Bearded dragons are popular and fascinating pets that require a lot of care and attention. One of the most important aspects of caring for a bearded dragon is providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both animal and plant matter. However, not all foods are suitable for bearded dragons, and some can even be harmful to them. In this guide, we will answer one of the most common questions that bearded dragon owners have: can bearded dragons eat cucumbers?
Table of Contents
Bearded Dragon Diet Basics
Bearded dragons are native to the arid regions of Australia, where they have adapted to a harsh and varied environment. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever they can find in their surroundings. In the wild, bearded dragons eat a variety of insects, worms, spiders, small rodents, lizards, birds, eggs, flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds.
In captivity, bearded dragons need a diet that mimics their natural diet as much as possible. This means that they need a combination of live insects and fresh vegetables and fruits. The ratio of insects to vegetables and fruits depends on the age and size of the bearded dragon. Generally speaking, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more insects than older and larger ones.
The importance of variety in their diet cannot be overstated. Bearded dragons need a range of different foods to provide them with all the essential nutrients they need for their health and well-being. Feeding them the same food every day can lead to nutritional deficiencies or imbalances, which can cause serious health problems.
The role of vegetables and fruits in their diet is to provide them with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. Vegetables and fruits should make up about 20% to 40% of a bearded dragon’s diet, depending on their age and size. However, not all vegetables and fruits are equally beneficial for bearded dragons. Some are more nutritious than others, and some can even be toxic or harmful to them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumbers?
The answer to this question is yes, bearded dragons can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are not toxic or harmful to bearded dragons, and they can provide some nutritional benefits for them. However, cucumbers are not the best vegetable for bearded dragons either. They have a very high water content (about 95%) and a very low nutritional value compared to other vegetables.
The nutritional value of cucumbers for bearded dragons is as follows:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 95% |
| Protein | 0.7% |
| Fat | 0.1% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.6% |
| Fiber | 0.5% |
| Calcium | 16 mg/kg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg/kg |
| Vitamin A | 105 IU/kg |
| Vitamin C | 2.8 mg/kg |
As you can see, cucumbers have very little protein, fat, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These are some of the most important nutrients for bearded dragons’ health. Protein is essential for their growth and development; fat is important for their energy and hormone production; fiber is necessary for their digestion; calcium and phosphorus are vital for their bone health; vitamin A is crucial for their vision and immune system; and vitamin C is important for their wound healing and antioxidant defense.
Effects of cucumbers on bearded dragons’ health
Cucumbers are not harmful to bearded dragons in moderation, but they can have some negative effects if fed too often or in large quantities. Some of these effects are:
- Dilution of nutrients: Because cucumbers have such a high water content and low nutritional value, they can dilute the nutrients from other foods in the bearded dragon’s diet. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies or imbalances over time.
- Diarrhea: Because cucumbers have such a high water content and low fiber content, they can cause diarrhea in bearded dragons if fed too often or in large quantities. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in bearded dragons.
- Impaction: Because cucumbers have such a low fiber content and high water content, they can cause impaction in bearded dragons if fed too often or in large quantities. Impaction is a condition where food gets stuck in the digestive tract and causes blockage or obstruction. Impaction can lead to serious complications such as infection, inflammation, pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, paralysis, or even death.
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumbers for Bearded Dragons
Despite their low nutritional value and potential risks, cucumbers do have some benefits for bearded dragons if fed occasionally and in small amounts. Some of these benefits are:
- Hydration: Because cucumbers have such a high water content (about 95%), they can help hydrate bearded dragons who may not drink enough water from other sources. Hydration is important for bearded dragons’ overall health and well-being.
- Cooling: Because cucumbers have such a high water content (about 95%) and a low temperature (about 15°C), they can help cool down bearded dragons who may overheat in hot weather or under basking lights. Cooling is important for bearded dragons’ thermoregulation and comfort.
- Enrichment: Because cucumbers have a crunchy texture and a mild flavor, they can provide some enrichment for bearded dragons who may enjoy chewing on them or playing with them. Enrichment is important for bearded dragons’ mental stimulation and happiness.
