Can Bearded Dragons Eat Bananas?

Yes, bearded dragons can have bananas—both regular yellow bananas and smaller varieties like baby bananas or plantains, as long as they’re ripe, peeled, and served in small portions. Avoid dried or sugary banana snacks made for humans. 

Looking for bearded dragon treats that contain banana? Here are a couple of popular options: 

• Zilla Reptile Munchies Fruit Mix Reptile Food 
• Fluker’s Crafted Cuisine Adult Bearded Dragon Diet Reptile Food 

Bananas contain several nutrients that may offer health benefits for bearded dragons when fed in moderation: 

• Vitamin C: Supports immune function 
• Vitamin B6: Helps regulate metabolism 
• Manganese: Supports bone development 
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure 
• Fiber: Aids digestion 

However, bearded dragons don’t need fruit for a complete diet, and too much banana can cause problems. 

Bananas aren’t toxic to bearded dragons, but they can cause health issues if fed too frequently or in large amounts. Risks include: 

• High sugar content: Can lead to obesity and digestive issues such as diarrhea 
• Soft texture and acidity: Can contribute to dental disease like gingivitis, tartar build up, and even bone loss if the dental disease progresses 

Bananas—and all fruits—should be treated as a snack. They should make up no more than 5% of your bearded dragon’s diet. The rest should come from a well-balanced diet of vegetables and insects. 

For an average adult bearded dragon: 

• Serve one to two thin banana slices once a week at most. 
• Bananas should not be offered daily. 

Follow these steps to prepare banana for your bearded dragon: 

• Use ripe bananas only 
• Peel the banana and discard the skin 
• Slice thinly: Small, coin-size pieces are ideal 
• Serve plain: No sugar, honey, or seasoning 
• Use tongs or a dish to keep the enclosure clean 

If your bearded dragon ate more banana than they should have, keep an eye out for: 

• Diarrhea 
• Lack of appetite 
• Lethargy 
• Bloating or constipation 

If your beardie shows any of these symptoms, call your vet. They might recommend:  

• Sticking to a veggie- and insect-rich diet for a while and skipping fruit entirely for at least a week  
• Offering hydration—like a shallow bath—to help keep things moving 
• Monitoring your bearded dragon closely 

Bananas aren’t the only fruit your beardie might enjoy. Here are some other safe options but these also should be fed in moderation—just one small piece of fruit per week at most: 

• Apples (peeled, no seeds) 
• Blueberries 
• Mangoes (peeled, no pit) 
• Papayas 
• Strawberries  
• Tomatoes 
• Watermelon 

Looking for fruity bearded dragon treats? Try: 

• Zilla Herbivore Medley Diet Bearded Dragon Lizard & Tortoise Food 
• Zilla Small Animal Munchies Vegetable & Fruit Mix Lizard Food 
• Zilla Omnivore Medley Diet Lizard Food 

Can baby bearded dragons eat bananas? 

Yes, but only a very small piece and not frequently. Their nutritional needs are more demanding, and it’s best to stick to staple insects and leafy greens. 

Can bearded dragons eat banana peels? 

No. Banana peels are hard to digest and may contain pesticides. Always peel bananas before serving. 

Is banana good for bearded dragon hydration? 

While bananas contain moisture, they shouldn’t be relied on for hydration. Instead, offer water-rich vegetables like cucumbers and a clean water dish for drinking and soaking. 

What’s the best banana for bearded dragons? 

Stick to fresh, ripe, yellow bananas. Avoid dried bananas, plantain chips, or any banana product with added sugar or preservatives.