Can bearded dragons eat pineapple? Yes, pineapples are also a safe food for bearded dragons to consume once or twice a month. Feeding bearded dragons can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what foods they can consume.
Tropical fruits such as pineapple are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You might be interested in pineapples, and wonder if bearded dragons can eat them?
Pineapple is a juicy and tart fruit which is hard to ignore. As far as bearded dragons are concerned, you should not feed them pineapples until you know whether they are safe for them to eat. Let’s discuss more details: do bearded dragons eat pineapple?
Table of Contents
What Are Pineapples
The pineapple’s botanical name is Ananas comosus. Its name comes from the fact that it resembles a pine cone, so it is native to South America. In 1493, Christopher Columbus found the fruit on Guadeloupe, bringing it to the attention of the world. Today, Hawaii produces less than ten percent of the world’s pineapples
Plants with pineapple leaves are low-growing and have spiky leaves. On the top of the fruit, which grows from the plant’s central stem, the leaves have the same shape as the greenery on top.
Pineapples are common in supermarkets, easy to cut up, and relatively inexpensive compared to other fruits, considering the amount you get from a single plant. Pineapple fruits take about two years to grow and have a bright yellow skin with fibrous flesh.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple
Can bearded dragons eat pineapple? Yes, they can consume pineapples. Fruits such as pineapple have nutritional benefits for bearded dragons. its nutritional value, this fruit is moderately high in oxalate. Since this inhibits calcium absorption, it is harmful to beardies.
You should only feed your bearded dragons a small amount of pineapple every 2 weeks or so to prevent any health issues. Pineapples are a favorite food of bearded dragons. In excess, pineapple can be toxic to your lizard, so it’s best to refrain from giving it pineapple too often.
Your pet should feed only raw, fresh, and peeled pineapple that has been cut into small, manageable pieces. It is undeniably nutritional to give beardies pineapple as a snack. This fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and water.
With a closer look at vitamin C, we can see that it helps the beardies boost their immune systems and heal their wounds more quickly. Vitamin C helps dragons recover from diseases more quickly, as well.
Pineapple contributes to hydration of bearded dragons due to its high water content. Pineapples are a great source of fiber for lizards who suffer from constipation issues.
In addition to being a great source of calcium, pineapple is also an excellent source of fiber. Its calcium and phosphorus ratios are 1.6:1 for bearded dragons, making it a safe food source.
Is Pineapple Safe for Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons are safe to eat pineapple because it is not toxic to them. Even if they eat some chunks of it, they won’t die.
The fact that it poses no risks doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fed to them. Among other health problems, fruit is high in sugar, which can cause obesity in lizards.
However, pineapple’s high content of oxalates, which bind with calcium, is a greater concern. Oxalates can prevent your bearded dragon from absorbing calcium, once they start joining with calcium.
A bearded dragon can suffer from metabolic bone disease if it eats too many oxalates, which can cause deformities or even dying. In short, don’t give your bearded dragon pineapple too often. It shouldn’t be an everyday treat, and shouldn’t be done every month.
Is Pineapple Healthy For Bearded Dragons?
One or two times per month at most, your bearded dragon can consume pineapple. Pineapples contain high levels of vitamin C, among other health benefits.
In addition to creating some health concerns for dragons, pineapple also contains phosphorus, sugar, and high acidity. Do not feed your pet pineapple skin, pineapple cores or pineapple tops,
As long as they are eaten in moderation, bearded dragons can eat pineapples. As a rule, give your lizard pineapple only occasionally since too much pineapple can cause severe health problems, such as obesity and metabolic bone disease.
In canned fruits, extra sugar is usually added, so canned pineapple should be avoided as well. There is a post on how to feed bearded dragons canned food if you’re interested in using canned foods.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?
Pineapples tend to have a high sugar content. On average, pineapple contains 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Pineapples contain a great deal of sugar, so bearded dragons should limit their intake.
The pineapple also has a relatively high acidity level and contains oxalates. By binding to calcium, oxalates block the absorption of calcium while the acid irritates the stomach lining.
Bearded dragons can have pineapple between 1-2 times per month. You won’t have any problems eating pineapple that way.
How to Prepare Pineapple For Your Bearded Dragons
Two or three small slices of pineapple are enough for your dragon once or twice a month. It’s time to make some pineapples for your pet now that you know pineapples are good for bearded dragons. Follow these steps;
- For the best nutrition, choose fresh and ripe pineapples.
- The leaves, skin and tops of the plants should be removed. Carefully peel the fruit after washing it.
- After cutting the fruit, remove the core. Cut the flesh into smaller pieces so that it will fit in your dragon’s mouth.
