Bearded dragons are the most popular type of lizard in captivity.
They are a very docile and easy-to-care-for species, which makes them one of the favorite pets among reptile lovers.
The bearded dragon can be found all over the United States, but they prefer warm climates and sunny places.
This is why you will find that these lizards have been bred in captivity in South Florida.
If you want to keep this interesting pet, then you should know how to handle it properly.
Read on to learn more about whether bearded dragons can safely consume strawberries or not.
Are Strawberries Good For Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragon food is a big part of keeping your lizard healthy and happy.
These creatures are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and animals.
They can be fed insects like crickets or mealworms, but their favorite diet is live foods such as earthworms, snails, slugs, fruit flies, and even berries.
Because this type of feeding may not always be available, you should also give them other types of foods that they can safely consume.
This includes vegetables like broccoli, carrots, lettuce, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, cauliflower, etc.
In addition, there are some fruits that bearded dragons really enjoy including raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries, and strawberries.
If these are given to your bearded dragon regularly, he may start eating them on his own without having to ask for them!
Fruit in general should not take up a large portion of a bearded dragon’s diet; they are not as nutritionally beneficial for these creatures as you might imagine.
That being said, strawberries are one of the best fruits you can feed your dragon.
Even the VCA-Hospitals have agreed that strawberries are at the top of the list of fruits you should feed your bearded dragon.
Are Strawberries Bad For Bearded Dragons?
Although strawberries are one of the better fruits to feed a bearded dragon it is not recommended that you feed them to your beardie very often.
There are actually many health-related issues that can come about from overfeeding your dragon this fruit.
But let’s look at one of the main reasons for strawberries being bad for bearded dragons.
Let’s Talk About The Calcium & Phosphorus Ratio Of A Strawberry
Strawberries contain high levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese.
The problem with all of those nutrients is that if you give your bearded dragon too much of them, then they could end up causing harm to your lizard’s overall health.
The ratio between calcium and phosphorus is extremely important when looking at what vitamins and minerals should be included in your bearded dragons’ diets.
When looking at the calcium/phosphorous ratio, you want to make sure that your bearded dragon gets enough calcium while limiting the amount of phosphorus in its diet.
This is because too much phosphorus can lead to kidney stones.
Although kidneys do a great job filtering out excess amounts of phosphorus from the body, it is still a good idea to keep an eye out for how much phosphorus is present in your bearded dragon’s diet.
Too much phosphorus can cause issues with the bones and teeth of your bearded dragon.
It is significant to note that although strawberries have high levels of calcium, they also contain high levels of phosphorus.
This means that you need to make sure that you limit how much phosphorus you are giving your bearded dragon so that they don’t get too much of it.
If you notice that your bearded dragon seems to be getting sick after eating a lot of strawberries, it could be that they were consuming too much phosphorus.
Another thing to consider is that different species of bearded dragons require different amounts of calcium and phosphorus to maintain a healthy bone structure.
For example, the Chinese Crested Dragon requires lower levels of calcium and higher levels of phosphorous than other species.
This is why it is important to follow the recommendations for bearded dragons and only feed them specific foods.
The Sugar Content Is Too High
Sugar content has become somewhat of a controversial topic among reptile owners.
Some people believe that sugar is fine to give to their animals, but others are concerned about the effects of sugar on reptiles.
A recent study showed that sugar consumption had no effect on lizard health or longevity.
However, there was evidence that sugar did affect the growth rate of young bearded dragons.
When it comes to feeding bearded dragons, you must always remember that they are carnivores.
They will eat just about anything as long as it is meaty and nutritious.
As long as you know the nutritional value of the food you are feeding them, then you won’t run into any major problems.
But, it is true that some foods like apples and bananas have high sugar content.
Because of this, it would be best not to offer these fruits to your bearded dragons.
Even though they may seem delicious, they can actually cause harm to your bearded dragons’ metabolism.
What Benefits Do Strawberries Offer Bearded Dragons?
Strawberry leaves are packed full of nutrients, making them perfect for bearded dragons.
