Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweetcorn? Good or Bad?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweetcorn

Do you want to know Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweetcorn? The Answer is yes.

Bearded dragons make fun and exciting exotic pets for dedicated reptile owners.

Their unique dietary needs can leave new owners wondering — can bearded dragons eat sweetcorn?

With its bright yellow kernels and sweet flavor, corn seems like an appealing snack. But is it truly safe or healthy?

The short answer is yes, bearded dragons can occasionally enjoy small amounts of sweetcorn as a treat.

There are some important guidelines and precautions regarding preparation, portion size, and frequency to prevent nutrition and digestion issues. Corn alone does not properly meet the nutritional standards an adult or juvenile beardie requires.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweetcorn?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat sweet corn

Yes, bearded dragons can eat sweet corn in small amount as an occasional treat.

But you should know that…..

Sweet corn is high in starch and sugar, which bearded dragons have difficulty digesting properly. Too much can cause gastrointestinal issues.

Sweet corn should only comprise around 5-10% of a bearded dragon’s overall diet. The bulk (75%) should come from leafy greens and vegetables like kale, carrots, bell peppers, etc.

Only feed small, bite-sized portions of corn. Around 2-3 tiny pieces 2-3 times per month is likely safe.

There are better fruit treat options, like blueberries, bananas, strawberries and melon. These have more nutrition and less starch/sugar.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweetcorn Seeds?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Sweetcorn

Yes, bearded dragons can eat sweetcorn seeds, but in very small amounts as an occasional treat.

Sweet corn kernels contain more concentrated starch and sugar compared to the corn cob, so sweet corn seeds pose a larger risk of digestive issues and obstruction in bearded dragons if overfed.

Some key things to note about feeding bearded dragons sweet corn kernels or seeds:

The hard outer seed coating can potentially cause intestinal blockages or be difficult to digest if eaten.

The seeds are high in starch, sugar, and phosphorus – excess of any of these nutrients can lead to problems.

At most, only feed 1-2 small corn kernels 2-3 times per month. Any more frequently risks health complications.

Make sure any seeds you feed are cooked through – no dried, hard kernels that could cause choking or obstructions internally.

Chop kernels into tiny, bite-size pieces before feeding to reduce risks.

Monitor stool quality when feeding corn seeds. Diarrhea or constipation signals they are causing digestive upset.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn Husk?

No, bearded dragons can’t have corn husks. Corn husks are very fibrous and difficult to digest, and could cause intestinal blockages or other digestive issues if eaten by a bearded dragon.

The husks are mostly made of cellulose and fiber, which cannot be properly broken down and digested by a bearded dragon. Their digestive system is designed for insect and plant matter digestion.

The husks could clump together and cause a blockage or impaction as they pass through the intestines undigested. This can be very harmful and even fatal.

Parts of the sharp, woody husk could potentially puncture the throat, stomach or intestinal lining if swallowed.

Corn husks have little to no nutritional value for bearded dragons, so there is no benefit to eating them.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn on the Cob?

No, feeding corn on the cob to bearded dragons is not recommended or safe. The cob itself is very difficult to digest and poses a major choking risk due to the large size and shape.

The corn cob is almost entirely made up of cellulose and fiber that cannot be properly broken down during digestion. This could lead to intestinal blockages or impactions.

The large, rounded shape of an entire corn cob risks getting stuck in a bearded dragon’s throat and obstructing their airway. This could cause choking very quickly.

Even if swallowed, the whole cob may bloat up with fluids during digestion and cause an obstructive or expansive GI obstruction – which can be fatal.

The woody texture and sharp corn silk on the cob may damage or puncture the lining of the digestive tract while passing through.

Rather than corn on the cob, chop up tiny pieces of cooked corn kernels (no more than a few per feeding) to safely provide as an occasional treat in a balanced bearded dragon diet. Do not attempt to feed the whole cob.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Corn?

No, canned corn should be avoided for bearded dragons. While corn can be fed in very small amounts as an occasional treat, canned corn poses some specific risks that make it unsafe.

Canned corn typically contains added salt and preservatives to give it shelf stability. These seasoningings are very unhealthy for bearded dragons and can cause dehydration, kidney problems, and other issues.

Canning makes corn much softer and higher in sugar/calories compared to fresh corn. This makes it easier to overfeed and cause obesity issues in pet bearded dragons.

The high heat processing used for canning destroys some of the vitamins and antioxidants in corn. So canned corn has reduced nutritional value.

