No, bearded dragons should not eat catnip. Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which is toxic to reptiles and can cause digestive issues.
Bearded dragons should only eat food that is specifically made for them, like insects and leafy greens.
It’s important to feed them a balanced diet, so it’s best to get advice from a reptile vet or a knowledgeable breeder about what to feed them.
Feeding the wrong food can cause nutritional deficiencies, so it’s important to make sure they’re eating properly.
Why Can’t They Eat Catnips?
Catnips are toxic to beardies and can lead to serious health issues if ingested.
Beardies should stick with their staple diet of vegetables and vitamins instead.
Eating too much catnip can cause damage to the beardie’s internal organs, leading to a decrease in appetite and weight loss or even death.
It is important for owners to provide their beardies with a healthy diet that consists solely of safe foods that have been approved by veterinarians.
Providing them with an appropriate amount of leafy greens, and fruits.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Catnip To Bearded Dragons?
While it may seem like a harmless herb with medicinal properties for humans and cats, feeding this plant to a bearded dragon can cause more harm than good.
Catnip contains compounds that aren’t safe for reptiles, which is why there are serious health risks associated with feeding it to your pet.
In fact, if you’re considering giving your beardie catnip as an occasional snack, it’s important to understand the potential dangers first.
The most immediate danger of feeding catnip to a bearded dragon is gastrointestinal distress.
The chemicals in the herb can irritate the digestive tract of these creatures, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
If untreated, GI issues can become severe enough to require hospitalization or euthanasia.
Safe Alternatives Of Catnip For Your Beardies
No need to worry, there are plenty of safe alternatives to catnip that your beardie can enjoy.
First off, dried flowers make a great treat for your pet dragon.
Look for things like lavender, chamomile, rosemary, calendula, and other edible plants that are safe for your bearded dragon.
Next up are herbs you can use as treats.
Many fresh herbs can be quite healthy and provide tasty nutrition to your reptilian friend.
Try giving small amounts of parsley, thyme, oregano, cilantro, basil, and dill – all of which are known to have many benefits when ingested in moderation by reptiles.
You don’t want to forget about greens either.
Fresh vegetables such as collard greens, kale, and turnip greens are also good options if you want to give something more substantial than herbs alone.
And finally, always serve them fresh water daily to keep them hydrated.
5 Types Of Pet Foods To Avoid
Now that we’ve explored some safe alternatives to catnip for your Beardies, let’s talk about the types of pet foods you should avoid feeding your dragon.
Pet food is not just one-size-fits-all. Different animals have different dietary needs and requirements.
First, it’s important to know what NOT to feed:
- Canary seed – this type of birdseed can cause impaction in dragons if eaten as a meal.
- Hamster or dog food – these are not meant for reptiles and contain too much protein which can lead to health problems like obesity.
- Rodent treats – most of these are high in sugar and fat, neither of which are good for bearded dragons.
- Cricket diets – crickets need specific nutrients that aren’t found in regular cricket diets so make sure you research before buying anything for them.
It’s also important to read labels on any pet food product you buy—make sure there are no added sugars or preservatives since those could be harmful to your reptile friend.
Things To Do If You’ve Accidentally Fed Catnip
If you’ve accidentally fed your beardie some, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that he or she is safe and healthy.
Catnip poisoning can occur if too much of the herb is ingested by your reptile companion.
Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and depression.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned by catnip, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Your vet will be able to advise on appropriate treatment for catnip poisoning which may include antibiotics, fluids therapy, or other medications as deemed necessary.
It’s also important to provide supportive care such as heat lamps and proper nutrition while treating catnip poisoning in order to help ease any discomfort caused by the ingestion of this herb.
