• Home
    • About
    • Contact
    Bearded Dragon Haven
    • Bearded Dragon Care
    • Bearded Dragon Diet
    • Bearded Dragon FAQ
    • Bearded Dragon Guide
    • Bearded Dragon Health
    Bearded Dragon Haven
    Home»Bearded Dragon Diet»Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn? You Should Know This
    Bearded Dragon Diet

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn? You Should Know This

    By LuisUpdated:January 11, 20226 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Reddit Email WhatsApp
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn

    Can bearded dragons eat corn? I asked this question a decade ago when I was just at the beginning of my journey as a beardie owner. If you are reading this post, there is a pretty good chance that you are in that same situation too.

    The truth is that bearded dragons can eat a variety of fruits and greens. These foods are essential to them. Unfortunately, not all fruits and greens are safe for them.

    So, can bearded dragons eat corn at all?

    Yes, bearded dragons can eat corn but on an occasional basis only. This is because their digestive systems are not designed or evolved to dissolve grains and the carbohydrates that corn contains. In addition, corn is high in phosphorus and water.

    As a rule of thumb, never feed bearded dragons with foods that have a disproportionate ratio for calcium to phosphorus. Corn does not have this requirement.

    Table of Contents

    • Why Corn Should Not Be Part of the Staple Foods for Bearded Dragons?
    • Can You Feed Corn to Bearded Dragons?
    • How Often Can You Feed Bearded Dragons with Corn?
    • Final Thoughts
    • Related Questions
      • Can bearded dragons eat cooked corn?
      • Can bearded dragons eat cheese?
      • Can bearded dragons have bananas?

    Why Corn Should Not Be Part of the Staple Foods for Bearded Dragons?

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Corn

    To have better understating as to whether corn is safe or harmful to bearded dragons, let’s take a look at the nutritional content of corn.

    The table below summarizes what your beardies can get from eating corn.

    Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

    NameAmountUnit
    Water76.05g
    Energy86kcal
    Protein3.27g
    Carbohydrate18.7g
    Calcium2mg
    Phosphorus89mg
    Vitamin B-60.093mg
    Fatty acids0.325g
       

    Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

    As you can see, corn is high in water. And as you know, watery foods are not good for bearded dragons. They can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea in your beardies.

    Related Article: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cereal?

    The second reason why corn should not be part of the staple food for beardies is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. The ideal is 1:2. This means that when you choose food for beardies, it should be in this ratio.

    Corn contains a 1:45 ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This is clearly a disproportionation. In short, not good as regular food for bearded dragons.

    I do not personally feed my beardies with corn. But if you really give them a nibble, it will be fine.

    Always remember that feeding them with corn on a regular basis may result in health issues.

    Captive reptiles should be given a balanced diet. They should get a good amount of greens, fruits, and live animals.

    The ratio in each food mixture should depend on the bearded dragons’ age. For instance, baby or juvenile beardies should consume about 80% live animals (insects or worms) and 20% greens (fruits and vegetables).

    While the adult bearded dragons should have an opposite mixture of food. They should instead have 80% of fruits and vegetables and only 20% of insects and other protein-rich foods.

    The reason for this is that young bearded dragons need more protein for their speedy growth. The adult ones, on the other hand, need more nutrients from greens than from live animals.

    Observing the appropriate food consumption in your beardy should begin with understanding what your beardy should eat.

    Related Article: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ham?

    Incorrect diet (e.g. feeding beardies with food high in phosphorus) will result in health issues. One of the consequences is a metabolic bone disease. A serious condition wherein a beardy will eventually develop fragile and unhealthy bones.

    Can You Feed Corn to Bearded Dragons?

    Yes, but only on an occasional basis in an extremely small amount. As mentioned, corn contains constituents that beardies are not used to consume.

    Although corn is healthy for humans, it is not good for bearded dragons. Their digestive system did not evolve to digest grains.

    Corn is an example of a food that is healthy for humans but should not be given to reptiles on a regular basis.

    You have to be careful as a bearded dragon owner. There are other foods similar to this that could potentially harm your beardies.

    Aside from watery foods, you should also avoid feeding your bearded dragons with foods that contain oxalic acid.

    Related Article: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rose Petals?

    Oxalic acid is a substance that binds with calcium which in turn prevents calcium absorption. When this happens, the body or the reptile will have a lack of calcium which in turn causes health issues.

