As a bearded dragon owner, you may be wondering if your pet can eat oranges. After all, they are a type of fruit, and fruits are generally considered healthy. However, it is important to remember that not all fruits are created equal. While oranges may be a healthy treat for humans, they are not a good choice for bearded dragons.
So, the answer, unfortunately, is no. Bearded dragons should not eat oranges because they contain citric acid which can upset the dragon’s stomach. Additionally, the small seeds in oranges can pose a choking hazard. If you’re looking for a healthy treat for your bearded dragon, try offering some chopped vegetables or crickets instead.
By reading this article, you will know why bearded dragons cannot eat oranges and what the consequences may be. Additionally, you will be given some alternative treat ideas that are safe for your pet.
Let’s get started!
What Are Oranges?
Oranges are a type of citrus fruit that is typically round, with a thick peel and juicy flesh. They are a good source of vitamin C and are often eaten as a snack or used in recipes.
Oranges (or Any Other Citrus Fruit) and Bearded Dragons: a Bad Combination
Bearded dragons are lizards that are native to Australia. They are popular pets due to their docile nature, and they are known to be easy to care for. One of the things that they need in order to stay healthy is a proper diet, which does not include oranges (or any other citrus fruit).
Citrus fruits are acidic and can cause stomach upset in bearded dragons. They are also a choking hazard due to their small size and hard texture. If you are looking for a treat for your bearded dragon, try giving them a piece of cantaloupe or honeydew melon instead.
Why Are Oranges Bad for Bearded Dragons?
Oranges (and other citrus fruits) are high in acidity and can cause stomach upset in bearded dragons. The high acid content can also lead to kidney problems. For these reasons, it is best to avoid feeding your bearded dragon oranges.
What Are the Health Risks of Feeding Oranges to Bearded Dragons?
The health risks of feeding oranges to bearded dragons are not yet clear, but there are some potential concerns. For example, the acid in oranges could potentially irritate a bearded dragon’s digestive system. In addition, oranges are a relatively high-sugar fruit, and feeding too much sugar to bearded dragons can lead to obesity and other health problems. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding oranges to bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Get Poisoned by Eating an Orange?
No, bearded dragons cannot get poisoned by eating oranges. However, oranges are not a part of their natural diet and may cause digestive issues.
Can Bearded Dragons Be Allergic to Oranges?
The short answer is yes, bearded dragons can be allergic to oranges. The long answer is a little more complicated.
Bearded dragons are reptiles, and as such, they have a different digestive system than mammals. Their intestines are much shorter, which means that they absorb nutrients differently. They also have different types of bacteria in their gut, which help them break down their food.
Mammals have a gut flora that is made up of over 60% Firmicutes bacteria. This type of bacteria helps us break down complex carbohydrates and extract energy from them. Reptiles, on the other hand, have a gut flora that is made up of over 90% Proteobacteria. This type of bacteria helps them break down proteins and absorb amino acids.
The difference in gut flora means that bearded dragons are not able to digest oranges as well as we can. In fact, oranges can actually cause digestive problems for bearded dragons. The acidity of oranges can irritate their gut, and the sugar content can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in their gut.
Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
If your bearded dragon is eating oranges, you may notice that they start to have loose stools or constipation. They may also stop eating as much, and lose weight.
The most common symptom of an allergic reaction in bearded dragons is itchiness. Bearded dragons may start to scratch and rub their face and body against their enclosure. They may also start to swell up and develop rashes.
If you think your bearded dragon is having a reaction to oranges, it’s important to take them to the vet right away.
Reactions to oranges are not common in bearded dragons, but they can happen. If your bearded dragon does have a reaction to oranges, it’s important to remove them from their diet and make sure they don’t eat them again. There are plenty of other foods that are safe for bearded dragons to eat, so they’ll still be able to get the nutrients they need.
Treatment for a reaction to oranges will depend on the severity of the reaction. If your bearded dragon is having severe reactions, they may need to be hospitalized and given IV fluids. If the reaction is mild, they may just need to be monitored closely and given a bland diet until they recover.
What Can You Do if Your Bearded Dragon Eats Oranges?
It’s not likely that your bearded dragon will eat oranges on its own, but if it does, there’s no need to worry. Be patient, there are a few things you can do to get your bearded dragon to stop eating oranges.
If your bearded dragon is eating oranges, the first thing you should do is remove the orange from its cage. Bearded dragons are attracted to bright colors, so the orange may be appealing to your dragon. If you can’t remove the orange from its cage, try to cover it up so your dragon can’t see it.
Once the orange is removed from the cage, try to offer your dragon some other food items that are more appropriate. If your dragon is still hungry, offer it some vegetables or insects.
Make sure to provide your dragon with plenty of water. Drinking water will help to flush the oranges out of your dragon’s system.
If you think your dragon may be sick, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian. A sick dragon may eat things that it normally wouldn’t eat, like oranges.
How to Keep Your Bearded Dragon Away From Oranges
One way to keep your bearded dragon away from oranges is to make sure that they are not within reach. This can be done by placing the fruit in a bowl or on a plate on a high shelf, or by keeping it out of the reptile’s enclosure altogether. If you have an orange tree in your yard, it may be necessary to trim the branches so that your bearded dragon cannot get to the fruit.
Another way to keep your bearded dragon away from oranges is to provide them with plenty of other food options. Be sure to offer a variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as protein-rich foods like insects. A varied diet will keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy and may make them less interested in trying to eat oranges.
With a little bit of effort, you can easily keep your bearded dragon away from oranges. By taking some simple precautions, you can ensure that your reptile stays healthy and safe.
Some Alternative Treat Ideas That Are Safe for Your Bearded Dragon
There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that are safe for bearded dragons to eat including:
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Peas
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Zucchini
These are all safe vegetables that your bearded dragon can enjoy as a tasty treat! So, don’t worry if your bearded dragon can’t have oranges- there are plenty of other options out there for them to enjoy.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Oranges? – the Bottom Line
Oranges are not safe for bearded dragons to eat and can cause serious health problems. The citric acid and sugar content of oranges can lead to digestive problems, and the peel can cause intestinal blockages.
If your bearded dragon does eat an orange, it’s important to remove the fruit from its cage and offer them other safe foods to eat. With a little bit of effort, you can easily keep your bearded dragon away from oranges and other dangerous foods.