- Make bite-sized pineapple pieces by slicing the flesh. Their eyes shouldn’t be wider than the pineapple pieces.
- Serve them pineapple pieces in a bowl. A salad will give your bearded dragon a boost in nutrition.lettuce, Kiwi, squash, and carrots can also be added to the pineapple. Cut them all into small pieces first. Add them all together and mix well.
- Dispose of pineapple tops, pineapple skin, and the core of the pineapple so that you are not feeding your dragon any other parts of the pineapple.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Tops?
If your bearded dragon likes veggies, you might consider offering pineapple tops to him. You should never do this if you truly care about the health of your pet. Barbed dragons are not able to eat pineapple tops.
Your dragon will get sick from eating the tops, which contain toxic enzymes. Since pineapple tops have a hard texture, beardies will have a hard time chewing them. A lizard can easily choke on pineapple.
Keeping pineapple tops out of your diet would be a good idea. A bearded dragon can eat a wide variety of vegetables, the list is never-ending.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Core?
If you are a beardie keeper who is diligent, you will want to research whether pineapple core is actually safe to feed to beardies.
Pineapple cores, however, are hard, and this is the problem. With the exception of bearded dragons, it is possible to consume this core safely but we suggest avoiding it.
They might end up choking on the core of the beardies if they cannot digest it. As well, the core of the pineapple is not as tasty and juicy as the fruit itself. Therefore, beardies will not eat the core.
Bearded dragons do not eat pineapple core, as you now know. Naturally, provide the lizard with foods that it can digest and that are nutritious.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Pineapple?
Occasionally, you might run out of food for your bearded dragon, but canned pineapple is readily available. The bearded dragon can consume canned pineapple just fine; it’s okay to use them.
Canning pineapples may be avoided for two main reasons. The first thing to note is that this pineapple is not as nutrient-dense as fresh pineapple. The preservation process reduces its nutritional content.
Bearded dragons are particularly susceptible to toxic preservatives present in canned pineapple. You should avoid canned or frozen pineapple at all costs.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Skin?
The bearded dragon is an omnivore, but that doesn’t mean it can eat anything. It can be harmful to eat certain foods you think are healthy.
Pineapple skin, for instance, is one item you should never give to your dragon. A lizard trying to digest the skin will be harmed by the tiny thorns.
Also, pineapple skin is incredibly hard and cannot be digested by bearded dragons. There are enough reasons to avoid pineapple skins, regardless of the situation.
Can bearded dragons eat pineapple leaves?
Any fruit you give your pet should always be removed from its leaves, skin, and top. Rather than eating the leaves or skin of the fruit, dragons should consume only the fresh, nutritional fruit. Best is don’t give them green unripe pineapples, only fresh pineapples.
The calcium-phosphate ratio of pineapple pieces is correct. A bearded dragon needs a good calcium to phosphate ratio to remain healthy.
Pineapples typically contain a ratio of 1:1 calcium to phosphate. When taken twice a month, this ratio is safe and prevents your pet from developing metabolic bone disease.
If not given in moderation and along with calcium-rich foods, pineapple for bearded dragons may cause suffering and eventually death.
The sugar content in pineapple makes bearded dragons fall ill if served regularly or in large quantities. Sugar in general is harmful to bearded dragons. Additionally, pineapples contain a lot of acid.
Since pineapple leaves have no nutritional value, they are typically not included in a beardie’s diet. If consumed, the leaves can cause choking and impaction of the intestines.
Can bearded dragons eat dried pineapple?
The bearded dragon eats fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Beardies are permitted to eat vegetables to their hearts’ content as long as they do not eat too many fruits due to their sugar content.
Pineapples offer many benefits to your pet bearded dragon. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is best for beardies to maintain their health.
Feeding dried pineapple to your pet is just as bad as feeding your pet pineapple leaves, peel, and skin. This is mainly due to the high sugar content of dried pineapple. Additionally, they contain artificial preservatives. A dragon should not consume dried pineapples.
Pineapple in cans is still superior to dried pineapple. But fresh pineapple is always best. Fresh pineapple has many benefits, but it is always recommended that you consume it in moderation.
If you are more easily able to get human baby food, I find it fascinating to know you can feed your bearded dragon human baby food once a week.
Our family-friendly facts are filled with plenty of interesting information! Thanks for your interest in our answers to Can bearded dragons eat pineapple? above are the answers to ‘Can bearded dragons eat pineapple?
Benefits of Pineapple for Bearded Dragons
- High Calcium: Vitamin C and antioxidants are abundant in pineapple. Boosting the immune system helps to prevent diseases and keep your pet healthy. In addition, vitamin C is important for tissue growth and repair.