    The most common result is a metabolic bone disease. This condition is serious for bearded dragons. It can change their behaviors. Trust me, you don’t want your beardies to suffer from this disease.

    So be careful in feeding your beardies. Not because food is healthy for us does not mean it is the same for reptiles.

    How Often Can You Feed Bearded Dragons with Corn?

    Because corn, as mentioned is not healthy for bearded dragons, you can only offer it once a month in an extremely small amount.

    Always take the safety of your beardies into consideration. My first beardy (Sam) died due to the recklessness on my part. Do not make the same mistake.

    Also, do not feed your beardies with greens you picked in the wild. Those vegetables may have chemicals or pesticides that could potentially harm the overall health of your reptile.

    Final Thoughts

    Bearded dragons can eat corn on an occasional basis. It should not be part of the regular food for beardies.

    This is because corn contains nutrients that are not suitable for bearded dragons. First, beardies’ are not accustomed to grain food. As a result, their digestive system may not be able to digest corn.

    Second, corn is high in water content. As you might already know, watery foods can cause digestive issues in bearded dragons.

    Third, corn contains a disproportionate ratio for calcium to phosphorus. This is another indication that beardies should not eat corn often.

    If you want to give your beardies corn, make sure that it is in a small amount only. A nibble can do but not more than that.

    Related Questions

    Can bearded dragons eat cooked corn?

    No. Bearded dragons should not be fed cooked corn. Cooked foods are not good for beardies.

    Can bearded dragons eat cheese?

    No. Bearded dragons should not be given cheese. Dairy foods are not good for beardies. These foods are far calcium-rich and could be difficult to digest. Cheese can only cause digestive issues in beardies.

    Can bearded dragons have bananas?

    Bearded dragons can eat banana rarely. Feeding them with banana regularly will make them sick.

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through affiliate links in this article, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

    Bearded Dragons Corn
    Luis

    I am a blogger, gardener, animal lover and the owner of Bearded Dragon Haven. I love all kinds of pets including bearded dragons, and I'm here to share with you my knowledge in caring for our beloved reptilian pets.

    You May Also Like

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Yellow Peppers

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Yellow Peppers?

    September 27, 2020
    Best Greens for Bearded Dragons

    Best Greens for Bearded Dragons

    September 25, 2020
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chard

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chard? Something You Should Know

    September 24, 2020
    Why Does My Bearded Dragon Hiss at Me

    Why Does My Bearded Dragon Hiss at Me?

    September 23, 2020
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Onions

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Onions? You Should Know This

    September 21, 2020
    Can Bearded Dragons Hear

    Can Bearded Dragons Hear? Interesting Facts

    September 20, 2020
    Latest Articles
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Yellow Peppers

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Yellow Peppers?

    Updated:January 11, 2022
    Best Greens for Bearded Dragons

    Best Greens for Bearded Dragons

    Updated:January 11, 2022
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chard

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Chard? Something You Should Know

    Updated:January 11, 2022
    Why Does My Bearded Dragon Hiss at Me

    Why Does My Bearded Dragon Hiss at Me?

    Updated:March 5, 2022
    Editor's Picks
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dragon Fruit Bearded Dragon Diet

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Dragon Fruit? You Should Know This

    By LuisUpdated:January 11, 2022
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries Bearded Dragon Diet

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries? Something You Should Know

    By LuisUpdated:January 11, 2022
    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apricots Bearded Dragon Diet

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apricots? (You Should Know This)

    By LuisUpdated:January 11, 2022
    Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes When Stroked Bearded Dragon Guide

    Bearded Dragon Closing Eyes When Stroked: Here’s Why

    By LuisUpdated:January 11, 2022
    About Us

    Bearded Dragon Haven aims to help bearded dragon owners care for their beloved reptile pets. We are passionate about bearded dragons. Read our informative articles and guides on how to care, feed and pamper your pet bearded dragon!

    Categories
    • Bearded Dragon Care
    • Bearded Dragon Diet
    • Bearded Dragon FAQ
    • Bearded Dragon Guide
    • Bearded Dragon Health
    Disclosure

    Bearded Dragon Haven is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate program. Some articles on this site contain affiliate links. This means that every time you click and buy a product through the links, we earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    © 2022 Bearded Dragon Haven. All Rights Reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.