Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas? Many owners are curious about whether or not bearded dragons can eat bananas.
Bananas are a palatable and affordable food, so it would be convenient for them to have an easy way of serving this fruit.
In this guide, we’ll cover all of the nutritional values and benefits as well as how much they should be fed per day or even just one time.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they can eat both plants and animals.
This includes fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a type of fruit that bearded dragons can eat.
Bananas can be a healthy treat for bearded dragons. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
However, it is important to remember that bearded dragons should not eat too many bananas. This is because bananas are high in sugar.
Too much sugar can lead to health problems, such as obesity and diabetes. Therefore, it is best to give bearded dragons only a small piece of banana as a treat.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat bananas. However, they should only be given as a treat and not as a part of their regular diet.
Bananas are high in sugar and can cause weight gain in bearded dragons. They should only be given a few times a week and in small quantities.
Health Benefits Of Bananas
Bananas are often referred to as nature’s candy, and it’s no wonder why – they’re sweet, delicious, and good for you.
While most people are familiar with the nutritional benefits of eating bananas, there are also many health benefits associated with using banana peels.
For centuries, people in traditional cultures have used banana peels for a variety of purposes, including medicinal and beauty treatments.
Today, science is starting to back up some of these claims.
Here are some of the health benefits of bananas to your beardie
- Vitamin C and A are important for the dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.
- Potassium improves muscular function, reduces water retention, and prevents kidney issues.
- These little guys may be the key to keeping your heart healthy! Antioxidants like this can lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of developing problems such as clogged arteries.
- The minerals calcium, iron, and magnesium are essential for strong bones. These nutrients not only help make up the structural components of tissues but also support nerve cells in their task to send signals throughout your body effectively communicating with other parts when necessary.
There’s a fine balance between the beneficial nutrients in bananas and their deadly toxicity. A little banana goes a long way for your little beardie, but it can paralyze or kill him if eaten regularly.
Bananas have a high phosphorus to calcium ratio, thus dragons shouldn’t consume too much of them.
If you feed your dragon more than it can handle, then its blood may become toxic due to the excess levels of this mineral in its body
Phosphorus is 3x as heavy compared with calcium deficiency – meaning even small quantities could cause problems over time.
As a result, a high-banana diet can cause tooth decay and calcium deficiencies, and, eventually, MBD.
The importance is such for these animals to keep their bones strong and healthy it’s recommended you dust your dragon’s meals with some powder containing this essential mineral.
The dragon’s health depends on the quality of its diet. If you consume unhealthy or poor food, then symptoms like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) can develop and even cause paralysis!
That is why bearded dragons should only eat bananas in small doses once or twice per month to prevent this condition from occurring.
When Feeding My Dragon Bananas, What Should I Be On The Lookout For?
When feeding bananas to your dragon, the main thing to keep in mind is any signs of MBD:
- Tremors or trembling limbs
- Softening jaw and face bones
- Weakness and exhaustion
- Growth has been slowed
- Paralysis
- Rear legs get swollen
You can probably cut back on your dragon’s banana intake a little bit. If you only feed them once or twice per month, there should be no need to worry about any of these alarming symptoms.
It is possible to give banana peels to a bearded dragon (skins)
The fruit favorites of most Beardies are healthy and safe as long they don’t exceed the percentage of vegetables or insects in their diet.
Here is a list of some popular fruits that can easily become part of your dragon’s complete nutritious diet:
- Apricot (every other week)
- Apples (peeled) (weekly)
- Guava (weekly)
- Grapes (weekly)
- Kiwi (rarely)
- Mango (a couple of times every week)
- Papaya (a couple of times every week)
- Figs (every other week)
- Watermelon (Monthly)
- Peaches (rarely)
Proper Ways to Prepare Banana Correctly For Your Beardie
Be Certain The Banana Is Safe to Eat
To begin, select whether you want to buy organic bananas or non-organic ones.
After that, select a banana that is neither too ripe nor too green. The sugar content of banana increases as it ripens.
It Should Be Cut Into Small Pieces
The easiest way to cut up banana is to slice it into thin rounds, then cut the rounds into pieces.
Simply slice through the banana, peel and all, if you want to keep the peel on.
Individuality is key. The shape of your beardie’s food doesn’t matter as much in the end, so long as they can chew it up and enjoy it!
Conclusion
Be careful giving your bearded dragon bananas, as they contain a lot of phosphorus which can cause health issues if not enough calcium is present.
Figs, dates, and, apricots are all great options for providing your bearded dragon with a tasty treat that ensures they get enough phosphorus without having an imbalance of calcium.
However, providing them with a more varied diet and improving their quality of life can help give them some peace.
