Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi? Things You Need to Know

Bearded dragons have specific dietary needs and it’s important to make sure they are getting the right nutrients. One question that many bearded dragon owners have is whether kiwi is a safe and healthy food option for their pet.

Kiwi is a tasty green fruit that is packed with fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and folate. It’s a beneficial part of most people’s regular diet. But can you feed it to your beardie? Let’s find out in this post.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Yes, Bearded dragons can eat kiwi. However, it should only be offered to them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. We recommended feeding it not more than twice a month. Fresh kiwi is a great source of Vitamin C, but it also comes with a high amount of oxalates, which can bind with calcium. That is why it should only be given to them occasionally.

What’s Good about Kiwi?

Kiwi is a highly nutritious fruit that is beneficial to bearded dragons in many ways. It has good calcium to phosphorous ratio so; it’s perfectly safe for them but, as with other foods, should be given in moderation and with a mix of other food.

• Kiwi is rich in antioxidants which are good for the immune system, digestion, and inflammation 
• It has a lot of Vitamin C which is good for a healthy immune system
• It also contains vitamin E which is beneficial for reducing inflammation 
• Vitamin K for bone strength and blood clotting 
• Potassium for heart health 
• Fiber for digestion
• Folate for tissue and cells
• Copper for healthy blood
• Calcium for bone health and overall wellness
• A little protein for strength and energy
• Zinc for recovery from injuries 

Kiwi contains no fat and a fairly low level of sugar which makes it a great food for beardies especially adult. Because eating too much fat and sugar can lead to obesity and tooth decay.

What’s Bad about Kiwi?

Despite its many advantages, kiwi has one drawback that prevents it from becoming a bearded dragon’s staple fruit. Kiwi contains a moderate level of oxalic acid, also known as oxalates.

Oxalic acid, like phosphorus, prevents calcium absorption and depletes the dragon’s supply in the body. Over time, excessive oxalic acid causes metabolic bone disease.

If it weren’t for the oxalic acid, bearded dragons could probably eat kiwi on a weekly basis. But as it stands, save this superfood as a delicious, nutritious monthly treat. Your beardie will thank you! 

How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

The process of giving kiwi to your bearded dragon is pretty simple.

• Make sure to choose organic and fresh kiwi.
• Ensure the kiwi is fully ripped.
• Wash it thoroughly to ensure any pesticides or chemicals are removed.
• Cut the kiwi in half and scoop out the green fruit.
• Cut it into small manageable pieces and serve alone or in a salad.  

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi Seeds?

Kiwi seeds are perfectly safe for your dragons to eat, although they may appear undigested in their poo. Since bearded dragons can eat cactus as a staple, that has bigger seeds as compared to kiwis. If they can digest cactus seeds, they will be fine with kiwis as they have small seeds.

Conclusion

Kiwi can be a healthy and nutritious addition to a bearded dragon’s diet. It provides several essential vitamins and minerals that can help support their overall health and wellbeing. However, it’s important to feed kiwi to your bearded dragon in moderation, as overfeeding can lead to many health issues. Additionally, it’s important to properly prepare the kiwi and offer it in a way that your bearded dragon can easily eat it.

Overall, adding kiwi to your bearded dragon’s diet can be a great way to provide them with a variety of different flavors and nutrients. Just be sure to do so carefully and in moderation.