Tomatoes are OK for bearded dragons to consume, but only if they are given in very small amounts and only once a month. Bearded dragons may consume fresh tomatoes provided that the tomatoes are not fried and are of the appropriate ripeness. However, similar to celery and carrots, they are best consumed in moderation.
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes Every Day?
- Tomatoes have a high concentration of acid, which may result in digestive issues such as diarrhea. This, in turn, causes your bearded dragon to get dehydrated.
- Tomatoes are a good source of beta-carotene, which body may convert into vitamin A. This is not an issue in and of itself, but if you give your dragon an excessive amount of tomatoes (or any other food that is high in Vitamin A) in addition to giving it Vitamin A pills, your dragon may get some unpleasant symptoms from a Vitamin A overdose. These symptoms include puffiness, a reduction in energy, a loss of weight, and dehydration.
- Tomatoes also lack calcium and contain a lot of phosphorus. So any diet (irrespective of other nutritional benefits) containing more phosphorus than calcium is not recommended to feed in large amounts to bearded dragons. Providing such a diet in large quantities can lead to calcium deficiency and related health issues (especially MBD, metabolic bone disease).
Are Tomatoes Beneficial For Bearded Dragon’s Health?
- Tomatoes, while being fruits, have a relatively low amount of sugar, which is beneficial to the heart of your dragon.
- Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which, when given in appropriate quantity, may assist in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of your bearded dragon’s immune system, eyesight, reproduction, and growth.
- Tomatoes don’t have a significant amount of oxalates in them. Oxalates are analogous to phosphorus in that they can absorb calcium and are linked to MBD as well as other health problems.
- Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, which is responsible for the fruit’s distinctive red color. Lycopene protects against cancer, lowers inflammation, and supports good skin as well as a healthy heart and blood vessels.
How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?
You may convince your bearded dragon to eat his salad by offering him that tasty tomato delight. The following is the most effective method to serve it:
- First, tomato should be washed and peeled.
- Get rid of the seeds.
- The tomato quarter should be halved, and the flesh should be cut into small pieces.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomato Leaves and Stems?
Tomatoes are included among the family of plants known as nightshades. Alkaloids may be found in the stems, leaves, flowers, and vines of several plants, all of which are exceedingly dangerous. None of these should ever be given to your bearded dragon.
Can Baby Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are OK for baby bearded dragons to consume, but we don’t advocate giving them too much. Because they are still growing, young bearded dragons need food high in calcium. Due to the fact that tomatoes provide very little to no benefit in terms of calcium, you should only give tomatoes on rare occasions, about once per month.
Insects that are high in protein should make up the bulk of your infant bearded dragon’s food. Some good options include crickets, mealworms, and king worms. You should aim to have between 75% and 80% of your newborn bearded dragon’s diet consist of insects.
Conclusion
Tomatoes definitely offer a number of wonderful advantages and they are an essential component of a healthy and well-balanced diet for your bearded dragon, along with other vegetables and fruits. However, moderation is the key and feed tomatoes to your bearded friend after appropriate intervals, in the right amount, and in the right way.
