Can bearded dragons eat raw meat?
Quick Answer
No
Bearded dragons should not eat raw meat. Their diet should primarily consist of vegetables and insects. Raw meat can cause serious health issues in bearded dragons.
What Is It?
Raw meat refers to any meat product that has not been cooked, processed, or treated in any way. In the context of a bearded dragon’s diet, it can include anything from raw chicken or beef to raw fish.
Why It Can Be Risky
Feeding raw meat to bearded dragons poses several risks:
- Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can cause serious illness in bearded dragons.
- Raw meat is high in fat and low in calcium, which can lead to nutritional imbalances.
- Feeding raw meat can cause impaction, a potentially fatal condition where the digestive tract gets blocked.
Safe Alternatives
- Instead of raw meat, feed your bearded dragon a diet of leafy greens, vegetables, and insects.
- Commercially available bearded dragon food can also be a good alternative.