Yup, your bearded dragon can munch on strawberries as a yummy treat! Give them 1-2 small, washed, and chopped strawberries once a week. To keep your scaly buddy happy and healthy, stick to a diet full of greens and insects, with strawberries as a fun extra.
This article, written by reptile experts, shares trustworthy and straightforward tips to make feeding strawberries exciting and safe. We’re here to help you keep your bearded dragon thriving with a big smile!
Understanding Bearded Dragon Food Needs
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) need food that matches their age. Young dragons eat mostly bugs (80%) and some plants (20%) to grow strong.
Adult dragons switch to more veggies (50-80%) and fewer bugs (20-50%). They need more calcium than phosphorus (2:1 ratio) to avoid weak bones from metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Fruits like strawberries should only be a small part (5-10%) of their diet because they’re sugary. This keeps strawberries as a special treat, not an everyday meal, so your dragon stays healthy and energetic.
Strawberry Nutrition
Strawberries are super healthy for your bearded dragon when given in small amounts. They’re loaded with Vitamin C to help their immune system and Vitamin K for strong bones.
They also have antioxidants to keep cells safe and fiber to aid digestion. A 100g serving of strawberries has about 32 calories, 7.7g of sugar, and 2g of fiber, making them a sweet, juicy treat. But too much sugar means you should only give them a little bit!
Strawberry Health Concerns
Strawberries are safe, but too many can cause problems because of their sugar. Eating too much sugar might make your dragon chubby, upset their tummy, or even hurt their teeth.
Strawberries have more phosphorus (24mg per 100g) than calcium (16mg per 100g), which can mess up their calcium balance if given too often. A little bit now and then keeps your dragon safe and happy.
Other Areas of Interest
Strawberries make mealtime fun for your bearded dragon! Watching them enjoy these sweet treats can make you feel closer to your pet.
Just ensure their diet is mostly greens, bugs, and a few fruits to keep them healthy. This way, strawberries add joy without taking over their food plan.
How to Feed Strawberries to Bearded Dragons
Giving strawberries the right way makes them a safe and exciting treat. Follow these easy tips to make your beardie love their snack time.
1. What Types of Strawberries Are Best?
Pick fresh, organic strawberries for the best treat. Organic ones don’t have pesticides, so they’re safer for your dragon.
Don’t use canned or dried strawberries because they often have extra sugar or chemicals that can hurt your pet. Choose ripe, red strawberries for the best taste and goodness.
2. Strawberry Preparation
Get strawberries ready with care to keep them safe. Wash them well to clean off dirt or chemicals. Cut off the green tops since they don’t have much nutrition.
Chop them into tiny pieces so your dragon can eat them easily without choking. This quick prep makes strawberries a safe treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some things to watch out for to keep your bearded dragon healthy:
- Giving too many strawberries: Too much can lead to sugar problems or an unbalanced diet.
- Using canned or dried strawberries: These have additives that aren’t good for your dragon.
- Forgetting other foods: Only giving strawberries can make your dragon picky.
- Skipping calcium: Strawberries have phosphorus that can mess with calcium if you don’t add supplements.
- Not asking a vet: Check with a reptile vet before trying new foods.
Addressing Picky Eaters
Some bearded dragons love sweet fruits like strawberries and say no to greens. To help them eat better:
- Mix with greens: Hide tiny strawberry bits in a veggie salad to make it fun.
- Try different colors: Offer red or orange foods like bell peppers or squash, as some dragons like specific colors.
- Be patient: Slowly cut back on fruit to get them to eat healthier foods.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Have Strawberries?
Give strawberries once or twice a week as a treat. About 1-2 small strawberries (12-25g) are perfect for adult dragons. This keeps sugar low and adds a fun twist to their diet.
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries All the Time?
Strawberries have too much sugar to eat every day. Too much can make your dragon gain weight, upset their tummy, or miss out on essential nutrients like protein and calcium. Use strawberries as a special treat, not a main meal.
How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?
Feed strawberries chopped into small bits after washing and removing the tops. Mix them with greens or other fruits for a healthy treat. This makes eating safe and fun.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?
Baby bearded dragons (under 6 months) can have tiny bits of strawberries as a rare treat. Their diet should consist mainly of bugs (80%) to help them grow. Give small, soft strawberry pieces occasionally to keep sugar low.
From What Age Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries?
Your dragon can start eating strawberries at 6 months old when they can handle a little fruit. Add them slowly and keep bugs and greens as the main foods.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry Leaves?
Strawberry leaves aren’t poisonous, but they don’t have much nutrition and might upset your dragon’s tummy. Stick to the fruit for a better treat.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry Seeds?
Yes, strawberry seeds are safe in small amounts. They’re tiny and part of the fruit, so you don’t need to take them out. Just feed strawberries sparingly to avoid too much sugar.
