Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes? All You Need To Know

Bearded dragons can eat a medley of plants. Not all vegetables are safe and healthy for beards. So, can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes

So, the answer is yes, sweet potatoes can be eaten by bearded dragons, but only in small amounts and as a treat. Sweet potatoes are firm in vitamin A and have a disproportionate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, both of which are harmful to bearded dragons.

Beadrded dragon

As you may know, selecting beardie food necessitates ensuring that the meal has the proper calcium and phosphorus ratio. The ideal balance is 2:1. Sweet potato is inappropriate for bears due to its highly unequal ratio.

To better understand what your reptile might benefit from eating sweet potato, you need to read the whole post.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes?

The answer to this question is either definitely yes. Sweet potatoes are not poisonous to bearded dragons. Therefore they may eat them. It is entirely non-toxic and dragon-friendly.

can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes

It can also form an essential element of the lizard’s diet due to its nutritional importance. Potatoes should be used no more than two or three times a week.

Potatoes are not harmful to dogs, as previously stated. According to veterinarians and reptile nutritionists, this vegetable is entirely safe for dogs. According to vets, it is not a fundamental food diet for reptiles.

Sweet Potatoes Nutritional Stats

Fiber, vitamins, and minerals abound in sweet potatoes. One cup (200 g) cooked sweet potato with skin includes –

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbs: 41.4 grams
  • Protein: 4 grams
  • Fat: 0.3 grams
  • Fiber: 6.6 grams
  • Vitamin A: 769% of the
  • Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
  • Manganese: 50% of the DV
  • Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
  • Potassium: 27% of the DV
  • Pantothenic acid: 18% of the DV
  • Copper: 16% of the DV
  • Niacin: 15% of the DV

Sweet potatoes are also abundant in antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals, especially the orange and purple varieties. Free radicals are hazardous molecules that may harm DNA and inflame the body. 

Free radical injury has been linked to cancer, heart disease, and aging. Consequently, eating foods high in antioxidants is good for your health.

Sweet Potatoes Nutritional Facts

Sweet potatoes have a higher nutritional content than those shown in the table. Moreover, in this article, a few factors affect bearded dragons’ overall health. Let’s take a peek at each one separately.

Sweet potatoes

Energy

As you can see, sweet potatoes are a terrific source of energy. Consequently, potatoes are an ideal choice for those who exercise often. It’s important to realize, though, that beardies in captivity aren’t usually very active.

They are unable to move freely due to their restricted area. They used to go out into the forest and hunt insects. In their fictional setting, these products are not available.

Consuming high-calorie meals that are not used by the body is unproductive. One way to put it to use is through physical exercises. So, it is advised to keep the number of calorie-dense foods you feed your beardies to a minimum.

Protein

Protein is essential for bearded dragons, especially young ones. Protein must account for at least 80% of their daily calories. This is why they eat insects rather than greens.

Sweet potatoes do not provide adequate protein for bears. As a result, bearded dragons cannot eat potatoes as a significant food source.

Vitamin A

As you can see, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for bearded dragons, but only in the proper doses. Bearded dragons can be harmed by too much of this vitamin.

Vitamin A poisoning can occur if beardies consume too much vitamin A-rich food. This is a severe illness in bearded dragons. It’s common in reptiles fed vitamin A pills while consuming vitamin A-rich diets.

Supplements are beneficial to bearded dragons. Regardless of how well-balanced their food is, they require vitamins. However, avoid overfeeding them with vitamins.

Calcium

Sweet potatoes are abundant in calcium as well. Calcium assists in the formation of healthy, strong bones in beardies. Calcium deficiency can cause health issues. The most common is metabolic bone disease.

Bearded dragons suffer from metabolic bone disease, which causes their bones to become weak and brittle. This might also cause a variety of behavioral issues in beardies.

Phosphorus

Sweet potatoes have a similar phosphorus content. The maintenance and healing of the body’s cells and tissues rely on this mineral. Bearded dragons require phosphorus without a doubt.

Sweet potatoes have excessively high calcium to phosphorus ratio, which is a problem. The phosphorus level is more than the calcium level, as can be observed.

When choosing a food for your bearded dragon, keep in mind that calcium and phosphorus levels are vital to consider. The ideal proportion is 2:1. (phosphorus to calcium)

Sweet potatoes, unfortunately, have more phosphorus than calcium, making them an inappropriate diet for beardies.

If you’re going to feed your beardies sweet potatoes, make it a special occasion. Bearded dragons should not overeat this diet.

Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes For Bearded Dragons

Vitamin A is abundant in sweet potatoes, and it is required for eye health, bone density, proper development and reproduction, and other activities. Giving your beard a lot of vitamin A is typically a good idea.

