Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas? The short answer to this question is yes, bearded dragons can eat bananas.
However, they should be given in moderation only because bananas have 5x as much phosphorous than calcium, which means your beardie will not be able to absorb as much calcium.
Key Takeaways
- Bananas are nutritious but high in sugar and phosphorus, and phosphorous block calcium absorption.
- Too much bananas can lead to obesity and calcium deficiency in bearded dragons.
- Feed bananas only as an occasional treat, in small pieces or slices.
- Banana peels are also edible but should be organic or washed well.
Bananas for Bearded Dragons
Bananas are a nutrient-rich fruit that can provide many health benefits for bearded dragons. However, they also have some drawbacks that make them unsuitable for frequent consumption by bearded dragons. Here are some of the pros and cons of feeding bananas to your dragon and how to do it safely and properly.
Pros of Bananas
- They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants.
- These nutrients can help boost your dragon’s immune system, vision, growth, reproduction, muscle function, kidney, heart, and bone health.
Cons of Bananas
- They have a high sugar content that can cause obesity and other health issues if fed too often.
- They have a high phosphorus to calcium ratio (3:1), which means that the phosphorus in bananas can bind with the calcium and prevent it from being absorbed by your dragon’s body. This can lead to calcium deficiency or metabolic bone disease (MBD), a serious condition that can cause pain, deformity, paralysis, or death in bearded dragons.
Feeding Guidelines
- Feed bananas to your bearded dragon only once or twice a month as a treat.
- The amount of banana you can feed your dragon depends on its age and size. Generally speaking, you should only give your dragon small pieces or slices of banana that are no larger than the space between its eyes. This will prevent choking and overeating.
- You can also feed your bearded dragon banana peels if you want to add some extra nutrition and variety to its diet. Banana peels are edible and contain some fiber and antioxidants. However, you should only feed organic banana peels or wash them thoroughly before feeding them to your dragon. Non-organic banana peels may contain pesticides or other chemicals that can harm your dragon. You should also feed banana peels in moderation and in small pieces for the same reasons as banana flesh.
- You should avoid feeding frozen or dried bananas to your bearded dragon. Frozen bananas are too hard and can cause choking or damage to your dragon’s teeth and mouth. Dried bananas have too much sugar and can cause dehydration or digestive problems. Always feed fresh bananas to your dragon for optimal health and safety.
Bananas can be a fun and healthy treat for your bearded dragon if given in moderation and prepared properly. However, they should not replace the main staples of your dragon’s diet, such as insects and vegetables. You should also monitor your dragon’s reaction and appetite after feeding it bananas and stop if you notice any signs of discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Nutritional Value of Bananas
Bananas contain many essential vitamins and minerals. One medium-sized banana (100 grams) provides the following nutrients for bearded dragons:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 89 |
| Water | 75% |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Carbs | 22.8 g |
| Sugar | 12.2 g |
| Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin C | 10.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Potassium | 358 mg |
| Magnesium | 27 mg |
| Calcium | 5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 22 mg |
Bearded dragons need specific nutrients to stay happy and healthy, and bananas contain some of these, for example:
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your dragon’s cells from oxidative stress and supports its immune system, vision, and wound healing.
- Vitamin B6 is involved in many metabolic processes, such as protein synthesis, glucose regulation, and neurotransmitter production. It also helps your dragon produce red blood cells and hemoglobin.
- Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain your dragon’s fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It also helps prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
- Magnesium is a mineral that helps regulate your dragon’s nerve and muscle function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and bone health¹². It also plays a role in energy production and DNA synthesis.
- Calcium is a mineral that is essential for your dragon’s bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. It also helps regulate your dragon’s heartbeat and hormone secretion.
- Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to form strong bones and teeth for your dragon¹³. It also helps with energy production, cell growth, and DNA synthesis.
Bananas also contain other vitamins and minerals in smaller amounts, such as vitamin A, folate, iron, zinc. These nutrients also contribute to your dragon’s overall health and well-being.
