Oranges are citrus fruits that are high in sugar and acid. However, it is not recommended to feed them to your bearded dragon. Oranges contain oxalic acid, which combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate. This reduces calcium absorption and can lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Feeding oranges to your bearded dragon can also result in tooth decay, obesity, diarrhea, and dehydration. A bearded dragon’s diet should primarily consist of greens and insects, with fruits making up only 10-20%. Therefore, oranges should not be part of your dragon’s regular meals.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Oranges?
Oranges may be nutritious, but they can be harmful to bearded dragons. Due to their high sugar and acidity, it’s best to avoid including oranges in their diet. Consider the risks of offering oranges instead of safer alternatives.
You can feed your bearded dragon fruits like watermelon, mango, and pineapple, but only occasionally. As omnivores, bearded dragons can eat various foods, so providing healthy, nutritious options is essential.
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Oranges?
The reasons why bearded dragons can’t eat oranges are:
Oranges Contain Oxalic Acid
Oranges contain a significant amount of oxalic acid. This acid binds with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which blocks calcium absorption. Excessive oxalic acid can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Beardies are particularly affected, experiencing limb deformities, soft bones, and paralysis. In severe cases, the condition can be fatal.
In small amounts, oxalic acid typically isn’t an issue if your bearded dragon receives calcium supplements and maintains a balanced diet. However, oranges contain enough oxalic acid to make them unsafe for your bearded dragon.
Oranges Have High Sugar Content
Bearded dragons should limit fruit intake due to its high sugar content. Oranges, while enjoyable, can lead to health issues like fatty liver, obesity, diabetes, and heart failure if consumed excessively.
Oranges Contain Citric Acid
Oranges, being a citrus food, contain citric acid. In humans, this acid can irritate the stomach lining and cause heartburn. A similar effect can occur in bearded dragons, upsetting their digestive system and leading to diarrhea, which can cause dehydration.
As desert animals, bearded dragons must stay hydrated, but severe dehydration is harmful. If a bearded dragon experiences prolonged diarrhea, it will struggle to absorb nutrients properly. Over time, this can lead to a gradual decline in its health.
4 Risks of Feeding Oranges to Bearded Dragons
Can Lead to Sugar and Obesity in Bearded Dragons
Too much sugar in your bearded dragon’s diet can lead to obesity. Like humans, excess sugar causes fat buildup and health issues. Limiting fruit and making vegetables the central part of their diet, making up 90-95% of their plant-based intake.
Can Lead to Tooth Loss
Foods with high sugar are acidic, which can cause tooth problems for bearded dragons. This leads to tartar and plaque buildup, posing a serious health risk. Unlike humans, a bearded dragon’s teeth are directly connected to their jaw, increasing the likelihood of infection or bone inflammation.
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
Too much sugar and acidic fruit in a short time can upset your bearded dragon’s stomach. This may lead to a reduced appetite and diarrhea, which can cause dehydration.
Can Result in Low Calcium Levels
Most fruits are low in calcium, regardless of which you choose for your bearded dragon’s diet. Calcium is essential for their health, so providing them with enough in their meals is essential.
Bearded dragons have small stomachs and fill up quickly. Including low-calcium or nutritionally poor foods can lead to health issues like metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat various foods, but oranges should be avoided. Oranges can cause health issues for your dragon.
Consider safer options like strawberries, figs, apricots, dates, or raspberries to include fruit in your diet.
Remember, you can offer a wide range of foods, but always ensure they are safe for your bearded dragon. It’s essential to research the pros and cons of each food to create a balanced diet.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat oranges?
Oranges, a citrus fruit, are not safe for your pet. They contain high sugar and fruit acids, which can harm your dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat the orange peel?
Bearded dragons should not eat oranges, including their peels. The peels often contain pesticides that can lead to severe health issues or even death.
Can bearded dragons eat Mandarin oranges?
Bearded dragons should not eat mandarin oranges. While they contain less acid than regular oranges, they can still harm your dragon's digestive system.
Can bearded dragons eat orange juice?
Bearded dragons cannot drink orange juice. Oranges have too much sugar and fruit acid, which are harmful. They also contain high water content, which can cause diarrhea in your dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat feeder insects that eat oranges?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat feeder insects. These insects can tolerate oranges.