Bearded dragons enjoy a variety of fruits, and peaches are one of the options. But can they safely eat them? Peaches (Prunus persica) grow in warmer regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The yellow-fleshed variety is rich in Vitamin A and is a favourite among people. However, pet owners often wonder if peaches suit their bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peaches?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat peaches and enjoy the taste of this delicious fruit. Peaches contain beneficial nutrients, including Vitamin A, fibre, and high water content. However, peaches contain elements that could harm bearded dragons if consumed excessively. To avoid health issues, feeding them peaches in moderation is essential. Along with peaches, bearded dragons can also enjoy other fruits like apples, watermelons, bananas, and pineapples.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peaches?
Feeding peaches to your bearded dragon once a week is a good idea. While peaches are nutritious, they also contain elements that, in excess, can harm your pet.
Peaches provide calcium, phosphorus, and other beneficial nutrients. However, if these levels become too high, they can cause issues for your bearded dragon. In severe cases, this can lead to thyroid problems, metabolic bone disease (MBD), hormone imbalances, and other health complications.
For these reasons, it’s important not to feed your bearded dragon peaches daily. Moderation is key to avoiding potential risks from overconsumption.
4 Benefits of Peaches for Bearded Dragons
1: Vitamin A for Vision
Vitamin A is well-known for its benefits to eyesight. For bearded dragons, it helps maintain healthy vision and supports their overall eye health. Peaches are a great source of Vitamin A, which can benefit your bearded dragon.
2: Potassium for Healthy Nervous System
Potassium offers several benefits, including promoting a healthy nervous system in bearded dragons. It also helps regulate their blood pressure. Additionally, potassium supports water retention. Feeding your bearded dragon peaches can help maintain its potassium levels.
3: Fibers for Good Digestion
Fibre plays a crucial role in healthy digestion, which applies to bearded dragons. They require adequate fibre in their diet to support proper digestion. Peaches are an excellent source of fibre for them. Additionally, fibre helps prevent constipation in bearded dragons.
4: Water to Maintain Hydration
Peaches are highly hydrating, making them an excellent choice for bearded dragons. They help maintain hydration levels in your pet.
2 Risks of feeding peaches to Bearded Dragons
1: Goitrogen Affects Thyroid Function
Goitrogen is a compound that disrupts thyroid function and can hurt it. Peaches contain high levels of goitrogen. Feeding peaches regularly to your bearded dragon can cause their thyroid to enlarge, leading to thyroid malfunction. This affects the thyroid and leads to hormone imbalances in bearded dragons.
2: Phosphorus Affects Calcium Assimilation
Peaches are high in phosphorus, and if fed to bearded dragons more than once a week, they can interfere with calcium absorption. This can lead to serious health issues. When calcium is not absorbed correctly, it can result in metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
How to Prepare Peaches for Your Bearded Dragons?
Wash them Properly
Before serving peaches to your bearded dragon, wash them thoroughly. This ensures that any harmful substances or residues are removed, making them safe for your pet to consume.
Removing Skin
To prevent choking in bearded dragons, always peel the skin off peaches before serving them.
Slice in Pieces
After completing the previous steps, pet owners should cut the peaches into small pieces to make it easier for bearded dragons to eat and digest.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat peaches. Pet owners can offer peaches to provide essential nutrients. However, moderation is key. Excessive consumption of peaches can harm bearded dragons and lead to serious health issues. Feeding peaches no more than once a week is best to ensure their well-being.
FAQ
Can baby bearded dragons eat peaches?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat peaches, which are healthy for them.
Do bearded dragons like peaches?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating peaches. You can safely feed them peaches as a treat.
Are peaches safe for beardies?
Peaches are safe and nutritious for bearded dragons. They are one of the best fruits for them to eat.
How many peaches feed bearded dragons?
Even though peaches are considered safe for bearded dragons, pet owners should avoid serving them daily or in large amounts.