Bearded dragons make popular pet lizards, but many owners wonder if bearded dragons can eat peas? 

As an occasional supplement in a balanced diet for bearded dragons, green peas provide fiber, vitamins, minerals like iron and zinc, and even protein to stimulate muscle growth and healthy digestion. 

The higher phosphorus content means peas should never outweigh calcium-rich leafy greens as dietary staples. 

By cooking, cooling, and mashing frozen or low-sodium canned peas before mixing tiny portions with other chopped veggies, owners can safely allow their bearded dragon an infrequent pea treat. Offer just 1-2 tablespoons per individual dragon 1-2 times monthly. 

Monitor closely for signs of digestive upset. When fed sparingly, peas make a beneficial addition along with gut loaded insects, dark greens, squash, and sweet potatoes.

Let’s find can bearded dragons can have peas or not.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat peas, but they should be fed peas only occasionally and in moderation. 

Peas contain more phosphorus than calcium, so they should not make up a major part of a bearded dragon’s diet. Too much phosphorus can lead to metabolic bone disease.

Peas should be cooked and mashed/chopped into small pieces before feeding to make them easier for the bearded dragon to digest. Make sure there are no large pieces or chunks.

Good pea options for bearded dragons include green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, etc. Avoid peas with added salts, butter or other seasonings.

Feed peas sparingly, around once or twice a month. Peas should never replace staple vegetables in a bearded dragon’s diet like leafy greens, squash, etc. Only offer 1-2 tablespoons at most per feeding.

Young, growing bearded dragons will benefit more from peas for extra protein. Limit peas for mature, adult dragons whose growth has slowed.

Benefits of Peas for Bearded Dragon

Peas make a decent supplemental addition a few times a month. They add nutritional variety alongside more calcium-rich staple veggies. But due to their higher phosphorus content, they should never outweigh greens, squash, and other vegetables that form the base diet. 

Protein – Peas contain more protein than most vegetables, about 8-9g of protein per cooked cup. This can help support strong muscles and tissue growth. The extra protein is especially beneficial for younger, growing dragons.

Vitamins – Peas provide B vitamins plus some vitamin K, all of which support a healthy metabolism and blood function. They also have a bit of beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor important for vision, skin/scales, and breeding.

Minerals – Peas contain some key electrolytes like iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus. However they are higher in phosphorus than calcium, so can’t be a main dietary item.

Fiber – The fiber in peas supports healthy digestion in bearded dragons. It keeps their gut moving and promotes “good bacteria” growth.

What Other Peas Bearded Dragon Can Eat?

In addition to standard green peas, here are some other nutritious pea varieties that can occasionally be fed to bearded dragons:

Snow peas – Snow peas are flatter and contain less fiber, making them slightly more digestible.

Sugar snap peas – Snap peas are plump like green peas but have edible pods, providing extra crunchy fiber.

Garden peas – Garden peas are similar to green peas, just usually smaller in size. Opt for fresh over canned.

Black-eyed peas – Black-eyed peas offer more protein and have a distinct flavor and creamy texture.

The same guidelines apply to these other types of peas: only feed cooked, chopped, in moderation 1-2 times per month, and never as the main dietary component. Rotate different pea varieties for more diversity.

Avoid peas with any added ingredients like salt, oil, butter, etc. The plain whole food frozen or fresh varieties provide the most nutritional benefit. And always properly research any new food before offering your dragon the first bite! Monitor them closely for signs of digestive upset or allergies.

How to Prepare Peas for Bearded Dragon

Choose fresh or frozen peas – Pick peas without any added ingredients like salt, oil, etc. Frozen peas work just as well nutritionally. If using canned peas, look for low-sodium varieties and thoroughly rinse them.

Wash the peas – Whether using fresh or frozen, give the peas a good rinse under cool water before cooking. This removes any dirt or debris. Pat them dry afterwards.

Cook the peas – Bearded dragons can’t digest raw peas very easily. Boil, steam, or blanch the peas for 3-5 minutes until heated through and soft. Cooking breaks down fiber and enzymes.

Cool and mash the peas – Once cooked, run the peas under cool water to bring them to a safe temperature for your dragon to eat. Then mash or finely chop the peas into smaller pieces. Whole peas pose a greater choking risk.

Combine with other fresh veggies – Mix a tablespoon or two of peas into a fresh chopped salad of leafy greens, butternut squash, Dragon Fruit, carrots and other staple vegetables your bearded dragon normally eats.

