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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes? All You Need To Know

Bearded dragons are known to love inects and worms as their food. But what about Grapes Can bearded dragons eat grapes?

Yes, grapes can be eaten by bearded dragons on occasion. Most bearded dragons enjoy them, but they are heavy in water and sugar, making them inappropriate for everyday eating. Bearded dragons should only be grazed seedless grapes.

So, how often, though, should grapes be fed? Why is it that grapes contain so much water that it is harmful to beardies? To learn more, continue reading.

Bearded dragon

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

The majority of captive bearded dragons are famously picky, and owners typically struggle to find greens and fruits that their bearded dragon will consume.

can bearded dragons eat grapes

Because bearded dragons prefer fruits to vegetables, most owners feed them more fruits than vegetables. The problem is that owners feel fruits are just as healthy as greens since we’ve all been taught that fruits are good for us, right?

Unfortunately, fruits may be dangerous to bearded dragons, and while they can eat grapes, you should not regularly give them. Later, I’ll further detail why grapes are so sour. Let’s start with how often grapes can be fed.

Grapes Nutritional Stats

Grapes are high in a variety of critical nutrients.

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The following nutrients are found in one cup of red or green grapes (151 g):

  • Calories: 104
  • Carbs: 27.3 grams
  • Protein: 1.1 grams
  • Fat: 0.2 grams
  • Fiber: 1.4 gram
  • Vitamin C: 27% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
  • Vitamin K: 28% of the RDI
  • Thiamine: 7% of the RDI
  • Riboflavin: 6% of the RDI
  • Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI
  • Potassium: 8% of the RDI
  • Copper: 10% of the RDI
  • Manganese: 5% of the RDI

Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin helpful for blood clotting and bone health, is excellent grapes, accounting for better than a fourth of the RDI. They’re also plentiful in vitamin C, a necessary nutrient and powerful antioxidant for connective tissue health.

Grapes Nutritional Facts

A healthy bearded dragon can easily consume a grape or two once a week. So, let’s look at a few of the nutritional advantages that make this possible:

  • Fiber is abundant, which aids digestion and prevents constipation.
  • Because grapes are low in acid, they won’t burn their tongues or harm their stomach linings like other citrus fruits or high-acid foods.
  • Antioxidants (found mainly in red grape skin) help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and even prevent allergies in your dragon.
  • High water content (45–68%) can improve renal function and prevent dehydration from unacceptable levels.
  • Potassium is a mineral that aids to keep blood pressure in check.

Health Benefits Of Grapes For Bearded Dragons

Grapes have a variety of qualities that are beneficial to your bearded dragon. They are available in a range of sizes and forms. Grapes are well-known as –

  • By nourishing the brain and promoting rapid reflexes, it aids cognitive performance.
  • Controls the amount of sugar in the bloodstream to prevent highs and lows.
  • Antioxidants are potent antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals.
  • It keeps digestion going at a constant rate by regulating the digestive system.
  • There is no shortage of happiness in the world of grapes. Because grapes come in so many sorts, your bearded dragon can develop a preference for one over the other.

Can Bearded Dragons Have Grapes?

Yes, bearded dragons can have eaten grapes, but only on rare occasions to address your immediate concern. Grapes should not be fed to your beardie daily since they contain high levels of sugar and oxalates, which are toxic in excessive amounts.

Grapes are high in dietary fiber and calcium, two nutrients that bearded dragons require. Grapes come in various colors, but red and green grapes are most favored among bearded dragons.

Several bearded dragons eat grapes as their favorite fruit. In this situation with your pet dog, grapes can be included in their diet. If a dragon refuses to eat, adding grapes to the diet may encourage the beardie to eat.

You may still give your lizard grapes by hand, which is a realistic option. Bearded dragons aren’t all created equal; some solely eat grapes and enjoy them. Choose any way your bearded dragon wants; they’re all effective.

Unfortunately, not all bearded dragons will eat grapes; these creatures are picky eaters. If your dragon isn’t a fan of grapes, look for other fruits that it will consume. Bearded dragons may eat a variety of fruits that are safe to eat.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

A pet bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) outside being hand fed dandelions in daylight

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat grapes. However, they should only be limited as excess bearded dragons will make them ill.

Are Grapes Safe For Bearded Dragons?

Grapes are safe for bearded dragons as treats only and not a part of their daily diet. This is because –

Choking hazard

Make sure you give your dragon seedless grapes to eat. Your beardie may perish as a result of seeds.

They are not only a blockage hazard, but they may also cause stomach impaction, which obstructs your beardie’s digestive system and makes it difficult for them to defecate. If not addressed right once, this might result in severe issues and even death.

