What Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat? [Safe & Unsafe List]

When your pet bearded dragon roam beside you, you might want to share fruits that you’re enjoying. In addition, you can keep fruits as only 5-10% of the diet of your bearded dragons. But, there is a thick line between the safe and unsafe list of fruits that bearded dragons can eat.

Several fruits can be a part of the daily diet of your beardie. On the contrary, you need to keep some fruits as occasional treats for your pet beardie.

Again, some fruits are red-listed for them. So, as an owner, you should know beforehand which fruits you can offer to your bearded dragons.

In this article, I’ve enlisted 27 safe fruits that bearded dragons can eat. Moreover, you can find the list of unsafe fruits for bearded dragons and other essential information. Hence, let’s go through this article without any further delay.

Do Beardies Like Fruits?

Being omnivorous animals, bearded dragons consume both insects and plant-based foods. So, their diet is mixed with various ranges of meats, plants, vegetables, etc.

Bearded dragons like to have fruits like dessert menu in their daily diet. Since maximum fruits have sugary contents filled with different tastes, bearded dragons enjoy having these treats.

Although bearded dragons love fruits, you can provide only a little amount of fruits in their daily diet.

What Fruits Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

You should take a few criteria into your consideration before giving fruits to your bearded dragon. These are-

1. Calcium to phosphorus ratio
2. Oxalic acid content
3. Enrichment of nutrition

Whatever fruits that you choose to feed your beardie, you should remain concerned about the calcium to phosphorus ratio at first. For reptile pets like bearded dragons, the ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be 2:1 in fruits.

In short, the phosphorus content should be less than the calcium. Also, it’ll be better if the ratio remains 3:1 in fruits.

Besides, the fruits need to be enriched with nutrients. On the other hand, you should avoid those fruits containing oxalic acids.

27 Fruits That Are Safe To Eat For Bearded Dragons

1. Apple

Apple is one of the safest fruits that you can feed to your bearded dragons. This fruit contains 86% water which can keep your beardie hydrated. Also, these sweet fruits hold several nutrients like calories, carbs, anthocyanin, potassium, fiber, vitamin C, etc.

2. Bananas: can bearded dragons eat bananas?

This nutrient-rich fruit is full of antioxidants and is supportive of digestive health. But, bananas are high in phosphorus content than the amount of calcium. Besides, this fruit is much sugary. Hence, I suggest you feed a banana to your beardie in occasional cases.

3. Blueberry

You can also pick blueberries from the list of safe fruits for your pet bearded dragon. These blueberries are enriched with iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, etc. So, feeding blueberries can reduce the risk of metabolic bone disorder in bearded dragons.

4. Blackberry

Like blueberries, blackberries are also safe fruits for bearded dragons. These fruits are filled with zinc, manganese, fiber, vitamin A, K, and C. Also, this fruit will boost the immune system of your bearded dragon.

5. Cranberries

Cranberries are filled with sugar, sucrose, fructose, and glucose. So, you can’t feed this sugary fruit on daily basis. Keep this fruit in the list of monthly treats for your bearded dragons.

6. Cantaloupe

The experts recommend cantaloupe as 100% safe fruit for bearded dragons. To boost the immune system, cantaloupe fulfills the needs of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and several types of antioxidants. Before feeding cantaloupe to your beardie, you must ensure to peel off the skin of this fruit.

7. Dates

Dates are safe for bearded dragons but you can’t keep this fruit on their daily diet. Its calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1:2.25. Also, this fruit has high sugar content and a bit of acetic acid. Hence, it’s not an ideal but safe fruit for your pet beardie.

8. Figs Fruits

You can also provide figs fruits to your pet bearded dragons. This safe fruit is a good source of calcium and calories. But, you should keep the amount small.

9. Guava

Another safe fruit option for bearded dragons is guava enriched with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fibers. Choose ripe and soft guavas to feed your beardies. Also, don’t forget to remove the pits or seeds of guavas. But, you should feed guavas as an occasional treat only.

10. Grapes

Grapes are safe for bearded dragons too. But, this fruit contains oxalates which are harmful to bearded dragons. Also, you must remove the seeds before feeding this fruit.

In addition, it’ll be better to feed beardies grapes in small pieces instead of giving them as a whole. Otherwise, your beardie may choke while consuming a whole piece of grape.

11. Raisins

Raisins or dry grapes are not toxic to bearded dragons. Although raisins are safe to eat, this sugary and dry fruit is not a good fruit option for your beardies.

12. Mango

A bearded dragon can eat mangoes, but you should not make this fruit a regular part of their daily diet. This safe fruit is high in vitamin A, C, B6, K, antioxidants, dietary fiber, etc.

When you feed mangoes to your beardie, you should peel off the skin at first. Moreover, chop the mangoes into smaller pieces.

