“Bearded dragons can eat fruit!” is, for whatever reason, a greatly discussed and misunderstood topic. If you’re also wondering, “Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fruit?”, then read this guide thoroughly as we’re going to clear up this debate. When asked locally, some people are convinced bearded dragons need fruit and often suggest subpar options, while others insist that any kind of fruit will rot their teeth right off. Both are wrong. Here’s what you need to know.

This guide is intended to provide information on the possible effects of feeding fruits to bearded dragons. It is not a substitute for professional guidance or veterinary advice. Generally, the amount of fruit in their diet should be limited to an occasional/rare treat.

We often advise sticking with veggies only, as fruit may harm your pet.

When asked locally, you got some people convinced they need fruit and are often suggesting subpar options, while others insist that fruit of any kind ever will rot their teeth right off. Below, you’ll learn 3 reasons why shouldn’t eat fruits. Please consult a qualified veterinarian for specific concerns or questions regarding your pet’s diet and health.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fruits?

I strongly prohibit offering fruit to beardies, as those are high in sugar for the relatively few nutrients they provide. As per most owners reports, Fruit should not be fed to beardies at all. It will rot away their jawbone and will not grow back.

Here are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t feed fruits to beardies!

Increased Risk Of Dental Disease

There are research papers available online from a leading beardie vet and the leading expert in Australia. Also, this study instead found that fruit could be the main dietary risk factor for dental disease and should be excluded from the captive diet of these animals.

This study further discusses a strong association between increasing age & presence of dental abnormalities & disease and stresses the importance of a thorough oral exam, especially in older individuals.

Below I’ve shared a snippet shared by Reptile & research discussing why beardies shouldn’t eat fruits.

It Won’t Stick To Their Tongue (No To Fruits!)

Many still believe that they could have some fruit occasionally. However, if you try offering a chunk of common fruit like apple, it won’t stick to her tongue. If you’re a beardie enthusiast, you might already know Dr. Jonathan Howard, quite literally the most common person you’ll see continuously referenced. Even Dr. Jonathan Howard, says no to fruits.

Fruits Are Not Beardies’ Natural Diet

Not only does Dr. Jonathan have a PhD, but he’s also the only scientist who has studied bearded dragons in their natural habitat. In fact, many believe he’s the only one who has established a baseline for how bearded dragons live in the wild. If he advises against offering fruit to bearded dragons, it’s wise to listen to him.

Dr. Jonathan is considered the most knowledgeable person on bearded dragons, not just by keepers but also by other veterinarians and exotic specialists. If you want to know more about fruits that are still being offered to bearded dragons by novices, check this guide, which opens up the proverbial can of fruit.

My Experience?

If you ask me, I do offer fruit to my bearded dragon. The only exception I make when looking for the best fruit for a bearded dragon is blueberries because they contain less than a gram of sugar but are packed with nutrients, and bearded dragons love them. I think there’s nothing wrong with adding a bit of fruit to your dragon’s diet when you choose the right one!

I’ve been feeding one or two blueberries twice a week to my girl for the entire four years I’ve owned her, and every vet I’ve been to says she’s the healthiest and strongest bearded dragon they’ve ever seen. If you still want to know more about this topic, check out this guide: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries?

Also, don’t miss out on other berries bearded dragons can eat.

Some Believe Prickly Fruit Is Safe For Beardies, Here’s My Take On This!

According to other bearded dragon owners, the only appropriate fruit that bearded dragons can eat is prickly pear (unless it’s sugary).

I haven’t given any to mine yet and will continue to avoid it, even if I have some lying around for myself. I’d recommend you avoid prickly pear fruits too, as they can vary in sugar content and often be just as sugar-rich as other fruits.

They don’t get fruit in the wild, so there’s not much reason to give it to them in captivity. It’s best saved for a scarce treat. As a treat, actual cactus pads seem great for beardies as long as we remove any spines or the skin altogether.

3 must-follow rules I learned along my journey:

Stick With Leafy Greens & Bugs.

For example, you can offer Belgian endive, dandelion greens, turnip greens, and chicory greens as staples, and curly kale (this particular US-native variation) and broccoli raab as additives. I know some people may argue about kale or broccoli. If you don’t know why, note that curly kale is slightly above moderate in oxalate content, and broccoli raab has a moderately high goitrogen concentration. Check everything around what veggies bearded dragon can eat & list of staple greens for bearded dragons.

However, you should understand that no single green is better than another in every way. Different foods offer various benefits and micronutrients that others might not have. This is where the advice of variety comes in. If you’re mixing up what you feed, you’re already lessening any problem with “high” oxalates and goitrogen concentrations. Learn five reasons why a varied diet is a must for bearded dragons.