Introduction
Grapes are one of the fruits that bearded dragons can consume, although only on occasion. Because of the high levels of fiber and calcium found in grapes, they are an excellent food source for lizards and can be given to them on occasion. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes? Grapes have a significant volume of water, in addition to sugar and oxalates, all of which are potentially hazardous to your cat’s health. When feeding this fruit to your bearded dragon, it is important to consider the size of the grape. Consider cutting it into four pieces to ensure your lizard can properly swallow the grape head.
How Frequently Are Grapes Allowed For Bearded Dragons?
The general condition of your bearded dragon should be considered while deciding whether she can start eating grapes. If your dragon does not suffer from obesity, diabetes, or another comparable health condition, then it should be okay to feed him one or two grapes once every week.
Grapes are high in sugar and could cause your dragon to become obese. If your dragon is dealing with any health problem, giving them once a month is the best option. Of course, you should check with your veterinarian first to ensure that even in such a small amount, they will not be harmful to your dragon.
Bearded dragons in good health can consume one or two grapes once every seven days without any adverse effects. Let’s have a look at some of the health benefits that are responsible for making this possible:
- A high fiber content which promotes digestive health and helps to prevent constipation.
- Grapes have a low acidic content, so unlike citrus fruits and other meals with a greater concentration of acid, eating them won’t cause your mouth or stomach lining to burn.
- Antioxidants, particularly those found in red grapes’ skin, minimize and prevent inflammation, lessen the risk of developing heart disease, and may even protect your dragon from acquiring allergies.
- High water content, which ranges from 45% to 68%, and when taken in the right amounts, can help enhance kidney function and prevent dehydration.
- Potassium, a mineral that controls one’s blood pressure
Are There Any Colors Of Grapes That Bearded Dragons Can’t Have?
The hue of the grapes we’re talking about may be a mystery. In any case, grapes come in various colors, not just red. All of the preceding is true. Unless you and your vet have explored any underlying health concerns, your bearded dragon can enjoy a grape or two of any color once a week without any adverse effects.
Why Don’t Bearded Dragons Always Get Grapes?
Grapes can be treats for bearded dragons, but they can’t eat them every day. Here are the most important ones.
Risk of choking: Make sure you give your dragon fruit without seeds. Seeds can kill your bearded dragon. If swallowed, they can cause gut impaction, which will block your beardie’s digestive system and make it impossible for them to go to the bathroom. If this isn’t fixed immediately, it can lead to major problems or even death.
Too much water and not enough water: Fruits that are mostly water, like grapes, can cause serious dehydration over time if they are eaten in large amounts. This is because too much water causes diarrhea, which dehydrates your pet. Bearded dragons are native to the deserts of Australia, so they are used to being dehydrated for long periods. However, they are not used to the serious dehydration that happens when you give them too much water.
Metabolic bone disease: No pet owner wants to deal with MBD. It’s very painful for your beardie and, in the worst cases, can cause paralysis and death. Two things can make your dragon more likely to get this disease, which is often caused by a lack of calcium:
Oxalates: Oxalates are a type of acid found in grapes that bind to calcium in the body. So, even if your beardie eats a lot of calcium-rich food, too many grapes can hurt her because the oxalates will take away the calcium her blood normally receives.
Element phosphorus: Bearded dragons should eat things high in calcium and have the same amount of calcium and phosphorus daily. This is because phosphorus is like oxalates, stopping calcium from getting into the bloodstream. With five times as much phosphorus as calcium, it’s easy to see why grapes shouldn’t be eaten too much.
Diabetes, bad teeth, and being overweight. Grapes are high in sugar, which is bad for people and beardies. When dragons eat too much sugar, even from natural sources like fruit, they can get tooth rot, fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes (yes, dragons can get diabetes! ), and heart failure and death in the rarest and worst case.
How Do Bearded Dragons Get The Grapes They Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat whole grapes, but many owners cut them up into smaller pieces to make it easier for their dragons to eat and to make sure they don’t choke. Cutting the grapes also ensures no seeds since even grapes that don’t look like they have roots sometimes do. Because dragons like sweet things and grapes are adorable, you can use grapes to get your dragon to eat his vegetables. This is especially helpful for young dragons who might not like veggies. You can easily hide pieces of grapes in vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, kale, or any other common vegetable.
How To Prepare Grapes For Bearded Dragons
Preparing grapes for your bearded dragon is a simple process, and it’s important to do it right to ensure the safety and health of your pet. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare grapes for bearded dragons:
Select the Right Grapes: Choose fresh, ripe grapes that are free from any mold, bruises, or signs of spoilage. Red and green grapes are suitable for bearded dragons, but be mindful of the size – smaller grapes are generally easier for them to eat.
Wash Thoroughly: Rinse the grapes under cold running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or residues that might be present on the surface. You can use a small vegetable brush to scrub them if necessary gently.
Remove the Stem: Carefully pluck each grape from the bunch and remove the stem. Bearded dragons may have difficulty digesting the branches, so it’s important to ensure they are not included in the serving.
Slice or Halve the Grapes: Grapes can be quite large for a bearded dragon to eat comfortably, especially for younger dragons. You can slice or halve the grapes to make them more manageable. Smaller pieces reduce the risk of choking and make it easier for your pet to consume.
Peel the Grapes: While it’s unnecessary, some bearded dragon owners prefer peeling grapes to remove the skin. The skin can be tougher to digest for some reptiles, and peeling can reduce the risk of any potential digestive issues.
Serve in Moderation: Grapes are high in sugar, so they should be offered as an occasional treat rather than a staple in your bearded dragon’s diet. Limit the serving size to a few small pieces, and ensure they are part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.
Observe Your Bearded Dragon: Always monitor your bearded dragon when introducing new foods. Some individuals may have specific dietary preferences or sensitivities. If you notice any adverse reactions or digestive problems after feeding grapes or other food, consult a veterinarian with experience in reptile care.
Conclusion
Grapes can be a tempting and flavorful treat for bearded dragons they should be offered cautiously. These reptiles have specific dietary requirements, and grapes are relatively high in sugar, leading to digestive issues and potential health problems if consumed excessively.
Preparing grapes for your bearded dragon by removing the stem, slicing or halving them, and even peeling the skin can make them safer and easier to eat. However, it’s crucial to remember that grapes should only be an occasional addition to your bearded dragon’s diet, along with a balanced mix of other fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and suitable protein sources like insects.
