Aloe vera is often regarded as one of the best skin and hair care remedies. Beyond that, it also promotes overall health. Fresh aloe gel can aid with issues like digestion. Additionally, aloe vera is widely used in medical treatments.
Aloe vera is a member of the succulent family and belongs to the genus “Aloe.” It is an evergreen perennial that lasts over two years and retains its leaves year-round.
While aloe vera benefits humans, you may wonder if it’s safe for your bearded dragon. Can bearded dragons eat aloe vera? Keep reading to find out the answer.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe Vera?
Bearded dragons should not eat aloe vera due to potential health risks. While aloe vera contains beneficial compounds such as vitamin C, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, sodium, and water, it is unsafe for beardies. The plant contains latex and other toxic components that can cause severe irritation and health problems. Although aloe vera consumption is unlikely fatal, it is still unsafe for your pet. If a bearded dragon eats a small amount by accident, it may not cause significant harm, but it is best to avoid giving it to them.
9 Risks of Feeding Bearded Dragon Aloe Vera
Aloe vera doesn’t pose a significant risk to bearded dragons if consumed in small amounts occasionally. However, if fed regularly, it can lead to unpleasant consequences. The safest approach is to avoid giving your pet aloe vera altogether to prevent potential health problems.
1: Aloe Vera’s Laxative Nature Leads Beardies to Diarrhea
Aloe vera has low nutritional value but is commonly used by humans to alleviate constipation and prevent digestive issues. However, it doesn’t work the same for beardies. Consuming aloe vera can cause diarrhea in beardies, which leads to dehydration due to reduced water levels in their body. Therefore, it is best not to feed aloe vera to your beardie.
2: Aloe Vera Contains Saponin
Saponin is toxic to bearded dragons and can irritate them when they consume too much aloe vera; their saponin intake increases. This can lead to serious problems like skin irritation and internal discomfort.
3: Calcium Oxalate Crystals Creates Gastrointestinal Blockage
Aloe vera contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause health problems like gastrointestinal blockages in bearded dragons. If they consume too much aloe vera, it can lead to these issues.
Remember, a bearded dragon’s daily food intake should not exceed 10% of their body weight. It’s essential to provide them with nutritious foods rather than unnecessary items.
4: Aloe Vera’s Latex is Dangerous
Aloe vera’s latex is often overlooked, but the yellowish substance between its skin and gel can be harmful. Excessive consumption of aloe vera latex can be dangerous for humans, but it is incredibly toxic for bearded dragons. Tomatoes contain the same harmful compound, which also affects beardies.
This yellowish element can cause stomach cramps, kidney problems, diarrhea, and other digestive issues in beardies. Additionally, it can trigger allergic reactions such as internal irritation, vomiting, itching, and excessive nausea.
5: Metabolic Bone Disease
Medically used plants often cause metabolic bone disease in animals. Aloe vera lacks significant nutrients, so when beardies consume it, they may refuse other nutritious foods. This leads to a calcium imbalance, causing metabolic bone disease. Aloe vera also contributes to other vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin A. In contrast, vegetables like spinach and broccoli contain reasonable amounts of calcium and are safe for your beardie.
6: Yellow Fungus Could Get Into Baby-Beardies
Yellow fungus is a common infection in both humans and animals. Baby beardies are especially vulnerable to yellow fungus due to outside exposure. If they come into contact with toxic elements of aloe vera, the fungus can easily affect them. As a parent to these little ones, protecting them from harmful elements is crucial.
7: Parasites Harm Beardies
Aloe vera, like most plants, can host parasites. If you give your bearded dragon the green leaf, there’s a risk the parasites could affect them. It’s best to avoid allowing your beardie to come into contact with the plant.
8: Mouth Rot Could Harass Your Pet
Mouth rot happens when beardies ingest something toxic. The toxic compound irritates their mouth, leading to discomfort. This condition can negatively affect your pet’s health.
9: Impaction Could Occur
Feeding your bearded dragon even a tiny amount of aloe vera can cause digestive problems. They cannot digest aloe leaves, and it may result in a blockage in their digestive system. This blockage can lead to gut impaction, a serious health condition that can be fatal.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Ate Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is not harmful to your pet unless consumed in large quantities. Now that your questions are answered, keep your pet away from the plant. If your beardie happens to eat the leaf, there’s no need to worry too much.
Keep Calm; It Will Not Harm Your Pet
You may notice some adverse effects if your pet has eaten a small amount of aloe vera. However, the condition can be controlled over time. Stay calm and monitor your pet closely moving forward.
Consult With a Veterinarian in Severe Cases
If your pet has consumed a lot of aloe vera and the situation isn’t improving, consult a veterinarian. An expert can provide the proper guidance and solution.
Do Not Keep Any Aloe Vera Plant Near Beardie’s Territory
If your bearded dragon ate aloe vera or you want to avoid this in the future, take precautions. Removing the aloe vera plant from your pet’s area is the best solution. Without access to the plant, there is no risk.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, offering them a variety of food options. Growing beardies need 30% plants or fruit and 70% insects in their diet. In contrast, adult beardies require 70% plants and 30% insects daily. With so many feeding choices available, why take unnecessary risks?
So, can bearded dragons eat aloe vera? The answer is no. Aloe vera should not be part of their diet. While it is safe for skin and hair use, it’s best kept away from your pet.
Before introducing new food to your beardie, always research or consult a veterinarian. As a responsible pet owner, your priority is ensuring the health and safety of your pet.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat aloe vera?
Neither mature nor baby bearded dragons should eat aloe vera. It contains toxic compounds that can harm them.
Do bearded dragons eat aloe vera in the wild?
Wild bearded dragons have been observed eating aloe vera, but they generally don’t find it appealing.
Can bearded dragons die eating aloe vera?
Consuming aloe vera is not fatal to beardies but can lead to various health issues.