The bearded dragon is a lizard that has been around for over 100 million years and can be found in all parts of the world except Antarctica.
They are commonly known as “bearded lizards” because they have a long, beard-like tail which is usually brown or black with white spots.
The male bearded dragons have longer beards than the females. The males also have a red throat area.
Bearded dragons are very active reptiles and will often run across your floor when you walk into their enclosure.
They will eat almost anything, including fruits, vegetables, insects, crickets, worms, grasshoppers, mice, small birds, and even some other types of lizards.
Bearded dragons are considered to be omnivorous reptiles meaning that they eat both plants and animals.
This means that they can eat many foods, but they prefer meatier foods like insects, spiders, frogs, and mice.
They do not need much water, but they should get enough so that they don’t become dehydrated.
It is recommended that they drink at least two cups of water per day.
If you keep them in an aquarium, make sure there is enough room for them to move around freely.
Bearded dragons can live up to 20 years if kept properly and fed well. However, it is important to note that they cannot be kept outside year-round.
They require warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. In colder climates, they may freeze to death.
Bearded Dragons often enjoy fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, mangoes, kiwis, and more – But how do you know how much to feed them and what the benefits of these fruits are?
In this article, we are going to take a look at the benefits as well as negative effects of feeding your bearded dragon kiwi and much or little you should be feeding them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi Fruit?
The answer is yes! As mentioned above, bearded dragons love fruit. Kiwifruit is one of their favorite fruits.
They love eating them fresh, frozen, canned, juiced, dried, and even baked.
Kiwifruits are high in vitamin C and potassium. Both of these vitamins help build strong bones and muscles.
Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and protects against infections. Potassium helps regulate body fluids and maintain normal heart function.
Kiwifruits are also loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
Kiwifruits are also low in calories and fat. One cup of kiwifruit contains only about 40 calories.
The recommended daily calorie intake for a bearded dragon is between 400 and 500 calories.
Kiwifruits contain no cholesterol and are a good source of protein.
Some people who want to feed their bearded dragons kiwifruits may worry about the fact that they are toxic to dogs and cats.
While this is true, the amount of toxins in kiwifruit is tiny.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi Seeds?
Yes! Kiwifruit seeds are another great food option for bearded dragons. Just like kiwifruits, they have many health benefits.
Kiwifruit seeds are rich in nutrients and contain all the same vitamins and minerals as whole kiwifruits.
Seeds are also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. Kiwi seeds are very easy to digest and provide energy for the lizard.
Kiwi seeds are also a good source of calcium and phosphorus.
Like kiwifruits, seeds are low in calories and fat and contain no cholesterol.
One tablespoon of seeds has just 25 calories and is a very healthy snack for your bearded dragon.
Most seeds of kiwi fruit are soft and chewable. Some seeds will be hard and crunchy.
You can crush some seeds by hand before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
This makes it easier to eat the seeds and reduces the risk of any choking hazards. Kiwi seeds are not poisonous to your bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried Kiwi?
Dried kiwi is another excellent choice for your bearded dragon.
It’s a great way to give your bearded dragon something nutritious without having to prepare anything special.
You can buy dried kiwi online from Amazon.com, eBay.com, and other websites.
These are usually sold in bulk, so you don’t need to spend too much money on them.
You can also make your dried kiwi yourself. All you need to do is cut up the kiwi into bite-sized pieces.
Then place the pieces in an airtight container or bag. Make sure there is enough space in the container or bag to allow for expansion.
Allow the kiwi to dry out completely. Once the kiwi is completely dry, store it away from heat and direct sunlight.
Dried kiwi offers many of the same nutritional benefits as fresh kiwi. They both contain vitamin C and potassium.
Dried kiwi also contains more fiber than fresh kiwi.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi Skin?
While the skin of kiwi fruit can be high in vitamins, fiber, and minerals, it is not recommended that you feed it to your bearded dragon.
Kiwi skins are tough and stringy. If your bearded dragon eats a lot of kiwi skins, he could choke on them.
Unchewed kiwi skin can sit in the stomach of your dragon and irritate his digestive system.
