If you’re a bearded dragon owner, then you know how important it is to provide your beardie with a varied and nutritious diet.
Prickly pear cactus is a delicious and healthy food option for bearded dragons, but it can be tricky to prepare properly.
In this quick guide, we will show you how to prepare prickly pear cactus for bearded dragons so that your pet can enjoy this tasty snack!
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Prickly Pear Cactus?
Yes, bearded dragons can safely eat prickly pear cactus!
It’s highly nutritious and safe to eat as long as the spines, skins, and seeds are removed.
How to Prepare Prickly Pear Cactus for Bearded Dragons
Preparing prickly pear cactus for your beardie is a simple process, so let’s get right into it!
To start, you’ll want to cut the prickly pear cactus in half.
Once it’s opened, you’ll want to use a spoon to scoop out its center.
It’s also important to use a fork to hold them because there’s a chance that seeds or spines can still be on the fruit skin.
Then, once you’ve scooped out the fruit you can mash it into small sections for your beardie to eat.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Prickly Pear Cactus?
Full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, prickly pear cactus is a great choice of food for your beardie.
Nutrition | Amount per 100 g |
Protein | 0.7 g |
Iron | 56 mg |
Calcium | 0.3 mg |
Potassium | 220 mg |
As you can see, it’s filled with potassium, which is crucial to your beardie’s health.
How Often Should Bearded Dragons Eat Prickly Pear Cactus?
While other fruits may contain high sugar, prickly pear cacti don’t.
This makes it a perfect food to consistently feed to your beardie as a staple in their diet.
It may be hard to find this fruit, so if you’re having a hard time, Mexican grocery stores typically have the pears available.
Just be careful to remove all the seeds, skins, and spines before your bearded dragon eats the fruit.
Final thoughts
Prickly pear cactus is a great option to feed your beardie, but it’s important to prepare it properly.
By following the steps above, you can be sure that your bearded dragon will enjoy this delicious and nutritious snack!
And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to check with your vet first.