Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon? 7 Brutal Health Symptoms

Climate change has created unpredictable weather during summer in many states in the US. When a sudden heat wave hit us for a week, I was running to Safeway to get watermelons to cool myself. When I came back home and was cutting watermelons to prepare a watermelon juice, my bearded dragon sat there and made actions suggesting that he wanted to taste watermelon. That made me thinking, is watermelon safe for bearded dragons?

Can Bearded dragons eat watermelon? Bearded dragons can eat watermelon, but it is not the best option for them. Watermelon offers little nutrient density and instead of providing nutrients bearded dragons need, it will add sugar to their diet which can make them more prone to obesity or other diseases. However, if your dragon has been eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of nutritious fruit and vegetables then you should feel free to give them watermelon as an occasional treat!

Let’s see what happens if my pet bearded dragon ate watermelon excessively, what symptoms to look for and when to contact vet and how to prevent bearded dragon eating watermelon again.

What Is Watermelon?

Watermelon is a fruit which has been around for centuries and grown in all climates. The delicious watermelon we know today was cultivated from an ancient melon variety that originated in Africa or Asia.

Watermelons can be eaten on their own or used in many recipes, including smoothies and salads. They are also the perfect complement to grilled chicken, pork chops or fish fillets for a summer meal! Watermelon is easy to cut with just about any kitchen utensil – a fork, knife or spoon.

The flesh of a watermelon can vary in color, from dark green to light pinkish-red and even yellow! A ripe watermelon is heavy for its size and has a dull thud when tapped.

Watermelons are high in vitamin C (a nutrient that helps build collagen) as well as lycopene, potassium and beta-carotene.

What Is Watermelon Made Of?

Watermelon can have a range of colors from yellow to light green and red, with a deep red flesh.

A watermelon is about 75% water, which makes it an excellent choice for hydration during the summer heat – or any other time! The average size ranges from 12-24 pounds (about six – twelve cups) but there is no such thing as a “small” watermelon.

What Is Watermelon Good For?

Watermelon is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It’s also low in calories and fat but high in water content, which makes it a healthier choice than many other types of fruit.

Watermelon History

Watermelon originated in Africa and is now grown most often in Mexico, Israel, India, China and the United States.

Historians have found evidence of watermelons being eaten as early as 3000 BC!

The flesh can be white or red when it’s ripe but a good way to tell if it’s ready for eating is by pressing the skin. If it has a deep indentation when you press on it, then it’s ready to go!

Watermelon Nutritional Information

Watermelon contains a lot of water, as it is 75% water. It also contains potassium and vitamins A and C.

It’s low in calories (only 25 per cup) but high in fiber so eating a whole watermelon may be difficult for those with digestive issues such as acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome.

Watermelon is fat-free but does contain sugar, so it may not be a good idea for those with diabetes.

Watermelon also contains phytochemicals that have been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties and even help in the treatment of cancer cells!

For example, take hesperetin which is an antioxidant found in watermelons. It can reduce oxidative stress and help cells regenerate.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon, but they should not be given it too often because of the lack of nutrients. It can be a pleasant treat, but it’s not the best choice for providing nutrition.-

• Watermelon is primarily made up of water, so it has very few nutrients and should only be offered as an occasional snack or in small amounts.
• Bearded dragons should drink plenty of fluids such as fresh water throughout the day, as should any pet.
• Bearded dragons can eat watermelon if given it rarely, but not too often because of the lack of nutrients.
• A dragon may like to chew on a piece at times for entertainment purposes or out of boredom.
• Watermelons are usually eaten raw and skinless with some seeds.
• Watermelon can be a refreshing snack during the summer heat, and is also good for hydration.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon Peel?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon peel, but it is not a necessary part of their diet. Bearded dragons need to have some calcium in order for them to utilize vitamin D properly and they get this from crickets or mealworms. Other fruits like oranges are also very good sources of calcium so more beneficial than the watermelon’s peel

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon seeds, but this is not encouraged. Oversized and undercooked seeds can be a choking hazard for your pet.

