Introduction
Can bearded dragons eat kiwi? Kiwi is a tasty fruit that provides an abundance of nutritious benefits. That’s why many keepers are wondering if it is safe for our little reptiles. Well, if you are eating some kiwi, it is perfectly fine to give a tiny piece to your beardie. Although this fruit is somewhat small in size, you should never feed your pet the whole kiwi. If it happens, it could lead to hazardous situations.
When introducing a kiwi or anything new, we should gradually start seeing how your bearded dragon reacts. Call to mind that some beardies cannot tolerate other human foods other than their regular diet. While these cute little reptiles have evolved to eat some foods, not all are safe and easy to digest for them.
Moreover, if you wonder whether your bearded dragon can reap all the nutrients we get from kiwi, the answer is no. Why? Because bearded dragons don’t have the same nutritional requirements as humans. Nevertheless, we should only consider kiwi a treat for our bearded dragons because lots of vegetables and fruits are more nutritional for these lizards. As always, consulting your veterinarian before feeding your beardie anything new is always the best choice.
Tip: Looking for some insect treats? Try these dubia roaches.
If you want further information about feeding kiwi to bearded dragons, please keep reading.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?
We are sure that most of you are familiar with kiwi, often referred to as “gooseberries” in Chinese. These small fruits have fuzzy brown skin and vibrant green on the inside. They also come in other varieties, such as kiwi berries, purple kiwi, and golden kiwi.
Moreover, these delicious fruits are rich in vitamins C and K.But the question is, can bearded dragons eat kiwi? What nutrients does a kiwi contain?
We, all, love our bearded dragons, and we love sharing our food with them, which is not necessarily always the best idea. Nevertheless, many foods, such as chocolate and even natural fruits and plants, are toxic and should be avoided. But fortunately, lots of foods are still safe for them to try. Kiwi fruits are fortunately one of those fairly safe options. However, we need to consider and understand some stuff first before feeding it to our bearded dragons.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat this fruit because it is rich in Vitamin C. Also, it has good calcium to phosphorus ratio, meaning it is fairly safe for these reptiles. However, keep in mind that it also comes with high oxalate content, which can bind calcium.
Tip: Best calcium supplement here.
So, we highly recommend you to give this fruit to your beardie occasionally. It would be best if you would feed it in moderation with other foods. According to reptile experts, bearded dragons should only eat kiwi twice a month.
But what about kiwi seeds? Bearded dragons can eat a few kiwi seeds because they can digest cactus seeds, which are bigger than kiwi seeds.
Of all the treats that bearded dragons eat, fruits tend to be one of their favorites. Most bearded dragons will surely gobble up kiwi every day if they can. But unfortunately, kiwi consumption needs to be regulated and in moderation since it can cause serious issues, much like too many burgers and pizzas cause health issues for humans.
With that being said, kiwi is indeed a wonderful treat for bearded dragons. It is a highly sustaining fruit that can surely benefit your little pet in many ways. Always choose an organic kiwi and make sure it is ripe before feeding to your beardie.
Nutrients of Kiwi for Bearded Dragons
Like papaya, kiwi contains lots of vitamin C, K, E, and smaller amounts of minerals. Besides that, it mostly contains water (80%) and carbohydrates (sugars). Indeed, kiwi makes a very nutritious and vitamin-rich treat for both humans and bearded dragons.
So, what nutrients does kiwi offer? Let’s take a look at the detailed clarification below.
- Vitamin C – a reliable antioxidant that your bearded dragon can acquire from a kiwi. However, these animals have a lesser need for vitamin C, so we do not advise giving this fruit in moderation.
- Vitamin K – Kiwi contains vitamin K, which prevents blood clotting.
- Water – Kiwi contains water, which is a huge plus for bearded dragons. If you don’t know yet, bearded dragons should drink ten milligrams of water per day. Per 100 grams of kiwi, you will get 80 milligrams of water, meaning this fruit can be a refreshing treat and surely help your beardie stay hydrated.
- Digestive Enzymes – A kiwi fruit contains a digestive enzyme called actinidin, which helps bearded dragons break down proteins from insects. It also helps humans with protein-digesting in the stomach and small intestine. Besides that, actinidin can improve digestion and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating.
- Fiber – Lastly, kiwi contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, meaning it can help prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Undoubtedly, bearded dragons can eat kiwi safely as a part of their treat collection because of its healthy nutrients.
How Much Kiwi Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
As we mentioned above, bearded dragons can only eat kiwi in moderation. Keep in mind that most fruits are sugary, which can put your pet at risk for obesity. So, with all things considered, beardies can eat this fruit once a month. You should also keep the portion size to a minimum.
For instance, try cutting a few thin slices, then add it to your pet’s calcium-rich salad. This way, you can entice your dragon to eat more from his or her feeders. Never give your pet the whole kiwi since it is very sugary.
Wrapping Up
So, can bearded dragons eat kiwi? Yes, occasionally, specifically once a month. We understand that most keepers worry about which fruit to give to their pets, so we hope this article has helped you. If you’re still fishing around for the safest fruits for your bearded dragon, feel free to explore our blogs and other topics.
