With their docile nature and friendly personalities, it’s no wonder bearded dragons have become a beloved pet reptile. If you’re a proud beardie owner, you likely want to make sure your scaly friend has an optimal diet to stay healthy and happy.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: While not toxic, fish should not make up a significant portion of a bearded dragon’s diet. Fish lacks key nutrients bearded dragons need and too much can cause health issues.
Nutritional Value of Fish for Bearded Dragons
High in Fat and Protein, Low in Key Nutrients
Fish can be a great source of protein and fat for bearded dragons, providing about 60% protein and 30% fat. However, fish lack some key nutrients that are important for bearded dragons like calcium and vitamin D3.
Most fish have about 15-20 mg of calcium per 100g, while bearded dragons need around 200-500 mg per day depending on their age. Fish also contain little to no vitamin D3, which helps bearded dragons absorb calcium. Without proper calcium and D3, bearded dragons can develop metabolic bone disease.
Risk of Nutrient Deficiencies
Feeding too much fish can lead to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in bearded dragons. Since fish are low in calcium and lack vitamin D3, over-relying on fish can cause hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and metabolic bone disease.
Fish are also very low in vegetables and fiber, which provide key vitamins like vitamin A.
Some studies have found that bearded dragons fed diets with more than 50% fish can develop signs of nutrient deficiencies within a few months. Therefore, fish should never make up the bulk of the diet. At most, fish can account for 20-30% of the total diet a few times a week.
To balance out the nutrition, it’s important to always serve fish along with more complete foods like insects, greens, and vegetables. Adding a calcium + D3 supplement is also recommended when feeding fish to prevent deficiencies.
High Mercury Levels in Some Fish
Certain types of fish may contain higher levels of mercury and other toxins, especially large, predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, mackerel, tilefish and shark. Mercury builds up in the tissues of fish and can cause neurological damage if consumed in excess.
Smaller fish like salmon, tilapia, pollock, or cod tend to be lower in mercury.
For bearded dragons, it’s best to avoid feeding fish more than once or twice a week to limit exposure to heavy metals. Varying the types of fish can also help prevent consuming too much mercury from any one species.
Health Risks of Feeding Bearded Dragons Fish
Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease
Fish are high in fat and can lead to obesity in bearded dragons if fed too often. An obese dragon is at risk for developing fatty liver disease, which can cause organ damage over time. According to the Bearded Dragon Guide, liver disease is one of the top killers of pet bearded dragons.
The high protein and fat levels in fish disrupt the nutrient balance bearded dragons need. Feeder fish like goldfish and minnows contain 13-16% fat, much higher than the insects dragons naturally eat. Sticking to low-fat feeder insects like dubia roaches is best.
Gout and Kidney Stones
There is also a risk of developing gout or kidney stones from excess purines found in fish. Purines get converted into uric acid, which can crystallize into painful stones if allowed to accumulate.
A 2019 study showed that meat-eating reptiles produce more uric acid than insectivores. Since dragons evolved eating mainly insects, feeding fish introduces excess purines their bodies are not adapted to handle.
Limiting fish treats to no more than once a month protects their kidney health. Always monitor for signs of gout like swollen joints, reluctance to move, or bloody urates.
Best Fish Options for Bearded Dragons
Lean White Fish
Lean white fish like tilapia, cod, and flounder make great treats for bearded dragons. These fish are low in fat and high in protein, providing important nutrients without excess calories. When choosing fish, opt for wild-caught options whenever possible to minimize contaminants.
According to research from top herpetological sites like Bearded Dragons World, the optimal fish to offer your beardie are low mercury choices likepollock, sole, flounder, smelt, and whitefish. These lean options provide protein while being low in fat that can cause obesity.
When preparing the fish, make sure to cook it plain by baking, broiling, or boiling. Avoid adding any seasonings, spices, oil, or butter. Plain cooking lets you control exactly what goes into your dragon’s diet. Offer fish no more than once per week to supplement their usual insect-based diet.
Shellfish
In moderation, certain shellfish can also make for quality bearded dragon treats. Favorites include cooked shrimp, crawfish tails, and crab meat. These shellfish provide protein, calcium, and other key nutrients. Just be sure to offer only small pieces, as too much shellfish can cause digestive upset.
Research shows that around 90% of pet owners have had success offering small amounts of cooked shrimp as an occasional treat. When preparing shellfish, opt for wild-caught and make sure it’s thoroughly cooked with no added ingredients.
Check for signs of a food allergy such as vomiting or diarrhea after eating.
While fish and shellfish can add beneficial variety to a beardie’s diet, insects should still make up 75% or more of their food. Aim to offer seafood just once or twice a month. This allows them to gain nutrients without overdoing it on foods their digestive system isn’t quite built to handle.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fish
When it comes to feeding bearded dragons fish, moderation is key. While fish can make a nutritious occasional treat, it should not be a staple part of their diet. Here’s a closer look at how often bearded dragons can safely eat fish:
Once A Week Or Less
Most experts recommend limiting fish to once a week or less for bearded dragons. Some even advise feeding it only once or twice a month. Fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1. Too much thiaminase can lead to vitamin B1 deficiency over time.
Feeder fish like goldfish and minnows have higher levels of thiaminase compared to white fish like tilapia or cod. So feeder fish should especially only be fed sparingly.
Best Fish Options
When choosing fish for bearded dragons, lean white fish is best. Good options include:
- Tilapia
- Cod
- Pollock
- Flounder
- Sole
These fish have lower fat and thiaminase levels. You can purchase them fresh or frozen at the grocery store.
No matter what type of fish you choose, make sure it is cooked. Raw fish may contain parasites or bacteria that can make your bearded dragon sick.
Alternate Protein Sources
While the occasional piece of fish can add variety to their diet, bearded dragons should not rely on it as their main protein source. Better staples include:
- Dubia roaches
- Crickets
- Waxworms
- Mealworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
These feeder insects provide complete nutrition without high risks of vitamin deficiencies. Alternate between different staples for variety.
In the end, fish no more than once a week is ideal. Rely on healthier feeder insects as the main protein sources in a bearded dragon’s diet.
Best Practices for Feeding Fish to Bearded Dragons
Avoid Raw Fish
Feeding raw fish to bearded dragons can introduce harmful bacteria like salmonella and other pathogens, which can make the reptiles sick. Cooking the fish properly kills off these dangerous microorganisms.
Lightly boiling, baking, or sautéing fish helps remove moisture that allows bacteria to thrive as well.
Mix with Veggies
Many reptile experts advise pairing fish with fresh vegetables when feeding it to bearded dragons. The extra nutrition from produce like chopped kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash enhances the meal. Fruits like mango, berries, and melon also supplement essential vitamins and nutrients.
Cut Into Small Pieces
Bearded dragons have small mouths and teeth not designed for chewing larger pieces of fish. Cut the seafood into tiny bite-sized portions to prevent choking hazards. Pieces should be no larger than the space between the dragon’s eyes for easier swallowing.
Proper sizing also allows the bearded dragon to comfortably hunt and capture the fish.
When feeding fish to bearded dragons, follow basic safety guidelines. Cook fish fully, incorporate fresh greens, fruits or veggies, and dice fish into tiny pieces the dragon can comfortably consume. With some care and planning, seafood can occasionally enhance nutrition for bearded dragons.
Conclusion
While most fish do not contain enough essential nutrients for optimal bearded dragon health, small amounts of low-mercury white fish or shellfish can make an occasional treat. Feed fish in strict moderation along with plenty of leafy greens, veggies, insects and calcium to support your beardie’s complete nutritional needs.