Is Feeding Bananas to Your Bearded Dragon Safe?

As a proud bearded dragon owner, I’m always on the lookout for new treats to add to my pet’s diet. But when I saw people talking about feeding bananas to their scaly friends, I had to pause. Could something as simple as a banana really be safe for my dragon?

Turns out, there’s more to this tropical fruit than meets the eye. Here’s what the experts revealed.

is banana safe for your bearded dragons?

Yes, feeding bananas to your bearded dragon is safe, but in moderation. Bananas are packed with nutrients like potassium, but they also contain high amounts of sugar and phosphorus, which can be harmful if given too often.

Why Bananas Are Okay in Small Amounts

Bananas offer vitamins like vitamin C and B6, which can be beneficial. But the issue lies in the ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Bananas have more phosphorus than calcium, and that can lead to calcium deficiency in your dragon, which may cause metabolic bone disease (MBD).

How to Serve Bananas

If you want to offer bananas as a treat, slice them up and mix them with other veggies or fruits. This helps keep the sugar intake balanced. I only give my bearded dragon bananas about once a month, just to be safe.

Avoid Feeding Too Often

Too much banana can cause digestive issues or even contribute to serious health problems over time. Keep it as an occasional treat rather than a staple.

In short, bananas are safe but should be fed sparingly.

Why Your Bearded Dragon Shouldn’t Have Bananas Daily? 

Feeding your bearded dragon bananas daily is not a good idea. While they may love the taste, bananas can actually cause long-term health problems if given too often.

High Phosphorus, Low Calcium

Bananas have way more phosphorus than calcium, and that imbalance can be dangerous for your beardie. Phosphorus binds to calcium, preventing your dragon from absorbing enough of it. Over time, this can lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is painful and harmful to their bones.

Discover more cool facts about Bearded Dragon with this detailed post! Is Cantaloupe Safe for Your Bearded Dragon?

Too Much Sugar

Bananas are also high in sugar. Regular consumption of sugary foods can lead to obesity and other health issues in reptiles. Imagine how you’d feel eating candy every day—your beardie’s body doesn’t handle sugar well either.

Digestive Problems

Too much banana can upset their digestive system. Bananas are soft and can lead to diarrhea if fed too often.

I treat my dragon with a slice of banana maybe once a month. It’s a fun snack, but it’s best kept occasional. Regularly offering bananas can seriously harm your pet in the long run.

Are Baby Bearded Dragons Allowed To Have Bananas? 

Yes, baby bearded dragons can have bananas, but it’s even more important to offer them sparingly. Baby dragons need a balanced diet with more focus on protein and calcium to support their rapid growth. Bananas, while tasty, aren’t ideal for their developing bodies.

Why Bananas Aren’t Great for Babies

Just like with adult bearded dragons, the high phosphorus content in bananas can interfere with calcium absorption. Since baby dragons are still growing, they need even more calcium to avoid problems like metabolic bone disease (MBD). Feeding them too much banana could hinder their bone development.

Better Foods for Baby Dragons

Stick to calcium-rich greens like collard greens or dandelion greens and plenty of live insects like crickets or dubia roaches. These foods provide the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

I gave my baby beardie a tiny piece of banana once as a treat, but I don’t make it a habit. You’re better off sticking to nutrient-rich foods that promote healthy growth.

Explore the fascinating world of Bearded Dragon—this post has everything you need! Top 10 Foods Your Bearded Dragon Will Love – Plus Surprising Treats!

Before We Go…..

You’re probably wondering – if a regular fruit like a banana can be that much harmful to your beardie, what can the other ones do? Well, to find that out, you’ll have to check out our blog – What Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat?