Bearded dragons make for popular pet lizards, but what can these reptiles safely eat? One common question owners have is whether bearded dragons can eat tuna. If you’re wondering if tuna is a good option for your bearded dragon, read on.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While tuna is not toxic to bearded dragons, it should not be a regular part of their diet due to concerns over mercury levels and nutritional balance. There are better protein sources to offer.
Nutritional Makeup of Tuna
High in Protein
Tuna is an awesome source of high-quality protein, with a 3 oz serving providing around 25 grams, meeting over 50% of an adult’s daily protein needs (1). The protein in tuna helps maintain and repair tissues throughout the bearded dragon’s body.
High protein intake also promotes proper growth and development in young bearded dragons.
Contains Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to protein, tuna contains an array of essential vitamins and minerals. Notably, a 3 oz serving provides over 30% of a dragon’s recommended daily intake for niacin, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 (2).
These nutrients play vital roles in metabolism, thyroid function, bone health, and cell development.
Other vitamins and minerals found in useful amounts include phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Together this comprehensive nutritional profile makes tuna an amazing addition to a bearded dragon’s diet when fed in moderation.
Also Contains Mercury
While tuna can be nutritious, it does contain trace amounts of heavy metals like mercury. Mercury builds up in the muscles and tissues of fish over time. When tuna is consumed regularly, mercury accumulation can potentially cause nervous system damage in bearded dragons.
It’s generally recommended to limit tuna intake to no more than once per week. This moderation allows dragons to reap the nutritional benefits of tuna while avoiding negative impacts (3).
Reference:
Is Tuna Toxic to Bearded Dragons?
When it comes to feeding bearded dragons, there are many opinions and debates around which foods are safe or dangerous for them. Tuna is one such food that often causes confusion. While tuna is a lean protein source for humans, it may not be an appropriate choice for your bearded dragon.
Here’s a detailed look at the potential risks and benefits of feeding tuna to bearded dragons.
Potential Dangers of Tuna for Bearded Dragons
There are a few reasons why tuna may be problematic as part of a bearded dragon’s diet:
- High levels of mercury – Like many large predatory fish, tuna can contain concerning levels of mercury. Mercury builds up in animal tissues and can be toxic when consumed in high amounts.
- Risk of malnutrition – Bearded dragons have very specific nutritional needs. Tuna alone would not provide balanced amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
- Can cause gout – Tuna contains high levels of purines. This can raise uric acid levels and lead to gout in reptiles.
- Unsuitable protein content – Reptiles require specifically formulated proteins. The proteins in tuna may be difficult for them to digest.
- High sodium content – Tuna packed in water or oil often contains added salt. Too much sodium can be harmful to bearded dragons.
The bottom line is that tuna is not a natural part of a bearded dragon’s diet. Their bodies are not adapted to processing this type of fish regularly. Feeding tuna could lead to health issues over time.
Better Protein Alternatives for Bearded Dragons
While tuna should be avoided, bearded dragons do need proper protein sources. Here are some healthier options to provide protein:
- Insects – Crickets, mealworms, roaches and other feeder insects make excellent protein sources. They can be “gut loaded” with nutrients too.
- Salmon or trout (once a week) – These fish are lower in mercury than tuna.
- Chicken or turkey – Shredded, boneless meat can be fed occasionally.
- Eggs – Scrambled or hard boiled eggs offer protein, vitamins and minerals (remove shell).
- Canned grasshoppers or snails – These are nutritionally balanced for reptiles.
Varying the protein sources is important to ensure a balanced diet. Feeder insects should make up the majority of protein intake. Fish, meat and eggs can supplement this a few times a week.
The Consensus on Tuna for Bearded Dragons
Most reptile veterinarians and bearded dragon owners agree that tuna has more risks than benefits. The high mercury levels make it a food best avoided altogether. While tuna is healthy for humans, our bodies are better equipped to process small amounts of heavy metals.
The occasional tuna snack likely won’t harm an adult bearded dragon. But regular tuna meals could lead to toxicity over time. There are far better options to provide safe protein sources without these risks.
Benefits and Risks of Feeding Tuna
Provides Lean Protein
Tuna is a good source of lean protein for bearded dragons. The protein helps support muscle growth and development in young, growing dragons. Adult dragons also require adequate protein in their diet. A 3 ounce portion of light tuna packed in water contains about 22 grams of high-quality protein.
In moderation, tuna can therefore complement the protein intake from staple feeder insects like crickets and worms. It provides amino acids essential for good health. Talk to your exotic veterinarian about the ideal total protein requirements for your dragon based on age, size, and activity level.
