Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hamburger?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat raw hamburger meat. In fact, many beardies enjoy eating raw meat like minced beef or lean turkey.

However, it’s important to remember that not all beardies are the same and some may not be able to tolerate raw meat as well as others.

The reason why some bearded dragons can eat raw hamburger is because they have a very strong stomach acid.

This stomach acid can break down the bacteria found in raw meat, which makes it safe for them to eat.

However, not all beardies have this same level of stomach acidity. This means that some beardies may not be able to digest raw meat as well as others.

Therefore, it’s best to feed your bearded dragon hamburger only occasionally and in moderation.

Hamburger meat should not make up more than 10% of your beardie’s diet. Too much hamburger meat can cause obesity, kidney problems, gout, and other health issues in bearded dragons.

How to Feed Your Bearded Dragon Hamburger?

The Jersey Burger -Taylor Ham & Cheese I
Credit: RGL Photography

If you decide to feed your bearded dragon hamburger, here are some tips on how to do it safely and healthily:

  • Choose lean hamburger meat that is low in fat and high in protein. Avoid fatty or processed meats like bacon, sausage, or ham.
  • Make sure the hamburger meat is fresh and free of bacteria. Do not feed your beardie spoiled or expired meat. You can also cook the meat before feeding it to your beardie to kill any harmful bacteria.
  • Cut the hamburger meat into small pieces that are easy for your beardie to swallow. Do not feed your beardie whole chunks of meat that can cause choking or impaction.
  • Sprinkle some calcium powder on the hamburger meat to supplement your beardie’s calcium intake. Calcium is essential for bearded dragons’ bone health and prevents metabolic bone disease.
  • Feed your beardie hamburger only once or twice a week as a treat. Do not feed your beardie hamburger every day or as a staple food. Hamburger meat should not replace insects or vegetables in your beardie’s diet.
  • Remove any uneaten hamburger meat from your beardie’s enclosure after 15 minutes. Leftover meat can attract insects, mold, or bacteria that can harm your beardie.

is it safe to feed bearded dragons raw meat?

Helicopter Burger
Credit: jpellgen (@1179_jp)

Bearded dragons can eat meat as an occasional treat, but it is not recommended to make it a regular part of their diet. Meat is high in fat, which can cause health issues for bearded dragons in captivity.

Some bearded dragon owners offer raw meat such as minced beef, lean turkey, and chicken breast to their reptile, while others do not recommend feeding meat to their reptiles at all.

It is important to ensure that the meat is fresh and cooked without any spices or seasonings that may be harmful to the pet. In the wild, bearded dragons do not consume meat, so it is not necessary to feed them meat in captivity.

A balanced diet of vegetables and insects is recommended for bearded dragons.

It is also important to avoid feeding them avocado, garlic, onion, and eggplant as they can be harmful in small amounts.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons can eat hamburger meat as an occasional treat, but not as a regular part of their diet. Some beardies may enjoy eating raw meat like minced beef or lean turkey, while others may prefer cooked meat. However, too much hamburger meat can cause health problems in bearded dragons, so it’s best to feed them hamburger only sparingly and in moderation.

If you have any questions or comments about feeding your bearded dragon hamburger, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you!