Can bearded dragons eat raspberries?
In this article, we will answer the question “Can bearded dragons eat raspberries?”, and how can bearded dragons eat raspberries?
Can bearded dragons eat raspberries?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat raspberries but only as a snack. Read on for more information on the serving size, frequency, dangers, and benefits of feeding raspberries to your bearded dragon.
How often should the bearded dragons be fed raspberries?
This question can be best answered by your vet. Because it depends on the overall diet and appetite of your bearded dragon.
Usually, young bearded dragons can be fed raspberries once or twice per day. But the nutritional needs of a young and adult bearded dragon are different. Therefore, adult bearded dragons should not be fed raspberries more than once per day.
However, it is recommended to stick to feeding raspberries only once or twice per week. This is because raspberries have high water content and an unbalanced calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Can they eat raspberry seeds and leaves?
Feeding some raspberry seeds or a few raspberry leaves won’t hurt your lizard. However, moderation is the key. Just because it is safe, does not mean it can be fed in excessive amounts without any negative effects.
Can they eat dried raspberries?
No, bearded dragons cannot eat dried raspberries. Dried fruit, including dried raspberries, are extremely rich in sugars which is no good for bearded dragons.
Can they eat raspberry jams or preserves?
The answer to this question is a resounding no. The general rule of thumb is to not feed anything too sugary to bearded dragons. Jams and jellies are 80% sugar. Therefore, stick to feeding only fresh raspberries in moderate amounts to your lizard.
The nutritional content of raspberries
Raspberries are a good source of carbs, protein, and fiber. Besides, raspberries provide vitamins like Vitamin C, E, K and minerals like copper, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
Vitamin C helps in growth, repairs, organ development, and is crucial for the smooth functioning of major organs. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties while Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and bone development.
Copper aids iron absorption and also maintains the blood vessels, bones, and nerves. Potassium is needed for muscle contraction, nerve signals, and fluid balance in the body.
Phosphorus provides energy and keeps bones healthy but in high amounts, it is dangerous for bearded dragons. Magnesium regulates blood sugar levels and iron is needed by the bones and blood cells.
Risks of feeding raspberries to bearded dragons
Oxalates
Raspberries have a moderate amount of oxalates that is 48mg in a single cup of raspberries. Consuming too many raspberries exposes the bearded dragon to a rich amount of oxalates and that can’t be good.
Oxalates bind with calcium to hamper their absorption. Long-term calcium deficiency leads to Metabolic Bone disease, the symptoms of which include paralysis, deformity, shrunken limbs, lethargy. MBD can be fatal if left untreated.
A high phosphorus content
The safe ratio of calcium and phosphorus should be 1:1, but it is 1:1.2 in the raspberries. Phosphorus, like oxalates, binds with the calcium to interfere with its absorption.
If this condition is continued over some time along with feeding calcium-poor foods to your lizard, it can lead to MBD.
High sugar content
Raspberries are high in sugar and it is not healthy for bearded dragons. Just like in humans, consuming too many raspberries makes the bearded dragon obese.
Besides, due to the poor physical activity of domestic lizards, obesity lays the foundation for fatty liver disease and fatal heart failure. Too much sugar is also associated with tooth and gum decay in bearded dragons.
How can bearded dragons eat raspberries?
Bearded dragons should be fed the freshest and plump berries as the rotten ones cause diarrhea in the lizards. If frozen, let the raspberries thaw first.
Raspberries should be washed through. Besides, they should be removed from any stems or leaves that may serve as a choking hazard for your lizard.
Small raspberries can be fed whole. Large berries should be cut into bite-sized pieces and then mixed with other wholesome fruits in a salad bowl.
Get rid of the raspberry residues or leftover juice from the bowl because rotting in the bowl will contaminate it with pathogenic bacteria.
If the bearded dragon develops diarrhea after eating raspberries, soak him in water for 15 minutes a day. Moreover, make sure the lizard is hydrated at all times. If diarrhea persists or becomes worse, contact your vet.
Other FAQs about Berries that you may be interested in.
Can you eat Christmas berries? (3 Precautions)
Can you eat sweet berries in Minecraft?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can bearded dragons eat raspberries?”, and how can bearded dragons eat raspberries?
