If you happen to’ve ever given a lot thought as to what bearded dragons eat, we’re keen to wager that the sweet potato wasn’t one of many first meals to come back to thoughts. Imagine it or not, although, these lizards can positively eat them, and most dragons actually appear to get pleasure from them.
That doesn’t imply you possibly can simply dump a bunch of sweet potatoes into your dragon’s cage and name it a day. There are guidelines governing simply how a lot these lizards can eat, so learn on if you wish to learn to feed your dragon the suitable means.
Reading: Can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes
Table of Contents
Are Sweet Potatoes Secure for Bearded Dragons?
Sweet potatoes are completely protected for bearded dragons to eat in that they’re non-toxic. Nevertheless, you continue to wish to solely provide them sparsely, as consuming too many sweet potatoes might have an ailing impact in your lizard’s well being.
These veggies are stuffed with vitamin A, which is nice to your dragon — up to a degree. In the event that they eat an excessive amount of, although, they’ll undergo from vitamin A toxicity, which may trigger vomiting, lack of urge for food, and belly ache. Thankfully, it’s extraordinarily troublesome to set off vitamin A toxicity via meals alone, so that you’d probably must feed your dragon extra sweet potatoes than they’re keen to eat to trigger it.
Of larger concern is the truth that sweet potatoes have a poor phosphorous-to-calcium ratio. That is problematic as a result of phosphorous can stop calcium from being absorbed, and calcium deficiencies can result in metabolic bone illness. This may result in deformities and even loss of life, so be sure your bearded will get loads of calcium.
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Finally, sweet potatoes are an excellent deal with to your lizard, however they need to by no means type the spine of their weight loss plan. Solely serve them often, corresponding to a few times every week.
Are There Any Well being Advantages to Giving My Bearded Dragon Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which is crucial for eye well being, bone density, correct development and replica, and extra. Giving your bearded loads of vitamin A (up to a degree) is all the time a good suggestion.
Past that, sweet potatoes are stuffed with nutritional vitamins B and C, in addition to iron. They’re additionally loaded with fiber, so in case your bearded dragon is backed up, just a little sweet potato is likely to be simply what the physician ordered to get issues shifting once more.
Providing the occasional sweet potato is probably going good to your dragon’s psychological well being as effectively. They like selection of their weight loss plan, and giving them a deal with once in a while will maintain them completely satisfied and stress-free.
How Ought to I Serve Sweet Potatoes to My Bearded Dragon?
You is likely to be tempted to cook dinner these sweet potatoes earlier than serving them to your little good friend, however don’t trouble — bearded dragons truly desire to eat them uncooked.
Earlier than you toss sweet potato items into the tank, although, make sure to wash them completely. You don’t wish to by chance give your dragon a big dose of pesticides or different dangerous chemical substances. In reality, go for natural sweet potatoes in case you can.
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As soon as the potatoes are washed, peel the pores and skin off, after which use the peeler to take away lengthy, skinny strips of potato. These are a lot simpler to your pet to munch on than large chunks or cubes, and so they’ll recognize the trouble.
You’ll be able to simply serve the sweet potatoes on their very own, however many dragons desire to eat them as a part of a salad, so it’s possible you’ll wish to combine in leafy inexperienced greens, like kale, beforehand.
What’s the Verdict? Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Sure, bearded dragons can eat sweet potatoes, and plenty of lizards actually get pleasure from them. They make a wonderful topper for a salad, and so they’re a wholesome, once-a-week deal with.
Nevertheless, don’t go overboard, as too many sweet potatoes might trigger vitamin A toxicity or intrude together with your dragon’s capacity to soak up calcium. They shouldn’t be served with each meal; restrict them to some occasions a month.
So long as you’re taking care in the way you serve them, your bearded dragon will thanks each time they see these sweet potatoes headed towards their tank. Not less than, we expect that they’re thanking you — with bearded dragons, it’s sort of onerous to inform.
Featured Picture: sykoo71, Pixabay
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