Dragons are strictly carnivores and should never eat fruits or vegetables. However, this isn’t necessarily true. While Bearded Dragons do require a higher percentage of protein in their diet than most other reptiles, they can still benefit from fruits or veggies. So, what about avocados? Can Bearded Dragons eat avocados?
Interestingly enough, avocados are should NOT be eaten for Bearded Dragons for a variety fo reasons. Although this amazing fruit is a superfood for many in your household, the same does not hold true when considering feeding an avocado to your scaled friend.
Why You Should Not Feed Avocados to Your Bearded Dragon
There are several reasons why you should never feed avocados to your Bearded Dragon.
High in Oxalic Acid
Some bearded dragon owners have been known to feed their pets Avocados, thinking that they are being healthy. However, Avocados are actually one of the worst things that you can give to a bearded dragon and can shorten a bearded dragon lifespan. The reason for this is that Avocados are very high in oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can be found in a wide variety of plants, including chocolate, almonds, vegetables, and leafy greens, amongst others. Read below for details on why you should avoid feeding avocados to your lizard friend.
When ingested, oxalic acid binds to calcium in the body and prevents the absorption of this essential mineral. It is one of the calcium inhibiting foods that inhibits calcium absorption and a calcium imbalance for your lizard friend.
A calcium imbalance can lead to a condition known as metabolic bone disease, which is a serious and potentially fatal illness. Metabolic bone disease is caused by a lack of calcium in the body, and can cause deformities, fractures, and muscle weakness
If you want to give your bearded dragon a healthy treat, stick to something that is low in oxalic acid, such as carrots or apples that does not block the ability to absorb calcium. Avocados should be avoided at all costs.
Decreased Mineral Absorption
Due to the high amounts of oxalic acid present in avocados, feeding this fruit to your Bearded Dragon can also lead to decreased absorption of other essential minerals, such as magnesium and potassium.
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These minerals are important for many bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation. A lack of these minerals can have serious consequences for your bearded dragon’s health.
What You Should Do If Your Beardy Eats an Avocado
If your reptilian friend has gotten a hold of an avocado, don’t panic. Below are steps to take in case you have fed your beardie an avocado.
Call the vet
The first thing you should do is remove any uneaten avocado from their cage. Then, call your vet immediately and explain what has happened.
Your vet will likely want to do a physical examination and may also recommend blood and urine tests to check for signs of toxicity. If your bearded dragon is showing any symptoms of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or vomiting, they will need to be seen by a vet right away.
Monitor Activity
Watch your Bearded Dragon closely for the next 24-48 hours for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.
Give Lots of Water
Be sure to offer your bearded dragon plenty of water to drink. This will help flush the toxins out of their system and prevent dehydration.
Offer calcium-rich foods
If your bearded dragon is not showing any signs of illness, you can try offering them calcium-rich foods. Some examples are collard greens, leafy greens or calcium dusted food such as insects. This will help replenish the calcium deficiency that was lost due to the ingestion of avocado.
Alternative Fruits That Bearded Dragons Can Eat
Although avocados are a no-go for bearded dragons, there are plenty of other fruits that are safe for them to eat and will not cause inadequate calcium. Here are some good options:
Apples
An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, but it can certainly be a healthy treat for your bearded dragon. When feeding apples, just be sure to remove the seeds and core before feeding, as these parts of the fruit can be harmful to your pet.
Bananas
Bananas are a delicious and nutritious treat for your bearded dragon. They are high in potassium, which is an essential mineral for bearded dragons. Just be sure to peel the banana before offering it to your pet.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating treat for your bearded dragon. It is also a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Just be sure to remove the seeds before feeding, as they can be harmful to your pet.
Mango
Mangoes are a sweet and delicious fruit that can make a great treat for your Bearded Dragon. While it is important to research which fruits are safe for your specific Bearded Dragon, providing them with a few slices of mango will give them some good nutrients and vitamins that they need to stay healthy.
Papaya
Papayas are a sweet and nutritious fruit that can be a healthy treat for your bearded dragon. Just be sure to remove the seeds before feeding, as they can be harmful to your pet.
Dates
A date can be given to a bearded dragon every now and then as part of their diet. Just like with any other food, moderation is key. Dates are high in sugar content, so giving them too many can lead to health problems down the road.
Peaches
A peach can be a great snack for your bearded dragon. Just be sure to remove the pit before feeding, as it can be harmful to your pet.
As you can see, there are plenty of safe and healthy fruits that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Just be sure to do your research and feed them in moderation. If your beardie shows any change in behavior or appetite after introducing a new food, seek veterinary advice.
About The Bearded Dragon Diet
When it comes to the diet of a bearded dragon, there are a few things you need to know.
They Are Omnivores
An important thing to know about bearded dragons is that they are omnivores. This means that they need both plants and animals in their diet in order to be healthy. As they grow from baby to the juvenile bearded dragon and later into adult hood their diet will change.
A baby bearded dragon will eat mostly protein found from insects such as crickets or Dubai roaches. As they reach adulthood, they will move to a more plant based diet full of leafy greens. A good ratio to follow for an adult bearded dragon is about 80% plant matter and 30% animal protein.
