Can Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe Vera? 7 Risks | Full Guide

Aloe vera, a great herb plant for numerous purposes, comes from a succulent family. 

Aloe vera, from the ‘Aloe’ genus, is known as an evergreen perennial plant. Perennial refers to the plant’s longevity, lasting more than two years.

Aloe vera is a beneficial herb and an effective treatment agent for skin and hair. Aloe vera is used to get instant results in several homemade skin care regimens. Other than external uses, aloe vera is beneficial internally also. It provides freshness and helps to get rid of stomach problems.

Now, is aloe vera suitable for reptiles like bearded dragons? Can bearded dragons eat aloe vera? Here is the complete guide regarding this query.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Aloe Vera?

No, a bearded dragon should never eat aloe vera. Aloe vera could be severe for your little beardie due to its poisonous section, latex. Despite containing numerous beneficial components like vitamin C, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, sodium, water, etc., aloe vera is unsuitable for bearded dragons. 

Study shows beardies are unable to digest the poisonous portion. Latex in aloe vera mainly leads beardies to severe irritation and digestive issues. Moreover, a small amount of aloe vera does not harm beardies. But taking care of them and avoiding that plant is the best choice. 

Instead of Aloe vera, you can prefer other fruits and vegetables that do not adversely affect your beardie’s health. Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges and more are good with many health benefits when given in moderation.

7 Risks of Feeding Bearded Dragon Aloe Vera

Aloe vera does not provide the same benefit that it serves in the case of the human body. In a nutshell, aloe vera should not be a choice for a beardie’s meal. Accidental consumption of that herb will not affect your little pet. But a high intake causes dangerous consequences. 

1: Aloe Vera Works as Laxative for Beardies 

Aloe vera provides freshness and works as a stomach-cleaning agent for the human body. But it is not similar for beardies. The gel section of aloe is very beneficial for humans, whereas bearded dragons cannot tolerate that gel portion. After consuming aloe vera, beardies suffer from diarrhea. Due to diarrhea, they lose their water level and become dehydrated. 

2: Calcium Oxalate Crystals Leads Beardies to Gastrointestinal Blockage

Humans get rid of digestive issues with the help of aloe vera. But beardies get the opposite effect due to the presence of Calcium Oxalate Crystals. Aloe vera contains Calcium Oxalate Crystals, which are harmful to your little pet, and the compound causes Gastrointestinal Blockage, which leads to several health issues in your pet’s body.

3: Saponin Causes Irritation 

Aloe vera contains saponin, which is an irritative compound for beardies. Excessive consumption of aloe vera increases the body’s saponin level, leading to severe irritation, including skin irritation, internal irritation, etc. 

4: The Latex Causes Problems Like Kidney Issues 

The yellowish section between the aloe’s skin and gel is known as latex. This compound is harmful to beardies and humans, and latex is a toxic amount also present in tomatoes. 

In the case of beardies, the yellow toxic compound causes –

• Kidney issues
• Diarrhea
• Internal irritation
• Vomiting
• Scratching
• Excessive nausea

5: Calcium Deficiency Leads to Metabolic Bone Disease 

Studies show that herbal plants or medicinal plants are unsuitable for animals or small creatures. Due to the lack of nutrients, aloe vera does not provide the desired nutritional value to beardies. The plant has no calcium, so beardies do not get the crucial compound from that herb. If they get filled with aloe vera only, they might refuse to consume other beneficial foods. As a result, your beardie could get into metabolic bone disease. 

Contextually, Spinach, broccoli, etc., are an excellent calcium sources and safe for beardies. 

6: Parasites Cause Infection

Parasites are one of the dangerous components that cause severe health issues. Several plants and feeder creatures get in touch with parasites. Aloe vera is another primary source of parasites that could lead your beardie to severe infections. 

7: Digestive Problem Causes Gut Impaction

Even a tiny amount of aloe vera could cause a harmful effect. Beardies cannot digest aloe vera, and gut impaction occurs if they cannot digest it. 

What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Ate Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera shows severity when your beardie consumes a lot of the plant. So, if the little pet accidentally eats the plant, there are some points to get noticed. 

1: Observe The Symptoms 

If your beardie eats aloe vera accidentally, you must first wait and observe the symptoms. If there are light symptoms, you do not need to worry. But it should be treated if your beardie feels very uncomfortable and has other severe outcomes like vomiting, irritation, etc. 

2: Consult with The Vet

If you find your little pet very ill after eating the herb, do not get delayed and consult with the vet. The expert will treat your pet until they feel better.  

Conclusion 

So, the answer to the question can bearded dragons eat aloe vera? It will always be ‘No.’ Undoubtedly, aloe vera is a great herb and beneficial for humans. But for the creatures like bearded dragons, it would show adverse effects. Being omnivorous, beardies have numerous options for their meal. 

They should always consume nutritious foods as their eating quantity is significantly less. They can eat tasty fruits and veggies. 

But plants like aloe vera would always be their worst choice.

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