Yes, bearded dragons can eat mangoes, but they should only be fed in moderation. Mango is a healthy treat that is rich in vitamins A and C, which are key for a healthy immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.
Mangoes are high in sugar, so too much can cause health problems such as tooth decay, liver disease, heart failure, and obesity.
When feeding mango to a bearded dragon, it should be peeled and the pit should be removed. The fruit should be cut into small bite-sized chunks to make it easier to eat and digest.
It is also important to feed ripe mangoes and avoid feeding mango leaves, which can cause tongue irritation and injure the mouth lining.
Nutritional benefits of mango for bearded dragons
The high levels of Vitamin A found in mangoes make them a beneficial supplement to the diet of reptiles.
Along with this Vitamin A content, mango also provides an array of other vitamins and minerals that are essential for bearded dragons such as calcium.
Calcium helps support healthy bones, muscles, and immune systems in bearded dragons, making it an important nutrient for these reptiles.
Mango is also rich in digestive enzymes which help break down food into smaller molecules that can be more easily absorbed by the digestive system of bearded dragons.
When feeding mango to bearded dragons, it’s important to keep portion size small as too much can cause digestive issues due to its high sugar content when compared to other fruits they may eat.
Monitoring eating habits is key as overconsumption may lead to health problems such as obesity or metabolic bone disease.
Are there any risks associated with feeding mango to bearded dragons?
Feeding this tropical fruit to the reptile may be associated with certain risks. The primary concerns for many when feeding mango to a bearded dragon are due to the presence of toxic compounds, calcium levels, and portion size that can cause health problems if not met.
To ensure the safety of their pet, it is important that owners understand how to feed mangoes safely and in moderation.
Mango skins and large pieces of fruit contain toxins that should be avoided. It is best practice to remove any peelings before offering mango as part of a meal as they can contain oxalic acid which may interfere with calcium absorption by the bearded dragon’s body.
In addition, care should be taken to monitor portion size when feeding mangoes as too much sugar content can disrupt calcium levels in the body. Last but not least, variety is key when providing food for a bearded dragon;
Therefore it is recommended that other fruits are also included in its diet in order to reduce the risk of overfeeding on any one type of food item.
How often should mango be offered to bearded dragons?
When considering the dietary needs of a bearded dragon, it is beneficial to offer mango in moderation. The pros and cons of feeding a bearded dragon mango should be taken into account when determining how often it should be offered.
Size considerations are important and smaller dragons may need less than larger dragons. It is recommended that mango not exceed 10% of the overall diet for beardies, with no more than two servings per week.
This helps ensure that their diet remains varied and balanced, as overly frequent eating of any one food can decrease its nutritional value.
Mango offers an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and B6 but does contain sugar so it is important to remember not to overfeed this fruit to your pet.
Variety also plays an important role in creating a proper nutrition plan for your bearded dragon; switching between different fruits and vegetables will provide the most benefit from their diet while avoiding monotony.
Offering mango once or twice weekly allows for adequate vitamin intake without risking potential health issues caused by overfeeding or lack of variety in the diet.
How to feed them mangoes?
Providing a proper diet for your pet is essential to ensure their health and well-being, with mango an excellent source of vitamins that should be included in moderation.
While it is possible for bearded dragons to eat mango, there are a few considerations to take into account when offering this treat:
- Mango variety – Bearded dragons can enjoy different varieties of mangos, such as Ataulfo, Kent, or Francis varieties. Avoid giving them the fiber-filled Tommy Atkins variety.
- Texture Variety – As they age, bearded dragons may prefer softer fruits like mangos over crunchier ones due to their weakened jaw strength; therefore, providing a texture variety of mangoes can help make sure they get enough nutrition and food intake.
- Different Ages – The portion sizes offered should also be adjusted according to the age group that you’re caring for since younger bearded dragons require smaller portions than adults; additionally, food prep could vary from small cubes or mashed pieces depending on the age group being fed.
Therefore, offering mangoes in moderation while taking into account these considerations can provide an enjoyable and nutritious snack for your pet beardie!
How to store mango properly for your beardie?
Proper storage of mangoes is important to ensure that they remain a nutritious and enjoyable snack for pet beardies.
It is recommended that the mango be soaked before feeding as this will reduce its calcium content, which can cause digestive issues in your bearded dragon if it is consumed in large amounts.
Cleaning and preparation should also be done prior to feeding the fruit, ideally by washing it with water and cutting it into small portions so that your pet can easily consume it.
Mango should then be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature or lower. This will help extend its shelf life and keep it fresh until the next meal time.
