Before we delve into the reasons why feeding fruit to your bearded dragon is a bad idea, it's worth noting that bearded dragons, or 'beardies' as we affectionately call them, are native to the arid regions of Australia. This is crucial as it significantly impacts their dietary requirements. There, their natural diet includes leafy greens and insects, not the likes of bananas or blueberries.
Now, here are the top five reasons why you should reconsider offering that sweet strawberry to your beardie:
1. They're Not Adapted to Eat Sugary Fruits
Bearded dragons are biologically wired to consume a diet that is low in sugar. Their diet in the wild primarily consists of insects and leafy greens, which contain minimal sugar content. Consuming fruit, especially those high in sugar, can lead to health issues such as obesity and tooth decay. Remember, just because they *can* eat something doesn't mean they *should*.2. Fruits Can Harm Their Dental Health
Bearded dragons do not have the same dental structure as humans. The excessive sugars in fruits can lead to plaque build-up and tooth decay in bearded dragons, just like in humans. Unlike us, though, beardies don't have the luxury of brushing their teeth twice a day. It's best to avoid the issue altogether by skipping the fruit.3. Fruits Can Upset Their Stomach Flora
The high sugar content in fruits can disrupt the delicate balance of your bearded dragon's gut flora. This disruption can lead to digestive issues, such as diarrhea, which can subsequently lead to dehydration and other health problems.4. Fruits Are Not Part of Their Natural Diet
As previously mentioned, bearded dragons are native to arid regions where fruits simply do not grow. They've evolved to thrive on a diet of leafy greens and insects. Introducing an unnatural food source can lead to health problems over time.5. The Right Nutrition Comes From The Right Foods
Leafy greens and insects are not only what your bearded dragon is used to, but they also provide all the essential nutrients that your pet needs. Dubia roaches, for example, are a rich source of protein and provide an excellent balance of nutrition, making them a great part of a varied diet. Feeding your dragon a diet primarily composed of fruits can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
At Better Than Crickets, we're not only in the business of providing quality Dubia roaches for your beardie's meals, but we also care about your pet's overall well-being. You can safely feed your Dubia roaches fruit to gut-load them, making them even more nutritious for your beardie, but remember to keep those fruits away from your dragon.
Understanding your pet's needs is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. By choosing a diet that mirrors what your bearded dragon would eat in the wild, you are setting them up for a healthy and happy life. Choose Better Than Crickets for quality, nutritious Dubia roaches, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're providing the best for your pet.
Remember, the best love is sometimes tough love. Skip the fruits and feed your bearded dragon what they truly need - and relish in the bonding that comes with their healthy and active life. Better Than Crickets is here to help you along this journey of pet parenthood.