Bearded dragons have a complex relationship with fruits. While some offer valuable nutrients, many can be outright poisonous for our scaly friends. Feeding them the wrong fruits can lead to serious health issues or even death. To keep your pet safe, it’s essential to know which ones are compatible and how to serve them. So, where do mangoes fit in?
Bearded dragons can eat mangoes, but only occasionally. They may be nutritious, but are too sugary to eat frequently, making them unfit for your pet’s needs.
Feeding your beardie mangoes can be enjoyable if done correctly. In this discussion, we will explore everything you need to know about feeding mangoes to bearded dragons safely.
Are Mangoes Good for Bearded Dragons?
Mangoes can be a healthy treat for bearded dragons thanks to their nutritional content. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, providing an extra boost for your dragon.
According to the USDA, 100 grams of mangoes contain:
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 0.8 grams
- Fat: 0.4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Sugars: 13.7 grams
- Vitamin A: 1262 IU
- Vitamin C: 36.4 mg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.16 mg
- Potassium: 168 mg

5 Great Reasons Why Mangoes Are Good For Bearded Dragons
Now that we know the nutritional content of mangoes, we can get into what they hold for your bearded dragon. Here are five reasons why they are a good choice for your pet:
1. High-Carb Source
Mangoes are rich in carbohydrates, which is a key energy source that can support physical activity and aid metabolism, especially for bearded dragons suffering from impaction or indigestion. This makes it a good treat for recovering or lethargic bearded dragons.
2. Immunity Boost
Mangoes are high in Vitamin C, which is crucial for boosting your dragon’s immune system. It helps white blood cells multiply and function effectively, aiding your beardie to fight off diseases. If your dragon is recovering from an illness, introducing an adequate amount of mangoes to its diet can support its immune response and improve its appetite.
3. Dietary Fiber
Mangoes are also rich in fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion. Fiber adds bulk to the digestive system, helping to stabilize the digestive process. This in turn can help prevent diarrhea or constipation by aiding proper excretion and ensuring that nutrients are effectively absorbed.
4. Eye and Skin Health
Mangoes are high in Vitamin A, which is vital for various bodily functions. Vitamin A supports good eyesight, skin regeneration, and has anti-inflammatory properties all of which contribute to your pet’s overall health.
5. Antioxidant Protection
Mangoes contain powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene derived from Vitamin A. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of diseases, including cancer. Considering the daily exposure to microchemicals, antioxidants can aid in protecting your dragon’s cell growth.

How to Safely Feed Mangoes to Your Bearded Dragon
The key to keeping your bearded dragon safe is knowing how to prepare the mangoes to suit their digestive system. Here’s how to do it:
Wash the Mango
Start by thoroughly washing the mango to remove any pesticides or herbicides. Mango trees are often treated with chemicals to keep the fruit fresh, so it’s vital that your beardie isn’t exposed to these harmful substances.
Peel and Dice
Mango skin is too tough for bearded dragons to digest easily as they lack the teeth necessary to chew it properly. Consequently, ensure you peel and cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. A good rule of thumb is to make the pieces small enough to fit comfortably between your beardie’s eyes.
Ration According to Diet
Once the mango is prepared, you can feed it to your bearded dragon in moderation. The recommended amount is about 10% of your beardie’s salad and only twice a month. Bearded dragons rely on a daily salad of leafy greens to obtain essential vitamins and minerals, and the amount they consume depends on their age.
To put it into perspective, an adult bearded dragon can consume a heaping handful of shredded greens each day, while juveniles require about half the amount. From these portions, you can easily eyeball what 10% of fruit would look like.
The table below provides better insight into rationing.
Age (months) | Percentage |
---|---|
0 – 3 (Baby stage) | 30% greens, 70% grubs |
3 – 6 (Juvenile stage) | 30% greens, 70% grubs |
6 – 9 (Subadult stage) | 40% greens, 60% grubs |
9+ (Adult stage) | 70% greens, 30% grubs |
Risks of Feeding Bearded Dragons Too Many Mangoes
While mangoes can be a tasty treat for bearded dragons, overfeeding them can lead to serious health issues. Here are three significant risks associated with feeding mangoes excessively:
Obesity
Mangoes are high in sugar, which can lead to obesity in bearded dragons. The surplus sugar is stored as fat, leading to unhealthy weight gain if consumed in excess. This condition can put pressure on your dragon’s bones and respiratory system, resulting in long-term health issues and discomfort.
Low Blood Pressure
As if obesity isn’t bad enough, high sugar intake can also affect your pet’s cardiovascular health. A research study conducted by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians highlights the impact of excess sugar on a bearded dragon’s blood pressure, specifically relating to the development of atherosclerosis. This condition occurs when fat deposits accumulate along the blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder. As a result, there is an increased risk of cardiac arrest.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Metabolic bone disease is a common condition in bearded dragons that can result from an imbalanced mineral load. Mangoes contain more phosphorus (23 mg) than calcium (10 mg), which can disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio essential for bone health.
Phosphorus readily binds to calcium, reducing the amount of calcium your pet can absorb. If this continues, it can result in brittle and deformed bones, causing significant pain for your bearded dragon. Even worse, the situation can deteriorate to the point where euthanasia is necessary.
Does the Type of Mango Matter for My Bearded Dragon?
It’s important to choose the most suitable mango for your bearded dragon. Avoid overly sweet, pasty, and fibrous varieties like Ataulfo, as these can be unhealthy for them. The high sugar content can harm their dental health, while the fibrous texture may be difficult for them to digest.
Instead, choose firmer and less sweet varieties, such as Haden and Palmer mangoes. These options can help protect your dragon’s teeth and support better digestive health.
Alternative Fruits to Feed Your Bearded Dragon
There are various beardie-safe fruits for your pet to enjoy in moderation. These fruits are fairly more compatible with bearded dragons in comparison to the fruits we consume regularly:
- Prickly pear
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Apples
- Papaya
- Figs
Closing Remarks
Fruity treats can be a wonderful way to bond with your bearded dragon, especially if they enjoy mangoes as much as you do. If you notice any unusual changes in your dragon’s behavior such as drooling, frequent stooling, or lethargy after feeding mangoes, seek veterinary help immediately to prevent any further problems. Good luck, and happy munching!