Applesauce is a puree made from peeled or unpeeled apples and is a nutritious food. However, due to added sugars and other ingredients, it’s not commonly included in daily diets.
Bearded dragons can eat various foods, including many that humans eat. Their diet typically consists of vegetables, fruits, and insects. If you’re wondering whether bearded dragons can eat applesauce, the answer is yes, but only occasionally. Keep reading to learn more.
Can Bearded Dragons eat applesauce?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat applesauce as a healthy treat. However, ensuring that it contains no additives or added sugar is essential. Sweet applesauce can have a laxative effect on bearded dragons.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Applesauce?
Feeding your bearded dragon applesauce a few times a week can help prevent diarrhoea. Applesauce is a suitable treat, but it should be given in moderation. Offer only about a teaspoon at a time. This ensures it’s safe and avoids causing an upset stomach.
5 Benefits of Applesauce for Bearded Dragons
Applesauce is a healthy treat for bearded dragons, packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support their well-being. Here are some benefits of feeding applesauce to your beardie.
1: Vitamin B6 Works for Brain Development
Applesauce, bananas, cantaloupe, and papayas are high in Vitamin B6, essential for your bearded dragon. Vitamin B6 supports the immune system and aids in brain development.
2: Vitamin C Repairs all Types of Body Tissues
Applesauce, like oranges, contains vitamin C, which supports growth and helps form collagen. Vitamin C also aids in repairing blood tissues and maintaining the bones and teeth of a bearded dragon.
3: Vitamin E Promotes Longer Cell Life
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that aids in repairing damage within a bearded dragon’s body. It also supports longer cell life and enhances eyesight.
4: Prevents Chronic Diseases
It’s a well-known saying—an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are a natural remedy for chronic diseases. Adding applesauce to your bearded dragon’s meals once or twice a week can help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
5: Soothes an Upset Stomach
Applesauce serves as a natural probiotic for both animals and humans. It can help soothe an upset stomach in your bearded dragon. However, it should be given in moderation for the best results.
3 Risks of Feeding Applesauce to Bearded Dragons
Feeding applesauce to a bearded dragon comes with several risks. Bearded dragons have sensitive digestive systems that can be easily upset. Below are some disadvantages of giving applesauce to your pet:
1: Risk of Digestive Issues
Feeding applesauce regularly to bearded dragons is harmful to their health. It contains sugar and preservatives, which can lead to diarrhoea and digestive issues when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, applesauce has a high level of pectin, which bearded dragons cannot properly digest. This can cause intestinal impaction and disrupt their digestion. Store-bought applesauce, in particular, is often high in sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, further damaging your bearded dragon’s digestive system.
2: Risk of Allergies
Bearded dragons can occasionally be allergic to applesauce. Regular feeding may cause side effects like diarrhoea or vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, it indicates a health issue with your pet.
3: Risk of Obesity
Overfeeding applesauce to your bearded dragon can lead to obesity, increasing the risk of various health issues.
How to Feed Applesauce to Your Bearded Dragons?
If you plan to feed applesauce to your bearded dragon, follow these steps for safe and proper feeding.
Don’t Feed Store-Bought
If you plan to feed applesauce to your bearded dragon, follow these steps for safe and proper feeding.
Make it Yourself
The best way to feed applesauce to a bearded dragon is by preparing it at home. Homemade applesauce has less sugar and fewer preservatives.
To make applesauce at home, follow these steps:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Add the chopped apples to a pot with water and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the apples soften.
- Mash the softened apples using a fork or a masher.
- Sweeten the applesauce with sugar or honey as desired.
- Let it cool before serving or storing it in an airtight container.
Use a Spoon or Eyedropper to Feed
The best way to feed applesauce is by using a spoon, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of choking. If necessary, an eyedropper can also be used.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat applesauce, but only in moderation, as it may cause diarrhoea. Ensure their diet primarily consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can occasionally offer a small amount of applesauce for variety. Monitor your bearded dragon for signs of constipation or diarrhoea, and discontinue applesauce if these issues occur.
Feeding applesauce to your bearded dragon has some drawbacks, so limit its frequency. Providing it rarely is safer than making it a regular part of their diet to avoid potential health risks.
FAQ
Can baby bearded dragons eat applesauce?
Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat applesauce only in small amounts. Too much can upset their digestive system. Make sure to offer applesauce as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet. Always check for added sugars or preservatives, as these can harm your pet.
Do bearded dragons like applesauce?
Bearded dragons enjoy applesauce as a tasty treat. It offers a unique flavour that they find appealing.
Is applesauce safe for beardies?
Yes, applesauce is safe for bearded dragons in moderation. However, overfeeding can lead to serious issues, such as constipation and diarrhoea.
How much applesauce to feed bearded dragons?
Feeding a teaspoon of applesauce a few times a week is safe and healthy. It helps prevent constipation and diarrhoea.