Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomatoes?

Yes, bearded dragons can have tomatoes—with some caveats. 

First, the tomatoes need to be ripe. And you should only offer the flesh of the tomato—never the leaves or stems. 

Green tomatoes, leaves, and stems contain compounds called solanine and tomatine, which belong to a family of compounds called glycoalkaloids. They’re part of the natural defense mechanism of the plant that helps prevent fungus growth. 

But these compounds can be toxic to beardies (and humans too!), according to Colleen Roman, DVM, RVT, exotic animal veterinarian and founder of AnimALL Mobile Veterinary Service in Atlanta. 

Solanine is also found in nightshade plants (eggplants, potatoes, okras, and peppers), which are poisonous to beardies, according to Dr. Roman. If a beardie does eat solanine and tomatine, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, they may experience neurological effects, like weakness or loss of coordination. 

While tomatoes aren’t toxic, they’re not really a great source of nutrition for beardies. That said, tomatoes do offer some benefits: 

• They have essential nutrients. Tomatoes contain beta-carotene, which gets converted into vitamin A, a vital nutrient for bearded dragons.  
• They’re high in antioxidants. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. 
• They’re hydrating. Tomatoes have a high water content, which can help with hydration, especially if your beardie isn’t drinking much on their own. 

But while they can be safe as an occasional treat, feeding tomatoes to bearded dragons comes with some downsides. Here are the biggest risks to consider: 

Tomatoes are technically fruit, which should be limited in a bearded dragon’s diet.  

Feeding higher-carbohydrate foods, like fruits, may increase the chances of dental disease in bearded dragons, according to Rae Porter-Blackwell, DVM, DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), board-certified exotic companion mammal specialist at The Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine in Bothell, Washington, and vice president of the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV). They can develop tartar just like humans and need dental cleanings to scale the tartar away.  

Tomatoes are very acidic and can cause gastrointestinal upset, according to Dr. Roman. This is especially a concern for reptiles with sensitive digestive systems or those prone to gut issues. 

Tomatoes have a low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can lead to calcium deficiencies—a common problem in reptiles, according to Dr. Roman. Over time, this imbalance may contribute to metabolic bone disease, particularly in young or growing beardies. 

Fruits are considered treats to bearded dragons and should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 5% of your beardie’s daily diet. The rest should come from a well-balanced diet of vegetables and insects. This ratio ensures your bearded dragon is getting plenty of the nutrients they need to thrive. 

Dr. Roman says it’s best to give your beardie only about one-fourth of a standard-size tomato or two small cherry tomatoes once a month, at most. 

When you do offer tomatoes to your bearded dragon, it’s important to prep them properly to avoid digestive issues or side effects.  

Here’s how to serve tomatoes safely: 

• Choose ripe, red tomatoes. Avoid green or unripe tomatoes, which contain higher levels of solanine and tomatine. 
• Remove the leaves and stem. The green parts of the tomato also contain solanine and tomatine. Only feed the tomato flesh to your beardie. 
• Wash thoroughly. Rinse the tomato well under cool water to remove pesticides or dirt. 
• Chop into small pieces. Cut the flesh into bite-size chunks that your bearded dragon can easily eat. 
• Serve plain. Don’t add anything to the tomato—it should just be clean and plain. 

If you suspect that you’ve fed too many tomatoes to your beardie, Dr. Porter-Blackwell recommends keeping a close eye on them, and monitoring for signs of digestive upset or discomfort. 

Watch for symptoms like: 

• Diarrhea 
• Lack of appetite 
• Bloating 
• Signs of discomfort when handled 
• Unusual behavior 

If you notice these signs or your beardie becomes lethargic, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

While you don’t want to give your bearded dragon too many tomatoes, you can switch things up with other beardie-safe fruits and vegetables. Some options include: 

• Leafy greens 
• Bell peppers 
• Carrots 
• Strawberries 
• Blueberries 
• Raspberries 
• Apples 

You can also treat your bearded dragon to store-bought dog treats with fruits and vegetables: 

Q: Can baby bearded dragons eat tomatoes? 

A: It’s best to avoid giving baby bearded dragons tomatoes. Their growing bodies need a diet higher in calcium and nutrients, and tomatoes don’t offer much benefit. 

Q: Can bearded dragons eat cherry tomatoes? 

A: Yes, bearded dragons can eat up to two cherry tomatoes per month. Just remove any stems and leaves before serving them. 

Q: Can bearded dragons eat tomato leaves? 

A: No, bearded dragons should not eat tomato leaves or stems. Tomato leaves contain toxic compounds that can make your bearded dragon sick.