13. Muskmelon

Muskmelon is a safe fruit for bearded dragons. Also, this fruit is enriched with potassium, folate, vitamin C, antioxidants, etc. Do not forget to remove the seeds and make this fruit in smaller pieces.

14. Honeydew melon

Being a good source of nutrients, honeydew melon is a safe fruit for bearded dragons. Unlike other fruits, this fruit has low sugar contents. But, because of having high water content, you should give honeydew melon in low amounts.

15. Mulberry

Your bearded dragon can eat both mulberry and mulberry leaves. But, its calcium to phosphorus ratio is not favorable to the health of your beardies. In addition, its 80% share is water. So, although mulberries are safe for beardies, you can feed these fruits occasionally.

16. Papaya

Papaya is one of the best nutritious fruits for bearded dragons. Its calcium to phosphorus ratio is also 5:1, which is great for beardies.

As papaya has a high level of water content, it may upset the stomach of your bearded dragon. So, you should not feed papaya to your beardies regularly.

17. Kiwi

Kiwi can also be enlisted among the safe fruits for bearded dragons. This fruit is a good source of fibers. But, you need to give kiwi as an occasional treat to your pet beardie. Such is because kiwi contains a high range of oxalates and sugar levels.

18. Jackfruit

Though jackfruit is safe for bearded dragons, this fruit is not ideal for your pet beardies. This fruit has a higher phosphorus level than the calcium level.

So, this high level of phosphorus can boost the immune system. On the contrary, lacks of calcium makes jackfruit a non-staple fruit to bearded dragons.

But, you can give this fruit in small amounts once or twice a month. Make sure to remove the seeds of jackfruits that contain deadly cyanide.

19. Dragon fruits

The calcium to phosphorus ratio of dragon fruits is 1:4. This safe fruit is packed with iron, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin A, C, etc. But, dragon fruits contain almost 85% of water.

So, you can feed your beardie dragon fruits once a month as a treat. Besides, the seeds of dragon fruits are so tiny that bearded dragons can digest the seeds.

20. Pineapples: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapples?

Pineapples are highly nutritious and safe fruits for bearded dragons. This fruit contains folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin C, etc. Also, the calcium to phosphorus ratio of pineapples is 1:1.

But, you should not include pineapple in the regular diet of your pet beardie. Due to its acidic content, feeding pineapples in large amounts can affect the digestive system of your pet.

21. Pear

Pear fruits are another safe option for bearded dragons. Since pear fruits have low calcium and high sugar, you should save this fruit for monthly treats.

22. Plums

You can let your pet beardie eat plums without any worry. This sweet treat contains a high amount of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Also, the skin of plums is safe for bearded dragons as the fruit.

But, there are two prime risk factors for feeding plums to beardies. One risk factor is that it’s acidic.

Besides, the consumption of its pits may cause impaction. So, you can feed this safe food without any pits as monthly treats to your beardies.

23. Prune

Prunes are dried plums that are also safe for bearded dragons. But, it depends on the taste bud of your pet beardie whether your pet likes this fruit or not.

24. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are safe to eat, but they should be included in the list of rare treats. Moreover, this fruit has a higher quantity of phosphorus than calcium.

Sometimes, several owners let their beardies consume the seeds of pomegranates as these seeds are too small. But, you must always check on your beardies to see if they are facing any health complications or impaction.

25. Strawberries

Another delicious fruit, strawberries, can be included in the list of safe fruits for beardies. In addition, the seeds and leaves of strawberries are also safe for your bearded dragon.

But, this safe fruit has unbalanced calcium to phosphorus ratio. Hence, you have to enlist this fruit as occasional treats for your pet beardie.

26. Raspberries

This appetizing fruit is safe for bearded dragons. Also, raspberries are filled with varieties of nutrients. These fruits contain a high amount of fiber, vitamin C, E, etc. You can also give raspberry juice to your beardie by diluting it with water.

27. Prickly pear

Sometimes bearded dragon owners remain confused about whether they should give prickly pear to their beardies or not. But, prickly pear cactus is safely edible to bearded dragons.

This safe fruit is not only nutritious but also delicious to eat. However, you must peel off the skin and seeds before giving this fruit.

How Often Can A Bearded Dragon Have Raspberries?

Raspberries are not the kind of fruits to give your beardie regularly. Because of having a higher quantity of sugar and water, excessive feeding of raspberries can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. So, you can give one or two raspberries each other week to your bearded dragon.

What Are The Occasional Treat Fruits For Bearded Dragons?

Several fruits are safe to eat. But, you should not let your beardie consume these regularly. These fruits should be included in the list of occasional treat fruits for bearded dragons.

