Watermelon is a lovely juicy and colorful fruit that is adored by human and their pets all the time. This is a summer fruit and even the kids cherish it for its awesome taste. It contains a whole lot of vitamin and many other nutrients, but we are here discussing the fact, that if this Watermelon is suitable for consumption of bearded dragons?
As this is a fruit liked by most of the human, this is a question that arises in the mind of the bearded dragon owner, that if they can feed it to the cute pet. Fruits are otherwise seems harmless and many people think that feeding fruits can never harm any animal. But that is not the case with this reptile.
Owners have a natural habit of sharing their foods with their pets, and thus it is quite normal that a fruit like watermelon is tend to be given to the reptile pet.
This is not a very good food option for bearded dragons. You must not keep it regularly on their diet, as the nutrients contained by watermelon are not always beneficial for bearded dragons.
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What does the vet say: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?
Nutritionist says watermelon can be fed to bearded dragon only after your vet suggests it. Also the quantity and regularity of feeding should be checked with the vet as well. However, cutting the fruit into smaller pieces and removing the seeds are some basic rules that should be followed by the pet owner.
Nutrients of watermelon:
This fruit contains sugar and dietary fiber in large quantities. There is very less amount of fat and protein. Vitamin A along with beta carotene, riboflavin and thiamine, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, all are present in this summer fruit.
Minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, manganese and iron are present as well as calcium. Also it contains a huge amount of water and lycopene.
The range of products present in this fruit along with the sugar content makes it misfit for bearded dragon’s consumption. Also it becomes acidic due to the calcium and phosphorus ratio of this fruit. Acidic fruits are not good for the digestion of bearded dragons.
Benefits of watermelon:
Vitamin C present in watermelon is quite good for the bearded dragon, in fact it is essential. It keeps the skin of the dragons in good condition.
Your dragon can also get vitamin A and Beta carotene which we have stated that are present in the watermelon. However, too much of vitamin A is not great for bearded dragons as that can cause vitamin A toxicity in them.
Do bearded dragons like watermelon?
As this is a tasty and juicy fruit, it is quite loved by the bearded dragons. This is a soft fruit and when you take out the seeds, it becomes easy to gulp down. Also the natural sweetness of the fruit makes it more liked by reptiles.
How much watermelon the bearded dragon can consume?
Though you will see your bearded dragon loving this fruit, you should not give it as a daily food. As this fruit contains high amount of sugar and nutrients, it may harm the bearded dragon after regular consumption.
Watermelon rind:
Even watermelon rinds are quite liked by the bearded dragons, if they get it cut in small pieces. You should wash the whole fruit beforehand, to keep it safe for the consumption of bearded dragons. This is a necessary step for every fruit or vegetable when you will be feeding the bearded dragon.
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Conclusion:
Always remember to remove the seeds, as least the black seeds while offering the watermelon to the bearded dragon. However, you can leave the white seeds as these are soft and bearded dragon can nibble at it. These will also be digested by them.
Black seeds can choke them and that can be fatal for these little ones, it will be hard for them to digest too. Feeding the watermelon once as a treat in an alternation of few days is best for the bearded dragons. The vets also suggest that you keep the watermelon slices as occasional treats.