Overhydration and dehydration

Excessive hydration causes diarrhea, which dehydrates your pet. Therefore, fruits, primarily water (like grapes), can cause severe dehydration in the long run if ingested in large quantities.

Bearded dragons are native to Australia’s deserts, so they’re used to being dehydrated for long periods, but not to the severe and chronic dehydration that comes with overhydration.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

MBD is excruciatingly uncomfortable for your beardie and, in extreme cases, may result in paralysis and death! No pet owner wants to deal with it—excruciatingly, it’s unpleasant for your beardie and, in severe cases, can end in paralysis and death!

If your dragon eats too many grapes, it may develop this horrible ailment, which is frequently caused by a calcium deficiency:

  1. Oxalates, which are acids that bind to calcium in the body, are found in grapes. Even if your beardie eats a calcium-rich diet, eating too many grapes can be detrimental since the oxalates essentially steal the calcium that her blood would otherwise absorb.
  2. Bearded dragons should eat calcium-rich diets regularly and foods with an equivalent quantity of calcium and phosphorus. This is the case because phosphorus, like oxalates, hinders calcium from being taken into circulation. Grapes have a 5:1 phosphorus to calcium ratio, which explains why they should be taken in moderation.

Are Grapes Good For Bearded Dragons?

Yes, grapes are good for bearded dragons. So, if your beardie ate one by accident, don’t be concerned. They can cause health problems such as metabolic bone disease and kidney stones only if consumed in large quantities.

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Are Grapes Bad For Bearded Dragons?

Grapes are toxic to bearded dragons for several reasons. Some of those are –

Grapes have oxalates

Oxalates can be harmful to your bearded dragon. Grapes bind calcium in both people and bearded dragons, so even if you give your bearded dragon adequate calcium daily, grapes will deplete some of it.

Grapes include oxalates, but they are low in oxalates, and eating too many grapes may cause your bearded dragon to absorb too much calcium, which they require.

Grapes have seeds

Seedless grapes are available, as you may be aware. Seedless grapes are not guaranteed to be seedless, even though they have fewer seeds than most other grapes.

As a result, it’s vital to check each grape for sources before feeding it. Remove each and all seeds you come to find, no matter how big or small they are.

Those seeds can affect bearded dragons, preventing them from bowel movements until they seek help or die. Bearded dragons have been known to fail due to eating stone fruits such as grapes, so proceed with caution.

Shower your bearded dragon from the lukewarm water and gently massage its abdomen if you think it may have swallowed a seed and is now unable to defecate after eating a lot of grapes.

Warm baths can help bearded dragons relax and get rid of their parasites. If your bearded dragon hasn’t defecated in seven days, you should take it to a reptile veterinarian straight soon.

Grapes contain a large amount of water.

You might be puzzled right now since you’ve always thought that bearded dragons can’t be harmed by water. The truth is that bearded dragons suffer from too much water.

Bearded dragons are endemic to Australia’s desert forests, where they are used to being dehydrated for long periods. Bearded dragons, as a result, do not require a lot of water. Their food provides them with the bulk of the water they need.

While this does not imply you should not provide a water dish, it does mean you should not give too much food that contains a lot of water. Grapes are high in water, which can cause diarrhea in bearded dragons.

As you may know, diarrhea in bearded dragons may cause dehydration. Even though bearded dragons are accustomed to being hydrated, diarrhea can dehydrate a bearded dragon significantly and cause health issues.

Fruits, acids and sugar

Grapes have a high fiber content, which is ideal for bearded dragons. They do, however, contain sugar and fruit acid, which can be detrimental to the health of your bearded dragon.

As a result, it is suggested to feed grapes infrequently and feed fruits in general infrequently. Most pet bearded dragons are overfed and far too overweight. Feeding a bearded dragon sugary foods might aggravate the situation.

It’s hard to imagine, but reptiles may develop diabetes and fatty liver disease. Many bearded dragons are killed as a result of this.

Do Bearded Dragons Like Grapes?

As bearded dragons are picky animals, it varies from beardies to beardies, if they like it or not. However, even if they want grapes, you don’t have to overfeed them as overeating them will cause various dehydration, diarrhea, and others.

Can bearded dragons eat red Grapes?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat red grapes. Moreover, every color of grape varieties is perfectly safe to eat.

You might find that your bearded dragon over another prefers one type of grape. This is simply a matter of personal taste, but it demonstrates how unique these reptiles can be.

If you check all the grapes for seeds and slice them into pieces before serving, your beardie will be fine.

What fruits can bearded dragons eat?

Your bearded dragon can eat many fruits. However, these fruits should only make up a minor part of your beardie’s diet, but they should be provided nonetheless.

