Bearded dragons can eat cucumbers, but only every other week. Cucumbers are a healthy snack when fed with a well-balanced diet. They offer several vitamins and minerals your pet needs, but not enough to be a staple food. In this article, you’ll learn how often you can feed your beardie cucumbers, how to prepare them before feeding, and which parts are safe to eat.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumbers?
When considering the inclusion of cucumbers in your bearded dragon’s diet, it’s important to understand the benefits and potential risks. Cucumbers provide high water content, which can be beneficial for a dehydrated dragon. They also contain potassium, which is beneficial for kidney health, muscle function, and fluid retention. Additionally, cucumbers offer fiber, which aids in digestion and can help reduce the risk of impaction. Vitamin C in cucumbers is advantageous for your beardie’s immune system, vision, and growth.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of the health risks associated with feeding bearded dragons cucumbers. Cucumbers have a higher phosphorus content than calcium, which can lead to calcium deficiency and serious health issues. This imbalance can cause constipation, overhydration, and metabolic bone disease. Overhydration is a concern as cucumbers, like spinach leaves, are mostly water. Bearded dragons typically obtain their water from food, and overhydration can lead to diarrhea. Metabolic bone disease can occur if your bearded dragon does not consume enough calcium compared to phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can block the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream. To feed cucumber to your bearded dragon safely, select a fresh, blemish-free cucumber. Proper preparation is essential and includes three steps: washing to remove dirt and chemicals, peeling to avoid health issues from the tough skin, and chopping into small bite-sized pieces appropriate for your beardie. De-seeding is also recommended, with small, soft seeds being safer for consumption. Baby bearded dragons can eat cucumbers, but their diet should primarily consist of 15-20% vegetation. While cucumbers can be offered occasionally and in moderation, there may be more nutritionally valuable options available. Although bearded dragons can eat cucumber leaves, it’s not recommended unless the leaves are confirmed to be organic. It’s safer to feed other leafy greens instead.Can bearded dragons eat cucumber leaves? Rather not. The leaves aren’t toxic like cucumbers, but they don’t offer many of the vitamins and minerals your dragon needs. Cucumber leaves harvested from a pesticide-free home garden are safe for your bearded dragon to eat.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumber Peels? No, Bearded dragons SHOULDN’T ingest cucumber peels. Cucumber skin is too tough for bearded dragons to chew, which could result in a choking hazard or digestion issues. Peeling the cucumber will also help get rid of lingering chemicals. Your bearded dragon needs a wide variety of produce. Greens and vegetables are extremely important for your bearded dragon’s health. A portion of what bearded dragons can eat: Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Dandelions, Bell Peppers, Green Beans, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens. Other veggies and greens that are safe, but eaten less often include: Okra, Carrots, Asparagus, Mushrooms, A Variety of Squash, Cooked Sweet Potato. Avoid iceberg lettuce and celery. These don’t offer the nutrients your bearded dragon needs. As for tomatoes, we recommend serving them to your beardie a maximum of once a month. Feed your bearded dragon a varied diet to make sure they receive all the nutrients and minerals to stay healthy. Your dragon’s diet should primarily be feeder insects, leafy greens, and vegetables. Fruits provide essential nutrients but should be less than ⅕th of their diet. An adult bearded dragon’s diet should be 20% protein-based and 80% plant-based. Baby bearded dragons are the opposite. They require live foods. A calcium supplement is essential for all ages. Sprinkle these on your dragon’s salads and insects so they get enough of this critical mineral. For a complete list of foods safe for your bearded dragon take a look at our article on bearded dragon diets. If you’re a new beardie owner check out our comprehensive care guide for beginners. Does your bearded dragon like cucumbers? Let us know in the comments. I’m Stacey, the owner of this website and lifelong reptile lover, caretaker, and educator. Here you will find everything from information on how to care for reptiles, to even how to give your reptiles the best fighting chances against a range of common reptile diseases and illnesses, and everything in between!
