20 pounds of onion! That is how much an average American consumes per year, making it one of the most used ingredients. Thanks to the versatility of the food. But can bearded dragons eat onion?
No, bearded dragons cannot eat onions. It is not safe for them because of the high presence of acidic content. It can be toxic to them, and they may have digestive issues. Besides, onions have a poor nutrition profile, and it makes no sense to feed them.
Still not convinced? That’s how we young Americans are! We want more data and solid proof before believing anything. The failure of Trump in November 2020 shows that, doesn’t it? 🤫
Nutritional Value Of Onions
As I said, onions are low in nutrition; let’s have a quick look. The following table summarizes the major food contents of onions according to USDA.
| Nutrient name | Amount per 100 g |
| Water | 89.1 g |
| Energy | 40 kcal |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.24 g |
| Calcium | 23 mg |
| Phosphorus | 29 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.123 mg |
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Onion: 3 Reasons They Cannot
There are several reasons for not feeding onions to bearded dragons. Let me give you a breakdown so that you feel convinced.
Onions Are Extremely Acidic
Onions are highly acidic, containing sulfenic acids, ethanoic acid, phosphoric, and malic acid. Onions contain amino acids called cysteine sulfoxides. When onion is cut or crushed, these compounds are broken down to form sulfenic acids.
Onions May Harm Calcium-Phosphorus Ratio
Bearded dragons need calcium and phosphorus in a 2:1 amount. Excessive consumption of phosphorus affects calcium consumption and causes bone health issues. Onions contain more phosphorus than calcium. This is the same issue with jackfruit, but can they eat the fruit?
May Lead to Digestive Issues
Bearded dragons have a delicate and simple digestive system. It is not suitable to deal with the types of acid onions contain. It can lead to various digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It is better not to feed them vegetables.
What to Do After Mistakenly Fed Onions to Bearded Dragons?
You were feeding vegetable salad to your pet and suddenly noticed there were some onions. Oh no! What to do now? Relax, don’t panic. It is not going to help. Do a mental calculation regarding how much onion they have consumed.
A small amount may not be concerning unless you are feeding this regularly to them. Observe the reactions of your beardie. Does anything seem to be unusual? If not, then it is okay. Let it have safe foods like cucumbers or other vegetables and fruits.
Monitor for any vital signs like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea. For such signs, consult with a veterinarian. Make sure the lizard has access to enough fresh water and feed it a balanced diet.
What Vegetables Can Bearded Dragons Have?
It’s okay if onions are not safe for these lizard reptiles. There are plenty of other safe foods for them, including vegetables. Here is a list of safe vegetables for them.
| Safe Vegetables | Notes |
| Collard Greens | High in calcium for bone health |
| Mustard Greens | Rich in nutrients like Vitamin A and K |
| Turnip Greens | Packed with vitamins and minerals |
| Dandelion Greens | Excellent source of fiber for digestion |
| Kale | High in calcium and other essential nutrients |
| Endive | Low oxalate levels for urinary health |
| Bell Peppers | Rich in Vitamin C for immune support |
| Squash (e.g., butternut, acorn) | High fiber content aids in digestion, low in oxalates |
| Carrots | Beta-carotene supports eye health |
| Green Beans | Fiber-rich and great for digestive health |
| Snap Peas | Provides essential fiber for digestion |
What Other Foods to Avoid?
Can bearded dragons eat onion? No. But it is not the only food to avoid adding to your reptile’s diet. There are some other types of food that are not safe for them.
| Foods to Avoid | Reason |
| Wild-caught insects | Risk of parasites and pesticides |
| Fireflies and lightning bugs | Toxicity due to hard exoskeletons |
| Iceberg lettuce | Lacks nutritional value, can cause digestive issues |
| Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons) | Highly acidic, can lead to digestive problems |
| Avocado | Contains the toxin persin, harmful to Bearded dragons |
| Rhubarb | Contains substances harmful to Bearded dragons |
| Onions | Contains substances harmful to Bearded dragons |
| Spinach | Contains substances that can inhibit calcium absorption |
| Insects larger than space between eyes | Risk of choking |
| Foods treated with pesticides | Toxicity from chemicals harmful to Bearded dragons |
A Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Feeding vegetables is not enough for bearded dragons. You need to incorporate different insects and fruits into their diet as well. Here is a list of other safe foods for them.
| Safe Fruits | Animal-Based Foods |
| Apples | Crickets |
| Blueberries | Dubia roaches |
| Grapes | Mealworms |
| Mango | Silkworms |
| Papaya | Superworms |
| Strawberries | Butterworms |
| Watermelon | Hornworms |
| Cantaloupe | Phoenix worms (Calciworms) |
| Kiwi | Black soldier fly larvae |
| Figs | Locusts |
FAQ
Check the below questions to remove if there is still any confusion in your mind regarding Onion and Beardie’s diet.
Can bearded dragons eat green onions?
No, Bearded dragons should not eat green onions. Green onions contain substances that can be harmful to Bearded dragons. It’s best to avoid feeding them this food to prevent potential digestive issues.
Can bearded dragons eat onions that are red?
No, Bearded dragons should not eat red onions. Red onions, like other onions, contain substances that can be harmful to Bearded dragons. Feeding them red onions can lead to digestive issues and health complications.
Will eating onions make bearded dragons’ eyes teary?
No, eating onions will not make Bearded dragons’ eyes teary. They do contain harmful acids for their digestion, but it is not going to make them cry. Dragons are lizards, and their tear glands are not similar to humans.
Do bearded dragons eat purple onions?
No, Bearded dragons should not eat purple onions. It is not safe for them. Eating raw or cooked purple onions is harmful to their digestion.
Can bearded dragons eat white onions?
No, Bearded dragons should not eat white onions.
Will bearded dragons eat spring onions?
Bearded dragons may eat small amounts of spring onions occasionally, but they are not an ideal part of their regular diet.
Can bearded dragons eat yellow onions?
No, Bearded dragons should not eat yellow onions.
Are cooked onions safe for bearded dragons?
No, cooked onions are not safe for Bearded dragons. Onions, whether raw or cooked, contain substances that can be harmful to Bearded dragons. It’s best to avoid feeding them any form of onions to prevent potential digestive issues.
Final Though: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Onion?
Now, the bottom line is you need to avoid giving onions to bearded dragons. It is not safe for the lizard. They may get ill and suffer from various digestive issues and health problems. This will help them stay fit and active. You will be a proud and successful parent, too.