If you’re new to owning a bearded dragon, you might wonder if it is safe to give them certain human foods, such as grapes. The good news is that seedless grapes are a safe, occasional treat for them. However, you should avoid overfeeding them with grapes. In this article, we will share tips on how to safely serve grapes to your bearded dragon and provide a balanced diet for them.
Contents
Bearded dragons can make wonderful pets if they receive proper care and nutrition. These omnivorous reptiles require a balanced diet of vegetables and animal matter. Juvenile bearded dragons tend to require more protein-rich live food than adults.
A healthy bearded dragon’s diet may include leafy greens such as Swiss chard, dandelions, bok choy, and beet tops. They may also eat vegetables like squash, zucchini, and carrots, and insects such as mealworms and crickets. However, you should also sprinkle any vegetables with a calcium powder to ensure that their diet is balanced.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?
Yes, bearded dragons can have seedless grapes as an occasional treat. This fruit can be a refreshing and sweet snack for them, but it should not form a significant part of their diet. Overfeeding your bearded dragon with grapes can be detrimental to their health.
Are Grapes Bad for Bearded Dragons?
If fed in moderation, grapes aren’t unhealthy for bearded dragons. However, they can pose risks if overfed. Firstly, bearded dragons are prone to fixating on one food item, and feeding too many grapes can alter their diet. Secondly, because of their high sugar content and how it interacts with calcium in your bearded dragon’s body, overfeeding grapes can cause them to experience an upset stomach or lead to dehydration. Lastly, whole grapes might pose a choking hazard. Hence, it’s essential to chop them into smaller pieces or avoid seeded types.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes Every Day?
No, bearded dragons should have grapes as an occasional treat, no more than once a week. Quantity, as well as how often you feed them grapes, will depend on your bearded dragon’s age and diet. 1-2 grapes, chopped into smaller pieces, once a week make a delicious treat but observe how your bearded dragon’s body responds to these treats. If they show signs of dehydration or disinterest in their regular food, cut down on their grapes and consult a veterinarian.
Are All Grapes Safe For Bearded Dragons to Eat?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon any type of grapes, including green, black, and red ones. Check the nutrient content of newer grape varieties to determine your beardie’s nutrient intake and oxalate levels in their treats. It’s best to avoid seeded grapes as they pose a choking hazard. Even with seedless grapes, it’s worth checking inside for stray seeds.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grape Leaves?
Bearded dragons can eat grape leaves, which are even healthier than the fruit flesh alone! However, you must ensure that they are adequately washed before serving them to your pet. Since grape leaves aren’t as sweet and sugary as the fruit, your bearded dragon might not be interested in them. Try hiking their interest by placing small pieces of grapes amongst the leaves.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried Grapes?
Bearded dragons can technically eat raisins, which are grape fruits that are dried. However, raisins have a higher concentration of sugar than grapes, and too much sugar can lead to obesity and health issues in your bearded dragon. For that reason, in general, it is better to stick with giving them grapes as treats rather than raisins.
How to Serve Grapes for Your Bearded Dragons
Make sure to wash the grapes before serving them to your bearded dragon to remove any pesticides or residue. Since grapes can pose a choking hazard, chop them into smaller pieces to reduce this risk. You can offer grapes on their own or as part of a leafy green salad or mixed in with other fruit as a treat.
Final Thoughts: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?
Bearded dragons can enjoy seedless grapes as an occasional snack. However, careful moderation is necessary. Overfeeding grapes can lead to serious health issues, including dehydration, obesity, and stomach upset due to excess sugar. Stick to serving grapes as occasional treats, and chop them into small pieces to reduce the risk of choking. With a balanced diet, your furry companion will thrive and be healthy.
Do you have any fun grape feeding ideas for your bearded dragon? Let us know in the comments!
Sources and References
- Oldfield, C. ‘Bearded Dragons: Common Husbandry and Nutrition-Related Problems’, Veterinary Nursing Journal (2014)
- Raiti, P. ‘Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona Vitticeps)’, Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery (2012)
- Szalay, J. (et al), ‘Grapes: Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts’, Live Science (2022)
- Loeb, J. ‘Reptile Illness is Caused by Bad Husbandry’, The Veterinary Record (2018)
- Kischinovsky, M. (et al), ‘Husbandry and Nutrition’, Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice (2017)
- McWilliams, D. ‘Nutrition Research on Calcium Homeostasis I. Lizards (with Recommendations)’, International Zoo Research (2006)