- High Water content: As Pineapple has a high water content of 86%, it is an excellent choice for keeping your dragon pet well hydrated.
- Energy source: You may become very concerned when your pet dragons don’t seem to be active enough to play with you or when the dragons cannot chase down insects. Adding pineapple to your bearded dragon’s diet will help boost its energy levels. Manganese, carbohydrates, and water provide energy for your dragon, as well as regulating the metabolic processes in your body.
- Phosphorus Ratio:Bearded dragons need a proper calcium-phosphorus ratio to remain healthy. There is a 1:1 ratio between calcium and phosphorus in pineapple. Calcium keeps bones strong. In bearded dragons, metabolic bone disease may result if phosphorus intake is greater than calcium.
- Treat constipation: Pineapples contain fiber, which helps to maintain the digestive system. You can feed your dragon pet pineapple if it suffers from constipation. Although fiber can cause diarrhea in pets, we should be careful while feeding it to them because it can affect their digestion. The bearded dragon should be given a limited quantity of Pineapple.
- Minerals: Vitamins and minerals are abundant in pineapple. Among these are potassium, copper, folate, magnesium. Your pet dragon’s vital organs and body systems require all of these to function. Pineapples also contain vitamin B6, which is essential for good health.
Safe Fruits For Bearded Dragons
Berries are a favorite food of Bearded Dragons. You should however feed them sparingly and not every day. Sugary fruits can make your pet fat. Besides pineapples, you can feed your pet dragon many other fruits in small quantities.
- Apples that aren’t peeled
- Apricot
- Blackberry
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherry
- Cranberries
- Dates
- Dragon fruits
- Figs
- Grape
- Guava
- Mango
- Papaya
- Peach
- Pear
- Plums
- Prunes
- Raspberry
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
What Vegetables Can Bearded Dragons Eat
A variety of vegetables are available to Bearded Dragons. Veggies your bearded dragon can eat are listed below:
- Peas
- Green beans
- Courgette
- Butternut squash
- Sweet potato
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli a few pieces a week
- Acorn squash
- Cabbage
- Kohlrabi
- Parsnip
- Pak choi
- Yellow squash
- Asparagus
- Okra
- Swiss chard
What Greens Can Bearded Dragons Eat
Greens are fine for bearded dragons. Below these greens are suitable for them:
- Spring greens
- Floret mix
- Lambs lettuce
- Kale
- Collards
- Parsley
- Clover
- Dandelion greens
- Turnip greens
- Mustard greens
- Endive
- Rocket
- Coriander
- Watercress
What Meat Bearded Dragons Can Eat?
Bearded Dragons can eat meat in the form of insects. Our live food list tells you what meat your Boardie can eat:
- Crickets
- Kingworms
- Waxworms
- Earthworms
- Cockroaches
- Locusts
- Butter worms
- Silkworms
- Phoenix worms
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Morio worms
- Super worms are fed to adults.
What fruits can bearded dragons not eat?
- Chives and onions
- Mushrooms
- Leeks
- Garlic
- Rhubarb
- Avocados
- Eggplants
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Buttercup
- Insects caught in the wild
- Fireflies
- Box Elder Bugs
- Ladybugs
- Butterflies and caterpillars
- Venomous Insects
- Dairy Products
- Acidic Fruits
- Unsafe Plants
- High-phosphate foods
- Foods high in oxalate
- Foods that are high in goitrogen
Nutrients of Pineapples
Despite being low in calories, pineapples have an impressive nutritional profile. 2 Pineapple chunks contain just the following nutrients in 1 cup 165 grams:
- Calories: 83
- Fat: 1.7 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 21.6 grams
- Fiber: 2.3 grams
- Vitamin C: 88%
- Manganese: 109%
- Vitamin B6: 11%
- Copper: 20%
- Thiamine: 11%
- Folate: 7%
- Potassium: 4%
- Magnesium: 5%
- Niacin: 5%
- Pantothenic acid: 7%
- Riboflavin: 4% Iron: 3%
Conclusion
Can bearded dragons eat pineapple? A pineapple once or twice a month is also a safe food for bearded dragons. In general, bearded dragons are safe to eat pineapples, regardless of their age or activity level.
For health reasons, pineapple must only be fed once or twice per month in small amounts. In addition, bearded dragons need fresh water to stay healthy.
Bearded dragons can eat pineapples, but like all fruits, they should be offered in moderation. Fresh, frozen, or canned pineapples are fine for bearded dragons, provided they are thawed beforehand.
If you want to avoid health problems such as obesity or metabolic bone disease, save pineapple for a treat occasionally. Feeding your animals is fine as long as you do so in moderation. Thank you