Mushrooms are a popular and nutritious choice for humans, offering vitamins B and C, iron, magnesium, and more. While edible mushrooms are safe for people, they may not be equally suitable for pets like bearded dragons. Suppose you’re considering adding mushrooms to your bearded dragon’s diet. In that case, it’s essential to understand their safety. Bearded dragons have more sensitive health than humans, so ensuring their appropriate diet is vital.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mushrooms?
No, you should never feed mushrooms to your bearded dragon. Mushrooms are a type of fungus which is harmful to beardies. Even small amounts can cause issues ranging from mild discomfort to severe consequences, including death. While mushrooms contain some nutrients, their high phosphorus content and the presence of oxalate make them unsafe for bearded dragons.
3 Risks of Feeding Mushrooms to Bearded Dragons
1: Excessive Phosphorus Prevents Calcium Absorption
Mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial to humans but unsuitable for bearded dragons. Due to their high phosphorus content, mushrooms can harm beardies. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in mushrooms is about 1:16, whereas beardies require a ratio of 2:1 or equal for proper health.
Excessive phosphorus hinders calcium absorption in bearded dragons, rendering existing calcium ineffective. This deficiency can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, causing issues like brittle bones and an unhealthy skeletal structure.
Instead, opt for calcium-rich vegetables like kale and lettuce, which are safe and nutritious for your beardie.
2: Oxalates Cause Kidney Stone & Other Issues
Mushrooms contain a significant amount of oxalates, which can harm bearded dragons. Oxalate is a naturally crystalline substance in plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Oxalates bind with minerals like calcium, forming compounds that can lead to kidney stones in bearded dragons. This binding prevents absorbing essential nutrients, causing deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, mushrooms can be toxic to bearded dragons and may even result in death.
3: The Rubbery Texture Causes Choking Hazard
Mushrooms are rubbery, making them unsuitable for your bearded dragon. They can pose a choking hazard and lead to severe consequences. Additionally, the high levels of phosphorus and oxalates in mushrooms harm your beard and should be avoided. Instead, consider adding alfalfa sprouts, a favorite vegetable among bearded dragons, to their diet.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Eats a Mushroom?
If your bearded dragon accidentally ate mushrooms, stay calm. Follow these steps to address the situation effectively.
Observe the Symptoms
If you know how much your bearded dragon has consumed, that’s helpful. If not, monitor them closely. Mild and severe symptoms require different approaches.
When to Call the Vet?
If your pet appears slightly unusual but manageable, allow them time to recover naturally. However, if the symptoms are severe or your pet is distressed, contact a veterinarian immediately. They will advise you and ensure your pet receives proper treatment.
Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning
Depending on the amount consumed, there are two primary types of mushroom poisoning symptoms. Mild symptoms arise from ingesting a small quantity, causing slight poisoning. In contrast, consuming excessive mushrooms leads to severe poisoning with more intense symptoms.
Mild Symptoms
- An upset stomach can make your pet less active throughout the day.
- Diarrhea can lead to fatigue, leaving your pet tired all day.
- Vomiting is another mild sign of mushroom poisoning in pets.
Severe Symptoms
- Bleeding in a bearded dragon’s stool can happen after experiencing severe diarrhea.
- Lethargy is another severe symptom when they consume mushrooms.
- Salivating often occurs when the body is affected by a severe illness, especially after eating poisonous food like mushrooms.
- Other significant symptoms of mushroom poisoning include seizures and tremors.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons should not eat mushrooms. It’s important to remember the adverse effects they can have on your pet and avoid feeding them. There are many other food options available that meet their nutritional needs. Ensure you feed them appropriately to promote a healthy life. If your bearded dragon accidentally eats something harmful, contact a vet immediately for proper care. Regular checkups are essential for keeping your pet healthy in the long term. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to care for them and ensure their well-being.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat mushrooms?
No, baby bearded dragons should not eat mushrooms. While adult bearded dragons can suffer harm from consuming them, the effects can be even more severe for baby beardies.
Are mushrooms bad for bearded dragons?
Mushrooms are toxic to bearded dragons, so avoiding including them in your beardie’s diet is essential.
Can bearded dragons eat mushrooms sometimes?
Bearded dragons should avoid eating mushrooms. They contain high levels of phosphorus and oxalates, which can harm their health. These substances can interfere with calcium absorption, potentially leading to metabolic bone disease and other health issues. Sticking to safe, recommended foods for your bearded dragon is best to ensure proper nutrition and well-being.