Peas are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and antioxidants that help boost the immune system. They are a healthy veggie choice for humans, but what about pets? Specifically, can bearded dragons eat peas? Is it good for them, or could it cause harm? Many pet owners have similar questions about feeding peas to their bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas?
Yes, pet owners can feed peas to their bearded dragons occasionally, but not in large quantities. Peas are rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin A, fibre, and Vitamin K, which support growth and overall health. They also provide hydration.
However, peas also contain oxalates, which can be harmful in excess. Consuming large amounts may lead to serious health problems. It’s best to offer peas in moderation to avoid any adverse effects.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas?
You should feed your bearded dragon peas once a week. If you’ve already fed them peas that week, wait until the following week before offering them again. This will help ensure your bearded dragon gets the full nutritional benefits of peas without risking any health issues.
Peas are rich in nutrients but can also contain elements that may harm your pet if overfed. It’s essential to know how often and how much to feed them.
Moderation is key, as with anything in life. Overfeeding peas can lead to problems. You can also mix peas with other healthy vegetables, such as cabbage, cucumber, or apples, to offer a balanced meal.
4 Benefits of Peas For Bearded Dragons
1: Vitamin A for Healthy Skin
One of the main benefits of feeding peas to bearded dragons is the provision of Vitamin A. This vitamin plays a key role in keeping their skin, bones, and organs healthy. Bearded dragons frequently shed their skin, so they need nutrients that support skin health. Vitamin A also helps maintain a healthy respiratory system in these reptiles.
2: Vitamin K for Blood Clotting
Blood clotting is an essential process for many living organisms, including bearded dragons. Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting, and it can be found in peas.
Bearded dragons, like many pets, often experience cuts and scrapes. In these situations, the blood clotting process, supported by Vitamin K, helps the healing process.
3: Hydration Boost
Peas are vegetables high in water, offering a hydration boost for bearded dragons. This is especially helpful for dragons who don’t drink enough water.
4: Fibre for Improving Guts
Fibre is essential for improving the digestive health of bearded dragons, and peas are rich in fibre. If there are any harmful elements in their system, fibre helps flush them out and keep their guts clean. In a way, fibre acts like a broom, sweeping through the digestive tract.
2 Risks of Feeding Peas to Bearded Dragons
1: Oxalate Working Against Calcium
Peas, while rich in nutrients, also contain oxalates, which can negatively affect bearded dragons. Oxalates interfere with calcium absorption, which is crucial for their health. High oxalate levels can lead to metabolic bone disease, weakening the dragon’s skeleton. This condition can cause muscle dysfunction, tissue issues, and other serious health problems.
2: Phosphorus Depleting Calcium
Consuming too many peas can pose a health risk for bearded dragons due to high phosphorus levels. Excess phosphorus can deplete calcium in their bodies, which is essential for bone health. Elevated phosphorus levels may lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), a condition that causes serious health issues.
How to Prepare Peas for Your Bearded Dragons?
Washing Properly
The first step in preparing peas for your bearded dragon is to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or harmful substances. If you’re using canned peas, be sure to thaw them before serving. Never heat frozen peas, as this can harm your pet.
Chopping in Small Pieces
Afterwards, pet owners should chop the peas into small pieces. This helps prevent bearded dragons from choking.
Serve as a Salad
You can serve peas to your bearded dragon in many ways, one of which is as a salad. Add other healthy vegetables and sprinkle the peas on top.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat peas. Peas are healthy for them and provide many beneficial nutrients that support their growth and development. However, peas also contain elements that can be harmful, potentially leading to illness and metabolic bone issues. Therefore, it’s best to serve peas in moderation, ideally once every other week.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat peas?
Yes, pet owners can chop peas into very tiny pieces and serve them.
Do bearded dragons like peas?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating peas, and pet owners can feed them to their bearded dragons.
Are peas safe for beardies?
Peas are safe and healthy for bearded dragons to eat.
How many peas to feed your bearded dragons?
You can feed your bearded dragon 5-6 peas per week.
Can bearded dragons eat pea sprouts?
Bearded dragons can eat pea sprouts, but only in moderation. A large amount is not suitable for them.