If you’re the proud owner of a bearded dragon, you know that these exotic reptiles have a big stomach. Most of what they eat are insects, leafy greens, and the rare fruit. What about tomatoes, though? Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes? In this article, we’ll go into detail about what bearded dragons eat and find out if tomatoes can be part of their diet. So, let’s get started!
Tomato Nutrition Facts
Before we get to the main question, let’s look at what tomatoes are made of and how healthy they are. When choosing if tomatoes are good for your scaly friend, it’s important to know what they have to offer.
Tomatoes are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are all important nutrients. They have a lot of vitamin C, which can help your bearded dragon’s defense system. Tomatoes also have vitamin A, which is important for keeping your skin and eyes healthy.
| Energy | 16 Kcal |
| Protein | 1.16 g |
| Sugars | 9.75 g |
| Water | 94.78 g |
| Vitamin A | 75 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 16 mg |
| Calcium (Ca) | 5 mg |
| Phosphorus (P) | 29 mg |
Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat tomatoes, but you should keep a few things in mind. Tomatoes shouldn’t be a regular part of their food. Instead, they should be a treat once in a while. Bearded dragons can get diarrhea from eating too many tomatoes because they have a lot of water in them.
Are Tomatoes Safe for Bearded Dragons?
Tomatoes are generally safe for bearded dragons to eat in small amounts, but there are both pros and cons to giving them this food. Let’s look at the tomato argument from both sides.
Benefits of Tomatoes for Bearded Dragons
1. Vitamins and Minerals
Tomatoes are a good source of many important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These ingredients can help your bearded dragon stay healthy and happy in general.
2. Low Sugar Levels
Compared to a lot of other foods, tomatoes don’t have a lot of sugar. This is helpful because it keeps your pet’s blood sugar from rising too quickly, which can be dangerous.
3. Low Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid can make it hard for bearded dragons to absorb calcium, which is a very important mineral for them. Tomatoes, on the other hand, have low amounts of oxalic acid, which makes them safer to eat occasionally.
4. Calcium & Phosphorus
Tomatoes also have a small amount of calcium and phosphorus, which are important for your bearded dragon’s bones and muscles to grow and stay healthy.
Risks of Feeding Tomatoes to Bearded Dragons
If you feed your bearded dragon tomatoes, these things could go wrong:
1. Digestive Issues
Because tomatoes have a lot of water, too many of them can cause stomach problems like diarrhea. Always give them fresh water to keep them from getting dehydrated.
2. High Acidity
Tomatoes have a little bit of acid in them, which may not be good for all bearded dragons. Some people may feel pain or upset in their stomachs after eating tomatoes.
3. Solanine Toxicity
Bearded dragons can get sick from solanine, which is found in green tomatoes and tomato leaves. It’s very important not to give your pet these parts of the tomato.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomato Leaves?
No, your bearded dragon should never eat tomato leaves. These animals can’t handle solanine, which is in tomato leaves. Even though tomatoes are good for your bearded dragon in the right amount, you should remove the leaves before feeding.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomato Seeds?
Bearded dragons may have trouble digesting tomato seeds, which can cause stomach problems or blockages. Before giving your bearded dragon a tomato, it’s best to take out the seeds. Even though the seeds are not poisonous, they are small and could cause choking. Remove the seeds before serving to be safe.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?
Juvenile bearded dragons require all sorts of essential nutrients for their development and growth. For nutrition, a baby or young bearded dragon should eat bugs. The gut systems of baby bearded dragons aren’t as strong as those of adults. Because of this, it’s best not to give bearded dragon babies any veggies.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?
As with any treat, a little goes a long way. Small pieces of tomato can be a treat every now and then, maybe once a week at most. Keep an eye on how your bearded dragon reacts to tomatoes and change how often you give them to it.
How to Prepare Tomatoes for a Bearded Dragon?
Follow these steps to get the tomatoes ready for your bearded dragon:
- Use the water from the sink to wash the tomatoes well. Before you give a tomato to your bearded dragon, you must wash and clean it. In general, it’s good health to wash fruits and vegetables to get rid of pesticides, chemicals, and microbes.
- After you’ve cleaned and washed the tomatoes, cut them into small cubes or chunks. If you cut up tomatoes into small pieces, your bearded dragon will be able to eat them easily and enjoy the sweet juice.
- Measure out the right amount for your bearded dragon and set it aside. The job can be done with a quarter of the tomatoes. Don’t give your bearded dragons too many veggies, as too many can slow their growth.
Tips for Feeding Tomatoes to a Bearded Dragon Safely
The most important tips for feeding a bearded dragon tomatoes safely are to only give them occasionally as a treat, to puree or chop the tomato before giving it, and to watch how much food is given. Before making any changes to your pet’s food, it can also be helpful to talk to a veterinarian. In the end, tomatoes can be a fun treat for your pet beardie every now and then, but they shouldn’t be a big part of their food because they could cause health problems if they eat too many.
FAQs
Are All Types of Tomatoes Safe for Bearded Dragons?
Yes, most kinds of tomatoes are safe for bearded dragons as long as they are cooked the right way. But you should never eat green tomatoes or tomato leaves because they have solanine in them.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat small amounts of cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to take out the seeds and give them as a treat every so often.
Are Green Tomatoes Safe for Bearded Dragons?
No, you shouldn’t feed your pet green tomatoes because they have more solanine, which can be harmful to animals.
What Are the Signs of Tomato Toxicity in Bearded Dragons?
If your bearded dragon eats poisonous parts of the tomato plant, like the leaves or green tomatoes, it might drool, get tired, throw up, or have diarrhea. In serious cases, you should call a doctor right away.
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