Fruits Containing High Phosphorus

As mentioned before, the ideal fruits for bearded dragons should have a higher calcium rate than phosphorus. Phosphorus is a chemical that prevents the absorption of calcium.

As a result, there will be imbalances in the essential components in the body of bearded dragons. Such high phosphorus fruits are banana, grape, cherry, strawberry, blackberry, etc.

Fruits Containing High Oxalates

Like phosphorus, oxalates also block absorbing calcium. As a result, fruits high in oxalates can be reasons for metabolic bone disorder. Hence, though several fruits containing high oxalates are high in nutrients, you should save them for occasional treats. Such as raspberry, strawberry, kiwi, etc.

Fruits Containing High Goitrogen

Other nutritious fruits that you should give occasionally are high goitrogen fruits. These fruits are not toxic to bearded dragons. But, the goitrogen compound of these fruits prevents absorbing iodine in the body.

Such fruits are apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, raspberries, etc. Due to containing goitrogen, you should lower the feeding quantity of these fruits.

What Fruits Are Bad For Bearded Dragons?

Let’s take a quick look at the list of unsafe fruits for bearded dragons. Some of these fruits are entirely inhibited. Again, some of these fruits can be consumed rarely.

So, in short, the following fruits are bad for your beardies.

1. Avocado: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocado?

The experts strongly forbid letting bearded dragons eat avocado. Because of having a high amount of oxalic acids, avocados are toxic to bearded dragons.

Being an organic anti-nutrient compound, oxalic acids of an avocado bind with other minerals and form oxalates in their body. As a result, bearded dragons can not absorb calcium and other minerals due to consuming avocados.

Although a small portion of avocado may not harm your bearded dragon, you should look for abnormal behaviors in your pet. Also, you can give your beardie a warm bath to let out avocados if your pet beardie accidentally eats avocados.

2. Cherries

Like human beings, bearded dragons may also like to have a cherry on the top of their diet. But, the calcium to phosphorus ratio of this fruit is about 1:1.6.

So, this ratio is highly unbalanced. Thus, it makes this sweet fruit unsafe for bearded dragons. Besides, the pits of cherries can lead to impaction to your beardies.

However, having cherries as an occasional treat is fine for bearded dragons. After all, this fruit is filled with various types of vitamins, fibers, and minerals. But, you should try to avoid feeding this fruit.

3. Lychee

Although several owners feed lychee to bearded dragons, this fruit is unsafe for them. Its calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1:4, where the ideal ratio should be 1:1-3:1. Also, this fruit contains acidic contains and a high amount of sugar.

4. Olives

Another inclusion of unsafe fruits for beardies is olives. This fruit has high fats, calcium, and salt content. Also, the taste of olives is bitter which makes beardies uninterested in this fruit.

5. Lemon

You must not make this mistake of feeding lemon to your bearded dragon. The pH of the juice of the lemon is within 2-3.

So, this high quantity of acidic content can cause ulcers on your beardie’s stomach. As a result, feeding this unsafe fruit can be the reason for the death of your pet.

6. Sweet Orange

Sweet orange is one of the red-marked fruit on the list of unsafe fruits for bearded dragons. The pH range of sweet orange stays within 3-4 due to the presence of acetic acid. Besides, this fruit contains high oxalic acid that causes several health complications to bearded dragons.

7. Mandarin orange

Mandarin orange is a citrus acid fruit. Feeding mandarin orange can upset the stomach of your pet bearded dragon. Also, this fruit doesn’t contain vitamin D, which is a significant source of calcium.

But, the calcium to phosphorus ratio in mandarin orange is 1.85:1. Although several owners feed mandarin orange to their beardie rarely, this fruit remains unsafe due to its high acid levels.

8. Nuts

Do not feed nuts to your bearded dragons. Although nuts are highly recommended for humans, these fruits are unsafe for bearded dragons. Besides, nuts contain a higher amount of phosphorus than calcium. Also, these fruits are high in fats.

9. Tangerine

You should avoid feeding this citrus fruit to your beardies. Its high sugar and acidic content will make your pet sick.

10. Passion fruits

There is a big NO for passion fruits in case of feeding this fruit to your beardie. Passion fruits are unsafe for bearded dragons as this fruit is highly acidic.

In addition, the calcium to phosphorus ratio of passion fruits is 1:10, which is unbalanced for the health of your pet beardie.

11. Star fruit

Star fruits are unsafe for bearded dragons. Having high oxalates makes this fruit deadly for beardies. Also, the calcium to phosphorus ratio of star fruits is 1:4, whereas the ideal ratio should be 2:1.

What Fruit Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Everyday?

I advise you not to feed your bearded dragons fruits every day. Since these fruits are sugary, daily consumption may cause obesity. Also, maximum fruits contain a good portion of water that may lead to diarrhea.