How Often Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Cucumber?
As we have seen, cucumbers are not the best vegetable for bearded dragons’ diet because they have a very high water content (about 95%) and a very low nutritional value compared to other vegetables. Therefore, cucumbers should not make up a large part of a bearded dragon’s diet or replace other more nutritious vegetables.
The recommended frequency of feeding cucumbers to bearded dragons is once or twice a week at most. The recommended quantity of feeding cucumbers to bearded dragons is one or two thin slices per feeding at most.
Moderation and maintaining a balanced diet are key when it comes to feeding cucumbers to bearded dragons. Cucumbers should only be offered as an occasional treat or supplement to other more nutritious vegetables and fruits.
Feeding Cucumbers to Baby Bearded Dragons
Baby bearded dragons have different dietary needs than adult bearded dragons because they are still growing and developing rapidly. Baby bearded dragons need more protein than adult bearded dragons because protein is essential for their growth and development.
Therefore, baby bearded dragons need more insects than adult bearded dragons in their diet. Insects should make up about 80% to 90% of a baby bearded dragon’s diet while vegetables and fruits should make up about 10% to 20% of their diet.
Can baby bearded dragons eat cucumbers? The answer is yes but only very rarely and in very small amounts. Cucumbers are not suitable for baby bearded dragons because they have very little protein (0.7%) compared to other vegetables.
The recommended frequency of feeding cucumbers to baby bearded dragons is once every two weeks at most. The recommended quantity of feeding cucumbers to baby bearded dragons is half a thin slice per feeding at most.
Preparing Cucumbers for Bearded Dragons
Before feeding cucumbers to your bearded dragon you need to prepare them properly to ensure their safety and quality.
How to properly wash and cut cucumbers for your bearded dragon:
- Choose organic cucumbers if possible because they have fewer pesticides or chemicals on them.
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or contaminants.
- Cut off the ends of the cucumber because they may contain bitter compounds that your bearded dragon may not like.
- Cut the cucumber into thin slices about 2 mm thick because thicker slices may pose a choking hazard or cause impaction.
- Cut off any sharp edges or corners from the slices because they may injure your beared dragon’s mouth or throat.
- Remove any seeds from the slices because they may also pose a choking hazard or cause impaction.
Can your beardie eat cucumber seeds? No you should remove any seeds from the cucumber slices before feeding them to your beardie because seeds may pose a choking hazard or cause impaction.
Can your beardie eat cucumber skin? Yes you can leave the skin on the cucumber slices if you want because it has some fiber that may help your beardie’s digestion but you should wash it thoroughly before feeding it to your beardie because it may contain pesticides or chemicals.
Other Vegetables and Fruits for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that need a varied and balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits . Insects provide them with protein and fat, while vegetables and fruits provide them with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, not all vegetables and fruits are suitable for bearded dragons. Some may contain too much water, sugar, oxalates, or goitrogens that can cause health problems for your beardie .
Here is a list of some safe and nutritious vegetables and fruits for bearded dragons, along with their nutritional value and any potential risks or precautions you should take when feeding them to your beardie.