How Bananas Affect Beardies (Pros & Cons)
Bananas can positively and negatively affect bearded dragons’ health, depending on how much and how often they are fed. Here are some of the pros and cons of feeding bananas to your dragon.
Pros
- Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants.
- These nutrients can help boost your dragon’s immune system, vision, growth, reproduction, muscle function, kidney, heart, and bone health.
Cons
- Bananas have a high sugar content that can cause obesity and other health issues if fed too often.
- Bananas have a high phosphorus to calcium ratio (3:1), which means that the phosphorus in bananas can bind with the calcium and prevent it from being absorbed by your dragon’s body.
- Calcium is a vital mineral for bearded dragons, as it helps maintain their bone structure and strength. Calcium deficiency or imbalance can lead to a serious condition called metabolic bone disease (MBD), which affects the skeletal system of reptiles.
What is MBD?
MBD stands for metabolic bone disease. It is a condition that affects the skeletal system of reptiles due to calcium deficiency or imbalance. MBD can cause symptoms such as:
- Limping or difficulty moving
- Swelling or deformity of the limbs or jaw
- Softening or bending of the spine or tail
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Lethargy or depression
- Seizures or tremors
- Paralysis or death
How to prevent MBD?
MBD can be prevented by providing your bearded dragon with a balanced diet that includes enough calcium and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 helps your dragon absorb calcium from its food. You can also supplement your dragon’s diet with calcium powder or liquid drops that are specially formulated for reptiles. You should also provide your dragon with adequate UVB lighting, which helps it produce its own vitamin D3.
How to Serve Bananas To Your Beardie
If you want to give your bearded dragon some bananas, you need to prepare them properly and safely. Here are some steps and tips on how to serve bananas to your bearded dragon:
- Choose a ripe but firm banana that is organic or washed thoroughly. Avoid overripe, bruised, or moldy bananas that may contain harmful bacteria or fungi.
- Peel the banana and slice it into thin pieces. You can also cut each slice into smaller chunks if you prefer. You can also feed your bearded dragon the banana peel, as it contains some fiber and antioxidants. However, make sure the peel is organic or washed well to remove any pesticides or chemicals.
- Offer the banana pieces or peel to your bearded dragon one at a time by hand or with tongs. You can also place them in a shallow dish or bowl in your dragon’s enclosure. Do not leave the banana in the enclosure for more than a day, as it may spoil or attract insects.
- Monitor your bearded dragon’s reaction and appetite. Some dragons love bananas and eat them eagerly, while others ignore them or spit them out. Do not force your dragon to eat something it dislikes or wants. Also, do not overfeed your dragon with bananas, as they are high in sugar and phosphorus and can cause health problems if eaten too often.
Remove any uneaten banana pieces or peel from your dragon’s enclosure and clean the dish or bowl. Dispose of the banana waste properly and wash your hands after handling it.
If you want to introduce bananas to your bearded dragon’s diet for the first time, you should do it gradually and carefully. Start with a small amount and observe how your dragon reacts. If your dragon shows any signs of discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, stop feeding it bananas and consult a veterinarian. Some dragons may be allergic or intolerant to bananas or other fruits, so it is important to be cautious and attentive when trying new foods.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Banana Peels?
The answer is yes, but as with most fruit-related food should be use infrequently.
Pros of Banana Peels
- They contain some **fiber** and **antioxidants** that can help with digestion and prevent oxidative stress.
- They also contain some **vitamin B6** and **magnesium**, which are beneficial for your dragon’s metabolism and nerve function.
Cons of Banana Peels
- They are tough and rough in texture, which can make them difficult to chew and swallow for your dragon. They can also cause choking or impaction if they are not cut into small enough pieces or mashed.
- They have a high sugar content, which can cause obesity and other health issues if fed too often.