Sweet potatoes are also abundant in iron and vitamins B and C. Sweet potatoes are also heavy in fiber, so if your bearded dragon becomes stuck, a little sweet potato may be just what the doctor called to get things moving again.

Giving your dragon a sweet potato now and again is likely to benefit their mental health. They desire variety in their meals, and pampering them now and again will keep them content and stress-free.

Can Bearded Dragons Have Sweet Potatoes?

Bearded Dragons can eat sweet potatoes, and when taken in moderation, they are safe for pet dragons.

A cute and small pet lizard is about to catch a worm from his owner's hand. The species of the lizard is lawson's dragon, also called rankin's dragon (pogona henrylawsoni).

Sweet potatoes and leafy vegetables for calcium can be used as Vitamin A supplements for Bearded dragons. Serve sweet potatoes no more than two or three times each week.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, baby dragons can eat sweet potatoes. However, they should be fed only to a specific limit as overfeeding them with sweet potatoes will make them sick with a stomach ache, vitamin A toxicity, and vomiting.

Is Sweet Potatoes Safe For Bearded Dragons?

Because sweet potatoes are non-toxic, they are safe for bearded dragons to eat. However, you should only give them in moderation since too many sweet potatoes might impair your lizard’s health.

Vitamin A is abundant in these foods, which is helpful to your dragon — to a point. They may acquire vitamin A toxicity if they take too much vitamin A, which can cause vomiting, a loss of appetite, and stomach pain.

To create vitamin A toxicity through food alone, you’d have to give your dragon considerably more sweet potatoes than they’re willing to swallow.

It’s more concerning that sweet potato have a poor phosphorus-to-calcium ratio. This is significant because phosphorus can interfere with calcium absorption, and calcium shortage can induce metabolic bone disease.

This can cause deformities and even death in your bearded dragon, so ensure he gets adequate calcium.

Finally, while sweet potatoes are a delightful treat for your lizard, they should not be their primary source of nutrition. Only serve them on rare occasions, like once or twice a week.

Is Sweet Potatoes Good For Bearded Dragons?

Yes, sweet potatoes are good for your beardies. It is appropriate for them due to its nutritional value. Potatoes are high in vitamin A and minerals, making them suitable for bearded dragons. However, yams in large quantities should be avoided.

Moreover, fruits, vegetables, and tiny worms are among the meals consumed by lizards. Green leafy vegetables are also acceptable. These fruits and vegetables make up around a quarter of a dragon’s diet.

Is Sweet Potatoes Bad For Bearded Dragons?

No, sweet potatoes are not bad for the bearded dragons. However, it’s crucial not to overfeed sweet potatoes since they contain a lot of sugar.

Too much sugar may lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes, so if you feed your bearded dragon sweet potato every day, don’t give him any other sugary foods at the same time, or the sweet potato’s benefits will be nullified.

Sweet potatoes are also heightened in vitamin A, so don’t overfeed your bearded dragon, or he’ll become sick – much like humans, too much vitamin A may be dangerous.

Finally, some research suggests that overeating beta carotene may increase the risk of some cancers.

For the time being, the judgment is still out on this, but it may be wiser to err on the flank of caution and limit your bearded dragon’s sweet potato diet rather than risk any health complications.

Thus, it is recommended to feed them raw sweet potatoes that should make up 5-10% of your dragon’s overall diet (no more than one medium-sized sweet potato per day).

Do Bearded Dragons Like Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, bearded dragons like sweet potatoes very much. Moreover, they are nutrient-dense, flavorful, and easy to feed.

Sweet potatoes have dietary fiber, which contains beta carotene, which provides brighter coloration (especially orange coloration) and eye shine.

It is also said to strengthen a beardie’s immune system, allowing it to be fed throughout the year to keep your dragon happy and healthy.

Moreover, vitamin C is also abundant in sweet potatoes, and those high in fiber should be included in your bearded dragon’s diet regularly to improve digestion and prevent impaction. Beet pulp with a high fiber content is another good option.

To get the best results, you should feed your bearded dragon a range of meals. No one food should make up more than 30% of a person’s diet.

Can bearded dragons eat raw sweet potatoes?

Cooked Sweet Potato

Whether or not you boil a sweet potato is totally up to you. This is because dragons can consume both raw and cooked potatoes. However, as raw potato is inedible to dragons, you must feed them cooked potato.

Can bearded dragons eat raw potatoes?

Bearded dragons can eat potatoes on rare occasions, and only a tiny amount should be given to them. Despite the poor nutritional content of potatoes, beardies can benefit from a few nutrients.

