Bearded dragons can eat different fruits but not all kinds of fruits as some are harmful to their health. But bearded dragons can eat mangoes because the nutrients present in the mango are very beneficial for the health of bearded dragons. Mangoes are only beneficial only when they serve on an occasional basis due to the presence of lots of sugar in them.
Therefore it is better to feed them as a treat to make a change in their daily routine so that they can enjoy something different. It proves to be a healthy treat for your bearded dragons. Mango is a very rich source of various nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, minerals, zinc, and magnesium, and packed with various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, K, and E.
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Nutritional facts about mango for bearded dragons
Mangoes are packed with various minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Here is a list of nutrients that are offered by mangoes to bearded dragons.
- Carbohydrates – 14g
- Energy – 60kCal
- Fiber – 1.5g
- Sugars – 13.5
- Protein – 0.80g
- Fat – 0.38g
- Calcium – 10mg
- Magnesium – 10mg
- Phosphorous – 14mg
- Iron – 0.15mg
- Manganese – 0.062mg
- Sodium – 1mg
- Potassium – 168mg
- Zinc- 0.10mg
- Vitamin A – 55µg
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) – 0.027mg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 0.038mg
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 0.669mg
- Folate (Vitamin B9) – 43µg
- Vitamin E – 0.9mg
- Vitamin K – 4.1mg
Mangoes contain oxalates but in moderate quantities. Oxalic acid present in the mangoes can be dangerous if fed in excess quantity because it can bind with the calcium and which results in the prevention of calcium absorption in beaded dragons. Therefore it is better to feed mangoes in small quantities and occasionally.
Benefits of eating mango for bearded dragons
1. Provides necessary minerals:
Mangoes contain lots of minerals that are beneficial for the health of bearded dragons like potassium. It helps bearded dragons in much better muscle contraction, lowers the blood pressure of bearded dragons, and also helps in the regulation of fluids in their body. The presence of potassium in the body also helps to maintain the water level in the bearded dragons.
2. Provides antioxidants:
Mangoes are also rich in antioxidants which help to reduce the free radicals in the body that may kill healthy body cells which build the strong immune system in the bearded dragon’s body. Various antioxidants that are provided in mangoes are gallic acid, astragalin, fisetin, etc.
3. Offer lots of vitamins:
Mangoes are rich in various vitamins like vitamins A, B, E, and K. All these vitamins have different benefits for bearded dragons. For example, Vitamin A helps to improve the eyesight of bearded dragons and also helps to reduce night blindness in them. Other vitamins present also helps to fight the cells that weaken their body and many other diseases and vitamin K helps in blood clotting.
4. Offers dietary fibers:
Mangoes are rich in fiber and also beneficial for bearded dragons. Fibers help with the digestion of bearded dragons and prevent the problem o constipation in them. While feeding mangoes to bearded dragons always choose ripe mango as it is high in fibers than an overripe one. Mango provides fiber higher than any other fruit so consider a better fruit option for bearded dragons.
5. Low water quantity:
Mangoes contain a moderate level of water quantity as an excess of water consumption can cause digestive problems like diarrhea. From this point also, mango is considered a better option for bearded dragons as it provides the required amount of water that a bearded dragon’s body requires. It also helps to keep bearded dragons hydrated.
6. Low cholesterol level:
Another good thing about mango is that it is low in cholesterol levels and fat. Consumption of high fats and cholesterol can cause various fatal diseases, including high blood pressure.
How to prepare mango for bearded dragons?
First of all, the owner of the bearded dragon needs to know that only small pieces of food should be given to them. It is advised not to feed larger pieces than the eye of a bearded dragon. It becomes risky if you serve bigger pieces of food as it can choke your little pet. Here are some important steps to let you know the best ways to serve mangoes to a bearded dragon.
- The first and most important thing is to wash the fruit properly and keep it in water for at least one day. It will not only clean the fruit properly but also improve its nutritional value of it. Use warm water to wash the fruit.
- Long-time washing also helps to remove the chemicals and harmful pesticides which are dangerous for the health of your bearded dragon.
- Let the washed mango dry properly and then peel it off properly.
- Now chop the mango into small pieces equivalent to the size of their eyes to prevent them from choking.
- Do not forget to remove the seed of the fruit as it is very hard to digest and can cause impaction in the bearded dragons.
- The last step is to mix the small pieces of mango fruit with some greens and worms to make a nutritious salad and it will also be interesting for bearded dragons to eat. Also, it will be better if you add two to three different types of fruits to their salad.
How often mango should be fed to bearded dragons?
Mangoes cannot be a staple food for bearded dragons as there are some harmful impacts of mangoes on bearded dragons’ health. Mangoes are high in sugar content which is not a good sign and despite having good nutritional value, the calcium present is lower than required for the body of bearded dragons. Therefore if you are going to feed mangoes frequently then it may cause metabolic bone disease and develop many other issues.
You should feed some small pieces of mango once or twice a month and it will not be harmful to them. Generally, bearded dragons require only 10% of fruits in their diet. You can add mango as a salad topper or small pieces and mix some greens.
Final thoughts
Mango is a very nutritious fruit and contains lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But for bearded dragons, it is helpful only when you feed them in small quantities and once or twice a month. Otherwise, daily consumption of mango can cause fatal health issues in bearded dragons.
Use proper methods to feed mango and be very particular about the size of mango pieces. Feeding mango mix with some salad and warm will be healthier for them.
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