Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mushrooms? TopFlight Dubia Answered

Mushrooms are known for their exceptional sensory experience in taste, aroma, and texture.

They are delicious, from baked into white pizza to the cream of mushroom and more.

Humans eat mushrooms not only due to their delicious taste but for their nutrients and minerals as well.

But, when it comes to bearded dragons, most beardies’s parents ask— Can bearded dragons eat mushrooms?

So, as a loveful and caring parent, you must know what is right and healthy for your bearded dragon.

Here, TopFlight Dubia will answer all your queries related to bearded dragons for mushrooms.

Nutrients Present in Mushrooms

Source International Neurology Journal 

Mushrooms contain various nutrients and minerals, such as dietary fiber, vitamin D2, and more.

Can Bearded Dragons Have Mushrooms?

Bearded dragons should not eat mushrooms, as they are not suitable for their health.

Why Can’t Bearded Dragon Eat Mushrooms?

Bearded dragons can’t eat mushrooms due to the following reasons:

Oxalates

Oxalates are standard organic acids that are present in many leafy vegetables and mushrooms.

Small doses of oxalates do not harm bearded dragons. But, overdose can really affect their health.

Oxalates bind with the calcium in the bearded dragon’s system. When this happens, the beardies cannot absorb calcium. Excessive oxalates can bind with the calcium in the kidney and they can cause kidney stones.

Not only that, it may also lead to metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, which requires medical attention.

Too Much Phosphorus

Bearded dragons have an ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) that is 2:1. Mushrooms that have excessive amounts of phosphorus can work against calcium by:

• Preventing calcium from being absorbed.
• Take away the calcium that is already in your bearded dragon’s body. This leads to MBD if it continues for a long time.

Mycotoxins 

Wild types of mushrooms contain mycotoxins, which are natural toxins that can be detrimental to your bearded dragon's health. Although domestic mushrooms might contain fewer mycotoxins, they are still not suitable for beardies.

What To Do If the Beardie Eats Mushroom?

Call your vet immediately and remain calm. They will advise you on the next step to take care of your dragon. They will ask you about abnormal behaviors or indications of something wrong. If your beardie has eaten mushrooms by accident, then you might see the following signs:

• Lethargy 
• Vomit
• Seizures
• Bleeding
• Salivating
• Diarrhea

Alternate Food That Bearded Dragons Can Eat Instead of Mushrooms

Bearded dragons need calcium, vitamin D3, and a balanced diet to be healthy. For a balanced diet, your bearded dragon can eat various nutritious foods. 

Live Insects

• Crickets 
• Mealworms
• Earthworms
• Dubia Roaches

Vegetables

• Kale
• Asparagus
• Zucchini (Raw)
• Broccoli
• Parsley
• Swiss Chard

Safe Fruits

• Apples
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Dates
• Apricot

Conclusion

Mushrooms can be a great addition to a human’s diet, but for bearded dragons, it can be detrimental to their health. It contains high amounts of oxalates and phosphorus, and wild types of mushrooms contain mycotoxin, which cannot be suitable for bearded dragons.

So, make sure not to include mushrooms in the beardie’s plate. Instead, you can add various leafy vegetables, live insects, and fruits in moderation. Also, discuss the specific nutrient requirements of bearded dragons with the vet.

Keep your beardie safe and healthy with a balanced diet.

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