Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes? Is It Safe?
If you have a bearded dragon as a pet, you may wonder what kind of fruits and vegetables you can feed it. Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that can eat a variety of foods, including insects, greens, and fruits. However, not all foods are equally suitable for bearded dragons, and some may even be harmful or toxic.
Tomatoes are one of the fruits that many bearded dragon owners wonder about. Can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes safely? Are tomatoes good for bearded dragons? How often and how much tomato can a bearded dragon eat? In this short article, we will answer these questions and more, based on the latest research and expert advice.
An Overview: Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
The short answer is yes, bearded dragons can eat tomatoes, but only in moderation and with caution. Tomatoes are not a staple food for bearded dragons, but they can be offered as an occasional treat or as part of a varied diet. Tomatoes are a good source of water, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.
However, they also contain some drawbacks, such as high acidity, high sugar content, low calcium content, and potential toxins. Therefore, tomatoes should not make up more than 10% of a bearded dragon’s diet, and they should be fed in small amounts and with proper preparation.
We also discussed about Can Iguanas Eat Tomatoes? in our last post and we will try to answer the question of Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes in this article.
Understanding the Bearded Dragon Diet | Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
Before we dive into the specifics of tomatoes, let’s first review the general principles of a healthy bearded dragon diet and then come later to the question of can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes.
| Aspect | Juvenile Bearded Dragons | Adult Bearded Dragons |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Under 18 months old | Over 18 months old |
| Dietary Needs | More protein and fat (80% insects, | Less protein and fat (80% fruits, |
| 20% fruits and vegetables) | 20% vegetables) | |
| Water Access | Fresh water at all times, either | Fresh water at all times, either |
| in a shallow dish or by misting | in a shallow dish or by misting | |
| Supplements for Calcium and Vitamin | Calcium every other day, vitamin | Calcium every other day, vitamin |
| D3 | D3 once a week | D3 once a week |
| Alternative Supplement | Multivitamin supplement that | Multivitamin supplement that |
| contains both calcium and vitamin | contains both calcium and vitamin |
Nutritional Value of Tomatoes: Are They Good for Bearded Dragons?
Minerals and Vitamins in Tomatoes | Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes contain several nutrients that can benefit bearded dragons if fed in small amounts. So the question remains as can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes? Here are some of the main nutrients found in tomatoes and their effects on can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes:
- Water: Tomatoes have a high water content (about 95%), which can help keep bearded dragons hydrated and prevent dehydration. However, too much water can also cause diarrhea or bloating, so tomatoes should not be fed too often or too much.
- Vitamin C: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C (about 14 mg per 100 g), which is an essential nutrient for bearded dragons. Vitamin C helps boost their immune system, prevent scurvy, heal wounds, and synthesize collagen. However, excess vitamin C can also cause kidney stones or oxalate crystals in the urine, so tomatoes should not be fed too often or too much.
- Vitamin A: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin A (about 833 IU per 100 g), which is an essential nutrient for bearded dragons. Vitamin A helps maintain their vision, skin health, reproduction, and growth. However, excess vitamin A can also cause hypervitaminosis A or vitamin A toxicity, which can damage their liver or cause bone deformities. Therefore, tomatoes should not be fed too often or too much.
- Potassium: Tomatoes are a good source of potassium (about 237 mg per 100 g), which is an essential mineral for bearded dragons. Potassium helps regulate their fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and heart rate. However, excess potassium can also cause hyperkalemia or high blood potassium levels, which can affect their heart function or cause muscle weakness. Therefore, tomatoes should not be fed too often or too much.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants, such as lycopene (about 2573 mcg per 100 g), which is a pigment that gives tomatoes their red color. Antioxidants help protect bearded dragons from oxidative stress or free radical damage that can cause aging or disease. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that antioxidants have any significant benefits for bearded dragons beyond what they get from their natural diet.
Do Tomatoes Provide the Necessary Nutrients for Bearded Dragons?
