Find out about can bearded dragons eat onions? Learn how to feed your bearded dragon onion safely and effectively.

No, bearded dragons should not eat any type of onion, including green onions.

Onions are a staple in many cuisines, and they have many health benefits for humans. But what about beardie? Can they enjoy this pungent vegetable as well?

The answer may surprise you.

Onions are toxic to bearded dragons, this includes all parts of the onion plant – the fleshy bulb, leaves, etc.

Onions contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates which can cause hemolytic anemia and oxidative damage in reptiles. These compounds can damage red blood cells when ingested.

Symptoms of onion toxicity include lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal stool, red-tinted urine. If not treated, it can lead to anemia, organ damage, and potentially death.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Onions?

No, bearded dragons should never eat onions. Onions contain chemicals called disulfides and thiosulphates. These compounds are dangerous and potentially toxic for reptiles like bearded dragons. They can cause oxidative damage to the reptile’s red blood cells and organs over time.

Even the smallest amount of onion can be detrimental to a bearded dragon’s health. All parts of the onion plant, including the fleshy bulb, leaves and shoots, should be kept away from bearded dragons as they all contain these hazardous compounds.

If a bearded dragon ingests onion, they may initially show non-specific symptoms like lethargy, decreased appetite, or abnormal stools. However, onion toxicity can slowly accumulate over time and eventually lead to hemolytic anemia and organ damage. In severe cases it can even cause death if untreated.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spring Onions?

No, bearded dragons should not have spring onions. While spring onions may seem like a harmless vegetable, they belong to the allium family which contains disulfides and thiosulphates – compounds that are toxic to reptiles.

Even small amounts of these compounds can build up over time and cause oxidative damage and hemolytic anemia in bearded dragons.

This means that no part of a spring onion should be fed to a bearded dragon – including the long green stalks, white bulb or roots. All parts contain the toxic compounds that can make them seriously ill.

Some signs of spring onion poisoning in bearded dragons can include:

• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling around the limbs or face
• Red stained urine
• Abnormal feces

If left untreated, spring onion toxicity can lead to long-term organ damage or death in bearded dragons.

It’s very important to research any human foods, including all veggies and fruits like dragon fruit, before offering them to Beardies. Safe alternatives include leafy greens like collards, mustard greens, kale as well as squashes, peas and beans. A balanced diet is crucial for their health.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Red Onions?

No, bearded dragons can’t have red onions or any other type of onions.

All varieties of onions, including yellow, white, red, green, Spanish, pearl, and spring onions should not be given to bearded dragons at all.

The reason is that all onions contain sulfur-containing amino acids called thiosulfates and disulfides. These compounds are very toxic for reptiles when ingested, even in small amounts.

Over time, the thiosulfates and disulfides can accumulate in a bearded dragon’s body and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia. This causes red blood cells to rupture, inhibiting (Pogona) the lizard’s ability to transport oxygen properly.

Eating red onions or other onions can also cause oxidative damage, organ failure, decreased appetite, lethargy, and abnormal feces. If your bearded dragon has been exposed to any part of an onion, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Purple Onions?

No, bearded dragons should not eat purple onions. In fact, all onions and other vegetables in the allium family (garlic, shallots, leeks, etc.) are toxic and potentially deadly to bearded dragons.

Like all onions, purple onions contain compounds called N-propyl disulfides and thiosulfates. When ingested, these sulfur-containing compounds are destructive to a reptile’s red blood cells. They lead to hemolytic anemia, oxidative damage, and cell death.

Even tiny amounts of onion can build up over time. Initial signs may just include decreased appetite and lethargy. But weeks later, you may suddenly see swollen limbs, abnormal feces, or even organ failure.

Any part of a purple onion can be dangerous, including the fleshy bulbs, skin, leaves, and stems. No matter the color – white, yellow, or purple – all onion varieties pose a major risk and should be kept far away from bearded dragons.

If you suspect your bearded dragon ate purple onion or displays symptoms of toxicity, get them to an exotic vet immediately as it can quickly turn fatal.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wild Onions?

No, bearded dragons should never eat any type of wild onion. All wild onions contain chemicals called disulfides and thiosulfates which are toxic to reptiles like bearded dragons.

Wild onions include any onions growing uncultivated out in fields, meadows, or forests. Some examples are wild garlic, wild leeks, crow garlic, and field garlic. They belong to the same Allium plant genus as regular onions.

While wild onions do grow naturally outdoors, they still retain those dangerous sulfur compounds in their tissues – compounds that can damage red blood cells and organs in bearded dragons over time through a condition called hemolytic anemia.

Even small ingestion of parts of a wild onion could put your bearded dragon’s health at risk. Symptoms may initially include simple lethargy and poor appetite. But toxicity accumulates, and soon you could see swollen legs or facial deformities, abnormal stool, and bloody urine in your pet reptile if left untreated.

Important Questions

What food is poisonous to bearded dragons?

There are several types of food that are poisonous and should never be fed to bearded dragons:

• Onions, garlic, leeks, chives – anything in the allium family. These contain toxic sulfur compounds.
• Avocado – contains persin which is toxic to reptiles
• Citrus fruits – too acidic for their digestive system
• Rhubarb leaves – contain poisonous oxalates
• Dry and nutty foods like dry beans or nuts – risk bowel impaction
• Insecticides or chemically treated insects – residuals can harm them

What vegetables can a bearded dragon not eat?

There are certain vegetables bearded dragons cannot safely consume. These include:

• Any allium vegetables: onion, garlic, shallots, chives
• Potatoes and tomato plants: contain toxic glycoalkaloids
• Rhubarb leaves due to toxic oxalates
• Lettuce has very limited nutrients and too much water
• Raw beans or peas: dried, uncooked beans are indigestible
• Corn: very difficult for them to digest
• Iceberg lettuce: not enough nutrients and mostly water

Some good veggie options are leafy greens like collard, mustard, dandelion greens, squash, bell peppers, green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes. But always research safety of any new food before feeding a bearded dragon! Many common human foods can actually be quite dangerous for them.