Can Cause Nutritional Imbalances
Although tuna contains beneficial nutrients, it lacks proper calcium to phosphorus ratios needed for bearded dragons. Calcium is essential for bone health and strength.
An overabundance of phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption. Feeding too much tuna may therefore lead to metabolic bone disease over time if calcium intake is not increased.
To balance excess phosphorus from tuna, make sure to “dust” feeder insects with calcium+D3 supplement before feeding. Target a 2:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. Multivitamins can help offset nutritional shortfalls too.
Risk of Mercury Poisoning
Larger, predatory fish like tuna bioaccumulate heavy metals including mercury in their tissues. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause organ damage and neurological problems at high levels over time.
Baby and juvenile bearded dragons are more sensitive to heavy metal toxicity effects. Limit tuna intake to no more than once a week even for adults.
| Bearded Dragon Age | Max Tuna Feeding Frequency |
| 0 – 12 months | Once a month |
| > 12 months (adult) | Once a week |
Choose light tuna and stick to smaller portions. Check the EPA safety guidelines on mercury in fish to make the best choices for your dragon’s tuna meals.
Better Protein Alternatives
While tuna may seem like an appealing protein source for bearded dragons, there are much better options that are more nutritious and safer. Here are some great alternatives to feed your beardie:
Crickets
Crickets are a staple feeder insect for bearded dragons. They are loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals that promote proper growth and development. Crickets have a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio which is ideal for building strong bones.
They also contain vitamin A, B complex, and trace minerals like zinc, manganese and selenium. When gut-loaded properly, crickets make an exceptional protein source for beardies of all ages.
Mealworms
Mealworms are another terrific feeder insect for bearded dragons. They are soft-bodied so even young dragons can easily chew them. Mealworms contain essential nutrients like vitamin B12, copper, and zinc. They have more fat than crickets so they should be fed in moderation to avoid obesity.
Gut-load your mealworms with nutritious greens and veggies for 24-48 hours before feeding for optimal nutrition.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are quickly becoming a staple feeder for bearded dragons. Compared to crickets, they have higher protein, vitamin A, calcium, and less fat. Dubias also cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly so they are easy to contain.
They have a slower metabolism than crickets, allowing gut-loading nutrients to last longer inside them before feeding. Overall, dubia roaches make an exceptional nutritious staple feeder. Try alternating them with crickets and mealworms for variety.
When choosing feeder insects, always buy from reputable breeders. Avoid catching wild insects that may carry parasites or pesticides. Gut-load feeders 24-48 hours before feeding by providing greens, veggies, commercial gut loads.
By offering a variety of properly gut-loaded feeder insects like crickets, mealworms and dubias, you can provide fantastic nutrition for your bearded dragon without any risky foods like tuna.
How to Safely Feed Tuna Occasionally
Only Feed Cooked Tuna
Feeding raw tuna to bearded dragons can introduce harmful bacteria like Salmonella and lead to illness. According to the CDC, reptiles and amphibians are common carriers of Salmonella. To kill any bacteria, tuna should be thoroughly cooked before feeding it.
The safest approach is to lightly steam or bake tuna without any seasoning or oil. Avoid frying tuna or cooking it alongside other ingredients a dragon shouldn’t consume. Steaming helps retain more nutrients too.
Let the tuna cool completely to an appropriate temperature before offering any pieces to your dragon.
Limit Portion Size and Frequency
Since tuna is an occasional snack, limit how much and how often you give it. Follow these rules of thumb:
- Only feed tuna 1-2 times per month maximum
- Limit portion sizes to 1 or 2 small bites per feeding
Rotating protein sources is important to give your bearded dragon variety. Stick to tuna as an occasional treat so it doesn’t replace staple feeder insects, which should make up the bulk of their diet.
Choose Light Tuna Over Albacore
Light tuna generally has less mercury than white albacore tuna, according to the FDA. For the longest life expectancy, choose tuna canned in water over oil too. Compare the mercury levels and fat content using this handy table:
| Type | Mercury Level | Fat Grams/3 oz |
|---|---|---|
| Light tuna in water | Low | 0.8g |
| Albacore tuna in water | High | 2.0g |
While tuna is perfectly safe for dragons occasionally, these tips will optimize nutrition and minimize any risks. For more information, check out Bearded Dragons Guide and your exotics veterinarian.
Conclusion
While tuna is not toxic, it does pose some risks if fed too often to bearded dragons. The high protein levels coupled with potential for mercury exposure mean tuna should not be a staple food source. For a balanced bearded dragon diet, stick to safer options like insects.
Tuna can occasionally be fed in small amounts, but should not make up a significant portion of their diet.
