Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes? (Benefits & Risks)

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Can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes?

I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to feed my bearded dragon, and sweet potato is one of the treats that I want to try.

Bearded dragons can eat sweet potatoes as part of a healthy diet. It’s a good source of carbohydrates, and it contains Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are beneficial for bearded dragons. [1]

I’d like to take you through everything you need to know about beardies and sweet potatoes.

Check: The List of Bearded Dragon Food You Should Feed Them

Key Takeaways:

  • Bearded dragons can eat sweet potatoes but with some precautionary measures.
  • Sweet potato is a good source of carbohydrates and contains Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are beneficial for bearded dragons.
  • Be sure to provide your bearded dragon with various fruits and vegetables to ensure that he or she receives the appropriate nutrients.

Are Sweet Potatoes Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat?

Sweet potatoes are a GOOD SOURCE of carbohydrates and contain vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which are beneficial for bearded dragons.

When feeding sweet potatoes to your bearded dragon, be sure also to provide a variety of other fruits and vegetables to ensure that he or she receives the appropriate nutrients.

However, it is important to remember that all treats should be given in MODERATION. This is because while sweet potatoes are safe for dragons, there are still risks that come with them (as I will explain a little later).

So what are the exact optimal sweet potato ratios for my beardie?

How Much Sweet Potato Can Bearded Dragons Eat and How Often?

cooked sweet potato, can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes

One small, peeled, and cooked sweet potato per month is an excellent general guideline for bearded dragons. This equates to about 2% of their overall diet.

For a bearded dragon, sweet potatoes are an enjoyable treat.

Pro Tip: For baby bearded dragons (under 6 months old), you can give them a little less – around 1/8th of a sweet potato once a month. For juveniles (6-12 months old), you can give them up to ½ of a sweet potato once a month.

Now that you know it’s safe to feed your beardie sweet potatoes, you must wonder if you should feed cooked or raw sweet potatoes.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raw Sweet Potato?

sweet potato, can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes

Yes, beardies can eat raw sweet potatoes, and they actually prefer them to cooked ones.

Raw sweet potatoes contain more nutrients than cooked sweet potatoes, so they are a BETTER CHOICE if you can give them to your bearded dragon.

Make sure you wash and peel them before putting them in the tank, and if you cut them into long thin strips, it will be much easier for your beardie to eat than large chunks (and less of a choking hazard).

Pro Tip: Some bearded dragons may have trouble digesting raw sweet potatoes. If this is the case with your bearded dragon, stick to giving them cooked sweet potatoes instead.

Sweet potatoes have tons of benefits. Read on to learn which ones are beneficial for your beardie.

What are the Benefits of Bearded Dragons Eating Sweet Potato?

There are quite a few advantages to giving your beardie a bit of sweet potato every now and then. [2]

1. Vitamin A

As I mentioned before, sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene.

Vitamin A is ESSENTIAL for bearded dragons because it helps them to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy. Beta-carotene is important because it converts into vitamin A in the bearded dragon’s body.

Not only that, but beta-carotene is also an antioxidant, which means it can help to PROTECT your bearded dragon from disease.

2. Vitamin B

Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin B6, which is important for bearded dragons because it helps with their METABOLISM.

Vitamin B6 also helps to keep bearded dragons’ nervous systems functioning properly.

3. Vitamin C

Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for bearded dragons because it helps to boost their IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can also help protect bearded dragons from disease.

4. Iron

Sweet potatoes contain iron, which is important for bearded dragons because it helps to carry oxygen in their blood.

Iron is also important for bearded dragons because it helps to keep their energy levels up and prevents them from becoming sluggish.

5. Fiber

Sweet potatoes are also a good source of fiber, which is important for bearded dragons because it helps with their DIGESTION.

Fiber also helps bearded dragons to feel full after eating, which can be helpful if your bearded dragon is trying to lose weight.

Obviously, everything without moderation has potential effects. Reason for highlighting some risks of sweet potatoes on bearded dragons.

What are the Risks of Bearded Dragons Eating Sweet Potato?

Of course, there are also some risks to be aware of before you give your dragon this delicious little snack.

1. Vitamin A Toxicity

While sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, it’s important to remember that bearded dragons can only process a certain amount of vitamin A.

If they overeat, it can build up in their bodies and become TOXIC. Vitamin A toxicity can cause bearded dragons to lose their appetite, stop growing, and even die. [3]

So, it’s essential to ensure you don’t overdo it when feeding your bearded dragon sweet potatoes.

2. Poor Phosphorous to Calcium Ratio

Sweet potatoes also have a poor phosphorous-to-calcium ratio, which means they can interfere with bearded dragons’ ability to ABSORB calcium.

This can lead to health problems such as metabolic bone disease, so you must ensure that you don’t feed your bearded dragon too many sweet potatoes.

Also Read: What Vegetables to Feed Bearded Dragon?

FAQs

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potato Skin?

sweet potato skin, can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes

No, bearded dragons should NOT eat sweet potato skin. The skin is hard for them to digest and can cause intestinal blockages.

Are Sweet Potatoes Safe for Baby Bearded Dragons?

While a baby beardie can eat sweet potatoes, they are so small and need such a dense concentration of nutrients for healthy growth that you should AVOID giving them any treats until they are fully grown.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potato Fries?

No, beardies can’t have sweet potato fries. You can prepare sweet potatoes in strips that resemble them. If you serve sweet potatoes like this, it’s a bit of fun for you both.

Conclusion

So, can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes?

The answer is YES; bearded dragons can eat sweet potatoes. Sweet potato is a safe food for bearded dragons, but it should only be given in MODERATION to avoid toxicity like vitamin A.

I hope this guide has been able to help you decide if sweet potatoes will make a good treat for your beardies, and if you’d like to check out any other dragon snacks, we have a whole range of articles on the topic.

bearded dragon waving at sweet potato but can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes

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

Sources:

  • 1. Ishida H. Nutritive evaluation on chemical components of leaves, stalks, and stems of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas poir). Food Chemistry. 2000;68(3):359-367. doi:10.1016/s0308-8146(99)00206-x
  • 2. Julson E. 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes. Healthline. Published January 9, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits
  • 3. Boyer T. VITAMIN a DEFICIENCY in INSECTIVOROUS LIZARDS. https://files.brief.vet/2018-07/CTE_Vitamin%20A%20Deficiency%20in%20Insectivorous%20Lizards.pdf
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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