Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocado? Toxicity, Nutrition and Health Concerns

Bearded dragons are omnivores and can safely consume most types of fruit, but avocado is one of the few foods known to be toxic to reptiles.

Under no circumstance you should feed avocado to your pet bearded dragon, as this can have serious negative consequences for their health.

Avocados are toxic to bearded dragons. The toxin persin, which is found in avocados, can cause serious health problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and even death in reptiles.

Even a small amount of avocado can be harmful to a bearded dragon.sfk

In addition to persin, avocados also contain oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is a substance that can bind to minerals and vitamins, forming oxalates.

Oxalates are difficult for reptiles to expel from their bodies, and they can build up in the kidneys and other organs. This can lead to the formation of kidney stones, as well as other health problems.

The high fat content of avocados can also lead to obesity in bearded dragons. Obesity can increase the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

For these reasons, it is important to never feed avocados to bearded dragons.

Nutrient	Amount	Classification
Calories	160	High
Fat	22.7 grams	Very high
Carbohydrates	9 grams	Normal
Fiber	7 grams	High
Calcium	5 milligrams	Low
Phosphorus	52 milligrams	Normal
Folate	108.8 micrograms	Very high

---

Things to Consider

• Persin is a toxin found in avocados that can be harmful to bearded dragons. Even a small amount of avocado can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and even death.
• Oxalic acid is another substance found in avocados that can bind to minerals and vitamins, forming oxalates. Oxalates are difficult for reptiles to expel from their bodies and can build up in the kidneys and other organs, leading to kidney stones and other health problems.
• The high fat content of avocados can lead to obesity in bearded dragons. Obesity can increase the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
• There are many other safe and healthy foods that you can feed your bearded dragon, such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

---

Bearded Dragons and Avocados FAQs

Are avocados good for bearded dragons?

No, avocados are not good for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons require essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which avocados lack.

Avocados have minimal calcium, with only 27 milligrams per cup, and their high phosphorus content interferes with calcium absorption.

Moreover, avocados do not provide the necessary vitamin D. Feeding avocados to your pet bearded dragon offers no nutritional benefit.

---

Why are avocados toxic to bearded dragons?

Avocado plants contain a toxic chemical called persin, harmful to many animals, including cats, dogs, and bearded dragons.

Persin is a fungus-derived toxin that can lead to severe reactions and even death in various animals. Since all parts of the avocado plant contain persin, it’s crucial to avoid feeding avocados to bearded dragons.

If your bearded dragon accidentally ingests some, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly.

---

What is the calcium and phosphorus ratio in avocados, and why is it harmful to bearded dragons?

The calcium and phosphorus ratio in avocados is excessively high for bearded dragons. Experts typically recommend maintaining a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of two to one because excess phosphorus can hinder calcium absorption.

If bearded dragons don’t receive enough calcium, they may develop metabolic bone disease (MBD).

MBD can render the bones of your reptile soft and brittle, and some pets can even lose mobility.

Avocado contains approximately 27 milligrams of calcium per cup but a whopping 119 milligrams of phosphorus, presenting a significantly imbalanced ratio that can lead to health issues over time.

---

What can I feed my bearded dragon instead of avocados?

The majority of an adult beardie’s diet should consist of green leaves such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and turnip greens, which are rich in calcium and essential nutrients.

Some vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, peas can also be provided in smaller amounts.

Provide fruit, in small amounts, like low-sugar options such as berries and melons.

Because bearded dragons are omnivores, they also feed on insects like crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches to provide protein. Adults do not need as many as juveniles.

---