Can Bearded Dragons Eat Zucchini? Hear from Experts

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?

zucchini-blog-img2.png

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:

zucchini-blog-img3.png

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. Are zucchini plants safe for bearded dragons to eat?

Yes, they can eat the edible parts of the zucchini plants, which are the fruit. The leaves and flowers are not recommended because they may contain high amounts of cucurbitacins.

02. Is zucchini skin okay for bearded dragons?

Bearded dragons should not eat zucchini skin as it can cause choking in beardies.

03. Can bearded dragons have zucchini seeds?

No, beardies should not eat zucchini seeds as they can be difficult for them to digest.