Can Bearded Dragons Eat Melons?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat melon. In fact, they are quite fond of it.

The most common melons that bearded dragons eat are cantaloupe and honeydew.

They can also eat other types of melons, such as watermelon, pepino / horned melon, and bittermelon.

That said, they shouldn’t eat a ton of melon because their sugar content is high, which is not good for them.

Melons are a good source of nutrients for bearded dragons, providing them with fiber, water, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

A 100 gram of cantaloupe contains these nutrients: 59% water, 10% protein, 28% carbohydrates and only 1.5% fat.

Cantaloupe also includes a small amount of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C (3%), vitamin B6 (4%), potassium (2%) and magnesium (1%).

However, bearded dragons should eat honeydew melon only on an occasional basis and in small amounts.

This is because this fruit has high water content and disproportionate calcium to phosphorus ratio.

As a rule of thumb, staples for bearded dragons should have balanced calcium and phosphorus content, and everything with more phosphorus than calcium should be fed less often.

Remember, it’s important to cut any fruits, vegetables, and greens so the food is smaller than the distance between the beardies eyes (length, width, and height).

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Things to Consider

While melons are a good source of nutrients for bearded dragons, there are a few things to consider before feeding them to your pet.

Firstly, melons are high in sugar, which can be harmful to bearded dragons if they eat too much.

The recommended amount of sugar for bearded dragons is 5% of their daily diet. A few slices of melon once or twice a week will not exceed this amount.

Secondly, the high water content in melons, especially in honeydew melon, can lead to diarrhea if fed in large amounts. Because of this, it’s important to feed melons in moderation.

Lastly, the calcium to phosphorus ratio in melons is not ideal for bearded dragons.

Foods for bearded dragons should ideally have a 1:1 or 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio.

Melons have a lower calcium to phosphorus ratio, which means they should not be the main part of your bearded dragon’s diet.

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Better Alternatives

If you are looking for a safe and healthier fruit that has less sugar content than melons to feed your bearded dragon, you have a few options.

1. Apples: Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin C for bearded dragons.
2. Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all safe for bearded dragons. They are high in antioxidants and vitamins.
3. Peaches: Peaches are another good fruit option. They are high in vitamin A and fiber.

Remember, fruits should make up a smaller portion of your bearded dragon’s diet compared to vegetables and insects.

Always thoroughly wash and peel fruits to remove any pesticides, and cut them into small, manageable pieces.

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Bearded Dragons and Melons FAQs

Are melons good for bearded dragons?

Yes, melons are generally a good fruit choice for bearded dragons.

Melons can be a good source of fiber, water, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

However, they are also somewhat high in sugar, so they should only be fed in moderation.

Ideally, only feed your bearded dragon a few slices of melon once or twice a week, and rotate with other types of fruits and vegetables.

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe?

Bearded dragons can indeed consume cantaloupe. This fruit is beneficial as it provides a good source of fiber, water, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

Cantaloupe, with its high sugar content, should be fed to bearded dragons in moderation.

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Honeydew?

Honeydew is another fruit that bearded dragons are rather fond of.

It should be given only occasionally and in small amounts due to its high water content and disproportionate calcium to phosphorus ratio.

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

Bearded dragons can consume watermelon safely in moderation.

Like other melons, it’s high in water content and provides essential nutrients.

It is also somewhat high in sugar and should be fed to bearded dragons in moderation, as a treat.

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Bearded dragons should not consume watermelon seeds.

The seeds can pose a choking hazard and are difficult for bearded dragons to digest.

Eating a small amount of seeds is generally not going to constitute a problem, but to be safe, it is better to de-seed watermelon before serving it to your pet.

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon Rind?

Watermelon rind is not suitable for bearded dragons.

The rind can be tough for bearded dragons to chew and if swallowed, it can potentially cause a blockage in their gastrointestinal tract.

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