- They have a high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio (3:1), which means that the phosphorus in banana peels can bind with the calcium and prevent it from being absorbed by your dragon’s body. This can lead to calcium deficiency or metabolic bone disease (MBD), a serious condition that can cause pain, deformity, paralysis, or death in bearded dragons.
Feeding Guidelines
- Feed banana peels to your bearded dragon only once or twice a month as a treat.
- The amount of banana peel you can feed your dragon depends on its age and size. Generally speaking, you should only give your dragon small pieces or slices of banana peel that are no larger than the space between its eyes to prevent choking and overeating.
- If possible, choose organic bananas or wash them thoroughly before peeling them. Non-organic bananas may contain pesticides or other chemicals that can harm your dragon.
- Avoid feeding your dragon any rotten or moldy banana peels, as they may contain harmful bacteria or fungi.
Banana peels can be a fun and healthy treat for your bearded dragon if given in moderation and prepared properly. However, they should not replace the main staples of your dragon’s diet, such as insects and vegetables. You should also monitor your dragon’s reaction and appetite after feeding it banana peels and stop if you notice any signs of discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Alternatives to Bananas in a Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Bananas are not the only fruit that bearded dragons can eat. There are many other fruits that are safe and healthy for bearded dragons, as long as they are fed in moderation and prepared properly.
Here are some of the best fruits for bearded dragons and how they compare to bananas in terms of nutritional value:
| Fruit | Nutrients | Sugar Content | Feeding Frequency | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apples | Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants | Lower | Weekly | Remove seeds, cut into little pieces |
| Strawberries | Vitamin C, folate, manganese, antioxidants | Similar | Every other week | Wash well, cut into little pieces |
| Peaches | Vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants | Higher | Twice per month | Remove pit and skin, cut into little pieces |
| Blackberries | Vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants | Lower | Once or twice per month | Wash well, cut into little pieces |
| Melons | Vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, water | Lower | Every other week | Remove seeds and rind, cut into little pieces |
These are just some of the fruits that bearded dragons can eat. You can also try other fruits such as apricots, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapes, plums, guavas, nectarines, pears, pineapples, papayas, mangoes, and blueberries.
However, you should always do your research before feeding any new fruit to your bearded dragon and make sure it is safe and healthy for them. You should also avoid feeding any citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruits to your bearded dragon, as they are too acidic and can cause stomach upset or mouth sores.
FAQ
Q: How often should I feed bananas to my bearded dragon?
A: Bananas should be fed to your bearded dragon sparingly, no more than once or twice a week.
Q: Are bananas a good part of a bearded dragon’s diet?
A: While bananas offer some nutritional benefits, they should not make up a large part of your bearded dragon’s diet. A variety of fruits and vegetables is important for their overall health.
Q: Can I give my bearded dragon dried bananas?
A: Dried bananas are not recommended for bearded dragons as they contain much more sugar than fresh bananas and can lead to tooth decay and obesity.
Q: Can bearded dragons eat banana leaves?
A: Banana leaves are not toxic to bearded dragons but they do not offer any nutritional value and can be difficult for them to digest. It’s best to avoid feeding them to your pet.
Q: How much banana should I give my bearded dragon?
A: A small piece of banana, about the size of the bearded dragon’s head, is sufficient. Too much banana can cause digestive issues.
Q: Can bearded dragons eat frozen bananas?
A: Frozen bananas are not recommended for bearded dragons as they can become mushy and cause choking hazards.
Q: What are the benefits of feeding bearded dragons bananas?
A: Bananas offer vitamins A and C and potassium which is helpful for muscle function. However, be aware that bananas are also high in sugar.
Q: Can bearded dragons eat the skin of a banana?
A: While the skin of a banana is not toxic to bearded dragons, it can be difficult for them to digest and may cause digestive issues. It’s best to only feed them the peeled banana.
Q: Can eating too many bananas cause health problems for bearded dragons?
A: Yes, if fed in large quantities, bananas can cause health problems such as obesity and metabolic bone disease (MBD).