Have you ever been sitting on your couch, enjoying a bag of potato chips, when your dragon gives you that look? You know, the one that says, “Got some for me, mate?”
Now, before you start tossing those crispy goodies to your dragon, hold on. Today, we’re going to answer the question we know you’ve been wondering about: can bearded dragons eat potatoes?
Well, to answer the question: yes, bearded dragons can eat potatoes, but only sparingly and we recommend it should be cooked, instead of served raw.
What Bearded Dragons Typically Eat
Before I talk about potatoes, let’s quickly recap what our bearded friends love to see in their regular diet. Adult beardies enjoy a good 80% greens and veggies and around 20% protein-heavy treats, like insects.
On the other hand, baby bearded dragons eat around 80% protein and 20% veggies, as they need the nutrients to grow into strong, fierce adults.
Variety is the key. They love healthy treats like leafy greens, squash, and even berries. For proteins, crickets, mealworms, and even roaches (yikes!) hit the spot.
Why Potatoes Aren’t the Best Option
While you may adore potatoes, these starchy delights aren’t the best dish for your scaly sidekick. And here’s why:
Chewing and Digestive Issues
Raw potatoes are not soft and tender like the greens our beardies usually munch on. That hardy exterior is a tough nut to crack for those small jaws, and it can give their digestive systems a run for their money. Not to mention, the high starch and sugar content doesn’t help either.
Nutritional Imbalance
Sure, you might think that the high vitamin A content is beneficial for your dragon. But remember, too much of a good thing can be bad. Excessive vitamin A can cause toxicity, leading to health problems for our beardies. Potatoes also lack vitamin D3 and calcium which your bearded dragon needs to stay healthy and strong.
Leaves and Stems
Potato leaves and stems are an absolute non-option for both humans and bearded dragons. They contain toxins that can be harmful to both of us! So keep those greens far away from your scaly friend.
What If I Cook The Potatoes?
Even cooked potatoes may not be the best choice for your bearded dragon’s diet because potatoes lack vital nutrients necessary for a bearded dragon.
They are often referred to as “empty foods” because they can’t help your beardie grow bigger or stronger — since they are high in carbs, and not the protein mostly needed by dragons. While potatoes are not toxic or poisonous for bearded dragons, feeding them potatoes regularly can result in nutritional imbalances.
If your bearded dragon enjoys potatoes, they can be offered sparingly and as a special treat, but certainly not as a dietary staple.
Healthier and Tastier Alternatives
Enough about spuds; let’s now talk about some healthy goodies for our beardies:
Veggies
- Peppers: Red bell peppers are a beardie favorite. They’re bright, tasty, and more spellbinding than watching a magic show.
- Squash: Perfect for a dragon with a taste for the sweet stuff, minus the sugar rush.
- Cabbage: It’s like the unassuming superhero of the veggie world. Easy to find, packed with good stuff, and your dragon will love the munchy-crunchy texture.
Fancy Fruit Treats
- Strawberries: A juicy strawberry is the equivalent of a candy bar to a beardie. Just remember to chop them up into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.
- Bananas: They’re easy to mash and easy to eat. Plus, it’s like a taste of the tropics, right at home.
- Blueberries: They’re a delightful fruit treat that’s like tiny gourmet candies for your dragon.
Conclusion
While our dragons could munch on these starchy delights, it’s best to leave potatoes off their plate–to ensure a healthier, happier bearded dragon.
Now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed choices for your beardie’s diet and keep spoiling them with wholesome snacks. Until next time.