Yes! Chameleons can eat strawberries as long as it is in moderation. Just make sure that it strawberries make a part of the diet and not the whole diet.
If you’re planning on feeding your pet chameleon strawberries, this is the right guide for you. In this guide, we’ll discuss:
- Can Chameleons Eat Strawberries?
- How Often Should You Feed Strawberries?
- How to Feed Strawberries to Chameleons
- Nutritional Value of Strawberries
- Health Benefits of Strawberries
- F.A.Q
Can Chameleons Eat Strawberries?
Even though chameleons are insectivores, they like to eat strawberries on occasion. To chameleons, strawberries have similar nutritional value to peaches.
Strawberries are highly acidic, contain salt and sugar, and contain sugar and water. Based on his acidic content, you’re better off feeding it to them sparingly.
How Often Should You Feed Strawberries?
Give your chameleon a strawberry once or twice a week.
Strawberries make a great snack, but they don’t provide enough protein. Fruits are a great supplement as they have the calcium to keep your chameleon’s body in balance. Give them insects as the main part of their diet, and then give them strawberries periodically.
Don’t feed your chameleon fruits the same day you’re feeding them insects.
Chameleons need protein more than strawberries, and insects are their main source of that.
But if you give them strawberries on the same day, they’ll eat fewer insects.
Due to the high acidic content in strawberries, overfeeding them to your chameleon will lead to health issues.
For example, giving chameleons too many strawberries (or any other acidic fruit) places them at risk for cancer.
Also, giving them too many strawberries can result in metabolic bone disease.
That’s why you have to ensure they have a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and small pieces of fruit.
How to Feed Strawberries to Chameleons
- Prepare the Strawberries
First, you’ll need to prepare the strawberries.
Check the appearance of the strawberry before feeding your chameleon. If it has a red or pinkish color, then it’s ripe enough to feed your pet.
- Cleaning the Strawberries
However, uncleaned strawberries could potentially have worms inside of them.
Make sure you clean your strawberries beforehand to ensure that no parasites are hidden inside.
The best way to do so is to place them in a solution with 3/4th water and ¼ vinegar. Soak it for 20 minutes, rinse the strawberries, and give them time to dry before feeding your chameleon.
How to Remove Flies From Strawberries
In strawberries, the most common pest is the Spotted Wing Drosophila.
To check if there are any SWD flies, add a tablespoon of salt per cup of water to see if the SWD flies will come out.
Also, you can chill your strawberries to 32°F or heat them to 91°F.
Doing so will ensure that the strawberry is safe to eat and removes unnecessary worms lying inside of it.
Feeding Your Chameleon Strawberries
Chop the strawberries into smaller pieces to make it easier for your chameleon to digest.
Place the strawberry near the chameleon’s mouth.
If they like it, they will eat it immediately.
Alternatively, you can use the gut-loading technique if your chameleon dislikes the fruit.
To do so, feed crickets strawberries and then allow your chameleon to feast on the strawberry.
Doing this will ensure that your chameleon has a balanced source of protein (insects) and calcium (strawberries).
What should you do if your chameleon dislikes strawberries? Just remove it from their diet!
Don’t force your chameleon to eat fruits, as they will become dependent on them.
Nutritional Value of Strawberries
Strawberries contain the following nutrients:
- Calories: 49
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 1.5mg
- Vitamin C: 89.4mg
- Potassium: 233mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Magnesium: 19.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.7g
- Calories
Strawberries are low in calories, making it easier for your chameleon to digest. With over 3g of fiber, it helps them digest the carbohydrates faster and steadies their blood sugar.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is important for your chameleon’s bone health. When strawberries are consumed, magnesium helps regulate the vitamin D and calcium levels, which are also crucial in improving their bone density and health.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for your chameleon’s skin. Giving them a few pieces of strawberry will prevent their skin from peeling off.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
When consumed properly, strawberries can provide a lot of health benefits for your chameleon. Strawberries are especially beneficial for them in the long term.
- Improves Heart Health
Strawberries contain fiber which is essential in aiding your chameleon’s digestion. Specifically, strawberries can keep your chameleon’s triglyceride and cholesterol levels in check. Also, strawberries have potassium and flavonoids that will help reduce your chameleon’s blood pressure.
Also, strawberries contain folate and vitamin C. With their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; strawberries are a great way to enhance your chameleon’s immune system.
- Repairs Body Tissues
Sometimes, your chameleon’s body will wane over time. To repair their body tissues, give them a few pieces of strawberries every now and then. Strawberries contain Vitamin C, which helps with healing wounds, the formation of collagen, and maintaining their teeth, body, and bones.
- Reduces Arthritis
Arthritis occurs when there is swelling in the chameleon’s legs. When this occurs, it can be difficult for them to move and swing from tree to tree. Studies show that a 12-week diet of strawberries can reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis. Strawberries help with reducing the inflammation on the knees and can help your chameleon move faster.
F.A.Q
Can Veiled Chameleons Eat Strawberries
Veiled Chameleons can eat strawberries as long as they’re fresh. When giving your veiled chameleon a strawberry, remove the seeds first. That way, they can continue to eat the strawberry without getting the seeds stuck in their digestive system.
When feeding them strawberries, do it on a day where they haven’t eaten insects. Doing this ensures that they will remain healthy while not becoming too dependent on strawberries.
Can Panther Chameleons Eat Strawberries?
You can feed Panther Chameleons strawberries! But it’s best to give them a strawberry portion that’s suited for their size. Because of this, feed them 1/4th of a strawberry first. If they like it, you can give them another small piece.
Also read
Can Chameleons Eat Centipedes?
