Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas? TopFlight Dubia Explains

Your beardies’ health and happiness mean everything to you, including feeding them a nutritious, balanced diet. 

But when it comes to feeding fruits like bananas, you start to think, are they safe for your beardie?

You have heard mixed opinions online, and now you are confused about whether to offer a small piece of a banana to your pet or not.

The last thing you want is to harm your pet accidentally. Dragons have specific diet needs, and even some fruits are okay in moderation, but others can be dangerous. Too much of fruits can lead to health issues like:

• Obesity- Due to the high sugar content in fruits.
• Calcium deficiency & MBD- Due to an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
• Digestive upset- New foods may cause bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

With so many risks, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. You just want to do what is best for your pet. But how can you be so sure?

So, in this TopFlight Dubia guide, you will get clear, expert-backed guidance on whether bananas should be on your bearded dragon’s menu.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas? 

Yes, bearded dragons can have bananas, but it is recommended to feed them in moderation ( only once a month). 

In fact, as per a Reddit query, a beardie parent shared that he feeds his pet a little bit of bananas once per month.

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What is the Nutritional Content of a Banana?

Nutrient	Amount per 100 g	Benefits/Risks for Bearded Dragons
Water	74.9 g	Hydrating but should not replace water intake.
Energy	89 kcal	High sugar and should be fed in moderation.
Protein	1.09 g	Low, not a primary source of protein.
Fat	0.33 g	Low, suitable for beardies.
Carbohydrates	22.8 g	High, can lead to obesity in beardies if overfed.
Fiber	2.6 g	Aids in digestion, but it should be balanced with other fibrous foods.
Sugars	12.2 g	High, excessive intake can lead to health issues.
Calcium (Ca)	5 mg	Low, poor Ca:P ratio.
Phosphorus(P)	22 mg	High compared to calcium and can lead to metabolic bone disease.
Potassium (K)	358 mg	Helps with muscle function but should be balanced with calcium.
Magnesium (Mg)	27 mg	Helps with muscle and nerve function.
Vitamin C	8.7 mg	Boost immunity.
Vitamin B6	0.367 mg	Supports metabolism.
Iron (Fe)	0.26 mg	Helps with oxygen transport.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Can Bearded Dragons Have Bananas Every Day?

No, they should not eat bananas every day because of the following reasons:

✔High Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: The Ca:P ratio of bananas is 1:3. The ideal ratio that bearded dragons require is 2:1. Bananas can be fed as a rare treat to beardies to avoid the increase in the amount of phosphorus that can lead to calcium deficiency.

✔High Sugar Content: Lots of sugar can cause obesity and other health issues.

How To Feed Bananas to Bearded Dragons

Select a ripe banana that is not overripe or mushy. Peel the banana to avoid pesticides on the skin. Slice the bananas into small pieces that are easy for your pet to eat. Only give a small amount of pieces ( once a month). Always look for signs of digestive issues or discomfort after feeding your pet bananas.

8 Other Fruits That Bearded Dragons Can Eat 

Fruits	Amount
Apple (Without Skin)	Once a week
Blackberries (Raw)	Once or twice a week
Grapes	Once a week
Pineapple	Once or twice a month
Peaches	Once a week
Strawberries	Once a week
Watermelon	Once a month
Cantaloupe	Once or twice a week

NOTE: It is vital to feed the fruits in moderation as an occasional treat.

Conclusion 

Beardies can have bananas safely, but in moderation ( not more than once a month). So, make sure to peel the banana and cut it into small pieces to make it easy for your pet to chew. Also, you can consider other nutritious foods such as Dubia roaches, crickets, fruits (grapes, strawberries, etc), and greens for a balanced diet. Discuss your pet’s nutrient needs with a veterinarian to ensure your pet's overall well-being. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can baby beardies eat bananas?

• A baby bearded dragon can eat bananas in small quantities as a rare treat.

2. Is banana bread safe for bearded dragons to eat?

• No, banana bread is not safe for beardies because it contains added sugar, flour, and other ingredients that are not suitable for beardies. 

3. How often should you give bananas to your bearded dragon?

• It is preferred to give bananas in small pieces no more than once a month.

4. Can bearded dragons eat banana skin?

• Bearded dragons can eat banana skin, but it is not recommended because it is not digestible and causes digestive issues.