What fruit can bearded dragons eat?

If you’re wondering “What fruit can bearded dragons eat?,” there are many fruits bearded dragons can eat. However, in general, they should not eat fruit regularly. 

In this article, we’ll outline why bearded dragons can’t survive off fruit, and the best fruits for them. 

What fruit can bearded dragons eat?

Why can’t I feed my bearded dragon fruit daily? 

In general, fruit has a high phosphorus to calcium ratio. In bearded dragons, it’s important to 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. We’ve outlined ways to increase your beardie’s calcium intake below as well. 

Another reason beardies shouldn’t eat fruit in general daily is that the sugar content is usually quite high in fruit, and this can lead to obesity and even diabetes in bearded dragons. This is especially true since most bearded dragons that are raised as pets don’t get as much exercise as they would in the wild. Their sedentary lifestyle doesn’t allow for daily fruit intake since they’re more prone to obesity from not moving as much as they usually would.  

Fruits that bearded dragons can eat weekly: 

Fruits that are better for bearded dragons to eat regularly include: 

• Peaches 
• Apples 
• Blueberries 
• Strawberries 
• Grapes 

Fruit to give your bearded dragon twice monthly or less: 

• Watermelon 
• Apricots 
• Honeydew
• Dates 
• Figs (not dried figs, they have too much sugar) 
• Guava (make sure to feel the skin off) 
• Cherries
• Papaya 
• Pomegranate seeds
• Plums
• Pears 
• Nectarines
• Tomatoes (many people don’t realize that tomatoes are actually fruits) 

Fruits to feed your beardie monthly or less: 

• Kiwis 
• Bananas
• Raspberries 
• Coconut 
• Dragon fruit 

Fruits to never feed your bearded dragon:  

• Citrus – lemon, limes, kumquats 
• Avocados (many people don’t realize that avocados are technically classified as fruits)  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What fruit can bearded dragons eat?

What foods do bearded dragons love most? 

Bearded dragon’s favorite food would have to be live bugs, which is typically crickets or roaches. 

What fruits do bearded dragons love 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 bearded dragons eat grapes?

Grapes are high in fiber and calcium, and make a wonderful snack for bearded dragons. So yes, bearded dragons can eat grapes, but only on occasion. They are also high in sugar and oxalates, which beardies should not eat daily. 

Can bearded dragons eat celery?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat celery and celery leaves, as long as it’s chopped up so they don’t choke. Celery has a decent amount of calcium and fiber, which are vital for bearded dragon’s bone health and digestion. 

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

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 

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

Related articles: 

• What herbs can bearded dragons eat?
• What flowers can bearded dragons eat?
• Can bearded dragons eat berries?