Alternative Fruits That You Can Feed Bearded Dragons
Mix up your dragon’s diet with these safe, yummy fruits:
- Blueberries: Low in sugar and full of antioxidants.
- Apples: Crunchy and good for them; take out seeds and core.
- Papaya: Has lots of vitamins A and C.
- Mango: Sweet and healthy, but give a little.
- Cantaloupe: Juicy, but use sparingly because of sugar.
Always wash and chop fruits into small pieces for safety.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberries Raw?
Yes, raw strawberries are perfect and safe. They’re full of natural goodness and water. Wash them well, remove the stems, and chop them into small bits to avoid choking.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries?
Yes, blueberries are a great treat! They have less sugar and lots of antioxidants. Wash and give them whole or chopped, but only sometimes.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?
Grapes are okay if you cut them into small pieces to prevent choking. Because of their sugar, make them a rare treat.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raspberries?
Raspberries are tasty and good for your dragon. Wash and give them in small amounts since they have sugar.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas?
Bananas are fine in tiny amounts. They’re sugary and have phosphorus, so only give them once in a while.
Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Blackberries?
Yes, blackberries are safe and healthy. Wash them well and give them as a treat because of their sugar.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry Tops?
Strawberry tops (leaves) aren’t toxic for bearded dragons but have little nutrition and may upset their tummy. Please stick to the fruit for a tastier, safer treat, and always chop it into small pieces.
Feeding a Bearded Dragon Strawberries
To feed strawberries, wash, remove tops, and chop into small bits. Offer them greens and bugs to keep your dragon healthy and excited for meals.
What Specific Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Safe fruits are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, mango, and papaya. Wash, chop, and give them sparingly for a balanced diet.
What Fruits Are Safe for My Baby Bearded Dragon?
Baby dragons can have tiny bits of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or apples. Focus on bugs and greens, with fruits as a rare treat to help them grow.
What Types of Fruit and Vegetables Are Suitable for Bearded Dragons to Eat?
Good fruits include strawberries, blueberries, and apples. Veggies like collard greens, bell peppers, and squash are key. Wash and chop everything into small pieces for a healthy diet.
My Bearded Dragon Eating a Strawberry
If your dragon eats a strawberry, make sure it’s clean and chopped into small bits. Offer it sparingly to keep their diet healthy while enjoying the fun moment!
Trying to Eat a Strawberry
If your dragon is trying a strawberry, ensure it’s washed and cut into tiny pieces. This sweet treat is safe in small amounts and adds joy to their diet.
What Fruits Are Best for Beardies? Currently Have Strawberries and Bananas. Yet to Feed Them to Her
Strawberries and bananas are okay but sugary, so use them sparingly. Try blueberries, apples, or papaya for variety. Wash, chop, and mix with greens for a healthy treat.
FAQs
1. How Many Strawberries Can My Bearded Dragon Eat?
Your bearded dragon can eat 1-2 small strawberries weekly. Wash and chop them to keep sugar low and ensure a balanced diet.
2. What Fruit Do Bearded Dragons Like Most?
Bearded dragons love sweet fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and mango. Offer these sparingly as treats mixed with greens to keep them healthy.
3. What Fruit Is Toxic to Bearded Dragons?
Avocados are toxic to bearded dragons and can cause serious health issues. Never feed them avocados or citrus fruits like oranges due to acidity.
4. Can Beardies Eat Watermelon?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat watermelon in small amounts. It’s hydrating but sugary, so chop it finely and offer it as a rare treat.
5. What Vegetables Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat collard greens, bell peppers, squash, and carrots. Wash and chop veggies into small pieces for a healthy, balanced diet.
6. How Do You Cut Strawberries for Bearded Dragons?
Wash strawberries, remove green tops, and chop them into tiny, bite-sized pieces. This prevents choking and makes them easy for your dragon to eat.
7. Can Bearded Dragons Have Cucumbers?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat cucumbers in moderation. They’re hydrating but low in nutrients, so chop them finely and offer them as an occasional treat.
8. Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Carrots?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat carrots. They’re nutritious but high in sugar, so chop them finely and offer sparingly as part of their diet.
9. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocados?
No, avocados are toxic to bearded dragons and can cause serious health problems. Avoid feeding them avocados to keep your dragon safe.
10. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bell Peppers?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat bell peppers. They’re healthy and colorful; chop them into small pieces and offer regularly for a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Strawberries are a fun and yummy treat for bearded dragons when given in small amounts. Wash, chop, and offer 1-2 small weekly strawberries to keep your dragon happy and healthy. Focus on greens, bugs, and foods for a strong pet. Talk to a reptile vet for extra tips, and enjoy watching your dragon love these sweet treats!