Feed as part of a nutritionally balanced meal – Offer the veggie mix along with properly gutloaded and calcium-dusted insects. Aim for 80% vegetables, 20% insects at each meal for adults.

Always supervise your bearded dragon any time you introduce a new food. Monitor them closely and remove any uneaten portions after 15-20 minutes.

How to Feed Peas to Bearded Dragons

Cook the peas first – Raw peas can be difficult to digest. Cook them until soft, either by blanching or steaming. Mash or chop the peas into smaller pieces after cooking.

Don’t overfeed – Peas should comprise no more than 1-2 tablespoons a few times per month. They aren’t meant as a dietary staple. Overdoing peas can lead to nutritional imbalances.

Mix with other veggies – Combine a small amount of peas into a salad with leafy greens, grated squash, carrots, etc. Feed the pea mix along with properly gutloaded insects.

Use fresh peas when possible – Canned peas lose some nutrition in the preservation process. 

For convenience’s sake, thoroughly rinsed canned peas are still an option. Just make sure they don’t contain any added salt.

Supervise feeding – When introducing peas or any new food, always watch your bearded dragon closely during and after eating to ensure proper swallowing and no signs of allergic reaction.

Consider age & health – If concerned about metabolism or hydration, consult a vet before feeding produce like peas, especially for young or ill dragons. Healthy adult dragons can better handle small veggie additions.

Moderation and supervision are key when incorporating peas or any non-staple veggies into a bearded dragon’s diet! Evaluate individual needs to determine appropriate feeding frequency.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas?

Bearded dragons can eat peas about 1-2 times per month as an occasional treat. They should not eat peas more frequently than this. Here is some more detail:

Baby/juvenile bearded dragons less than 12 months old should only eat peas once monthly at the very most. Their growing digestive systems are more sensitive.

Adult bearded dragons over 12 months can handle peas a bit better. Still only feed peas 1-2 times per month maximum as part of a veggie mix.

Never feed peas to bearded dragons 2 days in a row or even in the same week. Allow at least 2-3 weeks in between servings since they aren’t a dietary staple.

Only feed 1-2 tablespoons of peas per individual dragon at a single meal. Overfeeding peas risks nutrient imbalances. Observe portion sizes carefully.

Always watch for signs of digestive distress or allergies when introducing new foods like peas, no matter the dragon’s age.

Because of their higher phosphorus content compared to calcium-rich staples, peas should only supplement a bearded dragon’s diet on occasion. Leafy greens, veggies, and insects should comprise the bulk of their daily nutrition.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Peas and Canned Peas?

Yes, bearded dragons can safely eat both frozen peas and canned peas in moderation, as long as certain guidelines are followed:

Frozen peas: 

• Choose plain frozen peas with no added salt, sauces, butter, etc
• Thaw the peas before cooking/feeding
• Cook the frozen peas until heated through and soft
• Cool and mash the peas well before offering small amounts

Canned peas:

• Select low-sodium or no-salt-added canned peas
• Rinse the canned peas very well under cool water to remove excess salt
• Drain and mash the canned peas
• Feed in very small infrequent portions mixed with fresh vegetables

The canning process can diminish some vitamin content in peas over time. So when possible, thawed frozen peas are nutritionally preferable over canned. But both canned and frozen peas, when prepared properly, can make an occasional treat.

No matter which format you choose, modulate portions and feed peas sparingly. Monitor your bearded dragon closely for any negative reaction. Discontinue use if they show signs of digestive upset or discomfort after eating peas.

Alternatives to Peas for Bearded Dragons

There are several nutritious alternatives to supplementing peas for bearded dragons, including:

Leafy Greens – The #1 dietary staple should be dark, calcium-rich leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens and dandelion greens. These should form the bulk of meals.

Winter Squashes – Squashes like butternut squash and spaghetti squash offer more nutrients, fiber and Vitamin A precursors than peas. Shred/grate raw squash small.

Sweet Potatoes – Cooked, mashed sweet potato substitutes well for peas in offering valuable nutrients like Vitamin A/beta-carotene.

Green Beans – Chopped, boiled green beans bring the crunchy texture without exceeding proper phosphorus levels.

Carrots – Grated raw carrots or well-cooked mashed carrots substitute peas while delivering more beta-carotene.

Berries – The natural sugars in occasional blueberries, raspberries and blackberries outshine peas as sweet treats.

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