Bearded dragons are often considered the best choice for a pet reptile. However, despite their simple appearance, they require proper care, especially regarding their diet.
If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you know how important it is to provide a balanced and nutritious meal daily. Bearded dragons enjoy fruits, and blackberries can be a tasty addition to their diet. But can bearded dragons eat blackberries? These fruits are delicious and can offer variety to your pet’s meals.
Verifying its safety is essential before adding anything new to your bearded dragon’s diet. While blackberries can be an excellent option for a change, remember to feed them in moderation and only occasionally.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat BlackBerry?
Yes! Blackberries, delicious addition to any diet, are edible to bearded dragons.
It’s essential to consider the quantity, timing, and frequency of feeding blackberries to your bearded dragon. While berries offer nutrients that a bearded dragon may need, overfeeding them can lead to more harm than good. Understanding the benefits and risks of blackberries is essential for ensuring the well-being of your bearded dragon.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries?
You should feed your bearded dragon blackberries no more than once every two weeks. Although blackberries are rich in nutrients, limiting their frequency is best. Only offer two or three berries during regular feedings.
It might be tempting to add blackberries to your lizard’s diet often due to their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, overfeeding them can lead to health issues that may shorten your bearded dragon’s lifespan.
Like strawberries and blueberries, blackberries are sweet and nutritious, but their potential drawbacks can harm your dragon if overfed.
7 Benefits of Blackberry for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons generally enjoy blackberries, a sweet, juicy, and tangy treat. Since they love fruits, many herpetology enthusiasts often mix them with greens as a decorative addition.
Fiber for Healthy Digestive system
Blackberries are rich in fibre, which supports a healthy digestive system. Dragons benefit from fibre when consumed in moderation. However, excessive fibre intake can cause digestive issues, including diarrhoea.
Vitamins for a Better Immune System
Blackberries are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Eating them occasionally can support your bearded dragon’s blood, organs, tissues, bones, growth, immune system, and vision.
While beardies need a range of vitamins, vitamin D is crucial. Blackberries contain essential B vitamins that aid in maintaining energy, metabolism, and brain function but do not provide vitamin D.
Antioxidants Prevent Oxidation
Blackberries are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Eating them occasionally can support your bearded dragon’s blood, organs, tissues, bones, growth, immune system, and vision.
While beardies need a range of vitamins, vitamin D is crucial. Blackberries contain essential B vitamins that aid in maintaining energy, metabolism, and brain function but do not provide vitamin D.
Minerals Boost Metabolism
Blackberries provide essential minerals like manganese and zinc, which support your bearded dragon’s metabolism and immune system. They also contain phosphorus and calcium, which are crucial for healthy bone growth in the right balance. Offering blackberries occasionally can give your bearded dragon a helpful boost of these minerals.
Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio for Strong Bones
The calcium and phosphorus ratio ensures bearded dragons’ food safety. Blackberries fall within a healthy range, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.3:1. This makes blackberries safe for bearded dragons to eat if given in moderation.
Water Level is Good for Hydration
Blackberries have a high water content, making them a good choice for occasional treats for bearded dragons. This helps prevent constipation, making blackberries a healthier option than other snacks.
Nutritional Fact Makes it Healthy Option
Blackberries are highly nutritious, offering valuable carbohydrates, protein, fats, copper, selenium, folate, and choline, making them a good choice for bearded dragons. However, it’s crucial to remember that excessive amounts of these nutrients can have adverse effects. Therefore, it is recommended that blackberries be offered to bearded dragons in moderation.
3 Risk of Feeding Blackberries to Bearded Dragons
Even though your dragon will love them, blackberries aren’t the best option for their leading food for several reasons:
Sugar Causes Obesity
Like mango and grapes, blackberries are high in sugar. They contain about 7g of sugar per serving, which can be too much for a bearded dragon. It’s essential to keep your beardie on a low-sugar diet to prevent obesity, heart failure, blood pressure issues, and other health problems.
High Water Level Lead to Diarrhea
Blackberries are made up of up to 88% water. The impact on your bearded dragon depends on how many blackberries it eats. A few blackberries can provide a good hydration boost, helping to keep your pet hydrated. However, too many can cause diarrhoea, which may lead to dehydration in your bearded dragon.
Oxalates Cause Muscle Bone Disease
Blackberries are safe for bearded dragons when fed as a balanced diet. However, they contain oxalates, which can be harmful in large amounts. Excessive oxalates can interfere with calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies.
What are oxalates?
Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in various plants and fruits. They bind to minerals like calcium, preventing the body from absorbing them effectively.
Bearded dragons need calcium for strong bones and overall health. Without adequate calcium, they risk developing metabolic bone disease, a serious condition that can limit their mobility and cause painful, debilitating effects.
How to Prepare Blackberries for Your Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons can typically eat blueberries without issue. However, blackberries can be more challenging for them to mash up in their mouths.
Wash the Berries Thoroughly
Before allowing your bearded dragon to eat blackberries, wash them thoroughly and check for any residue or debris. Only offer the soft berry, removing any stems or leaves. While bearded dragons can technically eat blackberry leaves, they offer minimal nutritional value and are not worth the effort.
Chop If in Doubt
Blackberries are generally safe for bearded dragons to eat whole and can easily manage average-sized pieces. However, larger blackberries may need some preparation. Cutting the berries in half is recommended for younger baby bearded dragons, especially when feeding more challenging treats like berries.
Source Organic Berries
Organic, store-bought berries should be your priority and the best option for your bearded dragon. Avoid giving them blackberry compotes, jams, or other processed foods. Though cooked and processed berries may taste similar, they lack the same nutritional benefits and may even be calorie-free. Additionally, sugar is often added to these prepared foods.
Extra Servings May Cause Nausea
Bearded dragons will enjoy plain blackberries with minimal effort from you. Their scent alone is enough to attract them.
Mix them into a green dish to enhance the flavour and encourage your bearded dragon to eat everything.
Monitor your bearded dragon closely after introducing blackberries, especially if it’s a new addition to their diet. If they’re not accustomed to blackberries, they might feel nauseous. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the portion.
Thaw Before Feeding Frozen Food
If you choose frozen blackberries, ensure they are fully thawed and at room temperature. However, avoid giving your bearded dragon too many blackberries.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat blackberries, but monitoring their consumption and preparing the fruit properly is essential. Blackberries are a hydrating treat, making them a good snack option for your pet. However, they should be given in moderation.
Remember to maintain a balanced diet with proper calcium, phosphorus, and water intake. Too many blackberries can lead to digestive issues and dehydration. Offering them once or twice every other week is a safe approach for keeping your bearded dragon healthy.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat blackberries?
Newborn dragons can eat blackberries, provided their regular diet is maintained.
Can bearded dragons have wild-picked blackberries?
Avoid giving your bearded dragon wild blackberries, as they attract bugs. If you feed them wild blackberries, wash them thoroughly to ensure they are free from vermin and debris.
Can I feed my bearded dragon-dried blackberries?
Unlike fresh blackberries, dry fruits are not recommended for bearded dragons’ health. It’s best to offer them fresh, juicy fruits instead.
Can bearded dragons eat blackberry leaves?
You can feed blackberry leaves to bearded dragons, but there’s no real benefit. They aren’t nutrient-rich and don’t contribute much to your pet’s diet. Additionally, blackberry leaves may contain high levels of oxalates.