Find out the answer of the questions “Can Bearded Dragons Eat Figs” and how to feed them safely.
Bearded dragons are a popular pet lizard. Their diets consist mainly of leafy greens and vegetables as well as some insects. Figs can make a healthy treat for bearded dragons.
Some key points about feeding bearded dragons figs:
- Figs are high in natural sugars and should only be an occasional part of a bearded dragon’s diet. Too much can lead to obesity and other health issues.
- Feed small, bite-sized pieces of figs to avoid choking hazards. The soft flesh can be messy as well.
- Only feed washed, ripe figs. Unripe or rotten figs can cause digestive upsets.
- Variety is important, so figs should be mixed in with other fruits and vegetables. A healthy bearded dragon diet contains a range of produce.
Also Read : – Can Bearded Dragons Eat Escarole
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Figs?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat figs as an occasional treat. Figs are safe for bearded dragons to eat and provide some beneficial nutrients.
Figs contain a lot of natural sugar and should only be fed in moderation as too much sugar can cause obesity and other health problems in bearded dragons. Figs should be no more than 10% of the total diet.
Make sure any figs fed are ripe – unripe and overripe figs can cause digestive upsets and diarrhea. Figs should be soft and sweet.
Wash figs thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces before feeding to prevent potential choking hazards.
Monitor your bearded dragon’s droppings after initially feeding figs to make sure they do not develop loose stool or diarrhea. Reduce feeding if this occurs.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Figs Seeds?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat fig seeds safely. Small seeds like those found in figs are typically harmless if swallowed by bearded dragons. Their digestive systems are equipped to pass small seeds. However, very large volumes of seeds should still be avoided.
Chew the figs with seeds into pieces small enough that your bearded dragon does not choke on them. Seeds may present more of a choking risk, especially for juvenile dragons.
Make sure the seeds you feed come from ripe, fresh figs. Unripe or rotten fig seeds are more likely to cause digestive irritation, upset, or impaction.
Introduce fig seeds in small amounts at first to make sure they do not cause loose stool or diarrhea which is a sign of digestive distress.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Figs Everyday?
No, bearded dragons should not eat figs every day. The high water content in figs means too much can cause loose, wet droppings in some dragons. This disrupts healthy digestion.
Bearded dragons need a varied vegetable-focused diet with proper calcium for a healthy nutritional balance. Overfeeding any one particular fruit can lead to vitamin deficiencies over time.
A healthy bearded dragon diet consists mainly of leafy greens and vegetables supplemented with some insects/protein and calcium powder. Figs should only be given 2-3 times per week at most, not exceeding 10% of total food intake.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fig Leaves?
No, bearded dragons should not eat fig leaves. While figs themselves can safely be fed to bearded dragons on occasion, fig leaves are toxic and dangerous if consumed.
Fig leaves contain high amounts of a toxin called ficin. If eaten, ficin can cause significant digestive upset in bearded dragons and extreme cases may even be fatal.
Symptoms of fig leaf poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain. It can be very dangerous if not treated.
Even small amounts or nibbles of fig leaves may be problematic for the sensitive digestive systems of bearded dragons. Complete avoidance of fig leaves is recommended.
Instead of leaves, you can feed your bearded dragon the actual ripe fig fruit. Just be sure to wash thoroughly, cut into bitesize pieces, feed in moderation and mix into a balanced diet.
What Dry Fruits Bearded Dragons Can Eat?
Here is an overview of which dry fruits bearded dragons can safely eat in limited amounts:
- Dried Apricots – Small pieces of dried unsulfured apricots can be fed occasionally. They are high in vitamin A. But limit intake due to fructose levels.
- Dried Cranberries – These provide beneficial antioxidants with limited added sugar. Chop up a few bites worth and mix sparingly into salads.
- Dried Banana Chips – Excellent source of potassium, but high in sugars so only feed a couple tiny chips at a time.
- Raisins – Small amounts of seedless raisins are enjoyed by some dragons as a sweet treat. But easy to overfeed, so use restraint.
- Dried Blueberries – These are packed with vitamins and low in sugar relative to other dried fruits. A preferred, healthful dragon treat in moderation.
- Dried Apples – Select unsweetened apple slices, chop up into tiny bits, and sparingly mix into greens. Natural source of vitamin C.
How to Feed Your Bearded Dragon Figs Safely and Easily
Choosing Good Figs
- Only select ripe, fresh figs – test for sweetness and softness
- Avoid unripe, sour, old or damaged figs with mold – can cause illness
- Organic preferred or thoroughly wash conventional figs
Preparing Figs
- Wash figs thoroughly just before feeding
- Chop figs into small, bite-sized pieces
- Can lightly mash for younger dragons struggling with chewing
- Remove any tough parts or stems which could pose choking risk
Feeding Guidelines
- Only feed figs occasionally, not daily or as staple food
- Portion just a few small pieces at a time
- Mix into salad with greens to encourage well-rounded diet
- Avoid feeding too large a portion to prevent obesity and nutrition issues
- Generally less than 10% of total weekly diet from all fruits combined
Monitoring After Feeding
- Watch for signs of digestive upset or loose stool indicating too much
- Adjust portions down if necessary on next attempt
- Discontinue figs altogether if dragon cannot tolerate
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