Tomatoes do not provide all the necessary nutrients for bearded dragons. They are low in protein (about 0.9 g per 100 g), fat (about 0.2 g per 100 g), fiber (about 1.2 g per 100 g), and calcium (about 10 mg per 100 g). These are some of the most important nutrients for bearded dragons, especially for their growth, development, digestion, and bone health. Therefore, tomatoes should not be fed as a main source of food for bearded dragons, but only as a supplement or a treat. We are gettin closer in answering the question of can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?
Bearded dragons can eat tomatoes once or twice a month as a treat or as part of a varied diet. Tomatoes should not be fed more than that, as they can cause health problems or nutritional imbalances if fed too often or too much.
Tomatoes should also not be fed to bearded dragons that have any existing health issues, such as kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic bone disease, or oxalate stones. So did you get the answer of can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes?
Quantity of Tomatoes in their Diet | Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
| Bearded Dragon Category | Weight (Approx.) | Daily Food Intake (Approx.) | Maximum Tomato Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 500 g | 50 g | Up to 5 g |
| (1 cherry tomato or | |||
| 1/4 of a regular tomato) | |||
| Juvenile | 100 g | 20 g | Up to 2 g |
| (1/2 cherry tomato or | |||
| a small piece of a | |||
| regular tomato) |
Frequency of Feeding Tomatoes
As a general rule, tomatoes should not be fed more than once or twice a month to bearded dragons. This will help prevent any health problems or nutritional imbalances that may result from feeding tomatoes too often or too much.
Risks and Precautions: Are Tomatoes Safe for Bearded Dragons?
Tomatoes are not completely safe for bearded dragons, as they have some potential risks and drawbacks that need to be considered and avoided. Here are some of the main risks and precautions associated with feeding tomatoes to bearded dragons:
Potential Health Risks of Tomatoes | Can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes?
- Acidity: Tomatoes are acidic fruits (with a pH of about 4.3), which can irritate the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines of bearded dragons. This can cause inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, or infections in the digestive tract. Acidity can also affect the pH balance of the urine, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections or bladder stones.
- Sugar: Tomatoes are high in sugar (about 2.6 g per 100 g), which can raise the blood glucose levels of bearded dragons. This can cause obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome in the long term. Sugar can also feed the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi in the gut, which can cause dysbiosis or gut flora imbalance.
- Oxalates: Tomatoes are high in oxalates (about 5 mg per 100 g), which are compounds that bind to calcium and other minerals in the digestive tract and prevent their absorption. This can cause calcium deficiency or hypocalcemia, which can lead to metabolic bone disease or osteoporosis in bearded dragons. Oxalates can also form crystals or stones in the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract, which can cause pain, inflammation, infection, or obstruction.
- Solanine: Tomatoes contain solanine (about 7 mg per 100 g), which is a toxic alkaloid that is found in higher concentrations in the green parts of the tomato plant (such as the leaves, stems, flowers, and unripe fruits). Solanine can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological problems, liver damage, or heart failure in bearded dragons if ingested in large amounts.
Precautions While Feeding Tomatoes | Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
- Wash: Always wash tomatoes thoroughly before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will help remove any dirt, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or other contaminants that may harm your beardie.
- Peel: Always peel tomatoes before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will help reduce the acidity and oxalate content of tomatoes and make them easier to digest.
- Cut: Always cut tomatoes into small pieces before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will help prevent choking hazards and make them easier to eat.
- Remove: Always remove any seeds or green parts from tomatoes before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will help avoid any solanine poisoning or oxalate accumulation.
- Mix: Always mix tomatoes with other fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will help provide a balanced and varied diet for your beardie and prevent any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.
