Can Bearded Dragons eat tomatoes? I bet you asked this question too. Tomatoes are one of the most commonly used fruits in kitchens all around the world thanks to their versatility and full flavour, but when it comes to bearded dragons, you can’t just say ‘hey, we love tomatoes in the kitchen, so he can have some too’.
Your beardie’s nutritional needs are unique – can he chow down on tomatoes safely, or should these sweet red beauties be forbidden from the menu? We’re about to find out by taking a deep dive into the nitty gritty.
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Nutritional Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes likewise have vitamins A and C, also very useful for immune function and skin integrity, as well as antioxidants such as lycopene that help to fight free radicals. For us, all these nutrients are good things. Bearded dragons might see things differently.
Risks of Feeding Tomatoes to Bearded Dragons – Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?
Acidity – Tomatoes are higher in acid than many of the fruits and vegetables experienced beardies are fed, and if your dragon eats them often, he could wake up with an upset stomach and/or mouth sores.
Sugar – While not high as some fruits, tomatoes do contain sugars that could contribute to digestive problems and obesity in bearded dragons if offered too frequently.
Calcium:phosphorus ratio – Tomatoes have an unfavourable calcium:phosphorus ratio. For bearded dragon health, this is very important. A diet high in phosphorus can prevent calcium uptake, which can lead to metabolic bone disease, a common and potentially fatal condition.
Because of these risks, while tomatoes might be an occasional food for bearded dragons, they should still be eaten sparingly. Considering the acidity, sugar content, and poor calciumration, it is essential to ask, “Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?” The answer is yes, but with considerable caution to avoid health issues.
How to Safely Include Tomatoes in Your Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Frequency – Tomatoes are beneficial for health as a rare treat, but should not be part of the regular diet. A single bite of tomato every few weeks will be sufficient without the risks from acidity and phosphorus. Portion Size. Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes safely? Yes, if given sparingly. A small piece of tomato every few weeks is sufficient to enjoy the benefits without the risks.
For preparation – All tomatoes must be washed to get the pesticides and chemicals off them. Cut the tomatoes up very small to avoid choking. Cut tomatoes to be easily digested.
Dietary Balance – Bearded dragon food is rich in phosphorus and poor in calcium, hence you need to incorporate lots of calcium-rich foods to the diet – such as collard greens, squash or commercial bearded dragon food, carefully fortified with calcium – to balance the the diet.
Alternatives to Tomatoes
If you’re trying to avoid produce with the highest risk of contamination and want to find fruits and vegetables with the safest growing, handling and distribution practices, and/or the best nutritional profiles, try these:
Bell Peppers – Low in sugar and acids, and high in vitamins A and C.
Carrots – High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your dragon’s body.
Butternut Squash – Rich in nutrients as well as low in acids. No need to avoid! This one is good to use several times a week.
Conclusion
In terms of their color and flavour, tomatoes tend to be a little overwhelming for the gustatory appreciation of bearded dragons, but the risks can be mitigated if they are fed sparingly and only rationally. For that reason, a healthy bearded dragon with a digestive system built for a hunter-gatherer lifestyle shouldn’t be fed any tomatoes.
Our goal is to nourish creatures that are built like grass-munching dinosaurs and yet require sustenance like those that evolved to sneak up on rabbits. The best way to keep them at peak fitness is to avoid mirroring our own human diet. Remember, by nature, our dragons are herbivores, albeit carnivorous and insectivores.
What provides them energy and sustenance isn’t tomatoes and carrots, but rather flowers, berries, vines, seedpods and other foods that fall on the leafier side of the plant kingdom. Of course, if you’re contemplating adding a little yellow, orange or red variety to your bearded dragon’s daily fare, do consult your reptile vet beforehand.
If you’re still asking ‘can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?’, it’s best to consider all these factors and consult with a professional to make an informed decision about your pet’s diet.
If you care dearly for you bearded dragon friend, you may want to also read the Ultimate Guide for Bearded Dragon Diet.