Kiwi, rich in vitamin C and fibre, offers numerous health benefits. It’s both flavorful and nutritious. The minerals and enzymes in kiwi support the optimal functioning of different body parts.
Bearded dragons eat a wide range of food, including insects, vegetables, and fruits. While many foods are safe for them, some should be avoided.
So, can bearded dragons eat kiwi? What’s the right portion size? Let’s explore the benefits and risks of feeding kiwi to your bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat kiwis. This green fruit offers several nutritional benefits. Kiwi is a tasty treat for your beardie but should be fed occasionally. Overfeeding kiwi can lead to health problems.
It’s also important to offer variety. You can add fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, and mangoes to their diet. However, avoid certain fruits that could cause significant health issues.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?
Bearded dragons can eat kiwis once or twice a month. Overfeeding the kiwi can harm their health. While it provides essential nutrients, too much can lead to health issues. It’s best to serve kiwi once a month or occasionally twice, but never more often.
6 Benefits of Kiwi for Bearded Dragons
Kiwi is a nutritious fruit that offers various health benefits for your beardie. Here are a few ways it can help:
1: Vitamin C for Immune System
Vitamin C offers numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system. Fruits like oranges, strawberries, pineapples, and kiwi are rich in vitamin C.
Kiwi, in particular, is packed with vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system. This applies to bearded dragons, too. Kiwi provides them with ample vitamin C, helping them fight off diseases.
2: Vitamin K for Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is vital in producing four of the 13 proteins required for blood clotting. Kiwi is a good source of Vitamin K, which helps strengthen bones and aids in blood clotting.
3: Antioxidants for Immunity and Digestion
Antioxidants support digestion and strengthen your immune system. Kiwi is rich in antioxidants that promote immune health, reduce inflammation and aid digestion. It also contains fibre, which further supports digestive health.
4: Zinc Helps With Healing
Zinc is an essential nutrient that supports cell function and growth throughout the body. It plays a key role in building immunity and fighting diseases. Zinc also aids in wound healing, and Kiwi, rich in zinc, can help dragons recover from injuries.
5: Calcium for Bones
To maintain strong bones, your body requires calcium. Calcium also supports the proper function of your heart and muscles. The calcium in kiwi helps keep your pet’s bones healthy.
6: Potassium for the Heart
Adding potassium to the diet can lower the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Kiwi provides potassium, and offering it to your pet can support their heart health.
It’s not only the nutrients Kiwi contains but also what it doesn’t. With no fat content, it won’t contribute to your beardie’s weight gain.
2 Risks of Feeding Kiwi to Bearded Dragons
Kiwi offers many health benefits to your bearded dragon, but there are some risks to consider when feeding it.
1: Oxalic Acid Hinders Calcium Absorption
Kiwi contains small amounts of oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Over time, excess oxalic acid can lead to metabolic bone disease. If it weren’t for oxalic acid, beardies could have kiwi once a week. Now that you know this, you can be more cautious when feeding your pet dragon.
2: Large Pieces can be Life Threatening
Feeding large pieces of kiwi can make swallowing difficult and increase the risk of choking. Cutting them into small pieces helps prevent this and makes swallowing easier.
How to Prepare Kiwi for Your Bearded Dragons?
It’s quite a simple way of serving kiwi to your dragon. Following are the steps for creating a perfect meal for your beardie:
Prefer Fresh and Organic Kiwi
It’s best to offer fruits while they are fresh, as they lose nutrients over time. Organic fruits, grown without pesticides and using natural fertilizers, provide a healthier choice. Always ensure you’re selecting fresh, organic kiwi for your beardie.
Choose Ripe Kiwi
Choose a fully ripe kiwi for your pets. Ripe kiwis are sweet and soft, making them enjoyable for your pet. Unripe kiwis can cause stomach aches and digestive issues.
Remove the Pesticides by Washing
Fruits from the market often contain chemicals and pesticides, even if they are not visible. It’s best to wash them thoroughly before eating. Clean the kiwi you plan to serve your pet, removing all pesticides and chemicals.
Remove the Skin Completely But Not the Seed
Eating fruits with intact skin boosts fibre intake, but this doesn’t apply to pets. The skin can be hard to digest for your beardie and may cause digestive issues. Always peel the kiwi before offering it to your pet.
While some fruit seeds are harmful, kiwi seeds are safe for your beardie. You don’t need to remove them. Even if your beardie eats a kiwi with seeds, they will pass through without causing digestive problems.
Chop it into Small Pieces
After peeling the skin from the kiwi, chop it into small pieces. This makes eating more manageable for your pet and reduces the risk of choking, which can occur when more significant pieces are served.
Conclusion
Kiwi is a highly nutritious fruit packed with vitamins that offers numerous benefits. It contains no fat and has very low sugar, making it an excellent option for bearded dragons.
So, can bearded dragons eat kiwi? Yes, they can. Now that you know kiwi is safe for your pet, it’s up to you whether you choose to feed it to them.
Serve kiwi once or twice a month to keep your dragon healthy. Avoid overfeeding any food, including kiwi, as it contains oxalic acid, which can lead to metabolic bone disease. Offering it occasionally is the key to safely including it in your pet’s diet.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat kiwi?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat kiwi, but their main diet should consist of insects. Insects provide essential protein and minerals for their growth and health. Kiwi can be offered occasionally as a treat, but it should not replace their primary food source. Always make sure to provide a balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs.
Do bearded dragons like kiwi?
Bearded dragons enjoy the sweet and juicy taste of kiwi.
Are kiwis safe for beardies?
Kiwi is safe for them when given in moderation.
How much kiwi to feed bearded dragons?
Once or twice a month is ideal and should be enjoyed as a treat.
Can bearded dragons eat kiwi seeds?
Yes, they can eat kiwi seeds. The seeds are tiny, so the risk of choking is minimal.
Can bearded dragons eat kiwi skin?
Bearded dragons should avoid kiwi skin because it is hard to digest.