| Vegetable/Fruit | Nutritional Value | Risks/Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Cucumber | High in water content (95%), low in calories, contains vitamin C and K, potassium, magnesium, and fiber | Too much water can cause diarrhea or bloating, too much fiber can interfere with calcium absorption |
| Carrot | High in vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, K, B6, potassium, and fiber | Too much vitamin A can cause hypervitaminosis A (vitamin A toxicity), which can damage the liver and bones |
| Kale | High in vitamin A, C, K, B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, and fiber | Contains oxalates and goitrogens that can bind to calcium and interfere with thyroid function if fed in excess |
| Collard greens | High in vitamin A, C, K, B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, and fiber | Contains oxalates and goitrogens that can bind to calcium and interfere with thyroid function if fed in excess |
| Dandelion greens | High in vitamin A, C, K, B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber | May contain pesticides or fertilizers if collected from the wild; wash thoroughly before feeding |
| Squash | High in vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber | Some varieties may have hard seeds or skin that need to be removed before feeding; cook or peel if necessary |
| Apple | High in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber | Contains sugar that can cause obesity or tooth decay if fed in excess; remove seeds and core before feeding as they contain cyanide |
| Banana | High in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, B6, and fiber | Contains sugar that can cause obesity or tooth decay if fed in excess; contains phosphorus that can bind to calcium if fed in excess; peel before feeding |
| Blueberry | High in antioxidants (anthocyanins), vitamin C, K, manganese, and fiber | Contains sugar that can cause obesity or tooth decay if fed in excess; may stain the beardie’s mouth or feces blue |
| Mango | High in vitamin A (beta-carotene), C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber | Contains sugar that can cause obesity or tooth decay if fed in excess; peel and remove pit before feeding as they contain cyanide |
Conclusion
Bearded dragons need a well balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits to stay healthy and happy. However, not all vegetables and fruits are suitable for bearded dragons. Some may contain too much water, sugar, oxalates, or goitrogens that can cause health problems for your beardie. Therefore, it is important to feed your bearded dragon a variety of safe and nutritious vegetables and fruits in moderation and with caution. By maintaining a varied and balanced diet for your bearded dragon, you will provide him or her with the essential nutrients and hydration he or she needs to thrive. Remember, a healthy diet is the key to a happy and healthy bearded dragon!
For more information on bearded dragon care, check out these articles:
- 20 Jaw-Dropping Bearded Dragon Facts
- Are Bearded Dragon Bites Dangerous?
- Why Does My Bearded Dragon Keep Turning Black?
- Why Do Bearded Dragons Bob Their Heads at Humans?
- Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat: What To Do
- How Many Species of Bearded Dragon Are There?
- Creating the Perfect Bearded Dragon Habitat
- Bearded Dragon Shedding: What You Need To Know
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes? Important for Owners
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes? What Owners Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Beardies eat carrots?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat carrots as an occasional treat. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is good for their eyesight and skin health. However, carrots also contain a lot of sugar and oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption and cause kidney problems. Therefore, carrots should only be fed once or twice a week, and in small amounts.
Can a bearded dragon eat cabbage?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat cabbage as part of their salad mix. Cabbage is low in sugar and high in fiber, which is good for their digestion. However, cabbage also contains goitrogens, which can affect their thyroid function and metabolism. Therefore, cabbage should only be fed occasionally, and in moderation.
Can Beardies eat banana?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat banana as a rare treat. Banana is a tasty fruit that can provide some potassium and vitamin C for bearded dragons. However, banana also contains a lot of sugar and phosphorus, which can cause obesity and calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Therefore, banana should only be fed once a month or less, and in very small pieces.
What is a bearded dragon’s favorite vegetable?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different bearded dragons may have different preferences and tastes. However, some common vegetables that most bearded dragons enjoy are collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, kale, bok choy, squash and zucchini. These vegetables are high in calcium and low in oxalates and goitrogens, which make them ideal for bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat potatoes?
No, bearded dragons should not eat potatoes. Potatoes are starchy vegetables that are hard to digest for bearded dragons. They also contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and neurological problems in bearded dragons. Therefore, potatoes should never be fed to bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat rice?
No, bearded dragons should not eat rice. Rice is a grain that is high in carbohydrates and low in nutritional value for bearded dragons. It can also swell up in their stomachs and cause impaction or bloating. Therefore, rice should never be fed to bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat eggs?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat eggs as an occasional source of protein. Eggs are high in protein and fat, which can help bearded dragons grow and maintain their weight. However, eggs also contain cholesterol and saturated fat, which can cause heart problems and fatty liver disease in bearded dragons. Therefore, eggs should only be fed once or twice a month, and in small amounts.
Can bearded dragons eat watermelon?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat watermelon as a rare treat. Watermelon is a juicy fruit that can provide some hydration and vitamin A for bearded dragons. However, watermelon also contains a lot of water and sugar, which can dilute their electrolytes and cause diarrhea in bearded dragons. Therefore, watermelon should only be fed once or twice a year, and in very small pieces.