Opuntia Prickly Pear Pads (Opuntia) – Nutritious, Hydrating, and Ready to Feed
Opuntia prickly pear pads are a highly nutritious, natural food source enjoyed by a wide range of reptiles, including bearded dragons, uromastyx, and tortoises. Rich in calcium and dietary fibre, these pads promote strong bones, healthy digestion, and overall wellbeing. With their naturally high water content, Opuntia pads also help keep reptiles hydrated, making them an excellent staple alongside other greens.
By nature, Opuntia pads can develop sharp spines (hence the name!). To make them easier and safer to handle, we carefully remove as many spines as possible before packing. Our chopped packs undergo extra processing to ensure most sharp pieces are removed, giving you added confidence when handling.
Larger reptiles and tortoises will happily chew the pads whole, while smaller reptiles may benefit from the pads being cut into bite-sized portions. With their combination of palatability, nutrition, and hydration, Opuntia prickly pear pads are a simple, wholesome way to enrich your reptile’s daily diet.
Fresh on arrival, our prickly pear pads can be stored in the fridge for around 2–3 weeks (chopped packs are best used within about a week). Unlike some sellers, we do not freeze before dispatch, so you’re getting them in their freshest state.
For best results:
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Keep them in the fridge vegetable drawer, loosely wrapped in paper towel inside a vented bag or container.
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Don’t wash until ready to use – excess moisture can shorten shelf life.
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Pads can also be frozen on arrival if you want to keep them longer, just make sure they are fully defrosted before feeding (frozen will keep for 6-12 months)
