Bearded dragons certainly love to eat fruits, and blackberries are not an exception. Certain bearded dragons adore fruits so much that they’d happily eat it all every day if they could. However, it’s not something that bearded dragons have to consume all day, and certain fruits are safer than other kinds. Are blackberries safe? Are bearded dragons allowed to eat blackberries? Find out whether your bearded dragon can relish this tart, delicious summertime fruit.
Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro...To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing AroundCAN BEARDED DRAGONS HAVE BLACKBERRIES AT ALL?
There are a few distinct features that will determine if bearded dragons are able to eat them in any way, occasionally but more often in their daily fruit consumption. When you consider all the relevant aspects, you should be in a position to feed your dragon a handful of blackberries each week, depending on what other fruit you’ll offer them.
These are the characteristics that play the most for bearded dragons.
Sugar
Like other berries in the blackberry family, they contain lots of sugar. Bearded dragons benefit from the low-sugar diet because it reduces the chance of developing obesity, blood pressure issues, or heart failure, in addition to other health problems.
Oxalates
Like many berries in the world, blackberries have Oxalates. A naturally occurring substance in a wide variety of plants, oxalates aren’t harmful by themselves, but they’re not particularly useful to bearded dragons who depend on calcium to maintain healthy bones and general health. Oxalates’ purpose is to remove excess calcium from the body. If bearded dragons consume too many oxalates, they could suffer from severe calcium depletion because the oxalates start stealing calcium from the bones of the bearded dragon.
You’ve probably heard about the metabolic bone disorder MBD, also known as the disease that is prevalent in pet dragons yet easily preventable with the right treatment. Nobody wants to witness their pet suffering from the condition. It’s difficult to watch your bearded dragon struggle to drag himself up with swollen legs or lay there frozen.
Protect yourself from MBD by ensuring your beardie is eating a healthy, balanced diet that is with a high calcium content but less so in oxalates, oxalic acids, and the mineral phosphorus (all of which could result in MBD in large quantities).
The ratio of calcium to phosphorus
This ratio plays a significant role in determining the safety of the food source can be for bearded dragons. As with oxalates and phosphorus, it is a calcium antagonist, which prevents the dragon from taking it. If a food item has the equivalent quantity of calcium that phosphorus does, for instance, the bearded dragon will not be able to absorb the calcium as the phosphorus binds to it.
It is recommended to seek out foods that have at the very least a balanced ratio, and the ideal ratio is between 1:1 and 2:1 (with calcium the first). The blackberries contain a 1.3:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus which puts them in good health.
Water
Blackberries comprise 88 percent of water. This can be either good or not, based on how many blackberries your bearded dragon consumes. A few blackberries can be an effective boost in hydration. But too many blackberries can cause diarrhea which could dry out your dragon if it continues for too long.
Fiber
Like many other fruits, blackberries are rich in fiber, and this is essential for a smooth and efficient digestive system. This can be beneficial or detrimental. Fiber is excellent for bearded dragons when used in the proper amount; however, excessive amounts can lead to diarrhea and intestinal issues.
Vitamins
Blackberries are a fantastic food source for Vitamins A, C, and K. Thus, a few blackberries in a few places can help your bearded dragon’s immune system development, growth, bones, and vision, organs, tissues, and blood.
Antioxidants
The berries are well-known for their antioxidants, including blackberries. These antioxidants help to stop inflammation and safeguard your bearded dragon’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Minerals
Blackberries also contain a lot of zinc and manganese, which can benefit the dragon’s metabolism as well as its immunity.
Avoid feeding wild blackberries to your bearded dragon. It’s not easy to tell the chemicals, pesticides, or other toxic substances they might have consumed or come into contact with. Buy them at the store or from the garden instead.
CAN BEARDED DRAGONS EAT BLACKBERRIES?
Bearded dragons can typically eat raspberries and blueberries whole. But, blackberries tend to be a bit more firm and can be more difficult to blend in their mouths. It is possible to cut blackberries into half or even smaller pieces if they are easier for your bearded dragon to eat. This could be the best option for infant and juvie dragons in order to keep them from choking or becoming frustrated.
Here are some other tips to remember while preparing the blackberries your bearded dragon will want to devour:
- Take the time to thoroughly clean the berries thoroughly prior to serving. Be sure that any leaves or stem pieces are removed.
- When using freeze-dried fruits, make sure that they’re enough dried out. They should be at room temperature, not hot. Remember that frozen blackberries can create an even bigger mess than fresh ones because they tend to be softer and can spill more easily, So be prepared to clean up.
- If you are feeding the berries inside the enclosure of your bearded dragon, make certain to get rid of any remaining berries once your beardie is done eating. The berries can quickly rot within the hot environment leaving you with an unclean environment and exposing your beardie dragon to the possibility of contracting illness when it eats the decayed berries.
- Blackberries are a great way to get those who aren’t keen on eating to consume their vegetables and greens! All you have to do is sprinkle blackberry pieces in their salad. Be careful not to use this method often because your bearded dragon may become familiar with sweet fruits in his salad and will be compelled to consume greens and fruits.
If you’re ever craving this tasty fruit, you’ll know that you can enjoy it with your bearded dragon. Make sure you know the frequency of the feeding, and your dragon will be in good shape.
ncG1vNJzZmijqaG8r7zOsJylpF6YvK57wpqlZpqVlr%2BlscNmm6uZl6S7tHnEmqtmmpyWsKyuxKupop2jZA%3D%3D