Can Bearded Dragons Eat Carrots?

Yes, carrots are safe for bearded dragons in small amounts. You’ll want to make sure they’re raw (not cooked) and that they’re shredded, not served in large chunks.  

Carrots aren’t good for bearded dragons on a regular basis, but they’re OK as a special, infrequent treat.  

The bulk of your bearded dragon’s diet should be leafy greens and protein (that is, bugs) until they’re a year old, says Anthony Pilny, DVM, DABVP, medical director and hospital co-owner at Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital in Arizona. After that age, they should get insects only two to three times a week—and treats, like carrots, rarely.  

“While not part of their natural diet, many bearded dragons do enjoy carrots, so a small amount grated onto their green salad occasionally is safe and enriching,” Dr. Pilny says. 

So, what makes carrots worth the occasional splurge?  

• Beta-carotene and vitamin A: Carrots have beta-carotene, which your beardie’s body converts to vitamin A as needed. This nutrient supports healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. 
• Fiber: The fiber in carrots can aid in digestion, but beardies should get most of their fiber needs from leafy greens. 
• Hydration: Like many vegetables, carrots contain water that contributes to your bearded dragon’s overall hydration. 

They’re crunchy, packed with beta-carotene, and tasty—what’s not to like? For humans, carrots make a great regular snack, but it’s not quite the same for beardies. Here’s why: 

• Carrots have high sugar content. The natural sugars and starches can cause weight problems if your beardie eats them regularly, says Todd Driggers, DVM, DACEPM, a veterinarian at Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic in Mesa, Arizona. 
• They’re a choking hazard. Large carrot slices can be dangerous for bearded dragons. Dr. Driggers advises feeding “shredded carrots, not chopped.”  
• Too many treats aren’t ideal. Leafy greens should always be on the menu, but too many treats (carrots are a treat due to the high sugar content) can prevent your beardie from eating their greens.  

When it comes to carrot portion size and frequency, less is definitely more. Dr. Pilny recommends offering about 1 teaspoon to an adult bearded dragon once to twice a week, so long as they’re also eating their leafy greens. 

The key? Use carrots as a garnish rather than the main course. “Think of them as a topping to their more appropriate green salad,” says Dr. Pilny. 

But before you start shredding carrots, note that it’s not an essential—or even ideal—veggie for beardies. If you want to offer the occasional treat, Dr. Pilny suggests “novel insects like butterworms or hornworms” as a better choice.  

If your beardie loves their carrots, try organic, raw ones for the safest treat, both vets say.  

Here’s how to prep: 

• Wash the carrot thoroughly to remove pesticides and dirt. 
• Grate or shred the carrot into small pieces. 
• Top your bearded dragon’s leafy greens with the carrots (don’t give carrots alone). 
• Keep portions to about 1 teaspoon once or twice per week. If offering a larger portion, stick to just once or twice per month.  
• Remove any uneaten carrots after a few hours to prevent spoilage.  
• Place any food in a shallow bowl, like the Exo Terra Feeding Dish, that your beardie can easily access.  

If your bearded dragon somehow got into your carrot stash and overindulged, don’t panic.  

“A one-time overeating of carrots is unlikely to cause anything other than a mild GI upset and maybe some abnormal poop or undigested carrots in the poop,” says Dr. Pilny. 

If you notice anything more serious, such as prolonged lethargy, vomiting, or signs of pain, contact your vet right away. 

The real concern isn’t usually a one-time carrot binge, but you want to make sure that high-sugar treats, like carrots, don’t become a regular habit. Dr. Driggers says too many sugary foods can lead to obesity and other health issues, like fatty liver and heart disease. 

Carrots are just one option in a rainbow of vegetables. But just like carrots, most of the colorful veggies are treats, not healthy meals; leafy greens should be the foundation of your beardie’s veggie intake (but skip the head lettuce, which lacks nutrition). 

Dr. Pilny recommends these greens as daily staples:  

• Arugula 
• Bok choy 
• Cactus pads 
• Collard greens 
• Dandelion greens 
• Endive 
• Escarole 
• Kale 
• Mustard greens 
• Turnip greens 

For some variety, Dr. Pilny says these veggies and herbs work well as occasional toppings or treats: 

• Bell pepper 
• Cilantro 
• Cucumber, peeled 
• Carrot, grated raw 
• Clover  
• Parsley 
• Squash, raw 
• Yam, grated raw 

Dr. Driggers recommends skipping “starch like corn, potatoes, and other tubers in excess.” These foods are high in sugar and low in nutritional value for your beardie. 

Can baby bearded dragons eat carrots?  

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat small amounts of grated carrot occasionally, but their diet should focus primarily on insects for proper growth and development.  

Dr. Pilny explains that young bearded dragons “are largely more carnivorous, consuming more insects when they’re young and growing.” He recommends following the “80% insects and 20% greens until they’re a year old” rule, then shifting to mostly veggies as they get older.  

Can bearded dragons eat carrot tops?  

Yes, beardies can eat carrot tops as an occasional treat. Wash them well and chop them into small pieces to make them easier—and safer—for your beardie to eat. 

Can bearded dragons eat carrots every day?  

No, carrots are not ideal for beardies. Frequent feeding can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances, says Dr. Driggers.  

Can bearded dragons eat carrots raw?  

Yes, raw carrots are preferred over cooked ones, as cooking can reduce their nutritional value. Shred the carrots to prevent choking.  

What veggies are best for bearded dragons?  

Go green for your beardie’s health. Leafy greens like arugula, bok choy, kale, dandelion greens, and mustard greens should make up the majority of your beardie’s vegetable intake.