Whether it’s summer or fall—or any season, really—squash is a great vegetable to have on hand. Not only is it intriguing to look at, but it’s nutritious and tasty, too. Can bearded dragons eat squash? Find out if bearded dragons can eat butternut squash, yellow squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and more.
All About Squash for Bearded Dragons
The good news: Squash, in general, is great for bearded dragons! You can serve it cooked or raw, and most bearded dragons love it.
Many varieties of squash offer the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C
- Beta carotene
- Vitamin A
- B vitamins
- Folate
- Iron
- And a little calcium!
That being said, there are lots of different kinds of squash. Each one is a little different when it comes to nutrients. So let’s take a look at how often bearded dragons can eat popular varieties of squash, including butternut, spaghetti, acorn, and yellow squash.
Quick List of Squash for Bearded Dragons
Here’s a quick look at what kind of squash bearded dragons can eat and how often. Keep reading to learn more about the calcium to phosphorus ratio and nutritional value of each.
- Acorn squash - a few times a week
- Butternut squash - daily
- Yellow squash - a few times a week
- Spaghetti squash - daily
- Hubbard squash - a few times a week
- Scallop squash - once a week
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Butternut Squash?
Yes! Bearded dragons can eat butternut squash every day.
Here are the nutritional highlights:
- Beta carotene
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1.5 to 1
Butternut squash is also rich in antioxidants, which will help boost your dragon’s immune system, among other benefits.
Why does the calcium to phosphorus ratio matter? As you may already know, calcium is really important for bearded dragons. Phosphorus acts against calcium by preventing it from being absorbed. If bearded dragons have too many foods high in phosphorus, they can suffer from calcium depletion, which can result in metabolic bone disease.
This is why bearded dragons should primarily eat foods with a 1.1 to 2.1 calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Yellow Squash?
Yes! Bearded dragons can eat yellow squash a few times a week.
Yellow squash is a type of summer squash that is frequently sautéed or baked with zucchini. The nutrients include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin A
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Fiber
- Riboflavin
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
The calcium to phosphorus ratio is about 1 to 1.8, so yellow squash can’t be eaten daily and is best served with lots of calcium-rich greens such as mustard greens and collard greens.
Pro Tip: If you are cooking squash for your bearded dragon, do not add any other ingredients—not even oil, salt, or pepper! It can make them sick.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Acorn Squash?
Yes! Bearded dragons can eat acorn squash a few times a week.
Acorn squash is aptly named because it looks like acorns (surprise, surprise!). It is frequently baked or used in soup. Nutrients include:
- Beta carotene
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
The calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1 to 1, which falls within the ideal range for bearded dragons. Since there is an equal amount of calcium to phosphorus, you can serve acorn squash with calcium-rich greens.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spaghetti Squash?
Yes! Bearded dragons can eat spaghetti squash every day.
Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta. It’s packed with important nutrients your bearded dragon needs, including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Manganese
- Niacin
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Thiamine
- Calcium
- Iron
The calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2 to 1, which is great news for bearded dragons!
Pro Tip: Whether you serve spaghetti in cubes or strands, it's still important to make sure the pieces are no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes, to prevent choking.
Other Squash Bearded Dragons Can Eat
Hubbard squash and scallop squash are also great for bearded dragons.
Hubbard squashes are huge. They can weigh around 20 pounds! If you picked one up at the farmer’s market, you can share hubbard squash with your dragon a few times a week. It offers:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
The calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1 to 1.5, so you know the drill: serve this with calcium-rich greens and veggies.
Scallop squash is also safe to offer once a week. It's a good source of Vitamin C and folate. The calcium to phosphorus ratio is 1 to 2, which is why bearded dragons shouldn't eat scallop squash every day.
Does your dragon love squash? Do you have any questions or feedback for us? Please email us at [email protected]
