Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat various fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like insects. Newborns and young adults need more crickets and other feeder insects to support their growth. However, adults require more greens and vegetables in their diet. While bearded dragons can eat fruits, not all of them may be enjoyed. This raises the question, can bearded dragons eat apples? The answer can be unclear. It’s essential to introduce new foods gradually. For adults, only 10 to 20% of their diet should be fruit, with the remaining 80% being plants and 20% insects.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?
Apples can be part of a bearded dragon’s diet, but only in small amounts and occasionally. Apples provide valuable vitamins and minerals, making them a good option for your pet. However, bearded dragons do not naturally consume sugars; apples are high—around 10 g of sugar per 100 g serving. To avoid health issues related to too much sugar, feed your bearded dragon apples no more than once a week. Limit the portion to five or fewer bite-sized slices each time.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?
Giving your reptile a few pieces of apple as a healthy treat once a week is a great idea. Since apples are high in sugar, they should be offered as rewards, similar to mealworms, which are high in fat.
It’s essential to feed fruits to reptiles in moderation. In the wild, they don’t typically encounter fruits often.
6 Benefits of Apples for Bearded Dragons
Apples are a nutritious snack for both humans and dragons. Here’s how they can benefit your bearded dragon:
Vitamin A and C Provide Ample Health Benefits
Vitamins A and C are essential for your dragon’s development, reproduction, vision, and immune system. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, enhances your dragon’s natural defences. Animal research found that vitamin C supplements help relax the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure in bearded dragons.
Fiber Improves Digestion and Avoids Constipation
Eating fibre-rich foods helps control symptoms and lessen the effects of acid reflux. It can also prevent overeating. Studies show that plant compounds and apple peel fibre protect blood vessels and heart health.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates Keep the Dragon Alert
Apples provide carbohydrates that give your bearded dragon energy throughout the day. These carbs also support muscle growth, promote healthy digestion, and reduce the risk of digestive tract issues.
Good Amount of Potassium Supports Good Heart Health
Potassium helps reduce water retention, regulate blood pressure, support muscle function, and prevent kidney problems. Consuming high amounts promotes heart health. Apples are a key source of potassium.
Iron is Good for Smooth Flow of Oxygen
Potassium helps reduce water retention, regulate blood pressure, support muscle function, and prevent kidney problems. Consuming high amounts promotes heart health. Apples are a key source of potassium.
High Water Content Keeps Your Dragon Hydrated
Apples have high water content, which boosts your dragon’s immune system. It also helps prevent constipation and lowers the risk of stroke. However, apples are high in sugar and shouldn’t be a regular part of your dragon’s diet. Limit them to a weekly treat to avoid obesity, dental issues, diabetes, and other health problems.
The best sources of nutrition for your bearded dragon are calcium dust and vitamin D3 supplements. These minerals are essential for maintaining their health and preventing metabolic bone disease.
2 Risks of Feeding Apples to Bearded Dragons
Although apples are healthy, they can harm your dragon if eaten excessively. The risks of consuming too many apples include:
Too Much Sugar Content Leads to Many Health Concerns
Apples contain high levels of sugar, like most fruits. It’s important not to give your dragon apples daily. Excessive sugar intake can lead to dental decay, obesity, fatty liver disease, and even diabetes in dragons, just as it does in humans. Over time, a high-sugar diet can cause heart failure, ultimately leading to death.
Wrong Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio Leads to MBD
Bearded dragons have particular needs when it comes to phosphate and calcium. They need calcium and phosphorus in a 2:1 ratio. Apples contain twice as much phosphorus as calcium, nearly the opposite of the required ratio. While this may not seem important, an incorrect calcium-to-phosphorus ratio can lead to metabolic bone disease. This is especially critical during growth, as young dragons’ bones are still developing. Ensuring the right balance is essential for their health.
How to Prepare Apples for Your Bearded Dragons?
Check the Apple and Wash It Thoroughly
Before you do anything else, thoroughly wash the apple. Consider cleaning your beardie’s apple the same way you would for your own.
The fruit from your local grocery store may be dirtier than it appears, having passed through many hands before reaching the shelf. Be sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants. After washing, inspect the apple. Only offer ripe fruits; avoid those with wrinkles or squishy spots. While not always harmful, these imperfections could indicate mould or fungus.
Peel the Apples
Once you’ve selected the perfect apple, be sure to peel it. Never let a bearded dragon eat the peel. The peel poses a few risks. It’s too harsh for them to chew correctly, and they may try to swallow it whole, which could cause choking. The thick skin might also lead to impaction, resulting in severe constipation that might require veterinary care. Additionally, apple peels can contain harmful chemicals. Many apple farms use pesticides or preservatives to keep the fruit fresh during transport, which could be toxic to your bearded dragon.
The peels could unintentionally poison your beardie if you eat them.
Cut and Feed
Before offering the fruit to your pet dragon, slice it into small, thin pieces. Bearded dragons don’t chew like humans, so it’s essential to consider their abilities.
Remove the seeds and core, as they are difficult for your lizard to digest. The core is too fibrous, like the peel.
Seeds can be toxic to bearded dragons due to traces of cyanide, and even one seed may harm your dragon’s delicate system. Ensure no apple seeds are given to your pet.
Look on While it’s Eating
You can now feed your bearded dragon. Place the tiny apple bits in a shallow dish that won’t tip over. Ensure they have access to fresh water. While your beardie eats, keep a watchful eye on them. Let them enjoy the treat, but stay nearby if you need to intervene.
If your reptile has trouble swallowing the apple seeds, remove them. Discard any leftovers. Monitor your pet for about a day. If they show negative symptoms, take them to the vet for help.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat apples. However, it’s essential to understand the role apples can play in their diet and how to prepare them properly.
Following these guidelines, your bearded dragon should be OK with the occasional apple. Apples should not be a regular part of their diet, as they are high in sugar and could cause obesity or tooth decay. Always peel, remove seeds and stems, and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
FAQs
Can bearded dragons eat apples every day?
Apples are a typical food for bearded dragons. Apples are one of the fruits they can safely eat regularly.
Can bearded dragons have red apples?
Your beardie can safely eat red and green apples, but be sure to peel them first.
Can bearded dragons eat apple peels?
Never let a dragon eat an apple peel. It can increase the risk of choking and make it hard for your dragon to chew comfortably.
Can bearded dragons eat apple seeds?
Each time you feed your beardie an apple, remove the stem, seeds, and any leftover core. Dragons cannot digest seeds.
Can bearded dragons eat green apples?
Your beardie can safely eat either apple colour, but peel it first.
Can baby bearded dragons eat apples?
You can give your bearded red and green dragon apples as long as they are peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Can bearded dragons eat applesauce?
Yes, applesauce is safe for bearded dragons to eat.