Can bearded dragons eat mango, beloved by reptile enthusiasts, can eat various plants, fruits, and vegetables. They enjoy fruits, so feeding them their favorite ones can bring them joy. However, their diet should be balanced appropriately with all food groups to keep them engaged and healthy.
If you enjoy a particular fruit, you may wonder if it’s safe for your pet. Mango, known as the king of fruits, is favored by humans and many animals. But you might question whether it’s suitable for bearded dragons. While mango is packed with nutrients, it also contains excess sugar, which could harm your pet’s health. Moderation is key.
Can Bearded Dragon Eat Mango?
Bearded dragons enjoy mangoes and are drawn to their sweet taste. You can feed them mango, but it should be done in moderation 2-3 times a week. Mango is a fibrous fruit that can benefit your pet’s health when given in appropriate amounts. Its sweetness and juiciness make it an appealing treat for bearded dragons.
Here are some nutrients found in mango that can benefit your pet’s health:
- Vitamins A and C improve vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth.
- Â Folate boosts tissue growth and cell maintenance.
- Â Vitamin E repairs decayed cells and prevents inflammation.
- Â Magnesium supports brain and muscle health.
- Â Vitamin K is essential for blood cell and tissue maintenance.
- Â Fiber promotes regular digestion.
- Â Zinc aids recovery after injury.
- Â Antioxidants strengthen the immune system.
- Â Manganese regulates metabolism.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?
You shouldn’t feed your bearded dragon mangoes every day. Offering small amounts once or twice a month is sufficient. Overfeeding can lead to MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) and other health issues. Mangoes are high in sugar, low in calcium, and lack other vital nutrients for bearded dragons. Therefore, it’s essential to feed mangoes in moderation, alongside other nutritious foods. While mango can enhance the flavor of meals due to its sugar content, fruits like grapes, bananas, and apples should make up about 10% of the total calories in a bearded dragon’s diet.
7 Benefits of Mango for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons need a diet rich in vitamins and minerals for proper growth. Mangoes are an excellent food source, packed with beneficial nutrients. However, considering their biology and size, some nutrients play a more significant role in their development.
Vitamin C Boost Immune System
Vitamin C boosts a bearded dragon’s immune system and disease resistance. Mangoes provide over 36 mg of vitamin C per 100-gram serving, making them valuable.
Adequate Iron Aids in Growth and Development
Mangoes provide a small amount of iron, essential for a bearded dragon’s diet. Iron supports the growth and development of baby dragons. While excess iron can be harmful, the amount in mangoes is safe and not dangerous for bearded dragons.
High Potassium Maintains Blood Pressure
Mangoes are an excellent potassium source, essential for regulating blood pressure in bearded dragons. Potassium also helps their muscles function and retain proper water balance.
Low Oxalates Makes it Good for Calcium Absorption
High oxalates hinder calcium absorption, negatively impacting bearded dragons’ health and increasing the risk of MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease). Mangoes, being low in oxalates, allow calcium to be absorbed effectively.
Appropriate Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio Prevent MBD
Mangoes have an equal amount of calcium and phosphorus. Bearded dragons need foods with equal or more calcium than phosphorus. High phosphorus levels, like oxalates, can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) by hindering calcium absorption.
Fiber Prevents Constipation and Diarrhea
Mangoes are rich in fiber, containing 1.6 grams per 100 grams. This fiber helps regulate digestion in bearded dragons, reducing constipation and diarrhea. A high-fiber diet also lowers the risk of colon cancer by helping to remove toxins quickly.
Considerable Water Content Keeps Hydrated
Bearded dragons get their water needs from fruits and vegetables, and mangoes are a great source. Feeding them mangoes helps keep your dragon hydrated and can also assist in rehydrating a dragon without water for too long.
3 Risks of Feeding Mango to Bearded Dragons
Feeding your bearded dragon mangoes offers nutritional benefits, but there are also risks involved.
Low Calcium Can Lead to Health Issues
Mangoes are not a reliable source of calcium. A bearded dragon’s diet must provide the essential vitamins and minerals for growth. Calcium is crucial for their health, so it should be included in their meals. Since mangoes lack sufficient calcium, avoid feeding them to your bearded dragon daily.
High Sugar Content Can Lead to Obesity and Tooth Decay
You should avoid feeding your bearded dragon mangoes too often due to their high sugar content. Too much sugar can cause health issues like liver failure, tooth decay, and heart failure. Additionally, feeding too many mangoes can lead to obesity, a significant health risk for pet bearded dragons.
High Vitamin A May Lead to Dehydration
Bearded dragons that consume Vitamin A supplements risk developing Vitamin A toxicity. This is less common with a diet rich in Vitamin A but can occur if your bearded dragon takes too many supplements. Symptoms of hypervitaminosis A, or Vitamin A overdose, include weakness, swelling, dehydration, and weight loss. If you notice these signs, stop feeding them mangoes and other Vitamin A-rich foods.
How to Prepare Mango for Your Bearded Dragons?
The procedure to prepare mangoes for bearded dragons is as follows:
Choose the Adequate Mango Type
Apple mangos are an excellent choice for feeding bearded dragons due to their low water content. Avoid overripe fruits, which are highly acidic due to a high amount of benzoic acid.
Choose Ripe Mangoes
Take ripe mangoes and let them sit for at least two days to drain excess water. This helps improve nutrient absorption for bearded dragons.
Wash the Mango Thoroughly
Use warm water to rinse the mango to eliminate chemicals on the skin. After cleaning, keep the mango dry for at least about 15 minutes.
Peel and Cut into Pieces
After drying, peel the skin. Cut the mango into small pieces and serve with greens and vegetables.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mango. However, it should be given in moderation due to its high sugar content and low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Mango should not be a daily treat. Since providing adequate calcium can be challenging, it’s recommended to offer calcium-rich foods like collard greens regularly and save mangoes for occasional feeding.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat mango?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating fruits due to their delicious flavor and natural sugars. However, fruits should be consumed in moderation, in smaller amounts than other foods.
How many mangoes can I give my bearded dragon?
A bearded dragon’s diet should include approximately twenty percent vegetables and fruits. You should feed your bearded dragon two to three mangoes each week.
Can bearded dragons safely eat mango leaves?
Mango leaves are healthy, but they are too rough for bearded dragons. It’s best to remove them before feeding the fruit. Cut the mango into small pieces to prevent choking.
Can bearded dragons eat mango every day?
You can feed your bearded dragon 1-2 mangoes a week, selecting the right type. The apple mango is an excellent choice because it has low water content, making it ideal for your dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat mango skin?
There is no exact answer because it depends on your pet’s digestion. Many bearded dragons can eat mango skin without problems, but others may face digestive issues. If you feed your bearded dragon mango skin, do so in moderation and monitor for any adverse reactions.