Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles due to their docile nature and ease of care. As with any pet, it’s important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. While crickets and vegetables are staples in their diet, many owners wonder if they can feed their bearded dragons fruits such as apples.
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not bearded dragons can eat apples and the potential benefits and risks associated with feeding them this fruit. So, if you’re a bearded dragon owner or considering getting one, keep reading to learn more about their dietary needs.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples
The answer is yes! But, it’s important that you take some precautions. You should always peel and cut the apples into bite-sized pieces without any seeds or stems.
Both red and green apples are safe for your bearded dragon to eat. Just make sure you’re not giving them too much fruit, as their diet should primarily consist of insects and vegetables.
How Much Apple Can a Bearded Dragon Eat
It’s important to note that fruits like apples are high in sugar and should only be given as treats. Similar to mealworms which are high in fat, it’s best to offer them a few pieces once a week as a nutritious treat.
As reptiles don’t usually come across fruits in their natural environment, it’s advisable to provide them in limited quantities when kept as pets. So, while your bearded dragon can enjoy apples, make sure to limit their intake to keep them healthy.
How to Safely Prepare Apples for Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons can eat apples, but it’s crucial to prepare them safely. First, inspect and wash the apple to remove dirt and grime. Only provide ripe apples without soft spots or bruises, as blemishes could indicate fungus or mold.
Then, remove the peel, which is too tough for bearded dragons to chew and may cause impaction issues. The peel could also contain harmful chemicals. Cut the apple into small and thin pieces and remove the core and seeds, which are too challenging to eat and potentially toxic.
Monitor your bearded dragon while it eats, and remove any uneaten pieces. Watch your pet for any adverse effects for 24 hours and seek veterinary assistance if necessary.
How Do You Feed Apple to Your Bearded Dragon
If you want to give your bearded dragon some apples as a treat, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any seeds or stems. Chop the apple into small pieces or strips and offer it to your pet. It can be beneficial to introduce fruits to bearded dragons gradually by allowing them to smell it or mixing it with crickets to help them adjust to the taste.
Some bearded dragon owners allow their pets to taste apple juice from their fingers as a way to introduce them to the flavor. Just remember to only offer fruits as a treat and not as a staple part of their diet.
How Often Can You Feed Your Bearded Dragon Apples
Apples are a great treat for your dragon and can be given once a week. It’s important to be aware that fruits, such as apples, contain high levels of sugar that could potentially harm your dragon if included in their regular diet.
So, make sure to limit the amount of apples you feed your bearded dragon and opt for a more healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.
Nutritional Benefits of Apples for Adult Beardie
Apples can provide bearded dragons with important nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are crucial for their growth, immune system, vision, digestion, and hydration.
However, due to their high sugar content, apples should not be a regular part of their diet to avoid health problems like obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes. It is recommended to offer apples as a treat once a week.
While apples can be beneficial, it is important to note that bearded dragons also require calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Nutritional Value of Apple Pieces
| 100 g Green Apple | 100 g Red Apple |
| 85.1 g of water content | 84.7 g of water content |
| 0.27 g of protein | 0.19 g of protein |
| 2.5 g of fiber | 2 g of fiber |
| 10.6 g of sugar | 12.2 g of sugar |
| 5 mg of calcium | 5 mg of calcium |
| 10 mg of phosphorus | 9 mg of phosphorus |
| 5.1 mg of magnesium | 4.7 mg of magnesium |
| 116 mg of potassium | 95 mg of potassium |
Health Risks of Feeding Apple to Bearded Dragons
While apples can be a tasty treat for your bearded dragon, there are some disadvantages to feeding them too much of this fruit. Apples contain high levels of sugar, which is not a natural part of a dragon’s diet. Feeding your dragon excessive amounts of apples could result in health issues such as tooth decay, obesity, and fatty liver disease.
Additionally, apples have a calcium to phosphorus ratio that is not ideal for bearded dragons. This can lead to metabolic bone disease, which is a serious condition that affects bone formation and can cause a range of symptoms such as lack of appetite, weak bones, and lethargy.
Apple peel and seeds can also pose a choking hazard, so it’s important to remove them before feeding your dragon. To avoid these problems, it’s recommended to feed your bearded dragon apples in moderation and to supplement their diet with calcium to correct the fruit’s calcium to phosphorus ratio.
FAQs
What Type of Apples Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
You can feed them any variety of apples, but green apples are a healthier choice as they contain more nutrients. However, it’s important not to give them apples every day, but rather as a treat only a few times per week. The type of apple given to a bearded dragon may vary based on their individual preferences.
Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?
Apples are safe for baby bearded dragons to eat. They enjoy them just like adult bearded dragons. But, because of their smallness, baby beardies cannot handle as much sugar as adult bearded dragons. It is recommended to only give them one or two small bite-sized pieces every other week.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple Seeds?
It is not recommended to feed apple seeds to bearded dragons as they can be difficult to digest and potentially lead to gut impaction, which can be fatal for these creatures. In order to ensure the safety of your bearded dragon, it is recommended to remove the peel and seeds from an apple prior to feeding it.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple Peels?
It is not recommended to feed apple peels to bearded dragons as they cannot digest them properly.
Is It Safe to Feed Adult Dragons Apple Peels?
The peels of apples may pose a risk for bearded dragons as they potentially contain harmful chemicals, pesticides, and toxins that could be challenging to digest. Moreover, they may result in gut impaction.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Green Apples?
Bearded dragons can safely eat green apples, but it’s important to be aware of nutritional and sugar differences between different types and colors.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples Every Day?
Although apples are considered a relatively safe fruit for bearded dragons, consuming them on a daily basis can result in significant health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, apples can be a great addition to a bearded dragon diet, but they should be given in moderation and prepared correctly. As with any new food, it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your pet’s reaction.
With the right balance of fruits, vegetables, and protein, your bearded dragon will be healthy and happy for years to come!