You should keep the fruit intake up to 10% of their diet even if you want to give fruits daily. Besides, several experienced owners suggest keeping mango and prickly pear as staple fruits. But, because of having 83% water, I do not recommend feeding mangoes to your beardie every day.

What Are The Benefits Of Fruits For Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons can achieve lots of nutrients and essential components from fruits. Although you need to give only a small amount of fruits weekly, this little amount holds an effective impact on their body.

• Maximum fruits are high in fiber. It prevents constipation by keeping the digestive system sound. Hence, if your bearded dragon suffers from constipation, feeding high fiber fruit may help your beardie. But, excessive feeding of high fiber fruits can cause runny stool.
• The water content of fruits keeps bearded dragons hydrated. But, you must limit the quantity.
• High-calcium fruits are a must for bearded dragons. These fruits prevent metabolic bone disorders in your pet beardie. Moreover, such fruits help keep the bone of bearded dragons strong.
• Antioxidants in fruits boost the immune system and keep the heart sound. Also, these components of fruits promote a better digestive system.
• Besides, fruits contain varieties of vitamins. Each vitamin has a significant role to play. For example- vitamin E boosts the immune system.
• On the other hand, vitamin C develops the growth of bearded dragons with other benefits. Not to mention, vitamin D makes the bones of beardies strong.

Do Bearded Dragons Need Organic Fruits?

Organic fruits are the best options for bearded dragons as these fruits are free from chemicals or pesticides. But, it is not compulsory.

If you do not afford to buy organic fruits, you can produce them on your own. Otherwise, you can feed the non-organic fruits by thoroughly washing them.

How Much Fruit Can A Bearded Dragon Eat?

Vegetables and flowers take a large portion of the total diet of bearded dragons. Only 5-10% of the entire diet of beardies should be fruits.

Is Giving Bearded Dragons Lots Of Fruits Bad For Them?

You should feed fruits sparingly to your beardies. You can not feed bearded dragons fruits every day or a higher amount.

Feeding excessive fruits to your bearded dragons is harmful to their health.

All fruits contain a good level of sugar. So, excessive feeding of fruits can lead to obesity. Besides, the higher level of water in fruits can cause diarrhea.

In addition, some fruits are high in calcium, acetic acid, or oxalates. So, overfeeding fruits can cause decaying teeth, indigestion, etc. Hence, you have to feed fruits in such an amount that it remains only 10% of the diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Fruits?

Although bearded dragons can eat canned fruits, you should not give these to your beardies.

Canned fruits are high in sodium and sugar that are harmful to bearded dragons. Besides, these canned fruits do not taste much good as fresh fruits. Also, it has less nutritional value.

But, this doesn’t mean that you have to avoid canned fruits in all ways. If you do not buy fresh fruits, you can depend on canned fruits occasionally. However, I suggest you not depend on canned fruits entirely.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Honeydew?

Although the name honeydew melon may make you think these fruits are extremely sweet, their sweetness comes with a subtle flavor. These fruits are safe for your bearded dragons. But, you should not keep honeydew melons as a regular item in their daily diet.

Honeydew melons contain around 89.82 grams of water. If you feed these water-riched melons regularly, your beardies may suffer from diarrhea. Besides, these honeydew melons have around 8 gms of sugar.

If you want fruit with a good level of folate, magnesium, and vitamins, honeydew melons will be a great choice for your bearded dragons.

Another crucial fact in choosing ideal fruits for beardies is to check the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in the fruits. The calcium level should be higher than the phosphorus level for the sound health of your bearded dragons.

In the case of honeydew melons, the phosphorus level is much higher than the calcium level. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in honeydew melons is 1:1.8, whereas the ideal ratio should be 2:1 for beardies.

Hence, the experts suggest not feeding honeydew melons daily to your bearded dragons. But, you can keep these fruits as occasional treats for your pet beardies.

How Can Bearded Dragon Eat Fruits?

Before giving fruits to your bearded dragon, you have to prepare the fruits in a few ways. These are-

1. Firstly, wash the fruits thoroughly.
2. Secondly, you should peel the skin of the fruits if it is hard to swallow. For example- banana, papaya, pomegranates, etc.
3. Do not forget to remove the seeds, cores, or stems of fruits. Otherwise, consuming seeds may cause impaction.
4. Then, chop off the fruits into small and thin pieces. It will make the fruits easier to swallow.
5. Let your bearded dragon enjoy the slices of fruits.

Final Words

Your bearded dragons can also enjoy the taste of fruits if you manage to choose safe fruits for them. I hope this article has given you a broad list of safe and unsafe fruits for beardies. Now, you can serve your beardie any safe fruit maintaining awareness.