Can Bearded Dragons Eat Orange?

If you’re a proud owner of a bearded dragon, you know how important it is to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. With so many food options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the endless possibilities of what you can or cannot feed your beardies – from Green Chard to Red Wigglers to Earwigs.

However, today we’ll be focusing on a particular food item, or rather a particular question, that often sparks confusion in the mind of a bearded dragon owner – can my bearded dragon eat orange?

So, let’s get started!

Can bearded dragons have orange?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat oranges. However, oranges should be given to them in moderation due to their high acidity and sugar content, which can be harmful to their digestive system if consumed in large quantities.

It is recommended to offer oranges as an occasional treat, making up no more than 10% of their diet. Additionally, ensure the orange is washed, peeled, and cut into small pieces suitable for the bearded dragon’s size.

Now, let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding orange to bearded dragons in more detail.

Benefits of feeding orange to beardies

Here are 3 benefits of feeding orange to bearded dragons:

Vitamin C Boost: Oranges provide bearded dragons with a rich source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system.
Hydration Improvement: The high water content in oranges helps keep bearded dragons well-hydrated, promoting overall health.
Dietary Variety: Including oranges in a bearded dragon’s diet offers variety and enrichment, preventing boredom and encouraging natural foraging behavior.

Potential risks of feeding orange to beardies

While orange can offer some benefits to your bearded dragon, there are also some potential risks to keep in mind:

Citric Acid Overload: High amounts of citric acid in oranges might disrupt a bearded dragon’s digestive system.
Excess Sugar Consumption: Oranges contain sugar, which can lead to obesity and other health issues if fed too often.
Calcium Inhibition: The high levels of oxalates in oranges can bind to calcium, leading to impaired calcium absorption and potential health problems.

Alternatives to orange for bearded dragons

If you’re searching for alternatives to orange, there are plenty of other fruits, vegetables and insects that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Here are five options to consider, along with their potential benefits and how to incorporate them into your beardie’s diet:

Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins A and C, collard greens offer essential nutrients for bearded dragons, supporting their vision, immune system, and overall health when fed as a staple part of their diet.
Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries enhance your bearded dragon’s immunity and skin health, making them a perfect weekly treat.
Crickets: High in protein and essential nutrients, crickets are a staple food for bearded dragons, promoting healthy growth and development while satisfying their insectivorous appetite.
Butternut Squash: Rich in vitamins A and C, butternut squash supports your bearded dragon’s immune system and eye health, making it a nutritious addition to their diet every few weeks.
Dubia Roaches: High in protein and easy to digest, Dubia roaches are an ideal feeder insect that promote bearded dragon growth and overall health, and can be fed daily as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

1. Can baby bearded dragons eat orange?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat oranges in small amounts as an occasional treat, but it’s not recommended as a staple due to high sugar content and low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.

2. How often can bearded dragons eat orange?

Bearded dragons can eat orange once or twice a month.

3. Do bearded dragons like orange?

Yes, bearded dragons can enjoy small amounts of orange as an occasional treat.

Other foods for bearded dragons worth checking:

You can check other interesting information about your beardies by clicking here.

Also, do you have any special recipes or food tips for feeding bearded dragons? I’d love to hear from you! Share with me your beardie’s favourite in the comments below!

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