A lot of newbies in keeping reptiles ask us, “Can bearded dragons eat peas?”
So we decided to put all the information you need to know about feeding this green to your pet in this article.
It is very important to consider the nutrients he requires from the daily diet for his long-term well-being.
To answer your question, yes, bearded dragons love eating peas.
But what they love sometimes is not the things that are good for them.
We have provided the good and the bad of this plant, and how to feed them in the right way so that your pet can still enjoy their favorite food while remaining healthy.
Do not hesitate anymore. Let’s jump right into the guide!
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How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas?
1. Nutrition Value
Peas contain a decent amount of nutrients and antioxidants.
Researches suggest that peas can help protect against such chronic health illness for bearded dragons, such as heart diseases or metabolic disorders.
On the other hand, some experts argue that some of the green peas are unhealthy and should not be fed too frequently since it can cause bloating.
There are a lot of peas, including yellow, black-eyed, purple, etc.
However, the most widely eaten is the green kind.
Beardies can also eat snaps and snow peas.
They are other common varieties that are sometimes mistaken for green ones due to their similar appearance.
Their taste and nutritional value, though, are somewhat different.
A majority of the nutrition is made of carbohydrates and the remaining are fat and protein.
In addition to a large amount of fiber, peas contain vitamins and minerals your bearded dragon needs for healthy growth.
Furthermore, they also have a high content of polyphenol antioxidants, which are responsible for a lot of health benefits.
One significant note is that pea is one of the richest sources of plant-based protein, thanks to its high fiber filling.
Make sure your pet’s diet combines various types of peas with other protein sources in order to guarantee that he gets plenty of the necessary acids.
Some minerals and their benefits are listed in the below table:
| Minerals | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Essentials to the development, healthy immune, vision, breeding, sustaining and restoring organs and tissues |
| Vitamin C | Essentials to the development, healthy immune, vision, breeding, sustaining and restoring organs and tissues |
| Vitamin K | Helps control blood clotting and bone’s wellbeing |
| Thiamine | Helps retain healthy nerve tissue |
| Manganese | Contributes to metabolism |
| Iron | Most important to the babies |
| Phosphorus | Supports bone development. |
Like other vegetables, all kinds of peas contain both phosphorus and calcium.
However, compared to the level of calcium, this plant has an extremely higher content of phosphorus, which means it will prevent calcium absorption into the dragon’s bloodstream.
Therefore, the bearded dragon can eat peas, but in the long term, this will lead to metabolic bone disease, a common issue that happens to this lizard species.
Metabolic bone disease weakens bearded dragons’ skeletal system and can even kill them if left untreated.
2. Moderate Feeding Frequency
Although bearded dragons can eat peas in general, you should not feed them too much.
Since it is very high in phosphorus content but very low in calcium, overeating phosphorus will cause serious metabolic bone disease, softening of the jaw and facial bones.
Reptile experts recommend that it should be used as an occasional treat or mixed with other greens in beardies’ daily meals to not cause bad effects.
You can let your beardies eat raw or cooked beans without worrying. Or you can try to make a gourmet dish for them as what they showed in this video:
Read More:
How to Feed Bearded Dragons With Peas?
1. Diet by Age
The biggest difference between a young and adult bearded dragon’s diet is: A slightly greater amount of protein should be served to the younger ones while the older or adult ones should be mostly vegetables and greens.
Young bearded dragons require a high protein amount in order to better evolve and grow strong.
On the other hand, older dragons who eat so much protein are easy to be fat and may also develop issues with well-being.
Adult animals just do not need the protein as much as the younger ones.
Therefore, 80% of greens and veggies and just 20% protein constitute an acceptable diet for adult bearded dragons.
2. Feeding Schedule
The first thing you should remember is to turn on the heating lights from 30 to 60 minutes before and let it last for as long after feeding.
The beardies will not want to eat if they do not warm up enough.
Once again, how often and how much you should feed depends on the age of your pet.
The nutrients their body requires, especially vitamin D3 in calcium, cannot be properly absorbed.
In this case, everything you feed would essentially be just a waste.
In addition, ensure that all the food that is not consumed within 30 minutes is removed from the tank.
Bearded dragons do not like ripe food since it can be sour and grow bacteria.
a. Adult Bearded Dragons
We suggest feeding them in the morning and the evening. If you are too busy, one meal a day is still good.
