We love our beardie, Bill, and we want him to have the best care possible! We know it can be difficult to know what to feed bearded dragons because we’ve gone through it. Questions like, can bearded dragons eat succulents, require a lot of research!
Bearded dragons are omnivorous and have specific dietary needs, which include a variety of foods. So can bearded dragons eat succulents? The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Let’s get into the details!
What Are Succulents?
Succulents aren’t just the cute ornamental plants that are so popular in home decor these days! They’re hardy plants that are adapted to arid conditions. They thrive in a dry environment like a desert habitat, just like the bearded dragons’ natural habitat.
Succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that retain water and store it so they can go a long time without rain. They come in a lot of different shapes, sizes, and colors and are popularly grown indoors as houseplants.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Succulents?
Bearded dragons can eat these live plants, but it is important to make sure that the succulent being fed to them is safe for them to eat. Succulents should be washed thoroughly before being fed to the bearded dragon because they may have been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals.
The succulent should be cut into small pieces that are easier for the bearded dragon to digest. It is important to remember that succulents are high in oxalates and can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in large amounts. So these should only be fed to bearded dragons in moderation since too much water can cause diarrhea.
Should I Add Succulents to My Bearded Dragon’s Tank?
No, you should avoid using succulents inside your bearded dragon’s enclosure. This is just because they need to eat these in moderation and prolonged access could make them sick if they continue to eat them.
Benefits of Succulents for Bearded Dragons
1. Succulents provide a great source of hydration and nutrition:
Succulents are packed with moisture, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can be a great addition to their diet. This makes them an ideal food option for bearded dragons as they require a lot of hydration and nutrition to stay healthy. Since succulents have a lot of water in them, they are the type of plant that, in excess, can also cause discomfort. Make sure to remember moderation with anything you give your beardie!
2. Succulents provide variety in diet:
Bearded dragons tend to get bored with the same food items and succulents provide variety. This helps to keep their diet interesting and encourages them to continue eating.
3. Succulents are easy to digest:
Succulents are soft, easily digestible plants that are easy for bearded dragons to break down and utilize the nutrients from.
4. Succulents are low in oxalates:
Oxalates can be harmful to bearded dragons if they are consumed in large amounts. Succulents are low in oxalates, so they are safe for bearded dragons.
5. Succulents provide enrichment:
Bearded dragons enjoy exploring new textures, smells, and tastes. Succulents provide variety to their diet and a stimulating sensory experience.
What Succulents Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
There are so many different types of succulents, but below is a list of succulents that are most common of this variety of plants, including both a safe and toxic list of plants:
Safe Succulents for Bearded Dragons
1. Aloe Plants
2. Hens and Chicks
3. Sedum
4. Echeveria
5. Prickly pear cactus (spines removed)
6. Snake Plant
7. Elephant Bush
8. Crown of Thorns (spines removed)
9. X Pachyveria
10. Haworthia Plants
Potentially Dangerous Succulents for Bearded Dragons
1. Agave
2. Euphorbia
3. Kalanchoe
4. Jade Plant (not highly poisonous, but enough to avoid)
4. Amaryllis
5. Silver Dollar Plant
6. Pencil Cactus
7. String of Pearls
How to Know if a Succulent is Safe
Remember, there is tons of information on the internet, but all of it should be verified. When you’re thinking about putting something like succulent plants in your bearded dragon tank for them to eat, you want to make sure you only do so with safe plants. You should check and double-check several different sources to verify that the information you’ve found is accurate.
Research the plant’s toxicity
Bearded dragons can be sensitive to certain toxins so it is important to make sure that any succulent you give your bearded dragon is safe and non-toxic. The best way to determine if a succulent is safe for a bearded dragon is to research the species before offering it to your pet.
There are a lot of succulents that are safe and make a great choice for bearded dragons, but there are some that are toxic plants and should be avoided. It is also important to make sure that the succulent you are offering is pesticide-free, as many pesticides can be toxic to your pet.
How to Feed Succulents to Bearded Dragons
Be sure to take proper care when you feed your beardie succulents, to make sure they are safe and get all the health benefits of these plants.
Preparing the succulent
1. Wash off any pesticide
2. Chop into small pieces
3. Remove any spines
Feeding the succulent
1. Introduce succulents or any new plants as a food source to your bearded dragon gradually
2. Offer a variety of succulents
3. Monitor your bearded dragon for any adverse reactions
Conclusion
Bearded dragons should be given access to as many edible plant varieties that would be available in their natural habitat as possible. Recreating as much of their natural habitat as you can will improve the quality of your beardie and help them live longer and happier.
Non-toxic succulents, along with other real plants, make an excellent addition to a bearded dragon’s diet and make a great plant snack that they’ll appreciate. Always remember to balance their diet carefully and not feed any one kind of food in large quantities. Don’t forget to verify that any new foods are safe options before trying them.