Can Bearded Dragons eat Spikes?

It is not recommended to feed it to bearded dragons as it is not part of their natural diet and may not provide them with the necessary nutrients they need.

What are the nutritional benefits of feeding Spikes to Bearded Dragons?

There is limited information available on the nutritional benefits of feeding spikes (Selaginella kraussiana) to bearded dragons, as it is not a common food item in their natural diet. While spikes are not toxic to bearded dragons, they are not a significant source of the nutrients that bearded dragons require for optimal health.

Bearded dragons require a diet that is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D3. If you are considering adding new foods to your bearded dragon’s diet, it is essential to research the nutritional content of the food and consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the proper balance of nutrients.

What are the risks of feeding Spikes to Bearded Dragons?

There are several risks associated with feeding spikes (Selaginella kraussiana) to bearded dragons, including:

• Digestive problems: Bearded dragons may have difficulty digesting spikes due to their tough, fibrous texture.

• Nutritional deficiencies: Spikes are not a significant source of the nutrients that bearded dragons require for optimal health. Feeding spikes to bearded dragons as a regular part of their diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies.

• Impaction: If a bearded dragon ingests too much of the tough, fibrous material from spikes, it could cause an impaction in its digestive tract. This could potentially lead to a blockage that requires veterinary intervention.

• Pesticide exposure: If spikes are not organically grown, they may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful to bearded dragons.

• Fungal infections: Spikes can be prone to developing fungal infections that could be passed on to bearded dragons if they consume them.

• Tooth damage: Bearded dragons have relatively delicate teeth, and the tough, fibrous texture of spikes could cause damage to their teeth or gums.

• Difficulty swallowing: The tough texture of spikes could make it difficult for bearded dragons to swallow, leading to choking or other respiratory issues.

• Diarrhea: Bearded dragons may develop diarrhea if they consume too much of a new food item that their digestive system is not used to.

• Dehydration: Spikes do not contain much water, so feeding them to bearded dragons as a significant part of their diet could potentially lead to dehydration.

• Malnutrition: If spikes are fed to bearded dragons in place of a balanced diet, it could lead to malnutrition and other health problems.

• Reduced appetite: Bearded dragons may be less inclined to eat their regular diet if they are given spikes, which could lead to a reduced appetite and further health problems.

• Poor growth: A diet lacking essential nutrients could lead to stunted growth in bearded dragons.

• Metabolic bone disease: Bearded dragons require a diet high in calcium and vitamin D3 to avoid developing metabolic bone disease. If spikes are fed to bearded dragons in place of calcium-rich foods, they could be at risk of developing this condition.

• Tooth loss: If bearded dragons are fed a diet lacking in calcium, it could lead to tooth loss and other dental problems.

• Liver disease: If bearded dragons are not fed a balanced diet, they could be at risk of developing liver disease.

• Obesity: Feeding bearded dragons too many high-fat foods or foods lacking in essential nutrients could lead to obesity and other health problems.

• Skin problems: Bearded dragons require a balanced diet to maintain healthy skin. If spikes are fed in place of other foods, bearded dragons could develop skin problems.

• Respiratory problems: The tough texture of spikes could cause respiratory problems in bearded dragons if they inhale particles from the plant.

• Parasites: Spikes could potentially harbor parasites that could be harmful to bearded dragons.

• Allergic reactions: Some bearded dragons may be allergic to spikes, which could lead to allergic reactions and other health problems.

• Reduced energy: A diet lacking essential nutrients could lead to a reduced energy level in bearded dragons.

• Reduced lifespan: Feeding bearded dragons an unbalanced diet could lead to a reduced lifespan and other health problems.

• Reduced immune function: Bearded dragons require a balanced diet to maintain a healthy immune system. Feeding spikes in place of other foods could lead to reduced immune function and increased susceptibility to illness.

• Increased stress: Feeding bearded dragons a diet that is not balanced could increase their stress levels, as their body may be under stress from trying to compensate for the lack of essential nutrients.

• Inflammation: A diet lacking essential nutrients could lead to inflammation in bearded dragons, which could cause pain and discomfort.

• Behavioral problems: Bearded dragons that are not receiving a balanced diet may exhibit behavioral problems such as lethargy or aggression.

• Compromised reproductive health: A diet lacking essential nutrients could compromise the reproductive health of bearded dragons, leading to issues such as infertility.

• Reduced bone density: Bearded dragons require a diet high in calcium to maintain healthy bone density. If spikes are fed in place of calcium-rich foods, they could be at risk of developing reduced bone density.

• Reduced muscle mass: Bearded dragons require a diet high in protein to maintain healthy muscle mass. If spikes are fed in place of protein-rich foods, they could be at risk of developing reduced muscle mass.

• Increased susceptibility to disease: Bearded dragons that are not receiving a balanced diet could be at increased risk of developing diseases or illnesses, as their immune system may not be functioning properly.

Are Spikes poisonous to Bearded Dragons?

Spikes (Selaginella kraussiana) are not poisonous to bearded dragons. However, as mentioned earlier, spikes are not a significant source of nutrients that bearded dragons require for optimal health, and feeding them to bearded dragons as a regular part of their diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.

Additionally, spikes may be treated with pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful to bearded dragons, so it is important to ensure that any plant material offered to bearded dragons is organically grown and free from any potential toxins.

If you are unsure about the safety of any plant material for your bearded dragon, it is best to be on the side of caution and avoid feeding it to them.

What to do if Bearded Dragons ate lots of Spikes?

What to Do if Bearded Dragons Ate Lots of Spikes:

• Monitor their behavior: After your bearded dragon has eaten a lot of spikes, it’s essential to keep an eye on its behavior to ensure they’re not experiencing any negative effects.

• Check for symptoms: Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, which could indicate that your bearded dragon is experiencing digestive distress.

• Provide water: Make sure your bearded dragon has access to fresh water at all times, especially after consuming spikes, to help keep them hydrated.

• Don’t offer any more spikes: Avoid giving your bearded dragon any more spikes to eat, as this could exacerbate any digestive issues they are already experiencing.

• Offer a balanced diet: Ensure that your bearded dragon is getting a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources that are appropriate for bearded dragons.

• Contact a veterinarian: If you notice any concerning symptoms or if your bearded dragon seems to be in distress, contact a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles right away.

• Describe the situation to your vet: When you contact your vet, be sure to describe the situation, including how many spikes your bearded dragon ate, and any symptoms or behavioral changes you’ve observed.

• Follow your vet’s advice: Your veterinarian will provide guidance on how to manage your bearded dragon’s symptoms and may recommend bringing them in for an examination.

• Administer medication as directed: If your veterinarian prescribes medication for your bearded dragon, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and administer the medication as directed.

• Offer supportive care: In addition to medication, your veterinarian may recommend supportive care, such as keeping your bearded dragon warm and offering fluids.

• Continue to monitor your bearded dragon: After your bearded dragon has eaten spikes, it’s important to continue to monitor them for any signs of digestive distress or other issues.

• Address any underlying issues: If your bearded dragon has eaten spikes due to boredom, stress, or other factors, it’s important to address these underlying issues to prevent a recurrence.

• Avoid feeding spikes in the future: As mentioned earlier, spikes are not a significant source of essential nutrients and can lead to health problems if fed regularly. Avoid feeding spikes to your bearded dragon in the future.

• Offer a varied diet: To ensure that your bearded dragon is getting all of the nutrients they need, offer a varied diet that includes a range of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources.
• Stay informed: Keep up to date on the latest information regarding safe and healthy diets for bearded dragons, and consult with a reptile veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.

Nick James

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.