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Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that have become increasingly popular pets over the years. Everything about these creatures is unique, including their dietary needs, which is why many reptile lovers and first-time reptile owners have plenty of questions about their diet.
One of the most common questions is: Can bearded dragons eat potatoes?
In summary, yes, beardies can eat potatoes. However, you need to know how to offer them to your beardie to ensure that everything will flow smoothly.
A Well-Balanced Bearded Dragon Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that feed on animal and plant-based foods. They mainly consume insects, vegetables, flowers, and occasional fruits. Common foods that can be included in a bearded dragon’s diet are:
- Collard greens
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Dubia roaches
- Bok choy
- Clover
- Kale
- Dandelion
- Cactus
- Apples
- Strawberries
Most of your beardie’s diet should include insects and leafy greens, along with fruits as occasional treats. Your beardie should also have constant access to fresh water. It’s important to remember that young bearded dragons need more protein than adults, more on the 80% side. When they reach about a year of age, that balance should shift towards about 50% vegetable matter and 50% insects. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your vet.
Nutritional Facts of Potatoes
Before considering whether potatoes are safe for your bearded dragon, you should be familiar with the nutritional facts of these vegetables.
Potatoes contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin C, both necessary for the proper development of bearded dragons. These veggies also contain moderate amounts of fiber, a bit of protein, and no fat, which should positively affect the development of bearded dragons.
Fresh potatoes usually have a high water content compared to nutrient value, which could potentially lead to problems in bearded dragons if consumed excessively. Also, these vegetables are mainly composed of starch, which can provide a great source for energy, but if consumed in excessive amounts can lead to weight gain and potentially gastrointestinal problems in your beardie.
Should Bearded Dragons Eat Potatoes? Are They Healthy?
Bearded dragons can eat potatoes, but should they? Are potatoes healthy for bearded dragons? Potatoes should not be your regular to-go food for bearded dragons, but this veggie can still be offered as an occasional treat, especially if your beardie likes the taste. When consumed in proper amounts, potatoes can be healthy for beardies and provide them with some of the nutrients that they need for proper growth and development.
However, if consumed excessively, potatoes could lead to health problems in your bearded dragon.
Benefits of Potatoes for Bearded Dragons
Potatoes are not overly nutritious for bearded dragons, but they can still offer a few health benefits, mainly because of their high vitamin C and potassium content.
Here’s a list of all the benefits that bearded dragons can experience when eating potatoes in moderation:
- Benefits due to vitamin C — Potatoes can provide your beardie with antioxidants and aid their immune system. However, much of a beardie’s required vitamin C is actually produced in their body, so this just provides a little boost, not a necessary nutrient.
- Benefits due to potassium — Potatoes can help your bearded dragon regulate their blood pressure, aid with muscle function and hydration, and lower water retention and the chances of kidney-related health issues.
Disadvantages of Potatoes for Bearded Dragons
While consuming potatoes occasionally can be beneficial for bearded dragons, it could also cause harm to them. One disadvantage of potatoes for bearded dragons is that they contain a large amount of water, which could cause problems when consumed excessively. While hydration is key for any healthy body, too much water compared to nutrient content can leave some bearded dragons deficient in some areas. This makes it important to keep potatoes as an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
Bearded dragons could also experience gastrointestinal and digestive problems due to the starch found inside potatoes. Excess starch can also lead to weight gain if consumed for the long term.
Maybe the most major downfall to bearded dragons eating potatoes is the phosphorus:calcium ratio. If you’ve been feeding bearded dragons for any length of time, you’re aware that they’re ideal calcium intake should be twice as much as their phosphorus intake. Potatoes are the opposite of this, with high amounts of phosphorus and low amounts of calcium. Eating too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease and even death.
Since eating potatoes carries several risks for bearded dragons, it’s important to monitor your pet after they eat potatoes and consult a vet if you notice any strange reactions.
How Often Should Bearded Dragons Eat Potatoes?
Although potatoes can have a few health benefits for bearded dragons, they are often insignificant compared to those that beardies can get from their regular diet.
If you decide to offer potatoes to your beardies, you should only offer them as occasional treats, preferably no more than once or twice a month. That way, you’ll prevent possible health issues that your bearded dragon could experience from eating too many starchy, high phosphorus foods.
Safety Advice on Feeding Potatoes to Bearded Dragons
If you decide to feed potatoes to your bearded dragon, you need to know how to offer them safely. Here’s a list of safety advice:
- Never offer raw potatoes to your bearded dragon; cook them first!
- Never use any type of oils, seasonings, or spices when preparing potatoes for your bearded dragon.
- Allow the potatoes to cool down after cooking before giving them to your beardie.
- Ensure that the potatoes are cut into small bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Never offer already prepared, store bought potatoes or any potatoes directly from your meals to your beardie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes are safe for bearded dragons when consumed in moderation. They contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, and B and iron, which can positively impact bearded dragons and their health. Sweet potatoes also have less starch and phosphorus than white potatoes.
While sweet potatoes can be beneficial for beardies, you should be careful when feeding them to your beardie; consuming too many could lead to vitamin A toxicity.
Which Potato Alternatives Can You Feed Your Bearded Dragon?
There are numerous alternatives to potatoes that you can safely feed to your bearded dragon. The primary ingredients in your beardie’s diet should be insects and leafy greens, but if you want to introduce additional flavors, you can consider offering fruits as occasional treats.
Here’s a list of tasty fruits that your beardie can safely consume:
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Melons
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Apricot
Keep in mind that fruits should never be offered as actual meals and should only be snacks every once in a while.
Final Thoughts
Bearded dragons can eat potatoes in moderation, as these veggies can have various health benefits. That said, eating potatoes carries a few risks for beardies, which is why you shouldn’t make them a part of your bearded dragon’s regular diet. Be cautious when feeding them to your reptile.
Potatoes are not toxic (unless raw), so your beardie will be fine if they eat them once or twice a month. Consuming them more often could be harmful to your bearded dragons and their health.