Bearded dragons make wonderful pets, but unless you’ve spent a great deal of time around them, you may be unfamiliar with the finer points of keeping one. That includes knowing what foods are safe to feed them — like oranges. Are they fine or will they harm your dragon?
The answer is no, your bearded dragon should never eat oranges. We explain why in more detail.
Are Oranges Safe for Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons should never be fed oranges for a variety of reasons. One is the fact that oranges are high in something called oxalic acid.
Oxalic acid is a compound that binds with calcium to create calcium oxalate. While it doesn’t sound bad in theory, calcium oxalate actually sucks the calcium out of the body. This can lead to an affliction called metabolic bone disease, which can cause deformities, paralysis, or even death.
That’s not the only ingredient in oranges that you should be concerned about, however. They’re also packed with sugar, which bearded dragons have trouble processing. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease, diabetes, and heart failure.
But wait, there’s more! The citric acid in oranges will likely irritate your pet’s stomach lining, causing heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea. If not treated promptly, this can lead to severe dehydration and the inability to properly absorb nutrients.
As you can see, many things can happen if you feed a bearded dragon an orange — and none of them are any good.
What About Mandarin Oranges?
Mandarin oranges are less acidic than regular oranges, so in that aspect, they’re a better choice. However, just because they have less acid doesn’t mean they’re safe for bearded dragons, as there’s still enough acid to cause a host of problems.
What’s more, mandarin oranges have even more sugar, so they’re even worse in that regard. You also shouldn’t feed them clementines, navel oranges, or orange peels — and definitely don’t serve them a big glass of orange juice. Basically, if it looks like an orange, don’t give it to your dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Insects That Eat Oranges?
Now that we’ve established that oranges are terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad for your bearded dragon, it’s worth asking: What about eating bugs that have eaten oranges? Will all the sugar and acid transfer from the bug to your dragon?
The answer is yes and no. These insects have evolved to eat oranges and other acid-heavy foods, so their bodies are better able to break down the chemicals inside. In fact, many insects (like Dubai roaches) thrive when being fed oranges, as it helps them build their calcium levels — the exact opposite of what happens to your bearded dragon.
That doesn’t mean that all the acid is neutralized, however. If you serve your feeder insects oranges at every meal, they’ll have enough acid in their systems to harm your dragon. There shouldn’t be an issue with feeding them oranges once or twice a week, though.
Are There Any Fruits That Bearded Dragons Can Eat?
While oranges should never be on the menu, there are a few fruits that are safe for your bearded dragon to munch on. These include apples, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, and figs.
However, keep in mind that virtually all fruit is loaded with sugar, so even if something is safe for your bearded dragon, it should be served in moderation. Don’t give them more than one serving of fruit per week.
The bulk of their daily diet should be insects or mealworms, along with leafy green vegetables. You can serve them bell peppers and sweet potatoes a few times a week as well, but fruit consumption should be strictly limited.
What’s the Verdict? Can Bearded Dragons Eat Oranges?
Bearded dragons can eat a wide range of foods, but oranges should never be on the list. There are acids and sugars inside them that your bearded dragon simply can’t handle, and eating them can cause a host of health problems for your pet.
If you want to serve your little dragon some fruit, there are other, more suitable options available.
What foods are forbidden to bearded dragons?
Onion. Chives. Celery. Mushrooms. Lemon is a citrus fruit that will upset your dragon’s stomach. Another citrus fruit that will upset your dragon’s stomach is orange. The iceberg lettuce It’s primary water with minimal nutritional value, so don’t feed it to your Bearded Dragon.
What is poisonous to my bearded dragon?
Fireflies Bearded dragons and other reptiles are particularly poisonous to fireflies. You may believe that capturing a few fireflies to give your bearded dragon is a simple and affordable treatment, but be aware that fireflies can kill your beardie. At all costs, avoid feeding a bearded dragon firefly.
Is the excrement of a bearded dragon toxic?
Bearded dragons can transmit Salmonella infections to humans, making them ill. Always take precautions to keep yourself and your bearded dragon healthy. Even though they appear healthy and clean, bearded dragons can transmit Salmonella bacteria in their droppings.
Can kissing a bearded dragon make you sick?
Don’t kiss or cuddle your bearded dragon, and don’t eat or drink around it. These acts can introduce Salmonella bacteria into your mouth, making you ill. Keep your bearded dragon away from the kitchen and other locations where food is eaten, stored, or prepared.
Is it true that bearded dragons spew poison?
Bearded dragons do not have venom in their fangs like cobras or deadly saliva like Komodo dragons. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, carry a lot of germs that can cause Salmonella—both to you and to themselves! That is why it is critical to thoroughly wash your hands after petting your pet.
What is the preferred meal of bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating live bugs. Feeding time will be enjoyable if you love watching a good chase. Roaches, crickets, and worms are commonly fed to pet dragons.
What are bearded dragons most fond of?
Most bearded dragons like playing in the water. It’s an excellent method for children to have fun while staying hydrated. A huge plastic storage container at least twice the length of your bearded dragon provides an excellent swimming hole. A little kiddie pool also works nicely.
How often should a bearded dragon be bathed?
3 times each week Bathing your dragon three times a week should be plenty to keep it clean and hydrated. If your dragon despises showers, once a week may be an acceptable objective. If your dragon can’t get enough bath time, try doing it more regularly, perhaps even once a day.
How long should a bearded dragon bathe?
Allow your beardie to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. After the bath, gently pat your pet dry with a nice towel. This is really crucial! If he’s still moist when you reintroduce him to his tank, the substrate may adhere to him.
Can bearded dragons consume apples and oranges?
In large quantities, no fruit, even apples, is beneficial to your dragon. Despite their health advantages, apples might be harmful to your bearded dragon if served too frequently. This is why. There is far too much sugar.