Aside from that, potatoes have a tiny amount of fiber, which aids digestion and bowel movement. Raw potatoes, on the other hand, are not ideal for beardies. Therefore you must boil them before feeding them.

Bearded dragons eat raw foods in the rough. Therefore they should do so in captivity as well. As a result, it is recommended to offer your lizard potatoes on rare occasions. However, refusing to feed them is a good idea.

Can bearded dragons eat cooked sweet potatoes?

Cooked sweet potatoes are also acceptable to dragons. If he isn’t eating sweet potatoes, you may give the lizard mashed or boiled potatoes. They might just eat them.

It’s best if you peel the potatoes thoroughly. Cut into tiny pieces after that. Moreover, vitamins and calcium may be added to dragons’ diets.

Raw potatoes are eaten by certain dragons, whereas others eat cooked potatoes. As a result, it’s advisable to start with a bit of food when introducing new meals to dragons.

How Many Sweet Potatoes Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Sweet Potatoes are a delicious salad topping and a healthy once-a-week indulgence.

However, don’t overdo it since too many sweet potatoes can cause vitamin A toxicity and interfere with your dragon’s calcium absorption. They shouldn’t be served with every meal; instead, they should be done just a few times a month.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes?

We’ve examined the beneficial elements that sweet potatoes give, such as high amounts of vitamin A, as well as the concerns that the calcium to phosphorus ratio is unequal as we’ve proceeded through this article.

Overall, we recommend giving sweet potatoes to your bearded dragon once a week, along with other healthful greens and veggies.

Introduce items like sweet potato to make mealtimes, and the salad bowl is exciting for your beardie while also ensuring you’re offering foods with high calcium levels.

How To Feed Sweet Potatoes To Bearded Dragons?

The majority of bearded dragons adore sweet potatoes. Raw, cooked, or microwaved food are all options. To promote even cooking and avoid microwave explosions while baking or microwaving sweet potatoes, pierce the skin many times before cooking.

CLose up photo of Bearded Dragon

Sweet potatoes may be great everyday food and an alternative to traditional feeder bugs. Make sure your beardie likes them before serving them regularly, so you don’t waste food he won’t eat.

Acclimating Your Bearded Dragon to Sweet Potatoes: There are a few things you may do before giving your bearded dragon sweet potatoes for the first time. 

Place a tiny quantity (no more than two teaspoons) on the border of his enclosure and let him investigate it for a few days to accustom him to the color and texture of sweet potatoes. He might or might not eat it right away, but you can move on to the next stage if he does.

Moreover, present your bearded dragon with various sweet potatoes (each chopped into appropriate-sized chunks) and let him select what he wants, similar to a restaurant salad bar. To prevent overfeeding him, keep each feeding to no more than two tablespoons.

Bearded dragons are astute, and if they detect a new food item in their enclosure, they will infer that there could be something good to eat if he scratches at it.

Does Sweet Potatoes Affect The Digestive System Of Bearded Dragons?

Sweet Potatoes, as such, do not affect the digestive system of Bearded Dragons. However, if beardies are overfed with sweet potatoes, they might get sick and have a stomach ache, vomiting, and other digestive system-related problems.

Final Thoughts

It’s crucial to know if sweet potatoes are required for a lizard or a bearded dragon. Sweet potato does not affect dragons. It has no adverse effects on them.

Potatoes also include a significant amount of vitamin A, which helps with eye health, bone health, and appropriate development, growth, and reproduction.

FAQs

Can bearded dragons eat arugula?

Bearded dragons can eat arugula. As a calcium source, bearded dragons thrive from arugula or rocket salad. On the other hand, Bearded dragons should consume arugula in moderation since it contains goitrogens, which are toxic to dragons. The thyroid glands, liver, and kidneys of bearded dragons are affected by goitrogens.

Can bearded dragons eat bananas?

Yes, bananas may be eaten by bearded dragons, but only as a special treat. This is primarily due to their high phosphorus to calcium ratio, which is toxic to bearded dragons, and the fact that they contain a substantial amount of sugar, significantly when overripe.

Can bearded dragons eat basil?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat basil, and it is non-poisonous. Thus bearded dragons can eat it in tiny amounts. Too much basil might make your treasured lizard sick due to its acidity and high calcium content.

Can bearded dragons eat bell peppers?

Bearded dragons may eat bell peppers. Some dragons enjoy this vegetable, while others refuse to look at it at all.
However, make sure you just use bell peppers and no other kind of peppers. Capsaicin, which is responsible for the spiciness of peppers, particularly spicy peppers, is absent from bell peppers.
Unlike other peppers like Carolina reapers, Bell pepper provides a lovely flavor and offers no health hazards to your dragon. Bell peppers also include many vitamins, water, and other minerals.

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!