Kiwi skins may also contain pesticides, even after you have washed the fruit. Pesticides can harm your bearded dragon if he ingests them.
The chemical can remain within the fruit skin and cause harm to your bearded dragon’s insides and his body.
It is not recommended or safe for bearded dragons to ingest the skin of a kiwi, and should always avoid doing so.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat kiwis.
However, it is best to wait until your bearded dragon reaches about 6 months old before introducing him to kiwi fruits.
Baby bearded dragons tend to be pickier when it comes to their food than older lizards.
As they get older, they become more adventurous with their eating habits.
If you introduce kiwi to your baby bearded dragon at this age, he might try to eat the whole thing!
He may also start trying to eat things like leaves, grasses, and sticks.
If you want to prevent this from happening, keep your baby bearded dragon off of these foods until he is around six months old.
If you decide to introduce kiwi to a younger bearded dragon, make sure you only offer him one piece at a time.
Don’t let him have access to all the kiwi at once. This is so that he doesn’t accidentally swallow large quantities that can cause a choking hazard.
Benefits Of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Kiwi
There are several reasons why you would want to feed your bearded dragon kiwi. Some of those reasons include:
Kiwi Fruit Helps Keep Your Bearded Dragon Healthy
Feeding your bearded dragon kiwifruit will help him maintain a healthy weight. Bearded dragons need to stay well-balanced.
A balanced diet includes plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Kiwi provides most of these nutrients.
Kiwi Fruit Can Help Prevent Constipation
Constipation is a common problem among bearded dragons. Kiwi helps prevent constipation because it contains dietary fiber.
Dietary fiber helps promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to stool.
It also adds bulk to the intestines, which makes it easier for your lizard to pass waste through his digestive tract.
Kiwi Fruit Contains Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral for reptiles.
It plays a role in controlling blood pressure, heart rate, muscle contraction, nerve function, and fluid balance. Kiwi fruit contains potassium.
Kiwi Fruit Is Low In Calories
Kiwi fruit has very few calories. It is low in fat and sodium as well. These characteristics make it easy for your bearded dragon to consume.
Kiwi Fruit Has Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause cell damage.
They are created during normal metabolism. Kiwi fruit contains antioxidants.
Kiwi Fruit Provides vitamin C
Vitamin C is necessary for many bodily functions. It aids in wound healing, immune system development, bone growth, and digestion.
Kiwi fruit contains vitamin C.
Kiwi Fruit Contains Vitamins B And E
These two vitamins are needed for proper skin health. They are also beneficial for eye health. Kiwi fruit contains both of them.
Kiwi Fruit Contains Folate
Folate is another essential nutrient for reptiles. It is needed for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism. Kiwi fruit contains folate.
Kiwi Fruit Contain Minerals That Are Essential For Reptile Health
Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, iodine, and molybdenum are vital for reptile health.
Kiwi fruit contains minerals that are essential for reptile health.
Kiwi Fruit Have High Levels Of Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties. Kiwi fruit contains phytochemicals.
Negative Effects of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Kiwi
While there are many benefits associated with feeding your bearded dragon kiwis, there are some negative effects too.
Here are some of the possible problems related to feeding your bearded dragon kiwis:
Kiwis May Cause Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects associated with kiwi consumption. High levels of fructose may be responsible for this effect.
Kiwis May Cause Skin Rash
Skin rashes are another potential issue. Kiwi fruit contains saponins, which are toxic substances that can irritate the skin.
Kiwis May Cause Liver Problems
Liver problems are rare, but they do occur. Kiwi fruit contains oxalic acid, which can lead to liver inflammation.
Kiwis Can Make Lizards Sick
Kiwi fruit contains salicylic acid, which can cause nausea or vomiting if consumed in large quantities.
Kiwis May Cause Kidney Damage
Kidneys are important organs for reptiles. If you feed your lizard kiwis regularly, it may affect their kidneys.
The above reasons are why you should only feed your bearded dragon kiwi fruit in moderation.
Overeating any type of food can lead to unwanted side effects.
How Often Should You Feed Kiwi To Your Bearded Dragon?
