Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

Imagine your bearded dragon biting into a juicy piece of watermelon—refreshing, right?

But before you get too excited, there’s more to this tasty tale than you might think.

Could this summer fruit be a treat or a trick for your pet? Let’s see!

should you feed watermelon to bearded dragons?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat watermelon, but only in moderation.

Watermelon is mostly water, which can help keep them hydrated, but it’s not super nutritious. It’s low in calcium and high in sugar, which isn’t great for their health if they eat it too often. I’ve given my bearded dragon a small cube as a treat now and then, and she seemed to enjoy it, but I always mix it up with other healthier veggies like collard greens or squash.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Only feed watermelon occasionally.
• Make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Remove all seeds to avoid any choking hazards.

So, watermelon is okay for a treat, just don’t let it become a habit!

Why Watermelons Are Not Good as a Staple Food for Bearded Dragons? 

Watermelons aren’t good as a staple food for bearded dragons because they don’t provide the right nutrients. They’re mostly water (about 90%), so while they can help with hydration, they don’t offer enough vitamins or minerals that bearded dragons need.

One big issue is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Bearded dragons need more calcium than phosphorus to stay healthy, but watermelon has way more phosphorus than calcium. This can lead to metabolic bone disease if it’s fed regularly.

Also, watermelon is high in sugar. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems in reptiles. So, while it’s fine as a treat, sticking to leafy greens and insects as their main diet is much better for them.

When I tried watermelon with my beardie, it was just a fun snack. But after learning more, I realized why it’s best kept as an occasional thing!

Expand your understanding of Bearded Dragon—click here to uncover more! Is Cantaloupe Safe for Your Bearded Dragon?

How Much Watermelon Should You Feed to Your Bearded Dragon?

You should only feed your bearded dragon a very small amount of watermelon—maybe a few small cubes once every couple of weeks.

It’s best to think of it as a treat rather than a regular part of their diet. I usually give my bearded dragon a tiny piece about the size of a pea, mixed in with her greens. That way, she gets to enjoy the taste without overdoing it.

Just remember:

• Only offer watermelon occasionally.
• Keep the portions small.
• Always remove seeds and rind.

It’s all about balance!

Before We Go…..

It’s totally okay if you want to slip a piece of watermelon in your beardie’s mouth, as now you know how to feed them in the first place. But before you do that for any other sweet fruit, such as apple, we say you better know if that’s okay or not. 

By the way, have you just popped up with a question – if your reptile can have a bite of an apple? Well, if your answer is yes, then check out the blog – Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples? We bet you’re going to get all your answers there.