Can bearded dragons eat bacon in their meals?
No, bearded dragons can not eat bacon. Although bacon is loaded with a good amount of nutritional value for humans and other animals, it is not at all beneficial for a bearded dragon.
Today, we will discuss whether bearded dragons can eat bacon. Also, it is imperative to know the right reason and more related to the same. Thus, let us dig into it in detail.
What nutritional value of bacon for a bearded dragon?
Feeding bacon to bearded dragons is not a very good idea. Why? Because although it is loaded with a lot of nutritional value, which boosts energy and enhances one’s health, it is high in fat and sodium that can upset your bearded dragon’s health.
Other than that, there are many more reasons to support the answer. However, first, let us know the nutritional value of bacon. Please note that with an expert guide, you can feed your dragon a small amount of bacon twice a month to gain these nutritional values.
Advantages of Bacon
- Good source of fat
Bacon is a significant source of fat that can satiate the per-day fat intake of bearded dragons efficiently.
- Packed with Protein
Protein consumption is vital for the consistent growth and development of the body. And bacon is packed with a good amount of protein.
- Vitamins and Minerals
Bacon is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It contains a good amount of B vitamins- B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12, potassium, selenium, Magnesium, phosphorus, and fatty acids. All these vitamins and minerals are essential for keeping a healthy body.
Disadvantages of bacon
As mentioned above, feeding your bearded dragon bacon is not suitable for them, and thus, it can lead to various health issues. One of the most significant risks is salt poisoning, via which your dragon can suffer from brain damage. Please ensure that if your pet has a pancreas issue or liver issue, feeding the smallest part of bacon can also be life-threatening for your pet, and even in good condition, if you keep feeding it to your bacon, the possibilities of below things can happen.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
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How often can you feed bacon to a bearded dragon?
The appetite of any bearded dragon depends on its food habits. However, most of them eat one or two meals per day. However, keep in mind that feeding older lizards once a day is preferable.
It is always advised that you feed your bearded dragons high-quality bacon; otherwise, it can cause allergies or other health risks to their bodies. If your diet includes a variety of foods, you can give a slice twice or once a month.
The diet for your bearded dragon should be as diverse as possible, including animal proteins such as crickets, mealworms, and pinkie mice to ensure they have all the necessary nutrients.
How to prepare bacon for a bearded dragon?
Even though bacon is not a natural component of a bearded dragon’s diet, giving your pet the occasional piece as a treat is unlikely to hurt it (unless your beardie is not suffering from any liver issues)/ When feeding bacon to bearded dragons, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Bacon should only be consumed in small amounts( not more than 20 grams in 15 days) because it is particularly heavy in fat and sodium.
Additionally, bacon must always be cooked to a crisp before serving it to your bearded dragon. Intestinal upset risk will be reduced as a result.
It would help if you did not give raw bacon to your pet as the raw flesh of a larger animal cannot be consumed by bearded dragons, and even turkey meat is difficult for them to digest and can lead to death.
Steps to prepare bacon for your bearded dragon
Step 1: After ensuring all the points mentioned earlier are ticked off, you can start by slicing the bacon into thin strips or small cubes before serving it to bearded dragons.
Step 2: Then, you must crisp up the bacon in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Before feeding the bacon to your pet, let it cool thoroughly.
Note- do not add ketchup, mustard, or any garnishing, and make sure that you have taken the salt off clearly by washing it with water.
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Conclusion
Due to a shortage of supply, bearded dragons in the desert only frequently consume bacon, ham, and turkey. Their diet should be kept as close to their habitat as you can.
You should provide them with a balanced diet. Your veterinarian can assist you in creating a menu that will provide them with the most nourishment possible. Also, ensure that you keep your beardie away from bacon and other raw meat as much as possible.
Giving your bearded dragon bacon and other meals will cause harm to vital organs and, in some rare instances, death if it already has pre-existing medical issues. Even if your pet is healthy, avoid consistently feeding them this food.
