No, bearded dragons should not eat candy. Candy contains too much sugar and other unhealthy ingredients that can make bearded dragons sick.
Avoiding candy, it is important to avoid giving bearded dragons any processed foods, such as chips and crackers.
These types of foods are high in sodium and fat, which can be dangerous for bearded dragons.
It is best to provide them with a diet of fresh, live insects, veggies, and occasional fruits for optimal health.
Why Can’t They Eat Candy?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they need a balanced diet of both plant-based food and animal protein.
Although candy may seem like an easy snack option for your pet, it’s important to understand the risks associated with feeding them this type of sugary treat.
Candy is not only unhealthy for bearded dragons but could even be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.
It’s best to avoid offering candy altogether as part of their diet and instead provide safe alternatives that will ensure optimal health and well-being.
Feeding bearded dragons candy can lead to obesity and other medical issues such as diabetes or metabolic bone disease caused by calcium deficiency.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Candy To Bearded Dragons?
Now that we understand why bearded dragons cannot eat candy, let’s look at the risks of feeding them this unhealthy snack.
Unfortunately, there are serious nutrition issues associated with giving your pet a sugary treat.
Candy is filled with empty calories and lacks any real nutritional value for animals like bearded dragons.
Consuming even small amounts on occasion can lead to health problems in the future if not properly monitored.
Introducing candy into their diet could also cause digestive system disturbances or dietary imbalances due to its lack of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy growth and development.
Sugar-filled snacks can trigger cravings which may lead them to overeat or become overweight, resulting in further diet dangers such as liver disease and diabetes.
Alternative Of Candy For Bearded Dragons
There are plenty of alternatives that they will love just as much.
Vegetable treats such as bell peppers, squash, carrots, and kale are always a favorite with these lizards.
Fruit treats like apples, pears, peaches, and grapes also provide them with vitamins and minerals that they need to stay healthy.
Commercial reptile treat mixes have been specially designed to give your beardie the nutrients it needs without compromising its health.
In addition to all this variety of food options available, you should be sure to feed your bearded dragon only high-quality live insects or worms once every few weeks.
Live insects also help stimulate their natural hunting instinct which helps promote good mental stimulation too.
Type Of Candy Safe For Beardies
Now that you know the types of candy to avoid when trying to keep your bearded dragon healthy, it’s time to look at the type of candy they can safely consume.
Bearded dragon treats are a great way to provide safe and low-sugar snacks for your beardie.
Edible lizard food like sugary snacks or fruits and vegetables are far better than commercial sweets.
Here is a list of some edible sweet treats that make safe alternatives for your pet:
-Vegetables such as carrots, squash, green beans, bell peppers, and other crunchy vegetables.
-Low-sugar treats such as freeze-dried insects, mealworms, and crickets.
-Fruits such as apples, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries in small portions.
-Natural sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar in moderation.
-Herbal teas without added sugars or artificial flavors.
These recommended treats will give your bearded dragon the sweetness they crave without risking their health.
Types Of Candy To Avoid For Beardies
It’s important to know what types of candy should be avoided at all costs. Here is a helpful table with some examples of candies that are not safe for beardies:
| Type of Candy | Examples | Reasons To Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetened-Fruit Treats | Gummy Bears Jelly Beans Gummy Worms Chewy Fruit Snacks Sour Belts | High Sugar Content Artificial Sweeteners Lack Of Nutritional Value |
| Gummy Candies | High Sugar Content Artificial Sweeteners Lack Of Nutritional Value | |
| Chocolate Bars | Theobromine Poisoning Risk High-Calorie Count Laxative Effects From Milk Chocolate | |
| Hard Candy | Choking Hazard Tooth Decay Risk < br >Excessive Acidic Ingredients | |
| Candy-Coated Nuts | Too Many Calories For Bearded Dragons To Handle< br > High Sodium Levels Can Dehydrate Beardies |
As you can see from this table, there are many different types of candy that pose potential risks if consumed by your bearded dragon.
Not only do they lack any nutritional value but they also have high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners which can make them unhealthy treats.
Chocolate bars contain theobromine which is toxic for reptiles and hard candies present choking hazards as well as tooth decay risk due to their acidic content.
Finally, candy-coated nuts may look tempting but offer too many calories for beardies to handle plus high sodium levels will lead to dehydration.
