Can Bearded Dragons Eat Coconut? (Benefits/Risks)

can-bearded-dragons-eat-coconut

 

Bearded dragons are omnivores and will eat whatever is available to them. In the wild, they may occasionally encounter a rodent or other small animal, but this is usually rare. The primary source of food for these lizards is insects and leafy green vegetation. However, if you live in an area with a high prevalence of coconut trees or have a pet bearded dragon who craves the taste of coconut then it won’t hurt to give them some occasional coconut as a treat!

Coconut can be purchased as young coconuts from stores or even from farmers at local farm markets. This can be cracked open easily by hand. Feeding some young coconuts to your bearded dragon shouldn’t pose any problems.

Beware that the husk of a young coconut contains many harmful substances. These substances will not harm your bearded dragon but if your reptile ingests too much it could cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, crack open only one young coconut per day and remove the meat before feeding it to your lizard.

 

Is Coconut Safe For Bearded Dragons?

Your bearded dragon may occasionally miss his food and ingest the substrate on the bottom of his cage. Both sand and coconut fiber are not digestible by him and can cause an intestinal impaction, which is life threatening [1].

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Coconut Milk?

No. Milk and other dairy products sit high on the list of foods that beardies should not consume. You should not give milk to your bearded dragon under any circumstances as its digestive system is not able to process milk. Consuming milk and other dairy products may lead to serious health issues in your pet.[2]

 

Can Bearded Dragons Have Coconut Fiber?

Coconut fiber is a good substrate for adult bearded dragons. It is highly absorbent, easy to clean, and helps create a natural-looking environment. Coconut fiber also maintains humidity easily and supports digging and burrowing. [3]

 

Can Bearded Dragons Have Coconut Water?

It’s a common misconception that bearded dragons can’t have coconut water. But in reality, it’s perfectly fine for bearded dragons to enjoy coconut water. It’s just important to make sure your dragon has access to fresh water at all times. If you don’t have a cage with an uncovered water dish, you should plan on keeping the tank covered while your dragon is out of its enclosure.

A few things to keep in mind when feeding your bearded dragon coconut water: -Be sure your bearded dragon doesn’t have any health issues that could be aggravated by too much sugar – even small amounts can lead to problems like dehydration and some forms of diabetes. -Coconut water should only be given once a day – if you give it more than once a day, it will cause your bearded dragon to become dehydrated and could lead to other health problems.

 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a common dietary supplement for many reptiles, including bearded dragons. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which is beneficial for the health of both reptiles and their owners. However, be sure to keep coconut oil out of the reach of your bearded dragon if you’re worried about it being poisonous.

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There are several anecdotal reports online of bearded dragons eating coconut oil, but this doesn’t mean that it’s safe for them to eat. Bearded dragons have very sensitive digestive systems, so anything that causes an upset stomach could result in death. In addition, don’t use coconut oil as a food source for your bearded dragon. It can lead to nutritional deficiencies and even weight loss.

Coconut oil is thought to have anti-fungal properties and may benefit bearded dragons with yeast infections. But there isn’t enough research to prove whether this is true or not.

 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Coconut Husk?

What’s good for humans is good for dragons too! Coconut husks are a part of the coconut fruit and are often used by farmers and gardeners as animal bedding. However, they can also be fed to bearded dragons if you’re looking for a suitable alternative to shredded paper bedding. They are low in calories and high in fiber, so they offer an excellent source of roughage for your dragon. They also contain various minerals, including copper, zinc, calcium, and iron. Coconut husks should not be fed to bearded dragons who have digestive problems or that have recently undergone any surgery.

 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fresh Coconut?

Fresh coconut is an excellent source of nutrition for bearded dragons. The young coconut contains a lot of fiber and water, which are both important for growing bearded dragons. Coconut also contains a number of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

In addition to providing a nutritious diet for your bearded dragon, fresh coconut is a great source of entertainment for them. Bearded dragons love to dig in the dirt or snack on fresh coconut. If you have a large enough enclosure, they might even be willing to share with each other. Fresh coconut can also be used as a substrate to lay eggs in.

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It’s important to note that fresh coconut is not appropriate for all bearded dragons. Some species may be allergic to it and some might not tolerate it well due to their metabolism or digestive system. If your beardie has any issues with eating fresh coconut, do not force them to eat it. Instead, try mixing it with other foods or offering them small amounts every few days.

 

Resources

 

[1] https://animals.mom.com/coconut-fiber-sand-bearded-dragons-6783.html

[2] https://reptilesupply.com/blogs/bearded-dragons/can-beardies-drink-milk

[3] https://reptileslife.com/best-substrate-for-bearded-dragons/