Many bearded owners ask me, “can bearded dragons eat aloe?” Sometimes, bearded dragon owners would place aloe plants in the enclosure for decorative effects. Others believe that aloe is another plant that would provide nutritional effects for their bearded dragons.
In this article, we will answer the question behind the minds of every bearded dragon owner. We will also show some of the advantages and risks of feeding your bearded dragon aloe. Without further ado, let’s get right to it!
What is Aloe?
Aloe is a succulent plant that spans over 500 species. Most people know aloe vera for its antioxidant that can significantly lower the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Many companies use aloe vera for their skincare capabilities to treat dandruff, minor burns, and acne.
Here are some of the nutritional facts behind the aloe vera succulent plant:
- Energy: 36 kcal
- Vitamin C: 9.1 mg
- Sodium: 19 mg
- Water: 230.9 g
- Iron: 0.04 mg
- Sugars: 9 g
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe Vera Plants? The Biggest Problem
Despite the enticing nutritional facts behind this humble succulent plant, I would not recommend intentionally feeding aloe vera to your bearded dragons. Here are some risks that your bearded dragons might experience if you do.
You need to understand that aloe vera is a laxative. The chemical composition in this plant is designed to soften stool.
Since aloe is a laxative, there is a high likelihood of diarrhea if your bearded dragon eats too much of it. Although there are no toxic chemicals that could cause long-term damage to your dragon, they would have an upset stomach for a while.
Other than that, there are very few nutritional benefits your bearded dragon can receive from aloe vera. Feeding your beardie other nutritional plants would make your bearded dragon healthier.
What Can I Use Aloe Vera For?
Good Decorative Effect for Your Enclosure
Aloe makes a very good decorative plant for your bearded dragon’s enclosure. Because these plants are not toxic, it would not significantly affect your bearded dragon if it accidentally eats a bit.
If you include this plant with other decorative things in your enclosure, you could make a home for your bearded dragon that is worth looking at.
Helps with Shedding
The shedding process can be a very difficult experience for some bearded dragons. Some owners believe that feeding your bearded dragon aloe would make it easier for them to shed.
What Vegetables Can I Feed my Bearded Dragon Instead?
There are a variety of vegetables that would make a perfect alternative that can provide more nutritional value for your bearded dragon. Here are a few vegetables you can look for as a perfect replacement.
- Basil. Basil has very high amounts of fiber, making it easier for your dragon who suffers from constipation.
- Rosemary. Rosemary is also very rich in fiber that can work perfectly well with other fruits and vegetables.
- Cilantro. Cilantro provides another flavor that your bearded dragon might like. Just be careful of feeding your bearded dragon with too much cilantro.
- Thyme. Thyme is an excellent source of vitamin C that improves your bearded dragon’s immune system.
- Tarragon. Tarragon is perfect in small amounts, especially when mixing it with other vegetables.
If you keep looking, you will find the perfect vegetable for your bearded dragons to eat.
If you are still worried about your bearded dragon’s health, it is most probably because they are not receiving the right amount of nutrients in their meals. To keep my bearded dragon healthy, I usually give it the Rep-Cal’s Herptivite Multivitamin Supplement.
Other Plants to Avoid Feeding Your Bearded Dragon With
Along with aloe vera, there are also other plants that you would want to avoid feeding your bearded dragon with. Here are a few plants to stay away from:
- Dill. Dill has high acidic content that can be potentially lethal for your bearded dragon.
- Sage. Despite its appeal to humans, sage is not safe for bearded dragons to eat.
- Garlic. Garlic is another herb you would want to stay away from. The chemical composition in garlic can cause severe health problems for your bearded dragon.
- Chives. Chives also have very high acidic content that would be very dangerous for your bearded dragon.
If you are still unsure what to feed your bearded dragon, you can always consult your nearest veterinarian for an official list of all the fruits and vegetables that your bearded dragon can eat.