These plants can provide your bearded dragons with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and selenium.
If you’re worried about the sugar content in strawberries, you shouldn’t be.
The sugar content in strawberry leaves is very low.
In fact, one cup of fresh strawberry leaves contains only 15 calories.
Beardies love berries!
It’s true, even though they might look cute, they are actually omnivores.
So if you’re thinking about adding strawberries to your bearded dragons’ diet – don’t worry.
Their natural diet consists of crickets and small insects.
But there are many more benefits of having strawberries added to your bearded dragon’s diet:
Strawberries Promote Healthy Skin
Bearded dragons need a good amount of vitamin D, so they should get plenty of sunlight while outdoors.
If you notice your beardie looking pale and thin around his belly area, try giving him some strawberries.
Strawberries contain an antioxidant called ellagic acid.
Ellagic acid fights free radicals, which are harmful particles produced by cells as part of normal metabolic processes.
Free radicals damage cells and tissues and can lead to cancer.
Studies show that ellagic acid helps protect the skin from sunburn and prevents cell aging.
Strawberries also help keep your bearded dragon’s coat shiny and soft.
Helps Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can be very painful and sometimes dangerous.
Your bearded dragon could develop kidney stones due to consuming too much calcium.
Calcium oxalates are most commonly found in commercial pet foods, but they are also present in green vegetables such as spinach.
When consumed in excess, these oxalates can accumulate in the kidneys and form crystals.
This causes inflammation and irritation within the urinary tract.
Since your bearded dragon has no teeth, he cannot chew or grind up food.
He must consume whole foods, which means he will rely on supplements.
One thing you can do to prevent kidney stones is to feed your bearded dragon a diet containing enough calcium and phosphorus.
A balanced diet is recommended to ensure proper mineral levels.
Decreases Cholesterol
A study conducted at the University of Florida showed that eating just two cups of strawberries per day lowers cholesterol levels in humans by 11 percent.
Improves Digestion And Prevents Diarrhea
Strawberries contain lactobacillus bacteria, which aid digestion and prevent diarrhea.
They also improve intestinal flora and aid in the absorption of nutrients.
What Nutritional Value Do Strawberries Offer?
Strawberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Strawberries are also great sources of folate, potassium, and vitamin K.
Folate is essential because it plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair.
Potassium strengthens muscles, nerves, and heart tissue.
Vitamin K promotes blood clotting and keeps bones strong.
Below is a list of the nutritional value of a strawberry:
- Energy – Strawberries normally contain about 32 calories per 100 grams of strawberries.
- Water – A strawberry normally contains about 91 grams of water per 100 grams.
- Protein – Strawberries contain about 0.67 grams of protein per 100 grams.
- Fat – For every 100 grams of strawberries, there will be about 0.3 grams of fat.
- Fiber – In 100 grams of strawberries, there will be 2 grams of fiber.
- Carbohydrates – There are about 8 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams of strawberries.
- Sugars – There are about 5 grams of sugar in 100 grams of strawberries.
- Phosphorus – In 100 grams of strawberries, there are about 24 milligrams of phosphorus.
- Calcium – For every 100 grams of strawberries, there are about 16 milligrams of calcium.
- Vitamin C – In every 100 grams of strawberries, there are about 59 milligrams of vitamin C.
- Sodium – In 100 grams of strawberries, there is only 1 milligram of sodium.
- Iron – There are about 0.41 milligrams of iron in every 100 grams of strawberries.
- Potassium – In 100 grams of strawberries, there are about 153 milligrams of potassium.
- Magnesium – For every 100 grams of strawberries, there are 0.38 milligrams of magnesium.
So, What’s Concerning About Bearded Dragons Eating Strawberries?
Although we don’t have any evidence that bearded dragons should not eat strawberries, we recommend against feeding them this fruit too often.
The problem with strawberries is that they are high in fructose.
In addition, the skins of ripe strawberries are hard and tough.
If fed frequently, even young bearded dragons may experience gastrointestinal distress from consuming these fruits.