You should also avoid feeding the dragon raw or dried fruit pits because they are toxic to them. They contain cyanide which can cause paralysis of mouth muscles in animals who ingest them.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen Watermelon?

The majority of the time, freshly picked fruit is a better option for your bearded dragon than dried or frozen varieties because they lack nutrients that can be lost in processing and preservation.

Bearded dragons are omnivores who will eat about anything you put in front of them as long as it’s somewhat fresh and not poisonous.

Can Bearded Dragons Drink Watermelon Juice?

Bearded dragons can drink watermelon juice, but it’s not recommended.

The high sugar content in a fruit like watermelon could cause your bearded dragon to have spikes in their blood sugar levels which can be dangerous for them and lead to diabetes or other ailments if overdone.

Instead of giving them fruit juices, try offering vegetables as an alternative.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon Rinds?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon rinds as a treat, but it’s not recommended because they’re too fibrous for them to digest.

If you want to serve your dragon some of the fruit that has been cut into slices or cubes, just remove the rinds first.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon All Year Round?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon all year round, but it’s not recommended.

Watermelon is a very seasonal fruit and not the most nutritious to feed your dragon on a regular basis because of its lack of protein and other nutrients like calcium.

If you want to give your dragon a little treat, there are healthier options available.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon Leaves?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon leaves as a treat, but it’s not recommended because the texture is too rough for them to digest.

If you want your dragon to have some of the fruit that has been cut into slices or cubes, just remove the rinds and leave on the leaves.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cold Watermelon?

Bearded dragons can eat cold watermelon, but it’s not recommended.

Watermelons are best eaten when they’re fresh because the sugar levels in them go down as they age and their nutritional value is lessened.

Cold fruit will also make your dragon feel colder and more lethargic than if you fed them something warm like a hot dog or chicken.

Do Bearded Dragons Like Watermelon?

Bearded dragons can’t get enough of watermelon.

It’s one of their favorite fruits and makes for a great treat as long as you’re feeding it to them occasionally instead of giving them too much on an every day basis.

Watermelons are high in sugar so if they eat too many, they could become diabetic or suffer from other illnesses.

Watermelons are a seasonal fruit that can only be enjoyed during the summer time, so don’t try to make them eat one in the wintertime and risk harming your dragon!

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon eat once or twice per month for good health. But they can actually as often as they want and it’s not recommended.

If your dragon doesn’t have any other fruits or vegetables in their diet, then they could get some of the nutrients they need from watermelons.

However, because this fruit is high in sugar and low on protein, calcium, iron, and other nutrients, it’s not the best choice for a dragon who is used to eating fruit of all types.

If you want your bearded dragon to have some watermelon on occasion, make sure they eat something healthy first so that their stomach can handle it better.

How Much Watermelon Is Too Much For Bearded Dragon?

Bearded dragons can only eat less than 5 small pieces of watermelon at a time to maintain good health. Bearded dragons can’t get enough of the fruit and if you feed them too many pieces, they will become diabetic or suffer from other illnesses like anemia because their body isn’t getting what it needs in order to function properly.

If you want your dragon to eat a few pieces, make it all fruit and not include any vegetables.

They need a balanced diet of different nutrients so that they can stay healthy and maintain their proper weight.

Bearded dragons can also eat as much watermelon as often as they want without health consequences if they are receiving the appropriate diet.

What Should I Do If My Bearded Dragon Ate Too Much Watermelon?

If you’re worried that your dragon ate too much watermelon, then you should try to find out when they last had their calcium supplement.

They also need a high protein diet so if they don’t have any meat in it and are only eating fruit for sustenance, then it’s time to put them on a more balanced diet again.

If they do have calcium in their diet and are still acting lethargic, then you should see a veterinarian to find out what’s going on.

Some dragons can also suffer from liver problems if they eat too much watermelon because it lacks the nutrients that their liver needs.

