Cherries are a sweet and delicious fruit that many pet owners may wonder if they can share with their bearded dragon. While bearded dragons can eat some fruits, cherries require careful consideration.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Bearded dragons should not eat cherries.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding cherries to bearded dragons. We’ll discuss the nutritional value of cherries, potential dangers, preparation tips, and suitable cherry alternatives for your beardie.
The Nutritional Value of Cherries for Bearded Dragons
High in antioxidants
Cherries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that give them their bright red color. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage in humans. The same may be true for bearded dragons if consumed in moderation.
Specifically, cherries contain high levels of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene. Vitamin C boosts the immune system while beta carotene keeps skin and scales healthy. Just a couple cherries can provide a significant amount of these vital nutrients.
Contains natural sugar
Cherries do have high sugar content with about 8 grams of sugar per cup. The sugar is natural fructose though rather than added sugars.
In small quantities, this natural fruit sugar is generally safe for bearded dragons. But too much can potentially cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, and other problems. It’s best to feed cherries sparingly as an occasional treat.
Minimal fat and protein
Compared to other fruits, cherries are low in fat and protein. One cup only contains 1 gram of protein and less than a gram of fat.
While the vitamin and antioxidant content can benefit dragons, cherries lack the adequate amounts of protein, fat, and nutrients to constitute a major part of their diet. They should be fed as a supplement to a balanced main diet.
Here’s a nutrition comparison of 1 cup raw cherries vs. ideal bearded dragon daily nutritional needs:
Cherries (1 cup) | Bearded Dragon Needs | |
Protein | 1 g | 25-30 g |
Fat | 0.3 g | 25-30 g |
Fiber | 3 g | 15-20 g |
Vitamin A | 32% DV | 100% DV |
Vitamin C | 16% DV | 30% DV |
As shown, cherries fall quite short of meeting a bearded dragon’s high protein and fat requirements. The vitamin content is decent but should be complemented by other fruits and vegetables as well.
Key Takeaways
- Cherries contain beneficial antioxidants, vitamin C, and beta carotene but lack adequate protein and fat.
- The natural sugar content could cause digestive issues if fed too frequently or in excess.
- Cherries should only supplement a balanced bearded dragon diet 2-3 times a week at most.
Ultimately, cherries make a fine occasional treat for bearded dragons but not a dietary staple. Use them as part of a diverse fruit rotation rather than a daily go-to.
For more details on safely feeding fruit to dragons, check this bearded dragon fruit guide. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Potential Dangers of Feeding Cherries to Bearded Dragons
Choking hazard from pits
Cherries contain large, hard pits that can pose a choking hazard for bearded dragons. Reptiles are prone to accidentally swallowing loose substrate or decor while striking at food. The pits are large enough to become lodged in a beardie’s narrow esophagus, leading to choking, breathing difficulties, and even death.
To reduce this risk, it’s vital to pit any cherries before feeding them.
High sugar content
While bearded dragons can safely eat limited amounts of sugary fruits as an occasional treat, the high sugar levels in cherries make them a questionable choice. Excess sugar can cause diarrhea, nutritional imbalances, weight gain, and other health issues in reptiles.
It’s best to restrict high-sugar fruits like cherries and feed more low-glycemic options like berries, melons, and citrus.
Can cause diarrhea
The high water and sugar content of cherries may lead to loose stools or diarrhea in some bearded dragons. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if severe, so it’s important to provide plenty of fresh water and reconsider offering cherries if this becomes an issue.
Cherries are also very acidic, with a pH around 3.2-4.6, while bearded dragons do best on more neutral or alkaline diets. The high acidity may irritate sensitive digestive systems and also impact calcium absorption.
Some dragons are more tolerant than others, but loose stools are a sign to stop feeding cherries.
To limit digestive upset, cherries should only be fed in small amounts as an occasional treat. Pitting them first and mixing with more neutral foods like greens can also help. Any changes in appetite, energy levels or stool should be monitored after offering new foods.