Feeding Different Types of Tomatoes to Bearded Dragons
There are many types of tomatoes available in the market, such as cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, etc. However, not all types of tomatoes are equally suitable for bearded dragons. So the next question arises is that can a bearded dragon eat tomatoes of specific variety? Here are some of the main differences and considerations when feeding different types of tomatoes to bearded dragons:
- Regular tomatoes: Regular tomatoes are the most common type of tomatoes that are used for cooking or eating raw. They have a medium water content (about 94%), a medium sugar content (about 2.6 g per 100 g), and a medium oxalate content (about 5 mg per 100 g). Regular tomatoes are safe for bearded dragons to eat in moderation, but they should not be fed too often or too much, as they can cause acidity or oxalate problems. Regular tomatoes should be peeled, cut into small pieces, and mixed with other fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your bearded dragon. A quarter of a regular tomato per month is enough for an adult bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherry Tomatoes?
- Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small, round, and sweet tomatoes that are often eaten whole or in salads. They have a high water content (about 94%), a high sugar content (about 3.9 g per 100 g), and a low oxalate content (about 3 mg per 100 g). Cherry tomatoes are safe for bearded dragons to eat in moderation, but they should not be fed too often or too much, as they can cause diarrhea or obesity. Cherry tomatoes should be peeled, cut into small pieces, and mixed with other fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your bearded dragon. One or two cherry tomatoes per month are enough for an adult bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grape Tomatoes?
- Grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar to cherry tomatoes, but they are smaller, oval-shaped, and less sweet. They have a high water content (about 94%), a high sugar content (about 3.8 g per 100 g), and a low oxalate content (about 3 mg per 100 g). Grape tomatoes are safe for bearded dragons to eat in moderation, but they should not be fed too often or too much, as they can cause diarrhea or obesity. Grape tomatoes should be peeled, cut into small pieces, and mixed with other fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Two or three grape tomatoes per month are enough for an adult bearded dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Tomatoes?
- Green tomatoes: Green tomatoes are unripe regular tomatoes that are sometimes used for frying or pickling. They have a low water content (about 93%), a low sugar content (about 1.9 g per 100 g), and a high oxalate content (about 8 mg per 100 g). Green tomatoes also contain solanine (about 11 mg per 100 g), which is a toxic alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal distress or neurological problems in bearded dragons. Green tomatoes are not safe for bearded dragons to eat and should be avoided at all costs.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomato Seeds or Leaves?
- Tomato seeds and leaves are not safe for bearded dragons to eat and should be removed before feeding them any part of the tomato fruit. Tomato seeds contain solanine (about 15 mg per 100 g), which is a toxic alkaloid that can cause gastrointestinal distress or neurological problems in bearded dragons. Tomato seeds also contain oxalates (about 10 mg per 100 g), which can bind to calcium and other minerals and prevent their absorption. Tomato leaves contain even more solanine (about 136 mg per 100 g) and oxalates (about 25 mg per 100 g) than tomato seeds, and they can also irritate the mouth or throat of bearded dragons. Tomato leaves also contain nitrates (about 2000 mg per kg), which can convert to nitrites in the body and cause methemoglobinemia or blood poisoning in bearded dragons.
Guide to Preparing Tomatoes for Your Bearded Dragon | Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes?
If you decide to feed tomatoes to your bearded dragon as an occasional treat or as part of a varied diet, you need to follow some guidelines to prepare them properly and safely. Here are some steps to follow when preparing tomatoes for your bearded dragon:
- Choose ripe red tomatoes that are fresh and organic. Avoid green, yellow, or bruised tomatoes that may contain more solanine or other toxins.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or other contaminants that may harm your beardie.
- Peel the tomatoes with a knife or a peeler to remove the skin that may contain more acidity or oxalates.
- Cut the tomatoes into small pieces with a knife or a scissors to remove any seeds or green parts that may contain more solanine or oxalates.
- Mix the tomatoes with other fruits and vegetables that are safe and suitable for bearded dragons, such as leafy greens, squash, carrots, apples, bananas, etc. This will help provide a balanced and varied diet for your beardie and prevent any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.
- Sprinkle some calcium or multivitamin supplement on the tomato mixture to enhance its nutritional value and prevent metabolic bone disease or other health problems in your beardie.
