Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries? 2 Benefits | Full Guide

Bearded dragons are lizards native to central Australia’s hot woodlands and deserts. Now, they have started to become regular in pet shops around the world. These reptiles have a long life span and are very easy to take care of. They are friendly and tend to form close bonds with their pet parent. With these animals becoming domesticated, we must know how and what to feed them. What does their diet require? Are fruits something they can eat? Can bearded dragons eat strawberries? How about veggies? Are these reptiles meat eaters? We, as their owners, should be responsible and be able to provide them with an adequate supply of food. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?

Bearded dragons can eat strawberries. These reptiles love to eat strawberries and anything sweet. But this fruit is generally not given to them as part of a regular diet as it has low nutritional value for such a huge lizard. But it does contain some essential nutrients necessary for them.

The bearded dragon is omnivorous, meaning they are both plant-eaters and meat-eaters. A typical diet will consist of enough proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to sustain itself. In addition, they need a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. It is best to achieve these dietary requirements with natural foods as much as possible. However, it is alright to use supplements if necessary. 

Age, maturity, and weight play a role in the reptile’s diet. You can speak with your local veterinarian regarding the specific diet plan for your reptile if you are unsure. 

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?

Bearded dragons should not be fed strawberries daily due to the high sugar and phosphorus levels found in strawberries, and they are also acidic. 

Overeating can cause stomach upsets and other concerning health issues. Giving them strawberries as a sweet treat once a month is fine. A bearded dragon’s regular diet should be 50% plant-based and 50% animal-based. In this, 10% should be fruit. 

Besides strawberries, a bearded dragon can eat apples, pears, apricots, bananas, blueberries, grapes, guava, kiwi, papaya, and much more. 

2 Benefits of Strawberries for Bearded Dragons

1: Antioxidants Reduce Cancer Risk

Strawberries contain large amounts of antioxidants which helps in reducing the risk of cancer in the bearded dragon’s body, increasing the production of free radical cells and preventing cell damage. Antioxidants are required for the body and have a lot of positive advantages for your pet.

Furthermore, strawberries contain vitamin C, D3, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and various minerals. Vitamin C improves eyesight and boosts the immune system, and calcium helps strengthen the bones and tissue of the animal. 

Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential nutrients for bearded dragons that must be present regularly in their diet. You can always dust the foods in calcium powder to ensure they are getting enough. 

2: Fiber Helps in Keeping Bearded Dragons Full for a Long Time

Strawberries have a significantly higher fiber content compared to other fruits. Fiber helps with satiety, keeps the dragon’s stomach full for longer, and keeps the gastrointestinal tract flowing smoothly and clean as it ensures an easy digestion process. 

Dark leafy greens of strawberries are rich in nutrients and have a high fiber content. Such greens are very good for your lizard because they need at least 20-25% of fiber and dry matter in their diet, and fiber also helps them bulk up. 

2 Risks of Feeding Strawberries to Bearded Dragons

1: A High Phosperhous to Calcium Ratio Must be Maintained to Avoid MBD

Calcium is an essential part of their diet to support bone development, and the body needs this nutrient for good health. One cup of strawberries has 23 grams of calcium and 36 grams of phosphorus. 

Feeding them foods with very high phosphorus can reduce your bearded dragon’s calcium supply. Keep an eye on what you are feeding them, and ensure they are rich in calcium and low in phosphorus. 

Excessive amounts of phosphorus can prevent calcium from getting absorbed by the bloodstream, which can cause Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and devastating consequences. It may lead to the bearded dragon having continuous pain or even paralyzing the lizard’s body, resulting in distorted bone structure and development. 

2: High Quantity of Sugar Causes Digestive Problems

Strawberries have high sugar content, which makes them very sweet. Too much sugar can cause digestive and other health issues for the reptile. Long-term sugar consumption can spike blood sugar levels, leading to diabetes. Obesity in animals is a common result of high fructose (natural sugars found in fruits) consumption. Tooth decay or tooth loss is also highly possible. 

Along with sugar, strawberries have high water content, which is good for hydration, but too much water can cause diarrhea. It can have the opposite effect, resulting in dehydrating your bearded dragon. 

How to Prepare Strawberries for your Bearded Dragon?

Check and Wash the Strawberries

Since strawberries are grown on the ground, they will have a fair amount of dirt from the harvesting process, leading to some strawberries becoming damaged, squashed, or even rotten.

Check the strawberry carefully for any dirt. Then wash the fruit under running water to eliminate the dirt and other particles stuck to the skin. It is better to soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the pesticide residue coating the fruit’s skin to come off. You can also buy organic strawberries that are grown chemical free.

Cut the Strawberry Into Small Pieces

Bearded dragons are large beings, and eating and swallowing a whole strawberry in one bite is no problem. However, it is best if you cut the fruit in half as it will make it easier for them to chew without it becoming a choking hazard.

Put the Food in an Appropriate Bowl

These reptiles can sometimes have difficulty eating. So to make things easier, place the food in a shallow bowl so that they can put their head into the bowl and eat all the food given. If your lizard is being picky and not eating its veggies or green leaves, putting a strawberry on top of the food can help entice them.

Conclusion

Can bearded dragons eat strawberries? Yes, they can. It is safe for them to eat strawberries. But you should not give this fruit to them daily, and it is best to give strawberries as treats once a month only. Too much of this can cause the reptile to develop illnesses, stomach aches, and other health issues such as obesity, MBD, or tooth decay.

Nevertheless, strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin D3, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential nutrients they need in sufficient quantities. The leaves of the strawberry plant are also non-toxic and safe to feed your pet lizard, and even the strawberry seeds are healthy for them. 

Ensure you feed them an equal ratio of plants, veggies, and meat. It will ensure your lizard has a balanced diet and that the food you give them can support their nutritional requirements. If you are not sure, you can always consult with your neighborhood veterinarian regarding the proper diet plan to follow for your bearded dragon. 

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