Well, the quick answer to this is yes. Bearded dragons can eat sweet corn. It is not harmful to them but when fed in a limited amount, as we know that excess of anything is harmful. So, you can feed your dragon with corn once a month or less often.
Contents
Can Bearded Dragon Eat Corn?
Corn contains a good amount of nutrition which is healthy for your beardie. The reason to worry is that it has a very poor calcium to phosphorus ratio. It can result in serious health issues. Also, corn is safe for your pet as it does not contain any kind of toxins.
They are also rich in vitamin A, C, and K, minerals, moisture, and a small amount of protein. All of them are essential for the overall development of bearded dragons. Protein is needed by bearded dragons for the development of their muscles and to strengthen them. Folate is necessary for promoting healthy tissues and cells and water is needed to prevent dehydration.
Nutrition facts for corn
- Potassium: 10% of DV
- Magnesium: 11% of DV
- Folate (vitamin B9): 19% of DV
- Thiamine (vitamin): 24% of DV
- Vitamin C: 17% of the daily value (DV)
- Fiber: 4.6 grams
- Fats: 2.1 grams
- Protein: 5.4 grams
- Carbs: 41 grams
- Calories: 177 calories
Why corn is good for bearded dragons?
1. Water Content
Corn has around 77%of water in it. It provides good hydration. As we know, the shape of the mouth of a bearded dragon is such a way that it is not able to drink water from the bowl. Thus, dragons fulfill the need for water from the food they eat. So, corn can be a good option for dragons.
2. Protein Content
Protein is required by dragons for the development of muscles as well as to strengthen them. Corn contains around 5.4 grams of protein required by the bearded dragons.
3. Thiamine
It is also called vitamin B1. It is required by young dragons as an energy booster.
4. Potassium
Potassium supports a healthy nervous system. It helps in water retention. It also maintains blood pressure. Thus, potassium is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the body of bearded dragons.
5. Safe
Corn is indeed a safe option for beardies. It does not cause any side effects. Also, it does not contain any toxic elements which can harm your pet.
6. Immune System
Corn contains a huge content of vitamin C. It is beneficial for the immune system. It primarily helps to strengthen the immune system of bearded dragons. If the immune system is strong then your beardie is less likely to fall ill. In case your beloved pet falls ill, feed him with vitamin C-rich food such as corn. It will help your pet to recover soon.
7. Fiber
Fiber helps in the proper digestion of food that your dragon eats. Corn contains fiber which aids it in the proper digestion of food that you serve. Also, dragons feed on live insects which have a hard exoskeleton. Bearded dragons might have difficulty digesting it. Thus, fiber helps them indigestion.
Why corn is not good for bearded dragons?
1. Calcium to phosphorus ratio
The calcium to phosphorus ratio of corn is 1:45(one part of calcium and 45 parts of phosphorus). This is highly dangerous for bearded dragons. On one hand, calcium is needed by them for the development of their bones and teeth but on the other hand, phosphorus is highly dangerous for them. It reacts with calcium and forms calcium phosphate. The byproduct formed prevents the absorption of calcium in the body. Hence, results in the disease called metabolic health disease (MBD). It deteriorates and weakens the bones as well as teethes of beardies. Thus, it is advisable not to feed your pet corn but not frequently. It might be painful to them and can also make them paralyzed.
2. Risk of choking
Dragons are prone to choking and impaction. Always take care of that. It is advised not to feed your dragons with a whole cob. You can serve individual kernels to them to reduce the risk of choking as it is highly dangerous for them. It can also put the life of your beloved pet in danger.
FAQs
Can a beardie eat canned or cooked corn?
A bearded dragon should never be fed with canned corn. Canned corn contains a lot of preservatives that might put your pet in danger. The preservatives are poisonous. It has also low nutritional contents. It can cause harm to the digestive system of your beardie.
Bearded dragons should also not be fed with cooked corn. It destroys all the nutritional values of corn. Also, the cooked corn does not taste as good as raw corn. So, your dragon might not find it good. Thus, always feed your pet with raw fruits and vegetables.
How to feed your bearded dragon with corn?
- The first step is to wash the corn thoroughly before feeding your pet with it.
- It is advised to serve your dragon with organic corn. It contains all the nutritional values rather than cooked or canned corn.
- You can also serve your pet with individual kernels. It will be easy for it to eat it. It will also reduce the danger of choking which is common in the case of bearded dragons.
- Warm corn should not be fed to dragons.
Concluding lines:
Corn has high nutritional value. It contains vitamins, minerals, folate, moisture, and a small amount of protein. It is required by bearded dragons for the development of their body. Vitamins and minerals are required for blood pressure regulation and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Protein is necessary for the strengthening of the muscles. But the calcium to phosphorus ratio of corn is unacceptable.
It is 1:45 (one part of calcium and 45 parts of phosphorus). Calcium is required for the development of the bones and teeth of dragons. But phosphorus reacts with calcium and forms calcium phosphate. This compound formed prevents the absorption of calcium in the body to dragons.
This results in a disease called metabolic bone disease (MBD). It deteriorates and weakens the bones. Consequently, the dragon starts feeling exhausted and lazy. Thus, it is advised to serve your beloved pet with corn occasionally once a month or less frequently.
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