Need A Variety of Foods
Bearded dragons need a variety of foods in their diet in order to stay healthy and maintain a balanced diet. This includes a mix of vegetables, fruits, and protein. Feeding them the same thing every day can lead to health problems down the road.
A good way to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting a variety of foods is to offer them a buffet-style meal. This way they can choose what they want to eat and you can be sure that they are getting a well-rounded diet.
Important Nutrients
There are a few important nutrients that your bearded dragon needs in order to stay healthy. These include:
Protein – This is essential for growth and development.
Calcium – The ability to absorb calcium is essential for bone and muscle health.
Vitamin A – This is essential for eye and skin health.
Vitamin D3 – This is essential for calcium absorption.
Vitamin B – This is essential for a healthy metabolism.
Water – This is essential for overall health and hydration.
As you can see, there are a variety of important nutrients that your bearded dragon needs in order to stay healthy. Be sure to offer them a variety of foods so that they can get all the nutrients they need.
Eat food that is easy to digest
One important thing to remember when feeding your bearded dragon is to offer them food that is easy to digest. This means avoiding things like bones, shells, and seeds. These can all cause digestive problems and make it difficult for your bearded dragon to absorb the nutrients they need.
A common health issue seen in bearded dragons is binding. This is when the food they eat gets stuck in their digestive system and can’t be passed. This can be a very serious health issue and even lead to death if not treated promptly. If you think your bearded dragon is constipated, please take them to the vet right away.
Should not eat food that is too spicy
Another important thing to remember when feeding your bearded dragon is to avoid food that is too spicy. Some fruits, like peppers, can contain a chemical called capsaicin. This substance can irritate your bearded dragon’s digestive system and cause health problems. If you’re not sure if a fruit is safe for your bearded dragon, it’s always best to consult with a reptile veterinarian beforehand.
If you follow these guidelines, your bearded dragon will have a healthy diet and a long and happy life.
How Do Fruits Incorporate Into the Bearded Dragon Diet?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles, meaning that they typically eat both plants and animals. In the wild, a typical bearded dragon diet consists of about 80% insects and 20% plants. However, in captivity, their diet is often reversed, with 80% of their diet being plants and 20% being insects. This is because it is easier to provide a steady supply of plants than it is to provide a steady supply of insects.
Fruits can be a great addition to the diet of a bearded dragon. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they can help add variety to their diet. Just be sure to do your research and feed them in moderation, as too much fruit can lead to health problems.
When it comes to feeding fruits to your bearded dragon, it is important to remember that they should only make up a small part of their diet. Fruits are generally high in sugar content, and too much sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Bearded dragons typically eat about 10% insects and 90% plants, so a good rule of thumb is to feed them about 10% fruit and 90% vegetables.
There are a variety of safe and healthy fruits that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Some of the most popular options include bananas, mangoes, watermelon, and papaya. Just be sure to do your research and feed them in moderation, as too much fruit can lead to health problems.
How to Prepare Fruit for Your Bearded Dragon
As any bearded dragon owner knows, these friendly lizards are not picky eaters. In the wild, they will consume just about anything they can get their mouths on, from small insects to larger prey. However, pet bearded dragons should have a diet that consists mainly of fruits and vegetables.
If you’re wondering how to prepare fruit for your bearded dragon, the good news is that it’s actually quite simple. Start by washing the fruit with water to remove any dirt or pesticides.
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Next, cut the fruit into small pieces that can be easily eaten by your lizard. Be sure to remove any seeds, as these can be harmful to bearded dragons.
Finally, offer the fruit to your lizard and watch as they enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.
Wrapping Up
Avocados may be a delicious and nutritious fruit for humans, but they can be very dangerous for bearded dragons. If your pet has ingested avocado, call your vet immediately and watch for signs of illness. Offer plenty of water and calcium-rich foods to help replenish the nutrients that were lost due to the ingestion of avocado.
The answer to can Bearded Dragons eat avocados is a resounding no. There are plenty of other safe and healthy fruits that your bearded dragon can enjoy, so don’t worry – they’ll still be able to enjoy a variety of delicious snacks. Just be sure to do your research and feed them in moderation.
FAQ and Related Questions
Below is additional information related to this article.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat blueberries. It is great in moderation, just avoid feeding to many so your lizard friend does not get too much fat. Over feeding any fruit puts excess fat in your bearded dragon’s diet and cause issues.
Just be sure to wash them thoroughly and cut them into small pieces before offering them to your pet. Blueberries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they can help add variety to the diet of a bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat apples. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly and cut them into small pieces before offering them to your pet. Apples are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they can help add variety to the diet of a bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?
In the wild, bearded dragons are opportunistic eaters, meaning they will consume whatever food sources are available to them. This includes a variety of insects, small mammals, and reptiles. However, they also eat fruit and vegetables, which provide important vitamins and minerals. So, can bearded dragons eat strawberries?
The answer is yes! In fact, strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion. Bearded dragons love to eat sweet fruits, so strawberries make a perfect treat! Just be sure to wash them thoroughly first and cut them into small pieces to avoid choking.
