There’s something about bananas that just screams tropical paradise, doesn’t it? But can bearded dragons eat bananas? Let’s find out once and for all..
if you’ve ever sat there crunching on a banana with your scaly friend staring at you with big, amazed eyes, you might have wondered ‘Can I feed them a slice?’ Before you make bananas a regular part of their menu plan, let’s first slip into our detail slippers and see how these two get along…
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A Banana’s Nutritional Peel – But Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas?
They are famous for being rich in potassium, but they are also rich in vitamins B6, C, magnesium, and dietary fibre. So far so good for humans, but what does all this mean for bearded dragons?
Benefits of Bananas for Bearded Dragons
Prevents dehydration: This is another advantage of the high water content of bananas: they help keep your beardie hydrated.
Vitamin Bounty: This gives them a good nutritional boost, and can help support the immune function of your beardie.
But it’s not all roses: there are some downsides…
The Banana Peel: 3 Major Risks for Bearded Dragons
Sugar High – Banana has too much sugar. If our dear bearded dragon eats it all the time, it can lead to obesity and other health issues. Besides, high in sugar can trigger hyper-glycaemic, which is not a card webpage.
Phosphorus Content – Bananas have more phosphorus than calcium, throwing the calcium-phosphorus ratio off balance, which – as seen on Barbara’s website – leads to metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, a common DIE of young ripping beards such as hers.
Too Much Potassium – Already a mineral, potassium is also necessary in small amounts but too much can inhibit the dragon’s ability to absorb other critical minerals.
Serving Bananas Safely to Your Bearded Dragon
When considering the question – can bearded dragons eat bananas? We must also talk about the best practice for reptile banana intake…
Take It Easy On The Bananas
Due to the high sugar content of bananas and the unfavourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, your bearded dragon should be fed small amounts of this treat. I recommend a banana only be offered to your dragon as an occasional delicacy (e.g. once a month) and thus, not be part of its regular regimen. As an additional consideration, you should only offer it to your dragon when it overall diet and health is adequate.
How-To Hints for Feeding Bananas
Peel First: Peel the banana before feeding. Bearded dragons don’t digest the peel, and they may not only taste bad but could lead to pesticide intake, even when washed.
Adequate Size: Cut the banana into small bite-size pieces to prevent choking hazards. Smaller pieces are generally easier for your bearded dragon to manage, while also helping you control the portion size.
Peel away Ripe Ends: Bananas that have become overripe can have higher sugar levels. Peel only away the brown, ripe ends, rather than the firmer, less sweet areas.
Mix with Other Foods: To balance the meal and help offset the sugar and phosphorus content, mix banana pieces with other food. Try calcium-containing foods (finely chopped collard greens, for example, or squash) added to the mix at the same feeding.
Watch Your Dragon: After feeding bananas for a few days, keep an eye on your bearded dragon for any signs of digestive distress, as well as changes in behavior. Paying attention can help you determine whether or not they tolerate this fruit.
If you follow these guidelines, then you can greatly minimise any concerns when you do occasionally treat your bearded dragon to some banana in the safe and healthy enjoyment of this fruit. Dietary choices should always be considered within the larger context of a pet’s food habits and overall health, and you should discuss dietary adjustments with a reptile veterinarian if you are at all concerned by your pet’s diet.
Tasty Alternatives to Bananas
We know that you wanted to know “can bearded dragons eat bananas’ – but If you are starting to worry that your bearded dragon can no longer dine on that golden-yellow banana, we suggest the following as viable alternatives to the more extreme option above:
Figs – Rich in fiber and full of calcium.
Papayas – Low in calories and high in digestive enzymes.
Mangoes – Packed with vitamins and a safer sugar level than bananas.
Conclusion
So, can bearded dragons eat bananas? Sure, but they should be an occasional treat (only once or twice a month), and offered with care. They aren’t toxic, but they aren’t a good snack because of their sugar and just their nutrient profile. Stick to a mix of as many greens as they want, some veggies and some fruit here and there for your beardie.
Alright! We have offically covered the subject ‘can bearded dragons eat bananas’! The next time you peel a banana, think about sharing a tiny piece with your dragon, and give fruit treats plenty of variety and keep them infrequent. That way, your pet can taste both life and good health!
You may also be interested to check out our ultimate bearded dragons diet free guide.
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