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What Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-18 Origin: Site

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A healthy bearded dragon thrives on a balanced, species-appropriate diet. While leafy greens and live insects are the foundation of good nutrition, many owners wonder if adding fruit can enhance their pet's meals. Let's break down the most common questions about offering fruit to bearded dragons.

Bearded Dragon Eat Fruits

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fruit?

Yes — but only in small amounts. Fruits contain natural sugars that, while tasty, can lead to weight gain or diarrhea if overfed. When used correctly, they serve as an occasional treat, adding variety and enrichment to your dragon's routine.

For juvenile bearded dragons under 12 months, it's best to limit fruit to less than 5% of their diet because of their faster metabolism and higher protein needs. Adult dragons, especially older ones, may require even stricter sugar control to prevent weight gain and related health issues.

Age Group	Protein (Insects)	Vegetables & Greens	Fruit	Notes
Baby (<6 months)	70–80% of diet	20–30% of diet	<5%, very minimal	Feed insects daily; prioritize calcium and protein for growth
Juvenile (6–12 months)	50–60% of diet	40–50% of diet	Occasional, <5%	Gradually increase greens; still insect-heavy
Adult (1–5 years)	20–30% of diet	70–80% of diet	5–10%, max 1–2 times/week	Focus mainly on greens; insects as treats or protein supplement
Senior (5+ years)	10–20% of diet	80–90% of diet	Rare, minimal sugar intake	Watch for weight gain; emphasize low-sugar vegetables

Bearded Dragon Feeding Recommendations by Age

Which Fruits Are Safe for Bearded Dragons?

Many fruits are perfectly safe for bearded dragons when offered occasionally. Popular, beardie-approved options include:

• Strawberries
• Apples (peeled, sliced, no seeds)
• Watermelon
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Figs
• Mango
• Prickly pear
• Grapes (seedless, halved)
• Melons
• Peaches

Remember, fruits should only account for about 5–10% of your bearded dragon's diet.

It's important to note that some fruits, like bananas, have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of roughly 1:3, meaning they contain three times more phosphorus than calcium. Excess phosphorus can bind to calcium, making it unavailable for absorption and increasing the risk of metabolic bone disease.

Fruit	Calcium (mg)	Phosphorus (mg)	Ca:P Ratio
Strawberries	16	24	1:1.5
Apples	6	11	1:1.8
Watermelon	7	11	1:1.6
Blueberries	6	12	1:2
Blackberries	29	22	1.3:1
Raspberries	25	29	1:1.2
Figs (fresh)	35	14	2.5:1
Mango	11	14	1:1.3
Prickly pear	56	24	2.3:1
Grapes (seedless)	10	20	1:2
Melons (cantaloupe)	9	15	1:1.7
Peaches	6	20	1:3.3
Banana	5	22	1:4.4

Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratios for Common Fruits (Per 100g)

Which Druits Are Toxic for Bearded Dragons?

Even though some fruits are safe, there are important exceptions to watch out for:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) — too acidic, may upset their stomach.
• Bananas — high in phosphorus, which can interfere with calcium absorption.
• Fruits with large pits or seeds (like cherries or peaches) — always remove pits to prevent choking or digestive blockages.
• Avocado and rhubarb — toxic and should never be offered.

Do Bearded Dragons Need Fruit in Their Diet?

Not necessarily. While fruit can provide some extra moisture and natural sugars, bearded dragons can thrive without any fruit at all. Their primary nutritional needs are met through a mix of leafy greens (like collard and mustard greens), vegetables, and protein sources such as crickets or dubia roaches. Fruit should be seen as an occasional bonus, not a dietary requirement.

Long-term overfeeding of sugary fruits can increase the risk of fatty liver disease, obesity, and even diabetes in bearded dragons. It's essential to treat fruit as a special snack rather than a staple food.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fruit?

Fruits should not be a daily part of your dragon's meals. The best approach is to offer small fruit portions just once or twice a week. Focus on maintaining a nutrient-dense, calcium-rich diet to support their bone health and growth.

Pro Tips for Feeding Fruit

•Always wash fruits thoroughly to remove pesticides.

•Slice into small, manageable pieces.
•Mix fruit into salads with veggies for variety.
•Monitor for any digestive upset after introducing new fruits.

After feeding fruit, observe your bearded dragon for signs like soft or runny stools, bloating, or loss of appetite lasting more than 24 hours. If any of these occur, remove fruit from the diet and consult a reptile veterinarian.

Bearded Dragon Weekly Diet Plan

(With Scientifically Supported Fruit Integration)

Core principles:

- Adult bearded dragon: 70-80% green leafy vegetables, 10-20% protein (insects), <10% fruit

- Fruit as an occasional snack, not as a daily staple food

- Amount of fruit per feeding: about 1-2 small pieces or handfuls (equivalent to about 1-2 grams)

- Pay attention to the calcium to phosphorus ratio, sugar content, and fiber content of the fruit

Day	Vegetables (Core 70–80%)	Protein (20–30%)	Fruit (Max ~5–10%)
Monday	Collard greens (high calcium), mustard greens, bell pepper	Dubia roaches (calcium dusted)	1–2 small strawberries (rich in vit. C, antioxidants; Ca:P ~1:1.5)
Tuesday	Dandelion greens (high calcium), squash, okra	Crickets (calcium dusted)	None (avoid daily fruit; let gut process fiber)
Wednesday	Turnip greens, butternut squash, green beans	Phoenix worms (high calcium, soft-bodied larvae)	Thin slice of fig (high calcium; Ca:P ~2.5:1)
Thursday	Escarole, chicory, zucchini	Superworms (only occasional, moderate fat)	Tiny piece mango (beta-carotene rich; Ca:P ~1:1.3)
Friday	Collard greens, bok choy (moderate), bell peppers	None (adult dragons can skip bugs once/week)	Small cube prickly pear (excellent calcium; Ca:P ~2.3:1)
Saturday	Mustard greens, pumpkin, endive	Crickets (gut-loaded, calcium dusted)	Thin apple slice (peeled, no seeds; Ca:P ~1:1.8)
Sunday	Dandelion greens, spaghetti squash, kale (limited, oxalate warning)	Hornworms (hydrating, low fat)	Few blueberries or raspberries (antioxidant boost; Ca:P ~1:1–1.2)