But when you do this way, you can take out the food slower because it takes a whole 24 hours for the beardies to take another meal.
b. Newborn Bearded Dragons
Give them from 4 to 5 meals a day, 5 to 10 minutes each as many crickets as possible. The kids should eat 30 to 60 crickets every day.
c. 3 to 4 Months Baby Bearded Dragons
Go for 3 or 4 meals daily so that they can always eat as much as they want in 5 to 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Peas to Bearded Dragons
1. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peas in a Pod?
Of course, yes. They can eat entirely both cooked and raw pea pods.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to give it as an occasional veggie since it is high in phosphorus, making it not the best choice for lizard food.
2. Can I Feed My Dragon Sweet Pea Leaves?
Pea leaves are fine, but sweet peas are not recommended for bearded dragons.
You need to limit the intake because it is not good to feed, even in small quantities. Sweet peas are reported to be poisonous to most kinds of reptiles.
3. How Many Veggies Should I Give to My Bearded Dragon?
You may face a few difficulties when this animal seems always to be hungry.
A simple rule is 70:30: 70% of green and 30% of insects. When your bearded dragons reach maturity, their appetite will change also.
But in general, this ratio is healthy and balanced for bearded dragons of all ages.
4. How Long Can My Bearded Dragon Live in Captivity?
Their longevity depends 90% on their quality of life.
They can live up to an average of 10 years if you provide them with a balanced diet, a decent cage setup with sufficient UVB exposure and temperature, and a lot of enrichment to keep them comfortable.
Some can live up to more than 12 years, but this case is quite rare.
5. Can I Overfeed My Bearded Dragon?
Yes, if you are talking about protein. And no, for greens. Sadly, lots of owners are giving too much protein (mostly from insects).
This refers to weight gain and also to certain diseases.
Averagely, it takes 5 to 8 minutes for each feeding. Some dragons can stop when they have got enough.
Therefore, you can feed them until they are full and do not want to eat anymore.
Conclusion
Can bearded dragons eat peas? Yes, bearded dragons can be fed peas.
However, we suggest letting them eat it as unusual treats or just a very small amount every week even though some dragons enjoy them much.
Peas have a high content of phosphorus, which can lead to serious metabolic diseases.
After all, a healthy diet makes things easier.
Always pay attention to the amount of peas, how often you give peas, and how to serve peas properly for the best feeding.
Key points on whether bearded dragons can eat peas:
When it comes to bearded dragon nutrition, providing a balanced and diverse diet is essential for their health and well-being. Peas are a common vegetable found in many households, and you might wonder if they can be a part of your beardie’s diet. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Nutritional Composition:
- Peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber.
- These nutrients can be beneficial for bearded dragons when provided in moderation.
2. Digestibility:
- The outer skin of peas can be tough and challenging for bearded dragons to digest.
- It’s recommended to remove the outer skin before offering peas to your pet.
3. Moderation Is Key:
- While peas are not toxic to bearded dragons, they should be fed in moderation.
- Overconsumption can lead to digestive issues due to their fiber content.
4. Protein Content:
- Peas contain a small amount of protein, which can be beneficial for bearded dragons when included as part of their varied diet.
5. Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio:
- Bearded dragons require a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in their diet to prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Peas have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that is not ideal, so they should not be a primary source of calcium.
6. Serving Methods:
- Offer peas to your bearded dragon as small, bite-sized pieces.
- For better digestibility, it’s a good practice to cook or blanch them and remove the skin.
7. Variety in Diet:
- Bearded dragons benefit from a diverse diet that includes a wide range of vegetables, leafy greens, and insects.
- Peas can be one of the many options in their diet but should not dominate it.
8. Balanced Calcium Supplementation:
- Ensure that your bearded dragon’s diet is supplemented with calcium, and consider using a reptile-specific calcium supplement to meet their needs.
9. Avoid Seasoning:
- Never feed your bearded dragon seasoned or salted peas.
- Seasonings and salts can be harmful to their health.
10. Monitor Digestive Response: – When introducing new foods like peas, closely monitor your bearded dragon for any adverse reactions, including diarrhea or other digestive issues.
11. Consult a Herpetologist or Veterinarian: – If you have concerns about incorporating peas or any other food into your bearded dragon’s diet, it’s advisable to consult a herpetologist or reptile veterinarian for guidance.
In summary, bearded dragons can consume peas as part of their diet, but they should be served in moderation, with the outer skin removed to aid digestion. While peas offer some valuable nutrients, they should not be the primary source of calcium, and a balanced diet consisting of various vegetables, greens, and insects is essential for your beardie’s health. Be attentive to your pet’s digestive response and always seek expert advice if you have concerns about their diet or health.
