Do you love tomatoes? They are juicy, tasty, and healthy, right? But what about your bearded dragon? Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes too?
If you are a bearded dragon owner, you might have wondered about this question at some point. After all, you want to provide your pet with the best care and nutrition possible.
The short answer is yes but with limits, and in this guide we will explain the benefits and disadvantages of feeding tomatoes to bearded dragons, how often and how much they can eat, and which other fruits are suitable for them.
By the end of this, you will have a better understanding of how to feed tomatoes to bearded dragons safely and moderately.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Feeding Tomatoes to Bearded Dragons
Tomatoes are not only delicious but also nutritious because they contain several vitamins and minerals that can benefit your bearded dragon's health.
For example, tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for your bearded dragon's vision, skin, and immune system.
Tomatoes also have vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can protect your bearded dragon from oxidative stress and infections.
Another benefit of tomatoes is their high water content, as tomatoes are about 94% water, which can help your bearded dragon stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. Hydration is important for your bearded dragon's digestion, metabolism, and kidney function.
Also, tomatoes can enhance your bearded dragon's coloration, because the red pigment in tomatoes, called lycopene, can make your bearded dragon's skin more vibrant and attractive. Lycopene is also an antioxidant that can protect your bearded dragon from UV damage and cancer.
Here is a table that summarizes the nutritional value of tomatoes per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18 kcal |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 3.9 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 2.6 g |
| Water | 94.5 g |
| Vitamin A | 42 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 14 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Potassium | 237 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Magnesium | 11 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg |
Disadvantages of Feeding Tomatoes to Bearded Dragons
Tomatoes are not without drawbacks, however, because they also contain some substances that can pose some health risks for your bearded dragon.
For instance, tomatoes are acidic, which can upset your bearded dragon's stomach and cause diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Tomatoes also have phosphorus, which can interfere with your bearded dragon's calcium absorption and lead to metabolic bone disease, a serious condition that affects your bearded dragon's bones and muscles.
Another substance that tomatoes have is oxalate, which can bind with calcium and form kidney stones in your bearded dragon.
Kidney stones can cause pain, inflammation, and kidney failure in your bearded dragon. Oxalate can also reduce the bioavailability of other minerals, such as iron and zinc, in your bearded dragon's body.
Here is a table that compares the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and the oxalate content of tomatoes with other fruits :
| Fruit | Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio | Oxalate Content |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | 0.4:1 | 5.3 mg/100 g |
| Apple | 0.3:1 | 4.3 mg/100 g |
| Banana | 0.3:1 | 3.6 mg/100 g |
| Berry | 0.7:1 | 3.5 mg/100 g |
| Grape | 0.6:1 | 3.7 mg/100 g |
| Melon | 0.6:1 | 1.3 mg/100 g |
As you can see, tomatoes have a low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and a high oxalate content, which makes them less ideal for your bearded dragon than other fruits.
How Often and How Much Tomatoes Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Tomatoes should only be given to bearded dragons as an occasional treat, not as a staple food. This is because tomatoes are not a natural part of your bearded dragon's diet in the wild, and they can cause nutritional imbalances and health problems if fed too frequently or too much.
The frequency and amount of tomatoes that you can feed your bearded dragon depend on several factors, such as their age, size, activity level, and overall diet.
However, a general rule of thumb is to feed tomatoes to your bearded dragon no more than once a month, and no more than 10% of their plant-based diet.
This means that if your bearded dragon eats 100 grams of vegetables and fruits per day, you can give them 10 grams of tomatoes once a month.
Precautions
When feeding tomatoes to your bearded dragon, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove the stems and leaves, as they can be toxic to your bearded dragon.
Also, cut the tomatoes into small pieces that are easy for your bearded dragon to chew and swallow, and avoid feeding your bearded dragon tomato seeds, as they can be hard to digest and cause intestinal blockage.
Finally, always monitor your bearded dragon's reaction to tomatoes and stop feeding them if you notice any signs of discomfort or illness.
Which Other Fruits Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?
Tomatoes are not the only fruit that you can offer to your bearded dragon as a treat, as there are many other fruits that are safe and healthy for your bearded dragon, as long as they are fed in moderation and variety.
Some of the fruits that are suitable for your bearded dragon are:
- Apples: Apples are crunchy and sweet, and they contain vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, so they can help your bearded dragon's digestion and hydration. However, apples also have sugar and acid, which can cause tooth decay and stomach upset. Therefore, feed apples to your bearded dragon sparingly and remove the seeds and core, as they can be harmful to your bearded dragon.
- Bananas: Bananas are soft and creamy, and they contain vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. They can help your bearded dragon's nerve and muscle function and energy production. However, bananas also have sugar and phosphorus, which can cause obesity and metabolic bone disease. Therefore, feed bananas to your bearded dragon occasionally and peel them before feeding, as the peel can be hard to digest and contain pesticides.
- Berries: Berries are juicy and colorful, and they contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and water, and they can help your bearded dragon's immune system, skin, and hydration. However, berries also have sugar and seeds, which can cause diarrhea and intestinal blockage. Therefore, feed berries to your bearded dragon rarely and mash them before feeding, as the seeds can be difficult to remove and the skin can be tough to chew.
- Grapes: Grapes are plump and sweet, and they contain vitamin C, antioxidants, and water. They can help your bearded dragon's immune system, skin, and hydration. However, grapes also have sugar and oxalate, which can cause obesity and kidney stones. Therefore, feed grapes to your bearded dragon infrequently and slice them before feeding, as the whole grapes can be a choking hazard and the skin can be hard to digest.
- Melons: Melons are refreshing and delicious, and they contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and water. They can help your bearded dragon's vision, immune system, and hydration. However, melons also have sugar and water, which can cause diarrhea and dehydration. Therefore, feed melons to your bearded dragon seldom and dice them before feeding, as the rind can be indigestible and contain bacteria.
Conclusion
So, can bearded dragons eat tomatoes? The answer is yes, but only in small amounts and on rare occasions.
Tomatoes can provide some nutritional benefits for your bearded dragon, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and water.
However, tomatoes can also pose some health risks for your bearded dragon, such as acidity, phosphorus, and oxalates.
Therefore, you should feed tomatoes to your bearded dragon safely and moderately, and always monitor their reaction.
We hope that this article has helped you understand how to feed tomatoes to bearded dragons safely and moderately.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this guide, please share it with your friends and fellow bearded dragon owners. Thank you for reading!
Relevant Reads:
Bearded Dragon Care: Everything You Need to Know About These Bearded Buddies
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries? A Complete Guide
Additional Resource
FAQs About Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes
Are tomatoes safe for reptiles?
Tomatoes are safe for some reptiles, such as bearded dragons, but only in small amounts and on rare occasions. Tomatoes can cause acidity, phosphorus, and oxalate problems for reptiles.
What is toxic to bearded dragons?
Some foods that are toxic to bearded dragons are avocado, rhubarb, onion, garlic, citrus fruits, spinach, and iceberg lettuce. These foods can cause digestive, respiratory, or kidney issues for bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat raw tomatoes?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat raw tomatoes, but not cooked tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes can lose their nutritional value and become more acidic and mushy, which can harm bearded dragons.
What is Beardies favorite fruit?
Bearded dragons have different preferences, but some fruits that they may enjoy are apples, bananas, berries, grapes, and melons. These fruits are sweet, juicy, and colorful, and can provide some vitamins and minerals for bearded dragons.