Plums are a popular fruit grown on trees, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They contain calcium, phosphorus, water, protein, fat, sugar, and fiber, all beneficial to bearded dragons. Like many fruits and vegetables, plums are a favorite among these pets, as they provide nutrients not found in other foods. However, many bearded dragon owners wonder if plums can feed their pets safely. Let’s explore whether offering plums to your bearded dragon is a good choice.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Plums?
Plums are safe for bearded dragons and can be included in their diet. They are rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, fiber, and other essential nutrients. These fruits also offer antioxidants, which benefit your dragon’s health. Always offer plums as part of a balanced and varied diet. You can also provide other fruits such as watermelon, dragon fruit, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, and peaches.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat plums?
Offer your bearded dragon plums a few times a week as a treat. Plums are beneficial but should be given sparingly. Daily feeding can upset their digestive system and cause stomach issues. In the wild, bearded dragons eat plums from trees. However, pet owners should avoid making plums a regular part of their diet due to the unbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
3 Benefits of Plums for Bearded Dragons
As a bearded dragon owner, it’s essential to understand the benefits of the food you provide. Plums can offer several advantages for your beardie. Let’s take a closer look.
1: Strengthen the Digestive System
Plums are an excellent source of antioxidants for your bearded dragon’s health. These antioxidants support your dragon’s digestive system. They also play a key role in boosting your dragon’s immune system.
2: Maintenance of the Blood Cell
Plums are a good source of Vitamin K, which is essential for your bearded dragon’s health. This vitamin helps absorb and process calcium necessary for strong and healthy bones. It also supports blood cell maintenance, benefiting your pet’s overall well-being.
3: Maintain the Nervous System
Plums provide a rich source of vitamin B6, which is vital for your bearded dragon’s overall health. This vitamin supports the nervous system and enhances energy levels.
4 Risks of feeding plums to Bearded Dragons
Feeding plums to your bearded dragon offers many benefits, but it also comes with some risks. Here are a few potential drawbacks of feeding plums to your bearded dragon.
1: Digestive Issues
As a responsible owner, you should limit the amount of plum you feed your bearded dragon. Plums are acidic, which can lead to health problems or even an overdose. Too much plum can upset their stomach and cause digestive issues. If you feed your bearded dragon plums, watch them closely to ensure they digest the fruit properly.
2: Choking
The pits in plums can be dangerous for your bearded dragons. Permanently remove the pit before feeding them. If they accidentally swallow it, it can get stuck in their throat and cause choking. While it may seem minor, it can lead to serious health issues, even death.
3: Chances of Impaction
The skin of a plum can cause problems for your bearded dragon if it doesn’t correctly eat the flesh. This can lead to impaction, a severe form of constipation. Impaction occurs when waste becomes trapped in the intestinal tract and cannot be adequately expelled.
4: Inappropriate Calcium And Phosphorus Ratio May Lead to MBD
The calcium and phosphorus ratio in plums is not suitable for bearded dragons. The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bearded dragons is 1:1 or 2:1. An improper ratio can harm your dragon and lead to metabolic bone disease.
How to Prepare Plums for Your Bearded Dragons?
Properly feeding your bearded dragon is crucial, and making their food enjoyable is key. If their salad looks unappetizing, try adding some plums. Plums’ vibrant color and sweet taste will attract your beardie, encouraging them to eat their salad. Here are a few steps to prepare plums for your bearded dragon.
Wash Thoroughly
Wash the plums before feeding them to eliminate germs, pesticides, and dirt particles.
Cut them into Small Pieces
After cleaning, remove the pit and chop the plums into small pieces before giving them to your bearded dragon. This reduces the risk of choking.
Add its Juice to the Bowl
If your bearded dragon doesn’t enjoy plum flesh, you can easily feed them by making juice from the fruit. Mix the juice with other greens and fruits or add it to their salad bowl.
Add Other Fruits and Greens.
The best way to feed plums to your bearded dragon is by mixing them with other fruits and greens. This adds variety and makes the meal more appealing. Like humans, animals can get bored with repetitive meals so that this small change can benefit them.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat plums. Plums offer essential nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K, potassium, and fiber, all of which contribute to your pet’s health. However, feed plums in moderation—once or twice a week.
Bearded dragons enjoy plums’ sweet and sour taste, making them a good addition to their diet. Mix them into a green salad to encourage your beardie to eat their vegetables.
Always research any new food you introduce to your pet’s diet. Even healthy foods can have drawbacks. Prioritize your pet’s well-being by ensuring that any new food is safe.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat plums?
You can feed a bearded baby dragon plums, but they should not be a regular part of their diet.
Do bearded dragons like plums?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating plums. The sweet and sour taste of the fruit attracts them, encouraging them to eat it.
Are plums safe for beardies?
Plums are safe for bearded dragons if given in moderation.
How many plums to feed your bearded dragons?
You should give your bearded dragon only a few plums, as too many can cause health issues.