A dragon suffering from diabetes will need insulin injections or a special food that is high in sugar.

7 Health Symptoms If Bearded Dragon Ate Watermelon

Bearded dragons can eat watermelon in small amounts if they’re getting enough of other nutrients.

But some things that could happen if bearded dragons ate too much watermelon are:

• Diabetes
• Liver problems
• Anemia
• Weight gain
• Dehydration
• Vomiting

If this happens, make sure your dragon has a healthy diet with plenty of protein and calcium.

Diabetes: When a dragon eats too much sugar, their body can’t break it down. Then the bacteria in their stomach ferments and produces alcohol which is why they act drunk or sleepy if you give them watermelon on an every day basis.

They won’t know when to go eat because they’re always hungry from all the sugar they’re getting and it can lead to death.

Liver Problems: The liver is the organ in charge of filtering out all toxins, so if your dragon eats too much watermelon without any other nutrients then their body won’t be able to detoxify properly because there’s not enough protein or calcium for them to function normally.

Anemia: The red blood cells are made of protein which is why if dragons don’t get enough calcium, then they can suffer from anemia.

Weight Gain: If your dragon doesn’t eat any vegetables or meat and only eats watermelon, then they could start gaining weight because the fruit has high sugar content.

Dehydration: If a dragon doesn’t drink enough water then they can become dehydrated very easily.

Vomiting: Watermelon can be hard to digest and if the dragons body isn’t getting all it needs, then they may start vomiting from time to time.

How To Treat If My Bearded Dragon Ate Watermelon Excessively?

If your dragon ate too much watermelon, then you should try to find out when they last had their calcium supplement.

See if your bearded dragon has health symptoms and call your Vet if they do.

Some dragons can also suffer from liver problems if they eat too much watermelon because it lacks the nutrients that their liver needs.

A dragon suffering from diabetes will need insulin injections or a special food that is high in sugar.

How To Prevent Bearded Dragons From Eating Watermelons Again?

If you don’t want your bearded dragon to eat watermelon again then make sure that they’re getting a balanced diet of different nutrients and not just fruit.

Mix up their food options so they can get a variety instead of eating the same thing all day long.

You should have vegetables like peas, carrots, broccoli for them to snack on.

Include protein in their diet like eggs, fish or meat to keep them full and happy instead of eating too much watermelon all at once.

When you feed your dragon fruit make sure they don’t have too many pieces so it doesn’t spoil their appetite for the rest of the meal. In addition, try not to give them watermelon too often because it can lead to diabetes.

Final Verdict On Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

• Can Bearded dragons eat watermelon? Bearded dragons can eat watermelon in small amounts if they’re getting enough of other nutrients. But some things that could happen if bearded dragons ate too much watermelon are: Diabetes, Liver problems, Anemia, Weight gain, Dehydration and Vomiting.
• If this happens, make sure your dragon has a healthy diet with plenty of protein and calcium
• When a dragon eats too much sugar, their body can’t break it down so the bacteria in their stomach ferments and produces alcohol which is why they act drunk or sleepy if you give them watermelon on an every day basis.
• The liver is the organ in charge of filtering out all toxins, so if your dragon eats too much watermelon without any other nutrients then their body won’t be able to detoxify properly because there’s not enough protein or calcium for them to function normally.
• If dragons don’t get enough calcium in their diet, then they can suffer from anemia.
• If your dragon doesn’t eat any vegetables or meat and only eats watermelon, then they could start gaining weight because the fruit has high sugar content.
• When you feed your dragon too much fruit it causes them to spoil their appetite for other foods in a meal which leads to dehydration. If a dragon doesn’t drink enough water then they can become dehydrated very easily.
• Watermelon is not as nutrient dense for dragons, so it’s less beneficial than some other fruits that offer more substance such as apples or oranges which have many vitamins and minerals in them. The enzymes found in watermelons are good for digestion.

Other Bearded dragon food and nutrition content you may want to be aware

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kale?

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️