Can bearded dragons eat avocados?

If you’re wondering “Can bearded dragons eat bean avocados?” the answer is a resounding no. Bearded dragons can not and should not eat avocados, as they are extremely toxic for them. If they eat a small quantity, don’t panic, but do not continue feeding them avocados if you catch them eating it. 

In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of avocados for bearded dragons, what to do if you accidentally feed them avocado, and how to feed them properly. see our full guide to What fruit can bearded dragons eat? and What greens can bearded dragons eat?

Can bearded dragons eat avocados?

Avocado Nutritional Value for Bearded Dragons: 

Avocados provide a wonderful source of nutrients for humans including healthy fat, fiber, vitamins C, and K, folate, magnesium, and potassium. Source: Harvard Health 

However, avocados have a very high amount of phosphorus in relation to calcium.  In bearded dragons, it’s important to always be aware of the phosphorus and calcium content in food you feed them. Why? Bearded dragons need a good amount of calcium to grow and to maintain bone and muscle health in adulthood. However, phosphorus inhibits the absorption of calcium if there’s too much of it, relative to the calcium amount. 

You should aim for a 2:1 ratio of 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. Avocados do not hit this ratio. We’ve outlined ways to increase your beardie’s calcium intake below for your reference as well. 

In addition, the high fat content in avocados is not ideal for bearded dragons. While it’s healthy for humans to eat avocados in moderation, beardies are prone to obesity and should not eat such high fat content foods, even as a snack. 

How often can bearded dragons eat avocado? 

Ideally, you should never give avocados to your bearded dragon. There is just too much phosphorus and fat, and avocados could make them immediately sick.

What to do if your bearded dragon ingests avocados accidentally?

Don’t panic. They’ll likely be just fine. However, if they consume a large quantity of mushrooms, monitor them closely for symptoms of a strong reaction. This could include: 

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abnormal behaviors 

Give them water to flush out the mushrooms as well as a warm bath to calm them and encourage a bowel movement. It’s probably best to call your vet as well to get an expert opinion on your particular bearded dragon’s reaction to eating avocado.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Can bearded dragons eat avocados?

Can bearded dragons drink water every day?

Yes! In fact, bearded dragons should drink water every day. Make sure to give them a clean water bowl in their terrarium every day. 

Can Beardies eat scrambled eggs? 

Yes, beardies can safely eat scrambled eggs. Remember not to mix in any additional ingredients that they can’t eat, and not to feed them more than roughly half an egg at a time. 

What fruit is toxic to bearded dragons? 

High acid fruit like citrus should never be fed to your bearded dragons. This includes lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and kumquats. As well, avoid feeding them avocados! 

What fruit do bearded dragons like most? 

Bearded dragons are drawn to fruits like melons, watermelons, peaches, strawberries, grapes, and apples (including applesauce). It’s hard to say what their favorite fruit is as each bearded dragon has their own individual tastes. Try out different fruits to see which one your dragon responds most enthusiastically towards. 

Can I feed my bearded dragon vegetables everyday?

Yes! Bearded dragon adults should actually get about 80% of their calories from vegetables, while growing dragons should get about 20-30% of their food from vegetables. The remaining portion should be insects. 

Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?

Bearded dragons can eat tomatoes in small quantities. However, they contain too much phosphorus and sugar to be eaten more than twice a month, at most. 

Can bearded dragons eat onions? 

No, bearded dragons can not eat onions because they are potentially toxic to their sensitive digestive systems. Onions have far too much acid to be given to bearded dragons safely.

Foods bearded dragons can eat: 

If you’re wondering what you should feed a bearded dragon, read our guidelines below. Bearded dragons are insectivores, which just means they thrive on insects as well as plant materials.  

If you have a juvenile bearded dragon (between six and eighteen months old), give them about 80% vegetables and 20% live insects. 

As your bearded dragon transitions into adulthood, give them the inverse, so 20% plant materials and 80% insects. 

Getting your bearded dragon calcium: 

Calcium is especially vital to a bearded dragon, especially a young one that is still growing. There are several ways to introduce more calcium into your beardie’s diet: 

• Add in more high calcium vegetables like dandelions, bok choy, and collard greens. 
• Dust calcium powder over their insects and vegetables to increase calcium levels. 
• Make sure they’re getting their 12 hours of UVB exposure as they need this light to be able to properly absorb nutrients. 

Vegetables to feed your bearded dragon: 

• Peas
• Dandelion
• Green beans
• Cabbage
• Zucchini
• Pumpkin
• See our full list of vegetables to feed your bearded dragon

Note: Bearded dragons can also eat fruit in moderation. See here for a complete list of fruits bearded dragons can eat. 

Insects to feed your bearded dragon: 

• Crickets 
• Kingworms 
• Waxworms 
• See our full guides to insects you can feed your bearded dragon and worms to feed your bearded dragon 

Quick note: Live insects raised by you or bought from the pet store are best because they’re definitely pesticide free. 

How often should you feed a bearded dragon?

During the first 3-6 months of your beardie’s life, try to feed them four to five times a day by giving them as many insects as they’d like in 10 minutes. They’re growing and need lots of protein during this stage. 

Reduce the number of feedings to about two to three times a day when they’re growing into their juvenile years (between six and eighteen months). 

As they become an adult, you can feed them once daily. 

What should a bearded dragon not eat? 

Avoid feeding your bearded dragon: 

• Onions 
• Leeks 
• Chives 
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Acidic fruit like oranges, lemons
• Rhubarb (can be toxic to them) 
• Avocados (surprisingly, these make them ill) 
• Eggplant
• Insects caught in the wild (there may be pesticides covering them) 
• Venomous insects 
• Dairy of any kind
• Rice and grains of any kind
• Frogs or toads
• Ham or other processed meats 

Recap: Can bearded dragons have avocados? 

• No, bearded dragons should not eat avocado at all. 
• It is highly toxic to them and bad for their health to eat avocados. 
• If they accidentally eat it, monitor them for signs of a reaction, give them lots of water, and call your vet if you notice anything off. 

For our full list of food to feed a bearded dragon, see our guide here.

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• Can bearded dragons eat acorn squash?
• Can bearded dragons eat olives?