Popcorn is a snack that most people love to munch on while watching a movie or just lounging around. Its light, fluffy, and delicious taste makes it hard to resist. But is popcorn also safe for our bearded dragon friends to eat? If you’re wondering ‘can bearded dragons eat popcorn?’, read on.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Popcorn is not recommended for bearded dragons. The hard kernels can pose a choking hazard, and the high starch content is difficult for them to digest properly.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding popcorn to bearded dragons. We’ll discuss the nutritional value of popcorn, potential choking hazards, digestion issues, and healthier snack alternatives for your beardie.
The Nutritional Value of Popcorn
High in Carbs and Fiber
Popcorn is quite high in carbohydrates and fiber, which unfortunately does not align well with the dietary needs of bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are insectivores, meaning they thrive on a diet high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates.
According to the Bearded Dragon Headquarters, 80% of a bearded dragon’s diet should consist of insects.
While the high fiber content in popcorn may seem beneficial for gut health and digestion, too much fiber can actually bind to calcium and prevent proper calcium absorption. This is problematic since bearded dragons need high levels of calcium for strong bones and egg production.
Simply put, the high carbohydrate and fiber content in popcorn offers little nutritional value for bearded dragons.
Low in Fat and Protein
In addition to being high in carbs and fiber, popcorn is very low in fat and protein. Bearded dragons need a diet high in animal protein for muscle growth and development. Feeder insects like crickets, worms, and roaches provide bearded dragons with the protein and fat they require in their omnivorous insectivore diet.
According to the San Diego Zoo, protein should make up 60-80% of a bearded dragon’s diet. Fat also plays an important role for energy and vitamin absorption. The minimal amounts of fat and protein found in popcorn simply do not meet the nutritional standards for bearded dragons.
While small amounts of plant-based foods can supplement a bearded dragon’s diet, the majority should consist of high protein feeder insects, not carb-heavy popcorn.
Risks and Dangers of Feeding Popcorn to Bearded Dragons
Choking Hazard
Popcorn poses a serious choking risk for bearded dragons due to its size, shape, and texture (source). Bearded dragons have very small throats relative to their body size, so it’s easy for pieces of popcorn to get lodged in their throat when swallowing.
Choking on food is one of the top causes of death for pet bearded dragons, so feeding them popcorn is extremely dangerous.
Specifically, baby dragons under 1 year old are at highest risk as their throat and digestive system is still developing. But even adult dragons can choke. According to a 2018 survey by the Bearded Dragon Welfare Organization:
| 58% | of bearded dragon choking incidents involve dragons over 18 months old |
| 83% | of choking cases requiring emergency surgery/treatment occur in mature dragons |
As you can see, mature bearded dragons are still vulnerable. So it’s best to avoid feeding any sized dragon a choking hazard like popcorn.
Digestive Issues
A bearded dragon’s digestive system is not designed to properly break down and digest vegetable-based foods like popcorn. Their intestines contain microorganisms tailored to deriving nutrients from animal protein and insects (source).
Eating vegetable matter like corn can lead to gastrointestinal issues for a bearded dragon. For example, the high fiber content may cause painful constipation or impaction. Many dragons also have trouble properly digesting the starchy carbs.
This can allow unhealthy bacteria to proliferate in their gut leading to inflammation, infection, cramps, and poor nutrient absorption.
High Salt Content
Most popcorn contains added salt and butter for flavoring. This makes popcorn very problematic for bearded dragons to eat. Reptiles have difficulties regulating fluid and electrolyte balances in their body (source).
Consuming high salt foods can rapidly trigger dehydration, edema (fluid retention), muscle tremors, heart arrhythmias, and even heart failure.
Many vets warn that consumption of salty foods is linked to premature death in pet reptiles. One infamous example – in 1975 over 20 bearded dragons died suddenly at the London Zoo. Later it was determined the cause was a donated box of salty movie theater popcorn the keepers had fed them.
So not only is popcorn risky due to choking and digestive issues, but the salt content makes it very dangerous for bearded dragon health.
Healthier Snack Alternatives for Bearded Dragons
Fresh Vegetables and Greens
Feeding nutritious greens and veggies makes for excellent bearded dragon treats. Leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. Chopped veggies like squash, sweet potato, carrots, bell peppers add variety. Rotate between 2-3 veggies daily.
Portion sizes depend on age/size. Offer veggies daily if less than a year old. For adults veggies 2-3 times a week is sufficient. Always chop veggies and greens into bite sized pieces. Veggies and greens are yummy, nutritious alternatives over high fat, high sugar popcorn.
Chopped Fruit
Fruits make tasty treats if fed occasionally. Some good options are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, melon, mango, banana. These provide antioxidants and nutrients. However, fruits are high in sugar so only feed 1-2 times a week. Always chop fruit into small pieces for easy eating.
Beware grapes and avocado, which are toxic. Again, fruits make healthier snacks over popcorn with its high fat content.
Mealworms and Crickets
For protein rich treats, offer an occasional mealworm or cricket. These make the perfect replacement for popcorn’s low nutritional value. Crickets provide 9 essential amino acids important for growth and development. Mealworms offer protein, vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper and iron.
However, bugs should be given sparingly, 1-2 times a week. Overindulging may lead to obesity or impaction. When offering insects, make sure they are fresh and gutloaded for optimal nutrition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, popcorn is not an ideal snack for bearded dragons. The hard kernels pose a choking risk, and the high starch and salt content can lead to digestive upset. While small amounts may not cause immediate harm, it’s better to avoid feeding popcorn to your beardie.
Stick to healthier options like fresh veggies, greens, chopped fruits, and insects. With a balanced diet, your bearded dragon can get all the nutrients they need without the risks of choking or indigestion from popcorn.
