Plums are a type of stone fruit that come in many varieties and colors. They are sweet, juicy, and rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. But can bearded dragons have plums as part of their diet? Are plums safe or toxic for these reptiles? How much and how often can they eat plums? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, based on the latest scientific research and expert advice.
Key Takeaways
- Plums are not toxic for bearded dragons, but they are not a recommended food either. They have a high sugar content and a low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can cause health problems for bearded dragons if fed too often or in large amounts.
- Bearded dragons can have plums as an occasional treat, but only in small pieces and moderation. A good rule of thumb is to limit plums to no more than 5% of their total diet, and to offer them no more than once a week.
- Bearded dragons should always have access to fresh water and a balanced diet of insects, greens, and other vegetables. Plums should never be a substitute for these essential foods.
Why Plums Are Not a Good Food for Bearded Dragons
Plums are not a natural food for bearded dragons in the wild. Bearded dragons are native to the arid regions of Australia, where they mainly eat insects and plants that are adapted to the dry climate. Plums, on the other hand, are native to Asia and Europe, where they grow in moist and temperate areas. Plums are not part of the bearded dragon’s evolutionary diet, and therefore may not be suitable for their nutritional needs and digestive system.
Plums have a high sugar content, which can cause several problems for bearded dragons. Sugar can lead to obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes in bearded dragons, especially if they are fed too much or too often. Sugar can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the bearded dragon’s gut, which can result in diarrhea, bloating, and infections. Sugar can also attract insects and mold, which can contaminate the bearded dragon’s enclosure and food.
Plums have a low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can affect the bearded dragon’s bone health. Calcium and phosphorus are two minerals that are essential for the bearded dragon’s skeletal system, muscle function, and nerve transmission. However, they need to be in a certain balance for optimal absorption and utilization.
The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bearded dragons is 2:1 or higher, meaning that they need twice as much calcium as phosphorus in their diet. Plums, however, have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 0.3:1, meaning that they have more than three times as much phosphorus as calcium. This can cause calcium deficiency and phosphorus excess in bearded dragons, which can lead to metabolic bone disease, a serious condition that causes weak and deformed bones, fractures, paralysis, and death.
How to Feed Plums to Bearded Dragons Safely
If you decide to feed plums to your bearded dragon, you need to follow some guidelines to ensure their safety and health. Here are some tips on how to feed plums to bearded dragons safely:
- Only feed ripe plums that are fresh and organic. Avoid plums that are unripe, overripe, rotten, moldy, bruised, or sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. These can be harmful or toxic for bearded dragons.
- Wash and peel the plums before feeding them to your bearded dragon. The skin, pit, and stem of plums are not edible and can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage for bearded dragons. Use a sharp knife to cut off the skin and remove the pit and stem. Discard these parts and do not feed them to your bearded dragon or any other animal.
- Cut the plums into small pieces that are appropriate for your bearded dragon’s size and mouth. The pieces should be no larger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes, and preferably smaller. This will prevent your bearded dragon from swallowing the plums whole or choking on them.
- Feed plums to your bearded dragon as an occasional treat, but not as a staple food. Plums should not make up more than 5% of your bearded dragon’s total diet, and should be offered no more than once a week. The rest of your bearded dragon’s diet should consist of insects, greens, and other vegetables that are suitable for their nutritional needs and preferences. Plums should never be a substitute for these essential foods.
- Feed plums to your bearded dragon in moderation, and monitor their reaction. Do not feed more than one or two pieces of plums to your bearded dragon at a time, and observe how they react to them. Some bearded dragons may enjoy plums more than others, and some may have allergic reactions or digestive issues after eating plums. If you notice any signs of distress or illness in your bearded dragon, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing, stop feeding plums immediately and consult a veterinarian.
- Always provide fresh water and a balanced diet for your bearded dragon. Plums are high in water content, but they are not a sufficient source of hydration for your bearded dragon. Your bearded dragon should always have access to fresh and clean water in a shallow dish that they can easily drink from.
- Your bearded dragon should also have a balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements and preferences. A good diet for bearded dragons should include insects, such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms, that are gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. It should also include greens, such as collard, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens, and other vegetables, such as squash, carrots, bell peppers, and green beans. These foods should be chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces and offered in a shallow dish or bowl.
Conclusion
Plums are not toxic for bearded dragons, but they are not a recommended food either. They have a high sugar content and a low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can cause health problems for bearded dragons if fed too often or in large amounts. Bearded dragons can have plums as an occasional treat, but only in small pieces and moderation. Bearded dragons should always have access to fresh water and a balanced diet of insects, greens, and other vegetables. Plums should never be a substitute for these essential foods. Bearded dragons should only eat ripe plums that are washed and peeled.
The skin, pit, and stem of plums are not edible and can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons have different preferences and tolerances for different foods. Some may enjoy plums more than others, and some may have allergic reactions or digestive issues after eating plums. Always monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and health after introducing any new food, and consult a veterinarian if you notice any signs of distress or illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can bearded dragons eat dried plums or prunes? No, bearded dragons should not eat dried plums or prunes. Dried plums or prunes have a higher concentration of sugar and a lower concentration of water than fresh plums, which can make them even more harmful for bearded dragons. Dried plums or prunes can also be harder to digest and may cause dehydration, constipation, or diarrhea in bearded dragons. Avoid feeding dried plums or prunes to your bearded dragon or any other animal.
- Can bearded dragons eat plum jam or juice? No, bearded dragons should not eat plum jam or juice. Plum jam or juice have added sugar and preservatives that can be detrimental for bearded dragons. Plum jam or juice can also be too sticky or acidic for bearded dragons, and may cause dental problems, mouth sores, or stomach upset. Avoid feeding plum jam or juice to your bearded dragon or any other animal.
- Can bearded dragons eat other types of stone fruits, such as peaches, apricots, or nectarines? Bearded dragons can eat other types of stone fruits, such as peaches, apricots, or nectarines, but only as an occasional treat and in moderation. Like plums, these fruits have a high sugar content and a low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can cause health problems for bearded dragons if fed too often or in large amounts. Bearded dragons should only eat ripe stone fruits that are washed and peeled.
