Tomatoes are healthy and delicious food which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They make a good addition to a salad. But is it okay to feed tomatoes to bearded dragons? Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?
The short answer is:
- Yes, Bearded Dragons Can Eat Tomatoes.
- No, Not Daily.
So, the answer to the question, “Can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes?” is, Yes. Like many other fruits they can eat it but in controlled quantity only. They can’t eat tomatoes as a daily diet. The recommended quantity is a small amount (a quarter of tomato) of tomatoes, once a month.
Read, “The Comprehensive Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide” and “What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? FAQ“.
Tomatoes have lycopene which gives them a bright color. This substance can help to protect cells from damage. Tomatoes also contain potassium, Vitamin B and E, and many other nutrients and minerals. They are good for the immune system, heart, eyes, lungs, blood vessels, and skin of a bearded dragon, but in controlled quantity.
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes Every Day?
Besides all the nutrient and mineral benefits of tomatoes, why can’t bearded dragons eat tomatoes every day? This question logically comes to mind. There are several reasons why bearded dragons can’t eat them every day, let’s discuss them one by one.
Dehydration and Digestive issues:
Tomatoes are very acidic. Excessive acid can cause digestive problems like diarrhea and diarrhea can cause dehydration in your bearded dragon.
Vitamin A toxicity:
Although Vitamin A is very important for bearded dragons to have healthy eyes, eyelids, mouth, skin, trachea, lungs, bones, muscles, and reproductive system. But tomatoes contain too much Vitamin A which can result in Vitamin A toxicity. If you feed your bearded dragon tomatoes or Vitamin A-rich food along with Vitamin A supplement, the result is the same, i.e. vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A toxicity can result in swelling, a decrease in energy, weight loss, and dehydration.
Poor nutrition:
Calcium is vital for a bearded dragon’s overall well-being. They count on calcium for good health, strong bones, and tissue development. A deficiency of calcium can cause Metabolic Bone Disease or MBD, which is very deadly for bearded dragons. Whereas tomatoes contain a very small amount of calcium in them. This alone is a very considerable reason to avoid tomatoes. If you feed tomatoes too many times to your bearded dragons, eventually they will suffer from calcium deficiency which will lead to many severe health issues.
Too much phosphorus:
As you already know the safe calcium-to-phosphorous ratio for bearded dragons is 1:1 or 2:1. This is because phosphorous tends to bind with calcium and stops calcium absorption in bearded dragon’s bloodstreams. On the other hand, bearded dragons count on calcium for their good bone, and tissue as well as overall health. A deficiency of calcium can cause many problems like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), weaker bones, broken tissues, etc.
Tomatoes contain both calcium and phosphorous but phosphorous dangerously outweighs calcium. Tomatoes contain 6 times more phosphorous than calcium. A small amount of tomatoes in a salad is good, but if you feed tomatoes more often, your bearded dragon will face calcium deficiency which will lead to MBD.
Acid content:
As you already know citrus fruits are not good for your bearded dragon’s health. This is because they can affect your bearded dragon’s digestive system due to the presence of citric acid.
Tomatoes are not counted as citrus fruit but still, they contain citric acid which will have the same effect as all other citrus fruits. Your bearded dragon will face digestive problems when fed too many tomatoes.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Have Tomatoes?
A small quantity of tomatoes, once a month is good for your bearded dragons. The occasional piece of tomato offers the following benefits:
- Tomatoes are low in sugar, which promotes heart health.
- Tomatoes contain Vitamin A, which will strengthen your bearded dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.
- Tomatoes contain fewer oxalates. Like phosphorous, oxalates also absorb calcium and can cause MBD.
- Tomatoes contain lycopene, which helps prevent cancer, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy skin and heart.
How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?
Bearded dragons can eat only a quarter of a tomato every month. You can add this little amount of tomatoes to make bearded dragon salad a treat.
You can serve it by following:
- Thoroughly wash and peel the tomato to remove bacteria and conservative chemicals.
- Remove the seeds as they are difficult to digest and can cause digestive issues.
- Cut the quarter tomato into little pieces.
- Place it into the food bowl in your bearded dragon’s tank.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Cooked or Raw Tomatoes?
You can feed your bearded dragon raw as well as cooked tomatoes.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomato Leaves and Stems?
Tomatoes stems, leaves, flowers, and vines contain alkaloids, which are extremely poisonous. So, you can’t give any of these to your bearded dragon.
What Is An Alternative To Tomatoes To Feed Your Bearded Dragon?
If you’re looking for an alternative to tomatoes, the following are good options:
- Acorn squash
- Apples
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Mango
- Sweet potato
- Yellow squash
For better health, your bearded dragon needs a well-balanced diet and a comfortable environment. Tomatoes can be part of your bearded dragon’s diet but in limited quantity. You can feed it to your dragon once a month only.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.