Raspberries are usually available at a very low price when they are in season, which is typically during the summer and fall months.
They are also incredibly easy to grow at home, requiring minimal effort for a bountiful crop. This makes them a great source of food for your bearded dragon.
The good news is that bearded dragons can safely eat raspberries. While moderation is important, they can be a beneficial part of your bearded dragon’s diet.
Raspberries are packed with nutrients that can benefit your bearded dragon.
How Often to Feed Raspberries To a Bearded Dragon
Raspberries should be given as an occasional treat to bearded dragons rather than a regular part of their diet. They are high in oxalates and have a poor calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Despite their drawbacks, raspberries provide variety to your bearded dragon’s diet, taste great, and offer essential vitamins and minerals.
Nutrients Found in Raspberries
When feeding plant matter to bearded dragons, it’s best to focus more on vegetables than fruits due to the higher sugar content in fruits.
Raspberries, however, are lower in sugar and higher in fiber, making them a better fruit option for your bearded dragon.
Raspberries are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, E, K, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are essential for a healthy bearded dragon.
Oxalic Acid Levels in Raspberries
Oxalic acid can inhibit calcium absorption in bearded dragons, making it important to feed them foods with low oxalic acid levels.
Raspberries contain 48 mg of oxalic acid per cup, which is considered high. While they can still be fed in moderation, it’s important to balance their intake with low-oxalic acid foods.
Calcium:Phosphorus Ratios in Raspberries
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in raspberries is 0.9:1, indicating low calcium levels compared to phosphorus.
Supplementing your bearded dragon’s diet with a reptile-safe calcium powder can help address the calcium deficiency in raspberries.
How to Prepare Raspberries for Your Bearded Dragon
Raspberries are easy to prepare for your bearded dragon. Simply wash them to remove any pesticides, feed them whole or chopped, consider a calcium supplement, and place them in a food bowl to avoid mess.
I’ve been keeping and breeding exotic pets for over 25 years. I currently live in the East Midlands in the UK, and keep a collection of several hundred tarantulas, mantis and more.