No, Bearded dragons should not eat goldfish, whether they are feeder fish or crackers. Fish is not a part of their natural diet in the wild, and it presents many risks.
While fish is full of protein, vitamins, and minerals, it is also fatty and not prevalent in its natural environment.
Some owners may give their pet bearded dragons feeder fish, but these fish could contain parasites that could harm the bearded dragon.
So, it’s pretty sure that bearded dragons should not eat fish, including goldfish, as it is not part of their natural diet and can cause health problems
Why Can’t They Eat Goldfish?
Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile species that require a specific dietary regime to maintain their overall health and well-being.
As they are omnivores, their diet should consist of both animal protein and plant matter.
While goldfish may seem like an attractive feeding option due to their availability at pet stores, they do not meet the nutritional requirements of bearded dragons.
Goldfish feeding alternatives should be considered as a safer option for bearded dragons.
Pet store fish options contain high levels of thiaminase, which can break down vitamin B1 in the reptile’s digestive system, leading to severe nutritional deficiencies.
Moreover, feeding live fish can pose potential risks of choking or injury to the dragon.
Safe feeding practices recommend supplementing the dragon’s diet with crickets, mealworms, fruits, and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for their growth and development.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Goldfish To Bearded Dragons?
However, despite the common misconception that bearded dragons can eat goldfish, these creatures should not be a part of their diet.
Health concerns arise when feeding goldfish to bearded dragons as they may contain high levels of thiaminase, which is an enzyme that breaks down thiamine, an essential vitamin for proper nerve function.
Thiamine deficiency can lead to neurological issues including seizures and loss of coordination.
Additionally, feeding goldfish regularly may cause digestive issues such as constipation and impaction.
It is important to note that while goldfish are not recommended for bearded dragons, there are alternative food sources that provide adequate nutrition without health risks.
A balanced diet for bearded dragons should consist of leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, and insects such as crickets or mealworms.
How To Keep Goldfish Away From Your Beardie?
To keep goldfish away from your bearded dragon, there are several ways you can employ.
Firstly, provide your beardie with plenty of feeder insect alternatives such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms.
This will ensure that your pet gets enough nutrients without resorting to eating harmful food items.
Secondly, consider using fish-free enclosures for your bearded dragon’s habitat.
This will eliminate any chance of accidental ingestion of goldfish while roaming around the enclosure.
Thirdly, use training techniques such as positive reinforcement to discourage your beardie from seeking out goldfish.
Lastly, invest in beardie-safe water bowls which make it easier for them to drink and prevent any accidental ingestion of foreign objects.
Incorporating these measures into your care routine will go a long way in ensuring the safety and well-being of your bearded dragon by keeping them away from harmful food items such as goldfish.
Types Of Best Fishes To Feed Bearded Dragons
Having discussed the importance of keeping goldfish away from bearded dragons in the previous section, it is now time to focus on the types of best fishes that can be fed to these pets.
While goldfish should never be offered as a food item, there are other feeder fish options that are suitable for bearded dragons.
These include guppies, minnows, and rosy reds.
It is important to note that feeder fish should not make up the bulk of a bearded dragon’s diet and should only be offered occasionally as a treat.
In addition to feeder insects, leafy greens such as collard greens, dandelion greens, and mustard greens are an essential part of a bearded dragon’s diet.
Fruits like strawberries and blueberries can also provide necessary nutrients and add variety to their meals.
Vegetables like carrots and squash are also good options for providing fiber and vitamins.
However, it is important to supplement their diet with calcium and vitamin D3 to ensure they are receiving all the necessary nutrients for growth and health.
Types Of Fishes To Avoid Feeding Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that require a balanced diet to maintain good health.
While they can consume various types of food, there are feeding restrictions that owners need to consider.
One of the essential things to keep in mind is avoiding certain types of fish that can pose health hazards to bearded dragons.
Goldfish, for instance, should not be fed to bearded dragons because they contain high levels of thiaminase.
This enzyme breaks down thiamine or vitamin B1, which is crucial for proper neurological function.
Feeding goldfish regularly can lead to thiamine deficiency, causing seizures and other neurological disorders.
Aside from goldfish, other types of fish that should not be given include tuna and salmon due to their high-fat content.
It is best to stick with alternative options such as crickets, mealworms, silkworms, and vegetables like collard greens and carrots that meet their nutritional requirements.
