Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple? | Tropical Fruit Guide 2024

Many pet owners want to feed their bearded dragons the kinds of foods they enjoy themselves. In summer, we all love fruits and pineapples are a refreshing treat every time. Can bearded dragons eat pineapples? This question is quite common. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters and there can be some fruits that may seem very good for all of us, but for bearded dragons, they might not be so suitable. If you understand the nutrients in pineapples and then focus on the nutrients that the bearded dragons need, you will be able to see if you can feed pineapples to bearded dragons or not.

What Is In Pineapples

Pineapples are tart, sweet, and refreshing for all of us, and while we can enjoy them every day, bearded dragons can only have this fruit only once or twice a month. This fruit has numerous benefits for bearded dragons, but there are some restraints due to which the frequency of feeding this fruit should not be more than once or twice a month. If you are interested to read more about the bearded dragon diet then have a look at Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherries which is a great fruit for your dragon pet.

Benefits Of Pineapples For Bearded Dragons

First, let’s see what kinds of benefits pineapple has for bearded dragons:

Good For Digestion

Bearded dragons can enjoy pineapples only twice a month but they are good for the digestive system. The high fiber in pineapples helps regulate the bowel movement of these reptilians. While too much fiber can be bad for bearded dragons, when consuming pineapples only twice a month, they can benefit from this fiber content.

Good For The Immune System

The high content of vitamin C makes pineapples tangy and tart, but this makes pineapples an excellent source for bearded dragons to build their immunity. The antioxidants in pineapples make them a super-food for immunity. Bearded dragons need a good immune system just like anyone of us needs it.

Healthy Heart And Nervous System

Pineapple is a rich source of potassium, copper, folate, Vitamin B6, magnesium, and numerous other nutrients that add up to an amazing effect on the heart, brain, and nervous system. For excellent coordination and an alert lifestyle, pineapple is an excellent supplement. Bearded dragons will benefit greatly from this fruit.

What is even better is that the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of pineapples is ideal for bearded dragons. This ratio ensures that bearded dragons can absorb calcium fully without phosphorus hindering the process. Stronger bones and a better skeletal structure help dragons thrive, and calcium is a crucial nutrient for these reptilians. If calcium absorption does not take place, bearded dragons have weak bones and can develop metabolic bone disease which disintegrates bones and makes them soft. Pineapples are a good source of calcium and that is a big advantage.

Better Energy Levels

Energy will keep the bearded dragon alert and playful. If you want to see your dragon happy and healthy, you must ensure that its energy levels are good. Pineapples can help keep these reptilians happy and healthy, and the colorful fruit looks appealing to them as well, which means that they will eat it with joy and their energy will spike!

Why Is Pineapple Suitable For Only Twice A Month Or Less

Bearded dragons would like to eat pineapples, and they have so many benefits for the reptilians, but then why are they only allowed to eat them twice a month? One of the main reasons that this fruit is not suitable for frequent intake is that pineapples have oxalates. Oxalates are oxalic acid, which hampers the absorption of calcium, and if consumed regularly, this acidic content can interfere with many things other than calcium as well.

Your bearded dragon can have gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, and they may feel nauseous too. Pineapple has calcium but it is not enough to replace any other calcium-rich fruit or vegetable that you feed your dragon daily. The sugar amount of pineapples is high in sugar, which makes it difficult for bearded dragons to digest. These reptilians have a slow metabolism and too much sugar can be harmful to them. You might think that since the dragon is enjoying this fruit, you can feed it more often, but that could only ruin your pet’s routine and metabolic health.

The acid content is also high in pineapples. Other than oxalic acid, there is citric acid, which can be beneficial for bearded dragons if consumed once or twice a month but more than that it can be a problem. This acidic content makes pineapples an exotic and occasional treat for these reptilian pets. Also, read Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi.

How To Feed Pineapples

You can add pineapples to the fruit salad you make for your reptilian pet, and it will always be a colorful attraction. The best way to serve it is to cut the hard skin and cut cubes of the pulp. Make sure that you cut the pieces small enough for the fibrous pulp to become easy to swallow. If you cut big cubes, the fiber can make the bearded dragon choke.

When feeding with other fruits, always ensure that the amount of pineapple is not too high or negligible. You will like to see your bearded dragon in an energetic and playful mood after eating this great-tasting fruit. Furthermore, also read How To Feed Bananas To Bearded Dragons.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons can eat pineapples once or twice a month, any more than that can be unsuitable. Pineapples have many benefits for reptilian pets, but if you overdose your pet on this fruit, there can be some complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which other fruits can I serve once a month for bearded dragons?

There are numerous fruits that can be fed once or twice a month. These include kiwis, bananas, watermelons, and cantaloupe. While these fruits are all a good choice for humans, the high potassium, phosphorus, and acid content can make them unsuitable for bearded dragons.

Can bearded dragons have pineapple juice?

You can give pineapple juice to your bearded dragon but solid fruits are always better as the fiber content is beneficial.