In this short article, we will answer the question “Can bearded dragons eat bananas?”. We will also explain how can you offer bananas to bearded dragons and discuss the benefits of doing so.
Can bearded dragons eat bananas?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat bananas. Bananas are indeed edible to bearded dragons. Bananas do provide certain essential nutrients that bearded dragons require.
However, only around 20% of the plant-based part of your bearded dragon’s diet should consist of fruit. Bananas should only be given to pets as a reward occasionally and always along with the skin on.
How can I give bearded dragons bananas?
With peel, sliced.
You might be shocked to learn that dragons actually like to eat the banana peel in addition to the fruit since it gives the reward a little extra nutrition.
So you can either feed your dragon the banana alone or along with other fruits and vegetables in a vibrant, healthy salad by slicing it up along with the peel. Because it could be more difficult for your dragon to chew, be sure to cut the peel into pretty little pieces.
Without peel.
You may simply slice up the peeled banana and put the pieces in the food bowl if you’d prefer not to feed the peel or if you’re worried because your fruit is not organic and you don’t want to take the chance of serving your bearded dragon any chemicals that could be on the peel.
Without peel, uncut.
Another choice is to leave a quarter of an unpeeled banana inside your bearded dragon’s cage for a couple of days. Just watch out not to leave any spoiled food in the box!
You can peel the banana just as you would do yourself, hold it in front of your bearded lady, and watch her eat it piece by piece if you wish to have a little pleasure.
What advantages do bananas have for bearded dragons?
Why does fruit make up such a little portion of a bearded dragon’s optimum diet? Fruits often have fewer nutrients than vegetables or gut-loaded bugs. Bananas can be a beneficial addition to your bearded dragon’s regular treat menu, though.
In particular, bananas provide significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Additionally, pectin, a non-soluble dietary fibre, is present in bananas (prebiotic).
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, bananas also contain minute levels of minerals like phosphorus, iron, and vitamin A. Banana peel also contains a lot of healthy dietary fibre, vitamin B12, and protein.
What risks do bananas pose to bearded dragons?
The possibility of preferred feeding is the biggest risk associated with including bananas in your bearded dragon’s diet. This means that your beardie may decide to consume bananas rather than other foods that are healthier for them, leading to malnutrition as a result.
Overfeeding on bananas can lead to nutrient imbalances that could prevent healthy bone and skeletal growth.
For instance, while beardies do require phosphorus for bone formation, an excessive amount will prevent calcium from being absorbed, and calcium is also necessary for bone growth.