Can bearded dragons eat radish?
I’m always looking for new and interesting foods to feed my bearded dragon. I saw a picture of a bearded dragon eating radish, and I was curious if beardies can eat radish.
So, can they? Radish is a highly nutritious vegetable (and bearded dragons will LOVE eating it).
Radish is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains fiber which is essential for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons need a diet that is high in fiber to help them digest their food properly.
In this article, I take you through everything you need to know about feeding your dragon radish. Can you give them the greens? Should you cook them first? All of this and more are answered below.
Check: The Best Veggies for a Bearded Dragon
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- bearded dragons can eat radish
- radish is a high-nutritional vegetable
- it can be fed as a treat once or twice a month
- you only need to watch for the sugar content
Are Radishes Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat?
Radishes are root vegetables with a strong taste and can be sliced up as a yummy snack for your dragon. Radishes are COMPLETELY SAFE for them to have as a treat.
Your beardie will receive nutritional benefits from eating radishes. Radish is a highly nutritious vegetable (and bearded dragons will enjoy eating it).
This crunchy treat is perfectly safe and a favorite for many beardies. However, it is also IMPORTANT to remember that everything should be eaten in moderation, so there are rules before you start chopping up this veggie.
How Many Radishes Can My Bearded Dragon Eat and How Often?
Bearded dragons should only eat radishes as a treat, not as a meal. You can give them 1-2 slices of radish per month.
Why? Well, radishes contain very small amounts of calcium, so if they eat radishes daily or as a major part of their diet, they might not be getting enough calcium.
Additionally, too much radish will cause your dragons to take in EXCESS WATER because the water content of radishes is relatively high. Excess water can cause several problems in beardies, namely diarrhea, which can be DANGEROUS for them.
Pro Tip: It is essential to watch your dragon when they are eating radishes, as they can be a choking hazard. Slice the radish into small pieces to avoid any accidents.
READ MORE: Can Beardies Eat Tomatoes?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Radish Greens?
Yes, your beardie can eat radish leaves and greens but only in small quantities. The leaves of the radish plant contain high levels of oxalates which can bind to calcium and prevent your bearded dragon from absorbing it.
Pro Tip: Frequent feeding of radish greens can lead to metabolic bone disease as a result of inadequate calcium. It can also cause an upset stomach if they have too many of them.
Raddish greens are highly nutritious, but the high water content and issues with calcium mean that they really need to be fed in minimal amounts.
Collard and leafy greens are better choices for your dragon as they tend to be safer and more nutritional.
What are the Benefits of Bearded Dragons Eating Radishes?
There are several benefits to giving your dragon a little bit of radish fruit every now and then. Here are some of the main advantages.
1- Water
As I mentioned before, radishes are very HIGH IN WATER CONTENT. This can be great for bearded dragons who are struggling to drink enough water.
The high water content will also help to keep your bearded dragon hydrated, which is vital for their health.
2- Calcium and Phosphorus
Radishes contain small amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Although they are NOT a good source of these minerals, they can help top up your bearded dragon’s levels if they struggle to get enough from their diet.
A bearded dragon’s diet should be made up of around 10% CALCIUM, so it is important to ensure that they get enough of this essential mineral.
3- Vitamin C
Radishes also contain vitamin C, which is an IMPORTANT vitamin for bearded dragons. Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and can help to prevent respiratory infections.
Pro Tip: It is also essential for the healing of wounds and the repair of tissue. Bearded dragons can benefit from vitamin C, especially if they are sick or have been injured.
4- Vitamin B6 and B9
Radishes are also a good source of vitamins B6 and B9. Vitamin B6 is ESSENTIAL for the metabolism of proteins, while vitamin B9 is essential for the synthesis of DNA.
These vitamins are important for bearded dragons as they help to keep their bodies healthy and functioning properly.
5- Potassium
Radishes are also a good source of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte, which means that it helps to regulate the fluid levels in the body.
It is also essential for properly functioning muscles, including the heart. Potassium can help to keep bearded dragons HEALTHY and their muscles working correctly.
6- Fiber
Radishes are also a good source of fiber. Fiber is essential for bearded dragons as it helps to keep their digestive system healthy.
Fiber also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for bearded dragons as they are prone to diabetes.
READ MORE: Carrots for Bearded Dragons: Is It Safe?
Are There any Risks to Bearded Dragons Eating Radishes?
There is one potential risk to feeding your beardie radishes, and it’s important to be AWARE of this before you start prepping their treat.
Sugar
Radishes contain a type of sugar called raffinose. This sugar is not easily digested by bearded dragons and can cause gas and bloating.
It is essential to feed bearded dragons radishes in small quantities and to monitor them closely for any signs of discomfort (such as bloating or gas).
Pro Tip: If you notice that your bearded dragon is struggling to digest the radish, stop feeding it to them and see a vet if necessary.
READ MORE: The Best Food List for Bearded Dragons
FAQs
How Should You Prepare Radishes for Your Bearded Dragon?
The best way to prepare radishes for your bearded dragon is to wash them thoroughly and chop them into small pieces.
You can then feed them to your bearded dragon raw or cook them slightly before giving them to your pet (adding them to your dragon’s salad mix is a great serving suggestion).
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked Radishes?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat cooked radishes. In fact, some bearded dragon owners prefer to cook their radishes before feeding them to their lizards.
Cooking the radish can help to make it more digestible for your bearded dragon and may also reduce the risk of gas and bloating.
Conclusion
Radishes are a GREAT vegetable for bearded dragons and can provide them with many essential nutrients.
However, it is important to feed them in SMALL QUANTITIES and cook them before giving them to your bearded dragon to help with digestibility.
Monitor your bearded dragon closely after eating radishes to ensure that they are not experiencing any discomfort. If you have any concerns, speak to a vet.
Did you ever feed radish to your bearded dragon? Let us know in the comments section!
Sources:
- 1. Cosgrove N. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Radishes? What You Need to Know [Internet]. Pet Keen. 2021 [cited 2022 Oct 17]. Available from: https://petkeen.com/can-bearded-dragons-eat-radishes/
- 2. N W. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Radishes? Yes: Feed Radishes the Right Way! [Internet]. uniquepetswiki.com. 2020 [cited 2022 Oct 17]. Available from: https://uniquepetswiki.com/can-bearded-dragons-eat-radishes/
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