Yes, breaded dragons can eat jicama but in moderation. You can safely feed jicama to your pet dragon without any fear. This is packed with various vitamins, minerals, proteins, and many other useful nutrients. Nowadays jicama is becoming very popular in foreign countries among many households and pets because of its nutritional value. It is a kind of vegetable with white and fleshy roots which is the edible part of the fruit and has a starch-like flavor in it.
Jicama is low in fats and sugars which is a very nice thing about it as sugars and fat consumption can cause harm to the health of the bearded dragon. Talking about its nutritional facts, it is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and fibers. While feeding jicama to your pet bearded dragon, keep in mind that some parts of the jicama are harmful and should not be served. We will talk about all in this article.
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Nutritional facts about jicama
Jicama is a root vegetable and contains lots of nutrients in it. Bearded dragons like the crunchy and juicy flavor of jicama very much. The various nutrients offered by a cup of jicama to bearded dragons are listed below.
- Protein – 1 gram
- Fiber – 6.5 grams
- Calories – 48
- Fat – 0.1 gram
- Carbs – 12grams
- Vitamin C – 44% of the RDI
- Magnesium – 4% of the RDI
- Manganese – 5% of the RDI
- Potassium – 6% of the RDI
- Iron – 4% of the RDI
- Folate – 3% of the RDI
- Sugar – 1.8 grams
- Starch – 3 grams
- Calcium – 2% of the RDI
- Copper – 3% of the RDI
- Zinc – 1% of the RDI
Protein:
Protein is present in a small amount in the jicama. It serves around 1-2% of the protein in one intake of jicama.
Fats:
Jicama is low in fats which is beneficial for them as fats can create problems in their health and provides around 1% unsaturated fats. This unsaturated fat is good for the health of and supports the good health of the heart rather than saturated fats.
Vitamins and minerals:
Jicama is a good source of various vitamins including vitamin C and minerals like copper, zinc, calcium, etc. One-time serving offers around 44 grams of vitamins to bearded dragons including vitamin C which helps to increase bone density, muscles, blood vessels, and cartilages. Iron consumption helps to heal the wounds of bearded dragons. Jicama also offers folate, vitamin E, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, thiamin, etc.
Best ways to prepare jicama for bearded dragons
Jicama is very healthy and plays a vital role to provide various nutrients to bearded dragons. One of the best ways is to introduce jicama slowly in small amounts to the bearded dragons as any new thing added to their diet can be risky for their health. It can be served both raw or cooked to a bearded dragon. If you want to serve raw jicama to the pet, firstly remember to wash the jicama properly including its roots.
Remove the skin and seeds properly as they are harmful to your loving pet. Before serving, cut the jicama into thin small slices and ten serve it mixing with some other vegetables in the form of salad. It will add flavor to the salad and the pet will eat it happily.
If you want to serve cooked jicama to your bearded dragon then you have to follow the various steps:
First of all, you have to wash the jicama and then boil it for a few minutes or you can also bake it in the oven for one or two hours. There comes crispiness in the jicama after being baked which bearded dragons love to eat. The roots and skin are toxic so remember to remove them before boiling or serving raw vegetables. Always feed jicama in moderation as it can create issues relating to the digestive system of the bearded dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat the skin and seeds of jicama?
No, bearded dragons should not feed the skin and seeds of jicama at any cost. It proves to be very harmful and toxic to their health. Jicama skin is very toxic and should be peeled off before serving to the pet. The seeds and skin of jicama contain a very poisonous substance known as rotenone which proves to be dangerous for their health, especially for the baby bearded dragons.
It can cause vomiting, an increase in heartbeats, muscle tremors, low blood pressure, and even the death of bearded dragons. Jicama root is the only part that can be served to the dragons. So it is recommended to remove the skin and seeds of jicama before serving it to the pet.
Health benefits of jicama for bearded dragons
Helps in weight loss:
Jicama is helpful to improve digestion in bearded dragons. The reason behind this is that it is low in Carbs and contains a high amount of fibers which prevents the dragons to wait for gain. Also, jicama is rich in water content which keeps them hydrated for a long time.
Roots of jicama contain a substance known as inulin which creates an effect on hormones that sends hunger and fullness signals which make them feel full after the consumption of jicama. In this way, they eat less with lots of nutrients present in it and also do not gain weight.
Helps to improve digestion:
Fibers present in the jicama prove to be very helpful in improving the digestive system of the bearded dragons as it helps to prevent constipation and controls the stool bulk of the dragons. It also helps to improve the bowel movements of bearded dragons. One time of feeding jicama provides enough fibers to the dragons to meet their daily dietary needs.
Final thoughts
Yes, of course, bearded dragons can eat jicama but only in moderation as it has some adverse effects too if consumed in excess. Jicama is very healthy and bearded dragons should eat it sometimes. It is very high in nutrients and also has some health benefits to them.
It is high in fibers, vitamins, and minerals and the best part is it is low in sugar levels and fats. The only thing you have to remember is to feed jicama in moderation with proper wash and chopped into small thin slices by removing the seeds and skin of jicama.
More:
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