Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is heavily loaded with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Perhaps you are into pineapples, and you are wondering if bearded dragons can eat them?
I guess you also enjoy the juicy and tart taste in pineapple; indeed, it is a fruit that is hard to avoid. But as far as bearded dragons are concerned, you don’t want to feed them pineapples until you know if they are safe for them or not.
In this article, we’ll find out if you should feed pineapple to the beardies, how often to provide them, and some other related information.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Dilber. Read more about our knowledge control process here.
Contents
- Nutritional Profile of Pineapples
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Tops?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Skin?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Core?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Pineapple?
- How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?
- Preparing Pineapple for Bearded Dragons
- Wrapping Up
Nutritional Profile of Pineapples
Understanding the nutritional data of pineapple will help you to determine if it’s something worth adding to your dragon’s diet.
In particular, check out its protein, calcium, phosphorus, sugar, fiber and water content. Are the nutrients in a healthy level that the beardies need?
According to USDA, raw pineapple of 100g contain the following nutrients:
| Nutrients | Amount | Unit |
| Water | 86 | G |
| Energy | 50 | kcal |
| Sugar | 9.85 | g |
| Fiber | 1.4 | g |
| Calcium | 13 | mg |
| Phosphorus | 8 | mg |
| Vitamin C | 47.8 | mg |
| Vitamin A | 3 | µg |
| Vitamin K | 0.7 | µg |
| Ca:P ratio | 1.6:1 | – |
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?
Bearded dragons can eat pineapples. But it would be best if you do not feed pineapple to your lizard more often as the fruit can be toxic in excess.
Likewise, you only want your beloved pet to eat raw, fresh, and peeled pineapple, and that is cut into small manageable sizes. Pineapple is a perfect snack to give the beardies, and it is undeniably nutritious. It is indeed an excellent source of vitamin C, water and essential minerals.
If we take a closer look at vitamin C, this nutrient is responsible for many functions in the beardies, including boosting the immune system and making the wounds heal faster. A dragon can also recover quickly from diseases due to vitamin C.
Due to its high-water content, pineapple gives a respectable contribution to hydration in bearded dragons. If your lizard friend has constipation issues, pineapple can be of great help since it has a decent amount of fiber.
There is more in pineapple; this juicy fruit supplies calcium which bearded dragons need to stay healthy. Pineapples have a ratio of 1.6:1 calcium and phosphorus respectively, which is safe for bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Tops?
You might want to offer pineapple tops to your beloved bearded dragon, thinking they serve as good veggies. But don’t try that at any time if you genuinely care about your pet’s health. Bearded dragons cannot eat pineapple tops. It can cause impaction, injury, oral cavity problems, and also digestive problems.
The tops contain toxic enzymes that will make your dragon sick. Again, pineapple tops are pretty hard in texture, and it will be difficult for the beardies to chew them. And this can easily cause the lizard to choke.
It would be worth it if you avoid pineapple tops altogether. There are so many vegetables that bearded dragons can eat, and the list is endless.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Skin?
The fact remains that bearded dragons are omnivores; however, that doesn’t mean that they can eat anything. Some foods that you think are good might be harmful to the beardies.
For instance, pineapple skin is one item to always keep off from your dragon’s menu. The skin is full of tiny thorns that will hurt the lizard when trying to digest it.
Moreover, pineapple skin is also incredibly rough, and bearded dragons cannot digest it. These are enough reasons to keep off from pineapple skins no matter what the circumstance.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple Core?
Pineapple core is highly nutritious, and any diligent beardie keeper will want to research and know if it is indeed safe for the beardies to eat.
But the problem with pineapple core is that it has a hard texture. We can consume this core safely, but I’m afraid this is not possible with bearded dragons.
The beardies will have a hard time digesting the core and might eventually cause a choking hazard. Also, the pineapple core is not as tasty and juicy as the fruit itself. So, the beardies will hold back on eating it.
I hope it is now clear to you that bearded dragons cannot eat pineapple core. Give the foods that the lizard can handle when it comes to digestion and nutritious food, of course.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Canned Pineapple?
Sometimes you might run off food to give your bearded dragon, but you can easily access canned pineapple. You can go ahead and use them; it is okay for bearded dragons to eat canned pineapple.
But there are two main reasons for canned pineapples which may make you avoid them. First, this kind of pineapple is low in nutrients compared to fresh pineapple. Some nutrients are lost through the preservation process.
Secondly, canned pineapple may have flavors, preservatives, and other agents which are harmful to bearded dragons. So, I would recommend you always avoid those that are canned or frozen.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?
Generally speaking, pineapple tends to be high in sugar. We have seen that 10g out of 100g in pineapple is sugar. Because of this high sugar content, bearded dragons cannot eat pineapple every day.
Another thing about pineapple is that it is relatively high in acidity and has oxalates. While the acid interferes with the stomach lining, oxalates bind to calcium and block its absorption.
So, bearded dragons can eat pineapple 1-2 times a month. It will be safe that way, and you will not have any problems.
Preparing Pineapple for Bearded Dragons
Now that you are confident that pineapples are good for bearded dragons, it’s time to prepare some for your pet. Follow the steps below;
- Buy fresh and ripe pineapples.
- Remove the tops and leaves. Wash the fruit and be sure to peel it carefully.
- Then cut the pineapple and remove the core. Chop the flesh part into smaller sizes that your dragon can swallow easily.
- It’s time for your pet to eat the meal. You can mix a few pieces of pineapple with other fruits like kiwi, mango, banana, etc., to make a healthy salad.
Wrapping Up
Bearded dragons can eat pineapple. You will need to get ripe pineapple, wash and slice it to the right size for your lizard.
However, don’t feed pineapple skin, tops, and the core, as they are difficult for the beardies to digest due to their rough texture.