Yes, bearded dragons can eat strawberries with no ill side effects. Although the fruit does not offer much nutrition, strawberries can have some benefits. Strawberries are a delightful treat for bearded dragons, and they should gobble the strawberries up in no time. Bearded dragons can also eat the leafy parts of the strawberries. However, it is important to limit the amount of sweet fruit fed to your dragon. It’s fine as a treat, but moderation is the key.
The importance of preparation before feeding
Before giving your bearded dragon, you have to prepare it first. It is best to choose small-sized organic strawberries.
Make sure the strawberry is fresh and not turning a dull brown or black color, and is free of mold and fungus. Rinse the strawberry under lukewarm water, pat the strawberry dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, making sure no pesticides, herbicides, pests, or dirt was left on the strawberry.
Correct portion sizing
Strawberries are high in sugar and have poor nutritional value, so portion sizing according to the age and size of your bearded dragon is important. A general rule is to feed a fully grown bearded dragon one whole strawberry of small size; the top leaf part is safe to feed as well. For younger and growing bearded dragons, you should ideally feed half a strawberry. A baby bearded dragon can have a quarter of the strawberry and some leaves from the top part.
How often should you feed your bearded dragon strawberries?
Strawberries should be fed as occasional treats. You can safely feed your bearded dragon strawberries twice a week in the correct portions according to their maturity. It is best not to feed them strawberries twice in a row, so try and spaceit out.
- Full-grown adult: a small, whole strawberry
- Juvenile: ½ small strawberry
- Baby: ¼ small strawberry
Benefits of feeding your bearded dragon strawberries
The experts at VCA Hospitals recommend feeding strawberries to your bearded dragon. The sweet smell and taste will encourage your bearded dragon to eat; this is helpful if your bearded dragon is showing a decrease in appetite. The vitamins and minerals can improve your bearded dragon’s health and fill in some nutritional requirements their main diet may be lacking.
Concerns when feeding your bearded dragon strawberries
Strawberries are quite high in sugar and do not meet a bearded dragons’ nutritional requirements, as they need a lot of calcium and phosphorus foods to avoid bone deterioration. Strawberry seeds can also cause some gastrointestinal problems; your bearded dragon may have a hard time digesting the seeds, leading to an uncomfortable stomachache. This is more common if you overfeed the strawberries or feed too big of a portion for your bearded dragon’s size.
Do not forget to remove any uneaten food that is leftover in the enclosure, as this will cause it to go foul.
Your bearded dragon will certainly enjoy their occasional strawberry treat and will greatly thank you in their special reptilian way!
Featured Image: Pixabay
