For people, figs are a nutritious, heart-healthy fruit that can have a positive effect on digestion and chronic inflammation. Are figs beneficial for bearded dragons, too? Let's dive in to find out if bearded dragons can eat figs, both raw and dried, and how often it might be safe to do so.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Figs?
Bearded dragons can eat figs every other week. In general fruit isn’t great for bearded dragons due to its sugar content, which can lead to obesity. However, there are some fruits — such as apples, mango, papaya, and strawberries — that are healthier for them than others, and therefore can be eaten more frequently. Figs fall into this camp.
Why are Figs Good for Bearded Dragons?
Figs are one of the healthier fruits for bearded dragons. Here are some of the benefits:
- Rich in copper and vitamin B6. With these nutrients, figs can help boost your dragon’s metabolism, digestion, energy, healthy blood cells, tissue, and brain health.
- A good source of Vitamin K, calcium, and fiber. Calcium is really important for bearded dragons’ overall wellbeing. Vitamin K helps with strong bones and healthy blood. And fiber is great for digestion. In fact, due to the fiber content, figs can be used to relieve your dragon’s constipation. Just be sure to do this sparingly, because too much fiber can cause diarrhea.
- A calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2.5 to 1. Because phosphorus prevents calcium from being absorbed, it is dangerous for bearded dragons to consume high amounts of fruits, veggies, or feeders that contain more phosphorus than calcium. Figs have a great calcium to phosphorus ratio, making them ideal for bearded dragons’ nutritional needs.
Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Eat Figs Every Day?
There are 3 main reasons why bearded dragons shouldn’t eat figs every day:
- Sugar content. As we mentioned before, fruits tend to be high in sugar, so they are not suitable for bearded dragons to eat daily, especially in large amounts.
- Fiber content. While fiber is good for bearded dragons in small amounts, too much fiber can instigate diarrhea. This can then cause dehydration, which prolongs the diarrhea.
- Moderate oxalates. Oxalates work against the absorption of calcium in the body. If bearded dragons eat too many foods with moderate or high amounts of oxalates, they can run into serious health issues, including metabolic bone disease.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dried Figs?
In general, dried fruit isn’t the best option for bearded dragons. It can be harder to chew, which can be problematic especially for younger dragons. But more importantly, dried figs have a higher concentration of sugar than fresh figs. This can cause digestive issues and other health problems, especially if your dragon eats a lot of dried figs. Additionally, in the wild, bearded dragons would only be eating raw fruits and veggies; their diet really doesn’t require foods that have been dried, cooked, processed, etc. Just the fresh stuff!
Takeaway: Bearded dragons can safely eat figs every other week. Figs have an excellent calcium to phosphorus ratio, but they also contain a moderate amount of oxalates, making them unsuitable for more frequent consumption. Bearded dragons shouldn’t eat dried figs due to an elevated sugar content and chewier consistency.