- Offer the tomato mixture to your bearded dragon in a shallow dish or bowl that is easy to access and clean. Do not leave the tomato mixture in the enclosure for more than an hour, as it may spoil or attract insects or bacteria.
- Observe your bearded dragon’s reaction and behavior after feeding them tomatoes and adjust accordingly. If your bearded dragon shows any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, stop feeding them tomatoes and consult a veterinarian.
Feeding Tomatoes to Baby Bearded Dragons
Is it Safe for Baby Bearded Dragons to Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are not safe for baby bearded dragons to eat and should be avoided until they are at least 18 months old. Baby bearded dragons have different dietary needs than adult bearded dragons, and they require more protein and fat in their diet. Therefore, they should eat mostly insects (80% of their diet) and some fruits and vegetables (20% of their diet). Tomatoes are low in protein and fat, but high in water, sugar, acidity, and oxalates.
These can cause health problems or nutritional imbalances in baby bearded dragons, such as dehydration, diarrhea, obesity, acidity, oxalate stones, calcium deficiency, or metabolic bone disease. Therefore, tomatoes should not be fed to baby bearded dragons at all.
How to Feed Tomatoes to Baby Bearded Dragons?
If you have a baby bearded dragon that is older than 18 months old and you want to introduce tomatoes to their diet, you need to follow some guidelines to feed them properly and safely. Here are some steps to follow when feeding tomatoes to baby bearded dragons:
- Choose ripe red cherry or grape tomatoes that are fresh and organic. Avoid regular or green tomatoes that may contain more solanine or other toxins.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or other contaminants that may harm your beardie.
- Peel the tomatoes with a knife or a peeler to remove the skin that may contain more acidity or oxalates.
- Cut the tomatoes into very small pieces with a knife or a scissors to remove any seeds or green parts that may contain more solanine or oxalates. The pieces should be no larger than the size of your beardie’s eye.
- Mix the tomatoes with other fruits and vegetables that are safe and suitable for baby bearded dragons, such as leafy greens, squash, carrots, apples, bananas, etc. This will help provide a balanced and varied diet for your beardie and prevent any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.
- Sprinkle some calcium or multivitamin supplement on the tomato mixture to enhance its nutritional value and prevent metabolic bone disease or other health problems in your beardie.
- Offer the tomato mixture to your baby bearded dragon in a shallow dish or bowl that is easy to access and clean. Do not leave the tomato mixture in the enclosure for more than an hour, as it may spoil or attract insects or bacteria.
- Observe your baby bearded dragon’s reaction and behavior after feeding them tomatoes and adjust accordingly. If your baby bearded dragon shows any signs of discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, stop feeding them tomatoes and consult a veterinarian.
Concluding Thoughts – Key Takeaways: Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Tomatoes
- Tomatoes are not an ideal food: Tomatoes have limited nutritional value for bearded dragons and come with potential health risks due to their low protein, fat, fiber, and calcium content, as well as high water, sugar, acidity, and oxalates.
- Use tomatoes sparingly: Tomatoes should not be a primary food source for bearded dragons. They are best offered as an occasional treat or as part of a varied diet to minimize potential health problems.
- Guidelines for safe feeding: When feeding tomatoes, choose ripe, fresh, and organic ones. Thoroughly wash, peel, and prepare them by removing seeds and green parts. Mix them with other suitable fruits and vegetables, add a calcium or multivitamin supplement, and serve in a shallow dish or bowl.
- Limit frequency: Tomatoes should not be fed to bearded dragons more than once or twice a month. Baby bearded dragons should not consume tomatoes until they are at least 18 months old.
- Consider health conditions: Do not feed tomatoes to bearded dragons with pre-existing health issues such as kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic bone disease, or oxalate stones.
- Monitor and adjust: Observe your bearded dragon’s reaction and behavior after consuming tomatoes and make necessary adjustments to their diet based on their response.