If you decide to give your bearded dragon some strawberries, make sure they are organic.
Avoid buying berries that appear damaged; there are likely mold spores growing inside.
Even if you wash strawberries before giving them to your lizard, the dirt and debris can still remain on the skin.
And, of course, when you feed your bearded dragon berries, remove all other food items from their enclosure so that they do not become over-stimulated or overeat.
Is It Safe To Feed A Bearded Dragon Strawberries Daily?
It is not recommended to feed your bearded dragon strawberries every day.
However, feeding them once or twice a month.
Just make sure that you are only giving your beardie a bit of strawberry.
It should be more of a salad topper as opposed to a whole salad.
Is It Safe For Bearded Dragons To Eat Strawberry Seeds?
Strawberry seeds are edible for bearded dragons, which is lucky because it would be a pain to pick off every single seed before you feed your dragon.
These seeds are not too big, so they do not pose a threat to your bearded dragon, as a choking hazard at least.
However, if you feed your dragon too many strawberries, the seeds may cause trouble with your beloved lizard’s digestive system.
So, make sure to only feed your bearded dragon strawberries every so often, and when you do, only small amounts.
What Is The Best Way To Prepare Strawberries?
The best way to prepare strawberries is to cut them up into smaller pieces.
This allows your bearded dragon’s digestive system to better process the fruit.
You can also freeze the strawberries and then feed them to your bearded dragon later.
Make sure to place them in Ziploc bags first so that they stay frozen until you need them.
Alternative Fruits To Feed A Bearded Dragon
There are plenty of alternative fruits that you can feed to your bearded dragon instead of strawberries.
Here’s a list of some great options:
- Figs – Figs are a great alternative fruit you can feed your bearded dragon. They are low in calories but high in fiber. As an added bonus, figs contain natural sugar levels, which means that your bearded dragon won’t get starving after eating them.
- Dates – Dates are another great alternative to strawberries. Dated fruit contains about 10% fewer calories than fresh fruit. They are very easy to add to your bearded dragon’s diet.
- Apricots – Apricots are one of our favorite fruits to feed to my bearded dragons because they have a higher fat content than most fruits. The apricot pits are high in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen bones. Also, they contain vitamins A and C, which are both essential vitamins for healthy eyesight.
- Raspberries – Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorous. These nutrients help keep your bearded dragon’s body strong and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we are going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions concerning this topic.
So, let’s get started!
How Many Strawberries Should You Feed A Bearded Dragon?
This question has been asked a lot recently, so we decided to address it here.
We recommend that you give your bearded dragon just enough strawberries to fill their bowl about half full.
If they’re getting a larger amount, they’ll naturally stop eating sooner.
Just make sure to feed them strawberries once a month or thereabouts, and of course, remove any strawberries that have not been eaten in one session.
How Much Fruit Should A Bearded Dragon Eat?
We are going to assume that you are feeding your bearded dragon apples, bananas, oranges, peaches, plums, pears, grapes, blueberries, cherries, and other similar fruits.
In general, these fruits should comprise roughly 10-20% of your bearded dragon’s diet.
It all depends on what type of food you are giving them.
Some fruits, like apples and bananas, are more nutritious than others, such as green beans and carrots.
How Long Does It Take Your Beardie To Digest Strawberries?
Strawberries take longer to digest than many other fruits.
So, if you’re looking for a quick snack option, stick with something else.
However, if you want to provide your beardie with a nutrient-dense treat, strawberries may be the way to go.
Strawberries also contain lots of antioxidants, which aid in maintaining overall health.
For instance, strawberries help prevent cancer by helping to destroy harmful free radicals.
Do I Need To Wash My Strawberries Before Giving Them To My Bearded Dragon?
If you are planning on using strawberries straight from the grocery store, you will probably need to wash them before giving them to your beardies.
This isn’t necessary, though, if you plan on buying organic strawberries.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found this article helpful.
We hope that you have learned everything you need to know about bearded dragons and whether they are able to eat strawberries.
Have a fantastic day!
