Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumbers?
Bearded dragon owners often search for a healthy snack for their pets such as can bearded dragons eat cucumbers? Yes, cucumbers are a healthy snack when given with a properly balanced diet. They offer many minerals and vitamins your bearded dragon needs, but they can not be served as a staple food.
In this article, you will come to know how often you can give your bearded dragon cucumbers, how you can prepare this snack before feeding your pet, and which parts of cucumbers are safe to feed.
Bearded dragons can eat cucumber but in moderation.
They are safe to feed when prepared properly. You will need to wash them entirely, remove their skin, and chop them correctly. Cucumbers are not part of the dragon’s natural diet. They should not be a staple food. They have some beneficial minerals and vitamins like vitamin c, and potassium. There are many healthier vegetables and leafy greens options for your bearded dragon. It is best to feed cucumber as an occasional treat.
Can bearded dragons eat pickled cucumbers?
Bearded dragons should not eat cucumbers if they are pickled in vinegar as vinegar is not safe for bearded dragons. If it is pickled using saltwater brine only, it is safe for a bearded dragon to feed. Other ingredients and flavors should not be added.
Can bearded dragons eat mini cucumbers?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragons mini cucumbers. They contain the nutrients the regular cucumbers have. All types of cucumbers are safe for your bearded dragons to feed if prepared properly. They may slightly differ in nutritional value, but it is not significant. It varieties include:
- Persian cucumbers
- Kirby cucumbers (have thick skin)
- Garden cucumbers (having a waxy seal)
- English/seedless cucumber
Nutritional value of cucumbers
Cucumbers don’t offer a good nutritional value overall, however, they have some health benefits:
- Vitamin K assists with the blood clotting.
- The water content is good for a dehydrated bearded dragon.
- Potassium benefits muscle function, kidney health and fluid retention.
- Fiber is very important for digestion.
- Vitamin C is good for your bearded dragon’s immune system, growth and vision.
Unfortunately, cucumbers contain more phosphorus than calcium. The deficiency of calcium may cause serious health problems for your beardie.
Health risks of feeding your bearded dragon cucumbers
There are many health considerations that you should keep in mind while feeding your pet cucumbers.
- Constipation
If cucumbers are prepared incorrectly it can lead to constipation.
- Metabolic Bone Disease
Bearded dragons need twice as much calcium as the phosphorus.
Cucumbers do not meet this requirement, as they have high phosphorus contents. This high level of phosphorus can block the absorption of calcium. Then the calcium deficiency may lead to Metabolic Bone Disease.
- Overhydration
Like spinach leaves, the cucumber is mostly water. It is possible to over hydrate your beardie.
Overhydration can cause diarrhea.
How to feed cucumber to your bearded dragon
Firstly, select the right cucumber that should be fresh, and without wrinkles. You must make cucumbers in a proper way before serving it to your pet bearded dragon. There are three steps for preparing cucumbers:
- Wash
You should wash the cucumber to remove the first one.
- Peel off
Peel off the cucumber as the peels can cause unpleasant health problems.
- Chop
Cut the peeled cucumbers into tiny pieces that are appropriate for your bearded dragon. You should remove hard and large seeds. They can cause constipation. It is okay if your bearded dragon consumes some soft seeds.
How often can bearded dragons have cucumbers?
Bearded dragons can eat cucumbers after one week. Giving your bearded dragon cucumbers too often may cause serious health risks. They do not offer enough minerals and vitamins, unlike the staple food.
Can baby bearded dragons eat cucumbers?
Yes, it is safe for baby beardies to eat cucumbers. Prepare them in the same way as you prepare for adults.
Can bearded dragons eat cucumber leaves?
Bearded dragons can eat cucumber leaves, but we do not suggest it. Like cucumbers, the leaves are not toxic, but they do not have many of the minerals and vitamins your bearded dragon needs. Cucumber leaves that are harvested from a home garden (pesticide-free) are safe for beardies to eat.
Can bearded dragons eat cucumber peels?
No, Bearded dragons should not ingest cucumber peels. Cucumber skin is hard for bearded dragons to ingest, which can cause digestion issues and choking hazards. By removing the peels the chemicals and pests are also removed from cucumber skin.
Can baby bearded dragons eat cucumbers?
Yes, it is safe for baby beardies to eat cucumbers. Prepare them in the same way as you prepare for adults
Other options for the bearded to eat:
A wide variety of food items are required for your beardie Veggies are very important for a bearded dragon’s health. They are so many options for a bearded dragon to eat, but the following are some safe vegetables and greens for your beardie:
Other greens and veggies that are safe, but should be eaten less often include:
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Squash
- Okra
- Cooked Sweet Potato
Avoid iceberg, lettuce, and celery. These do not give the nutrients that beardie needs. Feed your beardie a varied diet and make sure it receives all the minerals and nutrients to stay healthy. Your bearded dragon’s diet should primarily consist of leafy greens, vegetables, and some insects. Fruits can offer essential nutrients but they should be less than ⅕th of their routine diet.
An adult beardie’s diet should be 80 percent plant-based and 20 percent protein-based. But the baby bearded dragons are the opposite. They need live food. Calcium supplement is vital for all ages. Sprinkle these supplements on your bearded dragon’s salad and insects. In this way, they get enough calcium.
I am Nick James, I have been three male beardies since 2015. I love to take care of my pets and their diet. Here, I am sharing my personal experiences and strategies to grow up your cute pet.