Some dragons may handle cherries better than others based on individual tolerances.
How to Prepare Cherries for Bearded Dragons
Cherries can make a tasty and nutritious treat for bearded dragons, but it’s important to prepare them properly before serving. Here are some tips on getting cherries ready for your beardie to enjoy.
Wash thoroughly
It’s critical to wash cherries before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This removes any dirt, chemicals or pesticides that may be on the surface. Rinse cherries under cool running water and gently rub them to dislodge debris. Pat dry with a paper towel when finished.
Remove pits
Cherry pits contain cyanide, so you’ll need to pit the cherries before serving them to your reptile. Carefully slice the cherries and use the tip of a spoon to pop out and discard the pit. Make sure no pit fragments remain in the cherry flesh.
Chop into small pieces
Whole cherries can present a choking risk for juvenile bearded dragons. For babies and younger dragons, chop the pitted cherries into bite-sized pieces. Even for adults, chopped cherries are easier to chew and digest.
Avoid added sugars
Look for unsweetened cherries without any added sugars. Sweetened varieties like maraschino cherries contain excessive sugar unsuitable for bearded dragons. Added sugars offer no nutritional value and can cause digestive upset.
With the proper prep work, cherries can make a nutritious dietary addition for bearded dragons. Their high water content provides hydration, while vitamins like A and C support immune health. Just be sure to introduce new foods slowly and monitor your dragon’s reaction.
Healthier Alternatives to Cherries for Bearded Dragons
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are an amazing alternative to cherries for bearded dragons. These brightly colored veggies are loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Red, yellow and orange bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin A and C, which helps support healthy eyesight, bone growth and immune function in reptiles.
Green bell peppers also contain a good amount of vitamin C and the antioxidant vitamin E.
Chopped bell peppers can be fed to adult dragons 2-3 times per week as part of a varied diet. Make sure to avoid feeding the spicy varieties! The crunchy flesh and sweet flavor make these veggies an enticing treat for your beardie.
Squash
Squash is another healthy option that makes a nutritious replacement for cherries. Winter squashes like butternut, acorn and pumpkin are great choices. They are loaded with vitamins A, C and E, plus minerals like potassium and magnesium.
The bright orange flesh is an indicator that winter squash contains beneficial carotenoids, which act as antioxidants to support immune health.
Squash is also a good source of moisture to help with hydration. It can be served raw, cooked or pureed for babies. Feed diced squash 2-3 times weekly as part of a varied diet. Make sure to avoid oil and seasonings when preparing.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent alternative to cherries for bearded dragons. These root vegetables are very nutritious, providing ample vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber. The bright orange flesh indicates rich levels of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A to promote good vision and health skin/scales.
Sweet potatoes can be peeled, chopped and cooked until soft then mashed or pureed for easy consumption. They make a great occasional treat 2-3 times per week for adults and juveniles. This veggie is a great way to add beneficial nutrition and natural sweetness to replace sugary fruits like cherries.
Blueberries
In moderation, blueberries can make a healthier choice over cherries for bearded dragons. These tiny fruits contain antioxidants called anthocyanins that may offer health benefits. Blueberries provide vitamin C, fiber and phytochemicals.
A few minced blueberries can be fed sparingly every other week or so. Since they are high in natural sugars, blueberries should not replace vegetables as dietary staples. Cherries contain about 13g sugar per cup, while blueberries have around 15g per cup.
So these fruits should only be treats, not everyday feeders.
Conclusion
In summary, cherries are not an ideal fruit to feed bearded dragons due to their high sugar content and choking risk. While cherries contain beneficial antioxidants, the high amounts of natural sugar can cause digestive issues for beardies.
If you want to supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with fruit, it’s better to choose low-sugar options like berries, bell peppers, squash, and sweet potatoes. Always be sure to wash, pit, and chop any fruits or veggies into bite-sized pieces before feeding your bearded dragon.