Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin? TopFlight Dubia Answered
Posted by Charlotte Lee on Apr 5th 2024
Bearded dragons' curious nature and unique dietary needs make every meal a chance to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving.
However, when it comes to choosing a food from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, you may often find yourself in a series of thoughts like:
- Is this food safe and nutritious for bearded dragons?
- What if the beardie does not like this food? And many more.
If you have these same questions while introducing a new variety like pumpkin to your pet’s diet, then keep reading.
Here, TopFlight Dubia will help you determine whether pumpkin will enhance the happiness and health of your pet or not.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat pumpkins occasionally ( once every week) as a treat.
What Are Nutrients Present in Pumpkin?
Honestly, this fruit is the spice of life for not only humans but for bearded dragons as well. This fruit contains various nutrients and minerals, such as:
|
Nutrients |
Amount |
|
Energy |
36 kcal |
|
Protein |
0.8 g |
|
Carbohydrate |
8.8 g |
|
Fiber |
3.2 g |
|
Total Sugars |
3.2 g |
|
Calcium |
24 mg |
|
Iron |
1.6 mg |
|
Potassium |
216 mg |
|
Sodium |
4 mg |
Source: According to USDA ( Amount is per 100 grams of pumpkin)
|
Pumpkin Benefits for Bearded Dragons:
|
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Every Day?
Pumpkin can be a great source of various nutrients, but it is not preferred to feed it to your beloved pet every day because:
1. Vitamin A
Pumpkins have a high amount of Vitamin A, which is 0.426 mg of Vitamin A per 100g of this fruit. However, feeding pumpkins daily would result in Vitamin A toxicity, which can be detrimental to the health of beardies taking multivitamins.
2. Oxalates
Pumpkin contains a moderate amount of oxalates, which can bind with calcium to prevent absorption in the body.
Bearded dragons can have food with less than 2 mg of oxalates as it poses no health risks. Food with 2-9 mg of oxalates should not be fed more than once per day.
3. Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
Bearded dragons should eat food with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1. However, pumpkins have a ratio of 1:9, which can result in calcium depletion over time.
How To Prepare Pumpkin For Bearded Dragons
- Pick the right pumpkin ( fresh and organic)
- Wash the pumpkin
- Remove the seeds and skin
- Slice into small pieces
- Serve raw or lightly cooked
Can Your Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
No, bearded dragons should not eat pumpkin seeds due to the following reasons:
- Difficult to chew
- May lead to choking hazards
- Not easy to digest
What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon Has Eaten Pumpkin Seeds?
If your beardie has accidentally swallowed pumpkin seeds, then consider the following steps:
- Observe Your Beardie
Monitor any signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty in moving.
- Check for Choking
Pumpkin seeds are hard and can lead to choking hazards. You can look for signs like gagging, swollen abdomen, or difficulty in defecating.
- Hydrate Your Beardie
Make sure to offer fresh water to help them digest the seeds if mistakenly swallowed to prevent dehydration.
- Consult a Veterinarian
Contact a reptile vet immediately for advice if you notice any unusual symptoms or discomfort in your beardie.
Conclusion
Pumpkin can be a great addition to your beardie’s diet. However, it is essential to note that this fruit should be fed occasionally as a treat. Always choose a fresh and organic pumpkin, and cut the fruit into small pieces, making it easier for them to eat.
And avoid feeding pumpkin seeds to your beardie as it may affect their health. Also, make sure to discuss with the reptile vet regarding introducing new food to your pet’s diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can bearded dragons eat canned pumpkin?
- Bearded dragons can eat canned pumpkins in moderation without added ingredients.
2. Is pumpkin puree okay for bearded dragons?
- Bearded dragons can eat pumpkin puree, but it can be used occasionally in medical conditions.
3. Can bearded dragons eat pumpkin flowers?
- Bearded dragons can eat pumpkin flowers in moderation.