Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dates?

Dates should only be given as a treat, no more than once or twice a week.

When feeding dates to your bearded dragon, make sure to wash and prepare them first. Cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.

Dates are a good source of nutrients, such as copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium, but they are also calcium deficient.

Feeding dates by themselves to your bearded dragon is not recommended as it can cause digestive issues.

As well, bearded dragons may have stomach issues and runny stools if they consume acidic or citrus fruits, such as oranges, tomatoes, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines, and pineapples.

Nutritional Benefits Of Dates For Bearded Dragons

Dates can be a nutritious addition to a bearded dragon’s diet, but they should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of dates for bearded dragons:

• Nutrients: Dates are high in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are important for a bearded dragon’s health.
• Vitamins: Dried fruits like dates can provide bearded dragons with a nutritious dose of vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Copper: Dates are a good source of copper, which is an essential mineral that helps with the absorption of iron and the formation of red blood cells.

It is recommended to feed no more than 1 to 2 dates a week to a bearded dragon. As with any food, it is important to ensure that dates are given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Feeding Dates To Bearded Dragons?

Feeding dates to bearded dragons may have some risks associated with it. While dates are a good source of food for bearded dragons as they are high in fiber and water, and contain some important nutrients such as potassium, they are also high in sugar. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health issues in bearded dragons.

Therefore, dates should be fed sparingly as top dressing only. It is important to note that fruits should not form the basis of a bearded dragon’s daily diet as they are generally mineral-poor.

Bearded dragons are susceptible to several diseases, and inappropriate supplementation with calcium vitamins (especially vitamin D3) and minerals can cause health issues.

Therefore, it is important to be mindful of what you feed your bearded dragon and to ensure that their diet is well-balanced and appropriate for their health needs. If you notice any signs of disease in your bearded dragon, such as jaw or hind limb swelling, it is important to seek veterinary attention.

How Often Should Dates Be Offered To Bearded Dragons?

According to the search results, the frequency of feeding bearded dragons depends on their age. Here are some guidelines:

• Young bearded dragons: Most young bearded dragons should eat once or twice daily. Baby dragons need to grow, so they can eat more insects than adults. Some babies eat up to 60 bugs a day.
• Juvenile bearded dragons: Juvenile dragons need a diet that’s about 50/50 plants and live insects. Young juveniles will eat four times daily, but this number decreases to twice daily feedings as the dragon approaches adulthood.
• Adult bearded dragons: Adult bearded dragons, or those older than 18 months, will need to be fed just once a day every day.

It is important to note that bearded dragons should be fed a balanced diet that includes both plant-based material and animal-based (insect) material. The diet of a bearded dragon should be about 50% plant-based material and 50% animal-based material.

How To Feed Them Dates?

When feeding bearded dragons, it is important to offer them a varied diet that includes a mix of vegetables and insects. Vegetables can be offered cooked or raw, although raw is more natural and retains more nutrients.

Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables. They should be finely chopped and mixed to ensure your bearded dragon eats a wide variety of food types and to discourage the selection of a single preferred food item. Here are some tips on feeding bearded dragons:

• Most young bearded dragons should eat once or twice daily, while older lizards may only eat every 24-72 hours, depending upon each pet’s individual appetite.
• Of the plants you feed your dragon, 80-90% should be vegetables.
• Bearded dragons have a higher need for dietary calcium than phosphorus, especially when they are young and their bones are growing. Generally, veterinarians recommend that you LIGHTLY sprinkle a ‘Phosphorus-free’ calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) on your food daily.
• Feed your baby three times daily for ten to fifteen minutes per feeding. Don’t leave any uneaten insects in the cage after this time. Because baby dragons need to grow, they can eat more insects than adults. Some babies eat up to 60 bugs a day.

In summary, bearded dragons can eat dates, but they should be fed sparingly as top dressing only. A varied diet that includes a mix of vegetables and insects is important for their health.

How To Store Dates Properly For Your Beardie?

To store dates properly for your bearded dragon, follow these steps:

1. Keep the dates in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
2. Store the dates in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
3. Check the dates regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell. Discard any spoiled dates immediately.
4. When preparing dates for your bearded dragon, wash and remove the seeds before feeding them to your pet.

Remember to feed dates to your bearded dragon in moderation, no more than once or twice a week, and always provide a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet.