No, bearded dragons should not eat eggshells. Eggshells are not a natural part of a bearded dragon’s diet and can cause impaction if ingested.
Bearded dragons have different dietary needs than other reptiles, so it is important to research their nutritional needs and provide a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as specially formulated bearded dragon food.
A diet rich in calcium, Vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy growth and development.
It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
Why Can’t They Eat Egg Shells?
Reptile nutrition is a complex field that requires careful consideration of many factors, including egg safety.
While it may seem logical to assume that bearded dragons can eat eggshells, this is not recommended due to potential health risks.
Providing adequate calcium sources is important for maintaining gut health in reptiles, but egg shells can carry harmful bacteria that can cause illness.
Relying solely on one type of food item, such as eggshells, can limit diet variety and lead to nutritional deficiencies.
It is best to avoid feeding eggshells to bearded dragons and instead focus on providing a balanced and varied diet.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Egg Shells To Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragon owners may be tempted to feed their pets eggshells, but doing so can lead to serious stomach problems.
The toxicity levels of eggshells are too high for the lizards to handle, and consuming them can result in diarrhea or even death.
Although egg shells do contain calcium, which is important for bearded dragons, feeding them this way can actually lead to calcium deficiency.
This is because the calcium in eggshells is not easily absorbed by the lizard’s body.
While egg shells may seem like a natural source of nutrition, it’s best to avoid feeding them to your bearded dragon altogether.
How To Keep Away Egg Shells From Your Beardie?
Feed your bearded dragon only soft-boiled eggs or egg yolk. Avoid feeding them hard-boiled eggs or egg whites, as these have a higher risk of leaving behind shells.
If you must feed your bearded dragon hard-boiled eggs, be sure to remove the shells before giving them to them.
If your beardie does manage to get ahold of a hard-boiled egg with its shell intact, be sure to remove the shell from its mouth and dispose of it immediately.
Make sure to clean your beardie’s cage regularly to remove any eggshells that may have been accidentally dropped.
Provide your beardie with plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as greens and vegetables, to help prevent them from craving the calcium found in egg shells.
Types Of Best Foods To Feed Bearded Dragons
- Crickets: Crickets are one of the most popular feeder insects for bearded dragons. They are a great source of protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Bearded dragons can eat both live and gut-loaded crickets.
- Dubia Roaches: Dubia roaches are high in calcium and protein, making them an excellent food choice for bearded dragons. They are also easier to feed than crickets since they have less of a tendency to jump.
- Mealworms: Mealworms are a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, they should only be fed as a treat and not as a primary food source.
- Silkworms: Silkworms are high in calcium and protein and are an excellent food choice for bearded dragons. They are also a great source of fiber and other essential vitamins.
- Waxworms: Waxworms are high in fat, so they should only be fed as a treat. However, they are a good source of protein and essential vitamins.
- Superworms: Superworms are a great source of protein and essential vitamins. However, they should only be fed as a treat and not as a primary food source.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Bearded dragons can also benefit from a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables should be fed as complementary food and not as the primary food source.
Types Of Foods To Avoid Feeding Bearded Dragons
- Avocado
- Iceberg lettuce
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Onions
- Garlic
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Chocolate
- Sugary or processed foods
- Insects such as mealworms and waxworms in excess
- Feeder insects that have been treated with pesticides
- Feeder insects that have not been gut-loaded
- High-fat, high-protein foods such as dog or cat food
