Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi? (Is it Safe?)

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Can bearded dragons eat kiwi?

I was happy to find out that bearded dragons can, in fact, eat kiwi fruit.

It’s a great source of vitamins and minerals that benefit their health and make for a delicious treat they are sure to love. As long as your bearded dragon is fed tiny amounts once a month, it’s perfectly safe for them to enjoy.

Of course, there are other questions that need to be answered. Can they eat the skin? Are there any risks? How should it be prepared? As a good dragon keeper, I know you want the answers just as much as I did.

In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about feeding your beardie kiwi!

Also Read: The Bearded Dragon Safe Food List

Key Takeaways:

  • Bearded dragons can eat a variety of fruits, including kiwi.
  • Bearded dragons should not eat more than a couple of slices of kiwi per month.
  • Be sure to wash all fruits before feeding them to your bearded dragon.

Are Kiwis Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat?

Many bearded dragon owners are curious if kiwis are SAFE for bearded dragons to eat. The answer is YES; bearded dragons can eat kiwis as long as they don’t have it too often.

Pro Tip: Bearded dragons can also eat other fruits, such as grapes, watermelons, and strawberries.

While kiwis are safe for bearded dragons to eat, it’s IMPORTANT to remember that they should only have them occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet.

Bearded dragons need a diet that consists primarily of VEGETABLES AND INSECTS. Fruits should only be given as a treat because they are high in sugar.

How Much Kiwi Can Bearded Dragons Have and How Often?

Bearded dragons can have a few kiwi slices monthly as a little treat. It’s important not to give them too much kiwi because it is high in sugar.

kiwi slices , can bearded dragons eat kiwi

Too much sugar can lead to HEALTH PROBLEMS, such as obesity and diabetes.

Pro Tip: When giving your bearded dragon kiwi, make sure to remove the skin and seeds first. The skin and seeds can be hard for bearded dragons to digest and may cause digestive problems.

Please consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your bearded dragon’s diet. They will be able to give you more specific dietary recommendations.

Check: The Best Fruits for Bearded Dragons

What About Baby Bearded Dragons?

While a baby beardie can eat kiwi, you should AVOID giving it to them. They are much smaller than adult bearded dragons and need all the calcium they can get to grow up healthy.

Since kiwi fruit can prevent calcium absorption, it should be avoided until it is fully grown.

What are the Benefits of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Kiwi?

There are several potential benefits to feeding your beardie kiwi as a treat as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Here are some of the main advantages for you to consider.

1. Antioxidants

Fruits like kiwis are highly antioxidants, which can help boost your bearded dragon’s immune system. [1]

A strong immune system is essential for bearded dragons because it helps them fight off infections and diseases.

2. Vitamin C

Kiwis are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for bearded dragons. Vitamin C helps bearded dragons absorb iron from their food and is necessary for the production of collagen.

Pro Tip: Collagen is important for bearded dragons because it helps keep their skin and scales healthy. A lack of vitamin C can lead to health problems like scurvy.

3. Vitamins E and K

In addition to vitamin C, kiwis are also a GOOD SOURCE of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for bearded dragons because it helps them clot their blood. [2]

A lack of vitamin K can lead to health problems, such as bleeding disorders.

Vitamin E is another vitamin that is found in kiwis. Vitamin E is IMPORTANT for bearded dragons because it helps keep their skin and scales healthy.

4. Zinc, Calcium, and Copper

Kiwis are also a good source of zinc, calcium, and copper. These minerals are important for bearded dragons because they help keep their bones and muscles HEALTHY.

They also help with the production of enzymes and hormones. A lack of these minerals can lead to health problems, such as muscle weakness and bone loss.

5. Fiber

Kiwis are a good source of fiber, which is important for bearded dragons. Fiber helps bearded dragons with their digestion and can also help prevent health problems like constipation.

Check: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocado?

What are the Downsides of Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Kiwi?

There are some risks that can come with feeding your beardie kiwi, and the main one is important to remember because it can have a massively negative impact on your bearded dragon’s health.

Oxalic Acid

The main downside of feeding bearded dragons kiwi is that it contains oxalic acid. Oxalic acid can bind to calcium in bearded dragons’ bodies and PREVENT them from absorbing it.

Calcium is important for bearded dragons because it helps keep their bones and muscles healthy. A lack of calcium can lead to health problems like muscle weakness, metabolic bone disease, and bone loss.

Pro Tip: Oxalic acid can also cause kidney stones in bearded dragons. Kidney stones are a type of mineral deposit that can form in the kidneys and cause pain, urinary problems, and other health problems.

Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Have Oranges?

FAQs

How to Prepare Kiwi for Your Bearded Dragon?

When giving your bearded dragon kiwi, make sure to remove the skin and seeds first. You can then chop the fruit into small and manageable pieces to make it easier for them to eat. Ensure you watch them avoid any potential choking hazards.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi Skin?

No, bearded dragons should NOT eat kiwi skin. The skin of a kiwi is tough and can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest. It can also cause gastrointestinal problems (such as constipation and diarrhea).
Pro Tip: The skin of a kiwi also contains oxalic acid, which can bind to calcium in bearded dragons’ bodies and prevent them from absorbing it.
Similarly, while beardies can eat kiwi seeds, you should avoid them as much as possible for the same reason.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Unripe Kiwi?

unripe kiwi for bearded dragon, can bearded dragon eat kiwi

No, bearded dragons should NOT eat unripe kiwi. Unripe kiwi is challenging and can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest. It can also cause digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea.
Unripe kiwi also contains more OXALIC ACID than ripe kiwi, which can bind to calcium in bearded dragons’ bodies and stop them from absorbing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat kiwi. Kiwi is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are all important for bearded dragons.

However, kiwi also contains oxalic acid, which can bind to calcium in bearded dragons’ bodies and prevent them from absorbing it (leading to serious health conditions).

I hope this guide has been able to help you find a new treat for your dragon and also made you aware of the benefits and risks that come with it.

bearded dragon, can bearded dragons eat kiwi

So, did you ever feed kiwis to your bearded dragons? Let us know in the comments section!

Sources:

1. Contributors WE. Health Benefits of Kiwi [Internet]. WebMD. [cited 2022 Oct 12]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-kiwi#:~:text=Kiwis%20are%20also%20rich%20in

2. Kiwifruit: Health benefits and nutritional information [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271232

Grigorina
Grigorina

Grigorina grew up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped her into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). She has two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but she also feeds her neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them. Follow her on FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
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