Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple? Benefits, Risks & Tips

On a summer day, a juicy little sour pineapple draws everyone’s attention towards itself. Foods are different for almost every creature living on this earth, and humans can have certain food items, whereas animals don’t, and vice versa. Pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit that everyone loves to eat, and a few chunks of pineapple enhance the taste of drinks and food items.

It is one of the most loved fruits on tropical islands.

Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals who need meat and vegetables in their diet for growth and development. It is not necessary to feed only meat and vegetables. However, a proper feeding routine is healthy for bearded dragons. But did you know that pineapples can also be a part of a diet for bearded dragons? Let’s see can bearded dragons eat pineapple or not.

Table of Contents

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?

Pineapple is undeniably a healthy fruit that bearded dragons can eat without any issue.

However, the main query is whether feeding fruit to bearded dragons is good or not. Can bearded dragons eat pineapple? Is feeding pineapple good for the health of the bearded dragon? The answer to these queries can be different and varies with the health of every animal. Specifically, talking about pineapple, the fruit is highly nutritious and safer to eat for beardies.

A small amount of oxalate is present in the composition of fruit which is dangerous for dragons because it will prevent calcium absorption in them. So, to avoid casualty, it is preferred to feed them once or twice a month. Pineapples can be a perfect treat to the bearded dragons, but occasionally consumption is better.

Pineapples provide various nutrients which a dragon needs to eat. Meat cannot fulfill certain things, and fruits have proven to be the best option.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?

Feeding the bearded dragon a pineapple slice once or twice a month is safe. Start feeding them with a small amount and then gradually increase.

Various fruit options are available, including bananas, cantaloupe, and melon. The variation and restrictions vary with these fruits due to their phosphorus or oxalic acid content.

Pineapple can be toxic to bearded dragons if provided in a high quantity. So, it is crucial to consult the doctor before feeding anything. If dragons eat too many oxalates, they can develop the metabolic bone disease, which leads to deformity or even death. Nobody wants their pet to die, so a proper consultation is necessary for their overall health.

If the dragon is comfortable and not showing any signs, then go for this routine; otherwise, consult the doctor as soon as possible.

3 Benefits of Pineapples for Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons require a balanced diet such that the composition of vitamins, minerals, and fibers are in the required amount. Over-consumption of food causes health issues It does not matter whether the feeding trend varies; what does matter is the health of dragons. It is always beneficial for beardies to eat the proper amount as it helps them develop their muscles and growth.

1: Vitamins Boost Immune System

As everyone knows, a healthy immune system is a natural defense against diseases and infections in the body of an organism. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in building the immune system, and enhancing the immune system requires various vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it becomes mandatory for a bearded dragon to maintain a proper/healthy immune system to keep themselves fit. Pineapple is a good source of mainly vitamin C and other antioxidants.

2: Fiber Improves Digestion

Pineapple is a fibrous fruit. Bearded dragons are lazy animals who move slowly; however, they move fast as well. So, binding their stools requires a proper amount of fiber. So, adding pineapple chunks helps in perfect digestion in animals. In addition, Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that contains anti-inflammatory compounds that helps in soothing the digestive tract and promotes healthy digestion.

3: Good Source of Energy

Pineapple is a perfect source of vitamins A, C, and potassium, which can help bearded dragons be more energized and active throughout the day. Other than pineapples, a feeder can also feed cantaloupe, cucumbers, and kale. It contains a good amount of magnesium, which helps in the reduction of stress hormones in the blood of an organism. So, after all, there are some benefits of eating pineapples too. So, feeding it twice a month with a proper amount is healthy.

Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapples Frequently?

This fruit has many benefits, but it is not the best meal for bearded dragons because it has some good nutrients for humans but not for bearded dragons. The reason for pineapple not being a healthy and regular-feeding fruit to bearded dragons are:

Oxalates in Pineapples Develop MBD

The biggest issue with this tropical fruit is the presence of oxalic acids in the composition of pineapple. An increase in the number of oxalates in the body of a dragon causes low absorption of calcium in the body of dragons, inhibiting growth. Also, a drastic increase in the amount of such sugary compounds creates various other diseases.

Acids Hurt Digestion

Everybody who has eaten pineapple has felt some itching, burning sensation on the mouth’s palate. Pineapple contains acids that can digest the flesh. Pineapple is highly acidic, and it can irritate bearded dragons’ stomachs and can cause diarrhea in them. So, feeding them causes such casualties. If the feeder provides them for the first time, ensure it doesn’t hurt them and their system.

How to Prepare Pineapple for Your Bearded Dragons?

Preparing pineapples is not a tough job for dragons. However, something needs to be kept in mind as there are consequences. Dragons will eat whatever you will offer them. But what about other fruits? Can bearded dragons eat pineapple? Can pineapple skin be good for their health? If you keep bearded dragons as your pet, then understand their feeding trends. Beardies are omnivorous; feeding them meat and some fruit chunks is good. Following are some steps on how to feed pineapples to bearded dragons:

Skin Removal Avoids Choking

Removal of tough and spiky skin reduces the chances of choking and ulcer formation in dragons. Simply cut the fruit into smaller pieces without any skin and feed them. Spiky skin can hurt the internal organs of beardies. Similarly, if the feeder feeds fruits like bananas and mangoes. It is better to remove the skin for easy eating.

Cut to Minimize Acid Impact

Cut the core of the pineapple and wash it to reduce the impact of acids to some extent. It will be safe to consume by the bearded dragons.

Mixing With Other Fruits to Neutralize Acids

Serve with other fruits such as kiwi, banana, etc. make sure the fruits neutralize the impact of pineapple acids. Ensure not to serve with fruits with acidic nature as it can harm your beardie and it can even die.

Feeding fruits are like a treat to them, so include it in the diet, but you should give some quantity of pineapple twice a month.

Conclusion

Now that we have an answer to can bearded dragons eat pineapple, we can conclude that pineapples are safe for bearded dragons, but in moderation, since it harms them. Apart from pineapples, you can feed various other fruits to dragons, like kiwi, bananas, and apples. Pineapples are a good source of nutrients; however, it is not beneficial for every organism. Not everything suits everyone, so be careful before eating and feeding.

Other Preferred Foods for Bearded Dragon Diet

Foods Not Good for Bearded Dragon Diet

FAQs

Can baby bearded dragons eat pineapple?

No, a baby bearded dragon’s metabolism is not mature enough to handle the acidic nature of pineapple. Feeding them pineapple can be a risky option for them and can cause danger.

Can bearded dragons eat pineapple leaves?

Pineapple leaves are also harmful since they are spiky, and removing all the skin and leaves is better as it will help them in digestion. Also, it is best to feed them fresh and juicy pineapples, not ripe ones.

Can bearded dragons eat pineapple skin?

No, pineapple skin is hard and coarse in texture which can cause issues in dragons. Skin is not healthy for digestion as it can choke and produce gut ingestion problems in the body of bearded dragons. Pineapple’s fleshy part is good for them to eat.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Core?

Pineapple contains various nutrients that have many benefits but can cause many casualties in dragons due to its high sugar and an acidic consistency. Feeding apple skin, core, and leaves must be prohibited every time.

Can bearded dragons eat dried pineapple?

Bearded dragons can eat pineapple in chunks, dried or frosted, as they are good for their health. The main concern for the dragons is the amount of consumption by them, and they make sure the quantity must be adequate for bearded dragons.

Can bearded dragons eat canned pineapple?

Yes, they can eat canned pineapples as well. It doesn’t matter whether the food is canned or freshly cut. But the fruit must be edible. Eating canned pineapple is perfectly fine until its quantity increases in the diet.