Papayas, bananas that have been peeled, apples, raspberries, plums, peaches, and pears are all favorites. Dragons love watermelons, pineapples, cherries, and grapes, among other fruits.

Keep in mind that some fruits are sensitive and perish rapidly while presenting them. Regularly inspect the fruit and remove it as soon as it turns.

Bearded dragons need a clean and safe environment to thrive. Citrus fruits should never be provided to pets since they might upset their stomachs.

Can bearded dragons eat purple Grapes?

After all, grapes might be green, purple, or red. It’s everything listed above! Unless you’ve spoken to your vet about any underlying health issues, your beardie can eat a grape or two of any color once a week.

Can bearded dragons eat green grapes?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat green grapes. Moreover, they can have grapes of all colors; it’s just they should be fed in a limited quantity.

green grapes

Can bearded dragons eat fruit?

Yes, beardies can eat fruits. Bearded Dragons can eat a broad range of fruits. These, on the other hand, should be fed in moderation and not regularly.

Fruits have a lot of sugar, which might lead to obesity. It can also lead to an increase in the amount of yeast in the body. Citrus fruits should be ignored, as they may upset their stomach.

How Many Grapes Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

You can feed your bearded dragons with grapes once or twice a week, not more than that. Overfeeding them with grapes can make them fall ill.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

Now that you know grapes are safe to feed to bearded dragons, you need to figure out how many grapes they should eat and how often they should be eaten.

As you said in the list of nutrients in grapes above, these fruits are delicious and have an unbalanced Ca:P ratio. Grapes are also high in oxalates, making them unfit for consumption as a main course.

When oxalic acid is given in large doses or regularly, it reacts with calcium to form calcium oxalate, an insoluble material that prevents calcium absorption.

Similarly, too much phosphorus in the diet prevents calcium from absorbing into the bloodstream. The beardie must receive calcium from the bones to meet the body’s requirements since the two circumstances reduce the calcium available for absorption.

Your lizard may get the metabolic bone disease if this continues over a lengthy period. Grapes should only be served as a special treat because of these reasons. An overabundance of sugar in bearded dragons can lead to obesity and heart problems.

Grapes are high in water and might cause diarrhea if ingested often. As a result, the best alternative is to give your pet grapes once or twice a week, in tiny amounts of one or two grapes.

How To Feed Grapes To Bearded Dragons?

Although bearded dragons may eat entire grapes, many owners prefer to cut them up into tiny pieces to make chewing easier and avoid choking. Even the most seedless grape has a seed, therefore cutting up the grapes ensures no sources.

You may use grapes to entice your dragon to eat his veggies since they are tasty and dragons enjoy them. This is especially useful for younger dragons that are currently resistant to vegetables. Grapes can be combined with bell peppers, sweet potatoes, kale, or another common vegetable.

Do Grapes Affect The Digestive System Of Bearded Dragons?

Yes, overfeeding beardies with grapes may affect their digestive system by causing diarrhea, vomiting, and other related problems.

Final Thoughts

Bearded dragons enjoy grapes and eat them in large quantities. We’ve been feeding beardies grapes without issue for years.

However, it’s crucial to know how to offer them this food correctly and how it fits into their overall diet. Trust us when we claim that the most informed owners are always the best.

FAQs

Can bearded dragons eat strawberries?

Bearded dragons can eat strawberries, but only in moderation (as with all fruits in their diet). Strawberries, like apples, are considered one of the safest fruits for dragons, so you don’t have to limit your consumption to once a month.

Can bearded dragons eat apples?

Apples may be consumed every week by bearded dragons! Apples are one of the safest fruits for dragons to eat regularly. It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that beardies don’t require fruit regularly. Adult dragons should eat around 20% insects and 80% plants, with fruit accounting for about 10% to 20% of the plants consumed. Keep this in mind while selecting when to give your beardie apples.

Can bearded dragons eat blueberries?

Blueberries are one of the safest fruits for bearded dragons, along with strawberries, apples, and grapes. While fruit should only be a small part of their diet,

Can bearded dragons eat the banana?

Bananas have a high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio (3:1), which means the phosphorus outnumbers the calcium in large enough proportions to make bananas deadly to dragons.

Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?

Bearded dragons may eat tomatoes as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Tomatoes are high in vitamin A and low in pollutants such as oxalic acid. However, because tomatoes are soft in calcium and high in phosphorus, bearded dragons should only consume them on rare occasions.

 

About the author

I'm Gulshan, a passionate pet enthusiast. Dive into my world where I share tips, stories, and snapshots of my animal adventures. Here, pets are more than just animals; they're heartbeats that enrich our lives. Join our journey!