We all love our beardies, and we want to give them the best! One of the most important things we can do to help our bearded dragons thrive is to offer them an optimal bearded dragon diet.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they require a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits. However, not all foods are safe for them. Some foods can be harmful to their health and even cause death in extreme cases.
In this blog post, we will discuss six things to NEVER feed your bearded dragon and why.
6 Things A Healthy Bearded Dragon Diet Should Never Include
1. Avocado
Avocado is a popular fruit and a healthy option for humans, but for your beardie it’s a no-no! Avocado contains persin, a toxic substance that can cause heart failure, respiratory distress, and even death in bearded dragons. Therefore, it is essential to keep avocado out of your bearded dragon’s reach.
2. Insects caught in the wild
Who hasn’t found the odd insect or two in their house or garden and thought “Fluffy the bearded dragon would love to eat this!”? But bearded dragon experts don’t recommend including wild insects in your bearded dragon diet!
Insects caught in the wild can contain harmful parasites and bacteria. These can be harmful or even deadly to your bearded dragon. Wild bugs may also be exposed to pesticides and other harmful chemicals. It is best to avoid feeding your bearded dragon wild-caught bugs. Opt for commercially bred insects instead—they’re way safer for your pet!
3. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is another food that doesn’t belong in a bearded dragon diet. It contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can lead to kidney failure in bearded dragons. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding rhubarb to your bearded dragon.
4. Fireflies
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are not suitable for bearded dragons. They contain a toxic chemical called lucibufagins, which can be fatal to bearded dragons. Eating fireflies can cause vomiting, seizures, and even death in bearded dragons. Don’t do it!
5. Spinach
Spinach is a popular leafy green vegetable, and full of nutrients. Unfortunately, it is not a suitable food to include in a bearded dragon diet. Spinach contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can bind calcium and lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding spinach to your beardie. Try dandelion, collards, or mustard greens instead.
6. Iceberg lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is a common vegetable used in salads, but it’s not a good choice for bearded dragons. It had so few nutrients that it’s really more like junk food for your beardie. Plus, its high water content can cause diarrhea in bearded dragons. Who wants to deal with that? (“Not me!” says anyone who has ever had to scrape gooey bearded dragon poo off every available surface of their enclosure!)
But the dangers of iceberg lettuce go beyond mere inconvenience. It can also lead to malnutrition and dehydration if fed regularly. So don’t be tempted: it is best to avoid feeding iceberg lettuce to your bearded dragon.
Dubia Roaches: An Excellent Alternative
Bearded dragons require a balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being. It is crucial to avoid feeding your bearded dragon foods that are toxic or harmful to their health. Always research and check if a particular food is safe for your bearded dragon before feeding it!
Now that you know what foods to avoid feeding your bearded dragon, it’s time to make sure you have the right food for them. Dubia roaches are an excellent alternative to wild-caught insects. Dubias are easy to digest, have a high nutritional value, and are available commercially. They also do not make noise, smell, or jump, making them a great option for pet owners. Dubia roaches are also low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy staple to include in your bearded dragon diet.
Shop Now for a Healthy Dragon Diet
Shop now at The Bug Shed and get high-quality Dubia roaches, perfect for your bearded dragon’s diet! Ensure your pet’s health and happiness by and checking out our selection of premium dubia roaches today!
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