You can feed your bearded dragon kiwi every day. However, you should not overfeed your lizard or give it to him in large quantities.
If you want to give your bearded dragon a healthy diet, then you need to provide him with a balanced meal.
This means that he needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and other nutrients.
Providing your bearded dragon with a balanced diet will help him stay active and energetic. In addition, it will keep his body strong and healthy.
When you feed your bearded dragon kiwis, make sure that you follow these guidelines:
- Do not feed your bearded dragon more than once per day.
- Do not feed him a whole kiwi at once. Instead, cut up the kiwi into small pieces and feed him gradually throughout the day.
- Avoid giving him kiwi fruit when he has diarrhea.
Nutritional Information of Kiwi Fruit
A medium-sized kiwi fruit weighs about 1 pound (0.45 kg). It has a diameter of about 7 inches (18 cm) and a length of about 5 inches (13 cm).
A medium-sized kiwifruit contains about 100 calories.
It also contains vitamin C, potassium, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenol, and folic acid.
It also contains copper, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, selenium, sodium, chloride, and sulfur.
How To Prepare Kiwi For Your Bearded Dragon
There are various ways to prepare kiwi fruit for your bearded dragon. You can either buy them already prepared or you can prepare them yourself.
Here are some tips on how to prepare kiwi fruits for your bearded dragon:
- Cut the kiwi fruit into halves or quarters so that there is no choking risk.
- Remove the seeds from the kiwi fruit before feeding it to your bearded dragon to lower the choking risk.
- Peel off the skin of the kiwi fruit using a vegetable peeler.
- Wash the peeled kiwi fruit under running water.
Conclusion
Feeding your bearded dragon kiwis is a great way to add variety to his diet.
However, you must be careful when preparing this fruit for him, ensuring that you cut up the fruit or mash it, so that is easier for him to digest.
Remember that too much of anything can have negative health consequences.
Therefore, you should always take care when feeding your bearded dragon kiwifruits, and make sure not to exclusively feed him this fruit.
Bearded dragons love all types of fruits, and they are a great way to incorporate new foods into their diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Other Foods That Can Be Used As Substitutes For Kiwi Fruits?
Many types of fruits can be used as substitutes for kiwi fruits. Here are some of them:
Apple, banana, cherry, grapefruit, orange, pear, peach, plum, raspberry, strawberry, tangerine, and watermelon.
How Long Does It Take My Lizard To Digest Kiwi?
The period required for your bearded dragon to digest kiwi depends on several factors, such as its age, size, and overall health condition.
If your lizard is young, then he may require less time to digest kiwi than if he is older.
Also, if your lizard is in good health, then he will probably need less time to digest kiwis than if he is ill.
Is Kiwi Good For My Lizard’s Health?
Yes, kiwi is considered one of the best fruits for reptiles because it provides essential nutrients to keep your reptile healthy.
Kiwi contains vitamins B6, C, E, K, and A, which help strengthen bones, teeth, muscles, eyes, the immune system, and internal organs.
Kiwi also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium.
These minerals help build strong bones, teeth, muscles, and internal organs.
Do I Need To Feed Kiwi Fruit To My Lizard Every Day?
No, you do not need to feed your bearded dragon kiwi every day. Instead, you can feed him once a week or twice a month.
However, remember that you cannot feed your bearded dragon any food without first consulting with your veterinarian.
This is especially true if you plan to feed him kiwi fruits.
Will Kiwi Help Me Get Rid Of Fleas In My Lizards’ Skin?
Yes! Kiwi helps get rid of fleas in lizards’ skin.
All you need to do is crush a few kiwi fruits, mix them with a bit of warm water, and apply the mixture to your lizard’s skin.
This will help kill the fleas in your bearded dragon’s skin.
Can I Use Kiwi Fruit Juice To Make My Beardie Drink?
You can use kiwi fruit juice to make your bearded dragon drink. Just squeeze the kiwi fruit, remove the seeds, and strain out the pulp.
Then, mix the strained juice with warm water until it becomes a thick liquid.
You can also add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten the drink.
