Can Bearded Dragons Eat Zucchini? Hear from Experts
Posted by Elizabeth Wood on Apr 5th 2024
A balanced diet is one of the most critical aspects of caring for bearded dragons.
But, sometimes, feeding the right food can feel like a puzzle. Sometimes, you feel like you have nailed it; your pet is eating various healthy veggies.
Then, there are times when your pet turns its nose up at your latest veggies on their plate. You start wondering if you are doing something wrong.
If you are considering adding zucchini to your pet’s diet, you might be having doubts about whether this vegetable is right for your beardie.
Zucchini is one of the summer squash. It is known for its mild flavor and tender texture. This vegetable is a great addition to many raw and cooked human dishes.
But, for bearded dragons, you have to think twice!
Let’s discuss more about this in the TopFlight Dubia’s guide.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Zucchini?
Bearded dragons can eat zucchini but in moderation (once per week). You can feed zucchini with other high calcium-rich vegetables like mustard greens or collard greens to make the meal more nutritious.
Nutritional Profile of Zucchini
Here is a breakdown of the nutritional content of zucchini and how it compares to other common vegetables.
|
Vegetable |
Water Content (g) |
Calcium (mg) |
Phosphorus (mg) |
Vitamin A (IU) |
Vitamin C (mg) |
Beneficial for |
|
Zucchini |
94.8 |
16 |
38 |
200 |
17.9 |
Hydration, digestion, and low in oxalates |
|
Collard Greens |
89.6 |
232 |
25 |
5020 |
35.3 |
High calcium promotes bone health |
|
Bell Peppers |
93.9 |
10 |
20 |
370 |
80.4 |
Great for immunity |
|
Mustard Greens |
90.7 |
115 |
58 |
3020 |
70 |
Calcium, Vitamin A and C, and are good for bones |
Sources: According to the USDA Nutrient Database, the nutrients present in zucchini, collard greens, bell peppers, and mustard greens.
Water Content
Water in zucchini (94.8g) can help keep bearded dragons hydrated with a healthy digestion and skin. Its moisture helps in shedding and prevents dehydration.
Fiber
It aids in digestion and ensures regular bowel movements.
Calcium
Zucchini contains a small amount of calcium. Calcium can help in the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It also helps in preventing metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital in supporting their immune system health, acts as an antioxidant, and helps heal wounds.
Phosphorus
It helps build and maintain a bearded dragon’s bones and teeth.
Why Zucchini Should Be Fed in Moderation?
Zucchini can be a great addition to your pet’s diet when fed in moderation. However, it is important to understand why they are only considered an occasional treat, not a staple food.
Presence of Cucurbitacins
Cucurbitacins are known for their extreme bitterness and act as natural defense mechanisms against pests. In zucchini, it is present around (0.1-0.3%). While cucurbitacins are okay in small amounts, excess can be detrimental to the pet’s health. So, it is advisable to feed zucchini in limited amounts.
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio
The ideal Ca: P ratio for bearded dragons is 2:1. For zucchini, the ratio is approximately 1:2.5. For every 1 mg of calcium, zucchini has 2.5 mg of phosphorus. While it can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, it has more phosphorus than calcium. So, balancing their diet with calcium-rich greens like collard greens can ensure a proper mineral balance.
How to Serve Zucchini to Bearded Dragons?
Step 1: Wash the zucchini thoroughly.
Step 2: Trim the ends from the zucchini.
Step 3: Peel the zucchini using a peeler.
Step 4: Lay zucchini lengthwise on the cutting board and cut it into small bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove the seeds, also.
Step 5: Serve the pieces by mixing them with other calcium-rich vegetables, like collard greens, etc.
Alternative Vegetables That Bearded Dragons Loves to Have
Bearded dragons enjoy a variety of vegetables besides zucchini. It is essential to mix up other nutritious vegetables in their diet to ensure a well-rounded, healthy intake. As per a Reddit query, most bearded dragon’s parents suggested their pet’s favorite veggies:
The Bottom Line
Bearded dragons can have zucchini, but not every day. It should be fed in moderation once a week. Make sure to wash it thoroughly, cut it into small pieces, and offer it to your pet as an occasional snack. However, you can also consider other vegetables such as arugula, cactus pads, collard greens, and many more to ensure the overall well-being of bearded dragons. You can also discuss your pet's specific requirements for proper health with a veterinarian.