Important Questions

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas and Corn?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat small amounts of peas and corn as occasional treats, but neither should make up a significant portion of their diet. Here are some guidelines on feeding peas and corn to bearded dragons:

Peas:

  • Choose fresh or frozen peas – avoid canned peas with added salt.
  • Peas should be cooked thoroughly until soft, then cut into small pieces.
  • Only feed a few tiny pieces 1-2 times per week at most. Too much can lead to digestive upset.

Corn:

  • Select fresh or frozen corn and remove from cob. Avoid canned or salted corn.
  • Cook thoroughly and cut kernels into bite-sized bits. Be cautious of choking hazards.
  • Limit corn treats to 1-3 small pieces just 2-3 times per month. It has much higher sugar content than peas.

Overall, vegetables should comprise about 75% of a bearded dragon’s diet, with leafy greens being the biggest component. Peas and corn should only be supplemental enhancements for more nutritional variety, not dietary staples. They are higher in phosphorus than some vegetables so moderation is important. Continue providing a quality reptile vitamin supplement as well. Both fresh peas and corn can make for occasional nutrient-dense additions if fed properly in small amounts.

What foods are toxic to Beardies?

Here are some of the main foods that are toxic and should be avoided for bearded dragons:

  • Avocado – contains persin, which is poisonous to reptiles
  • Dry and raw beans – contain hemagglutinin lectins and cyanide
  • Citrus fruits and juices – too acidic
  • Dairy products
  • Raw eggs – risk of salmonella or biotin deficiency
  • Onions, garlic, leeks – contain sulfur compounds that damage red blood cells
  • Grapes or raisins – can cause kidney failure
  • Rhubarb leaves – contain toxins like oxalates
  • Potatoes – contain solanine
  • Sweet potatoes – high oxalates
  • Corn – high in starch and sugar if overfed
  • Spinach – binds with calcium preventing absorption
  • Iceberg lettuce – lacks nutrition and hydration

Some other human snack foods that can be dangerous include chocolate, candy, chips, soda, figs, hot sauce, caffeine/alcohol, salt, dough, nuts, seeds, crackers and junk food. Always verify a new food is safe before feeding a beardie. Stick to a balanced diet of veggies, leafy greens and live insects from a reputable provider.

About Dr Sunil Jindal MS DNB MNAMS

Scientific Director & Chief Endo-Laparoscopic Surgeon & Male Infertility Specialist at Jindal Hospital & Dr. Madhu Jindal Memorial Test Tube Baby Center
Vice Chairperson – Delhi ISAR (Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction)
Vice Chairperson – Indian Association of GynaecologicalEndoscopists
Past Executive Council Member of Indian Association of Gastro-Endoscopic Surgeons.
Vast experience of over 5000 cases of laparoscopic &hysteroscopic surgeries, infertility enhancing, hysterectomies, myomectomiesand male reproductive surgeries with special interest in endometriosis & deep endometriosis.
Have trained a lot of people in andrology, laboratory & clinic work, reproductive surgeries and reproductive endocrinology.
We hold regular workshops
Have been invited as national faculty in a number of National & International Conferences
Scientific Director & Chief Endo-Laparoscopic surgeon & male infertility Specialist&Andrologist at Jindal Hospital & Dr. Madhu Jindal Memorial Test Tube Baby Center.
Have special interest in microsurgical, endomicrosurgicalandrology and surgery for impotence.
Also interest in laboratory work in andrology including ICSI, and TESA, PESA ICSI.
We have to our credit the first ICSI baby of our region, the first ICSI twins, ICSI triplets followed by successful foetal reduction, first TESA/PESA baby, first surrogate pregnancy of the region, first twin IUI baby after successful tubal recannalization surgery to name only a few achievements.
Regular columnist of ‘DainikJagran’ the leading Hindi newspaper of the region & Times of India.
Regular organizer of various IUI workshop & CME for post graduate doctors.
Publish a monthly newsletter from the hospital.
He has put Meerut on the international ART map by having to his credit the delivery of twins in a genetically male patient by ICSI. His efforts were applauded by both the national & international media & were covered by both Times of India & Indian Express as their front page news.
Invited lecturer in more than 250 national & international conferences.
Has been the main organizer of workshops on male infertility in various conferences.

Author in national & international medical books on male infertility such as-:
Chapter on Surgical Management of Male Infertility in Donald School Textbook on Human Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology,
Role of Surgery in Male Infertility in Practical Guide in Reproductive Surgery ISAR 2018,
Optimizing the Sperm in ISAR Express,
Semen Analysis – an Overview in Current Concepts in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility Update 2017.
Evaluation of the Male Infertility Factors in Decision making in Infertility 2020.
Male Hypogonadism in Decision making in Infertility 2020.
Participating in 2 major studies in India & Abroad.

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