Can bearded dragons eat zucchini?

Similar to their human owners, bearded dragons can eat a wide range of foods. The variety of options for what they should eat is divided into these categories: fruit, vegetables, insects and meat, and eggs.

Leafy and green vegetables become a significant part of their diet. This brings us to the question of whether or not bearded dragons eat zucchini. Is it as beneficial to dragons as it is to humans?

Is it safe for bearded dragons to eat zucchini?

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the answer is yes. Bearded dragons can eat zucchini or courgette. It is safe to feed zucchini, but not on a regular basis. With that said, as 90% of it is water, zucchini or courgette is not as nutritious for your beardie as you think.

Nutritional value of zucchini

Your bearded dragon can eat zucchini. However, it is for the best that you check the nutritional profile of everything that they consume. From plant-based foods to insects and meat, everything has a different nutritional value. So, here goes the nutritional value of zucchini.

You mainly want to check the phosphorus to Calcium ratio, sugar, protein, and water content.

How often can bearded dragons eat zucchini?

Zucchini is on the safe foods list for bearded dragons. However, due to their poor nutritional value, their portion in the balanced diet is limited. Unlike humans, this reptile species can only consume once a month as a treat.

If they feed on something that is nutritionally not useful for them, such as zucchini, they will refrain from eating healthier foods such as greens and other veggies. So, feeding small portions is ideal. Now, take a look at how to prepare zucchini.

How to prepare zucchini for bearded dragons?

Preparing foods for bearded dragons is not tricky, but there are several things to consider before feeding it to them.

Like all other foods, source fresh and organic zucchinis. Wash it thoroughly. Washing everything before preparing meals is a crucial step that cannot go amiss. Why? Read this.

Zucchini should be free of pesticide and herbicide. Most green vegetables are chemically treated to speed their growth cycle.

Get rid of the bacteria and dirt from zucchini by washing it thoroughly. By doing this, you ensure the beardie’s better health. Moreover, you can avoid hefty vet bills.

Coming to the preparation part, slice the zucchini and further chop each slice into ⅛ parts. This facilitates easy consumption without the risk of choking. Don’t forget to remove the skin before slicing. Although it won’t kill to feed zucchini with skin, it is better to use the soft and smooth parts for feeding.

Zucchini seeds are soft and not a big problem. But, it is recommended that you remove seeds prior to feeding because bearded dragons run at a risk of choking on foods and seeds is one of the reasons.  

Mix the slices with other foods in the meal or add it to their salad bowl. Use a bowl that makes it easier for them to eat from. Bearded dragons are likely to leave salad if you don’t serve them in proper bowls.

Mostly, the plant-based foods you feed your dragon must be raw and organic. Hence, avoid cooked vegetables. Salad contributes significant nutrition that is essential to maintain the health of bearded dragons.

What are the advantages of feeding zucchini to bearded dragons?

Zucchini in moderation and small portions can enhance the overall taste of the balanced diet. Zucchini or courgette hardly has any benefits to bearded dragon’s health.

Nonetheless, one good thing about zucchini is they are low in sugar. Excessive consumption of sugary foods and sugar-rich diets can result in tartar build-ups and plaque.

Not only do they cause dehydration, but they also lead the dragon towards obesity. So, the low sugar zucchini can be fed in small portions occasionally.

There are, however, some concerns related to zucchini.

What are the disadvantages of feeding zucchini to bearded dragons?

Your bearded dragon can eat courgettes, but you do not want to feed it regularly, and it is not considered a good fruit for your dragon due to its oxalate content.

Courgettes are very rich in phosphorus, so you should add some phosphorus to their diet, but the phosphorus and calcium content of zucchini doesn’t comply with the recommended ratio.

High in phosphorus and low in calcium foods is not very favourable. Bearded dragons need calcium to avoid severe yet common conditions such as metabolic bone disease. Phosphorus inhibits the consumption of calcium. Therefore, phosphorus content should be less than calcium content.

The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1:1 or 2:1. But, here, it is quite the opposite.

Another major thing to consider is zucchini is more than 90% water. While dehydration is responsible for various health conditions in bearded dragons, so is overhydration.

Such watery foods make the lizard feel full and stop them from consuming the real, nutritious, balanced diet. Therefore, it is not recommended to feed zucchini as a regular treat to bearded dragons. 

Wrap up

You can feed zucchini or courgette to your bearded dragon in moderation, but note that it is deficient in nutrition. Zucchini is not beneficial to them as they are to humans. However, greens and other vegetables should constitute 50% of their diet. Thus, there are other foods or vegetables you can try.