Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples | 6 Benefits | Full Guide

As omnivores, bearded dragons consume a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and meat/protein sources, including insects. To support their growth as newborns and young adults, bearded dragons need to eat more crickets and other feeder insects as a source of protein, but as adults, they will need more greens and vegetables.

Bearded dragons can also eat fruits, albeit not all of them will be enjoyed. But when it comes to the question, can bearded dragons eat apples? It may lead to confusion. You may occasionally need to introduce new foods to your bearded dragon gradually. Only 10 to 20% of the plants that adult dragons eat should be fruit; instead, they should consume about 80% plants and 20% insects. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?

Apple can be included in the bearded dragon’s diet, but only seldom and in modest doses. Apples are a fantastic choice for bearded dragon food since they contain beneficial vitamins and minerals. 

A bearded dragon’s diet does not naturally include sugars, and apples are particularly high in sugars (approximately 10 g of sugar per 100 g serving).

Do not allow your bearded dragon to consume apples more frequently than once a week, as this may lead to health problems linked to excessive sugar consumption. 

You can safely feed your bearded dragon five or fewer bite-sized slices of apple per week if you give it no more than that. 

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?

Giving them a few pieces as a healthy treat once a week is a fantastic idea. Apples, which are frequently high in sugar, are best served as rewards akin to mealworms, which are frequently high in fat. 

Fruits are best fed to reptiles as pets in moderation because they don’t frequently encounter fruits in their natural habitat. 

6 Benefits of Apples for Bearded Dragons

Apples are a nutrient-dense snack suitable for both humans and dragons. Here is how it can benefit your bearded dragon:

1: Vitamin A and C Provide Ample Health Benefits

Vitamins A and C support your dragon’s development, reproduction, vision, and immune system. 

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can boost your dragon’s natural defenses. An animal study discovered that a vitamin C supplement relaxes the blood arteries that carry blood from the heart, helping reduce blood pressure in bearded dragons. 

2: Fiber Improves Digestion and Avoids Constipation

Eating fiber-rich foods aids in symptom control and reduces the effects of acid reflux. It can keep your dragons from overeating. Several studies reveal that plant compounds and apple peel fiber protect against blood vessels and heart damage.

3: Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates Keep the Dragon Alert

Apples contain carbohydrates that give your bearded dragon more energy during the day and help with muscle building while promoting good digestive health and reducing the dangerous side effects of digestive tract diseases. 

4: Good Amount of Potassium Supports Good Heart Health

Potassium lowers water retention, controls blood pressure, supports muscle function, and prevents kidney issues. It aids in heart health when eaten in high amounts. Potassium is one of the main minerals in apples. 

5: Iron is Good for Smooth Flow of Oxygen

Iron, which facilitates the smooth flow of oxygen throughout the blood, is present in apples and stimulates hemoglobin count in your beardies. The amount of iron also helps in preventing anemia. 

6: High Water Content Keeps Your Dragon Hydrated   

Apples contain a very high water content, which helps increase your dragons’ immune functions. Water content also helps remove the chances of constipation in your dragons and reduces the risk of stroke. 

Apples have a lot of sugar and should not be a regular component of your dragon’s diet despite their nutritional value. It is advisable to indulge in it once each week as a treat to prevent obesity, dental decay, diabetes, and other health problems.

The finest sources of nutrition for your bearded dragon are calcium dust or vitamin D3 supplements because they are the minerals it needs to stay healthy and avoid developing metabolic bone disease. 

2 Risks of Feeding Apples to Bearded Dragons

Even though apples are healthy, they may be unhealthy for your dragon when consumed in large quantities. The risks of an overdose of apples may include: 

1: Too Much Sugar Content Leads to Many Health Concerns

Apples are high in sugar, like the majority of fruits. And you shouldn’t give your dragon that daily. Dragons can get dental decay, obesity, fatty liver disease, and even diabetes from consuming too much sugar, much like humans. If your dragon consumes a lot of sugar over an extended time, it may experience heart failure and eventually pass away. 

2: Wrong Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio Leads to MBD

When it comes to phosphate and calcium, beardies have extremely specific needs. They require calcium and phosphorus in a 2:1 ratio, and apples have twice as much phosphorus as calcium, which is virtually the opposite of this ratio.

Although it might not seem like a big deal, the incorrect calcium to phosphorus ratio can cause metabolic bone disease (more about that later). As young dragons grow and their bones are still forming, it’s crucial to ensure they get the right ratio.

How to Prepare Apples for Your Bearded Dragons?

Check the Apple and Wash It Thoroughly 

You must examine and thoroughly wash the apple before doing anything else. Why not wash your beardie’s apple the same way you would for an apple before biting into it?

Unbelievable as it may seem, the fruit at your neighborhood grocery shop is dirty, and it had to pass through so many hands to get to the shelf. 

Ensure you thoroughly wash the apple to eliminate any dirt or filth. Then examine it. Offer only ripe apples, and fruits with wrinkly or squishy patches should be avoided. While not necessarily harmful, imperfections could signify that the fruit has mold or fungus. 

Peel the Apples 

Once you’ve found the ideal apple, you must peel it. Never allow a bearded dragon to consume an apple peel! Peels come with a few significant issues. They are, first of all, far too harsh. Bearded dragons can’t chew thick skin, and they might attempt to swallow it whole, which poses a risk of choking!

As they try to consume it, the thick skin may potentially cause impaction problems. Your beardie will experience extreme constipation, which could need to be treated at the vet.

Last but not least, apple peels may contain toxic compounds. Many apple farms use chemical pesticides or preservatives to keep the fruit fresh throughout the trip to your local grocery store. The peels could unintentionally poison your beardie if you eat them. 

Cut and Feed 

Before offering it to your pet dragon, you must first slice the fruit into tiny, thin pieces. Bear in mind that bearded dragons do not chew like humans. You must keep in mind your reptile’s powers.

Be sure to discard the seeds and core as well. The core is also too difficult to eat, like the peel, as it has too much fiber for your lizard to process. 

Seeds may poison bearded dragons as they have cyanide traces; even one seed could cause problems for your dragon’s little physique. So, make sure there’s no apple seed offered.

Look on While it’s Eating

You can now begin feeding your bearded dragon. The tiny apple bits should be in a shallow dish that won’t tip over. Make sure there is access to fresh water as well. As your beardie eats, keep an eye on them. Allow them to indulge in their delicious delight, but remain nearby if you need to take immediate action.

If your reptile has problems swallowing the apple seeds, remove them. Throw away any extras. For approximately a day, keep an eye on your pet. Bring them to the veterinarian for assistance if they feel any negative symptoms. 

Conclusion

Can bearded apples eat apples? Yes, they can. However, it’s also critical to grasp these fruits’ potential roles in a person’s diet and how to prepare them healthily.

Your pet bearded dragon should be entirely OK with the odd apple if you follow the instructions above. They shouldn’t be a regular component of their diet because they are high in sugar and can lead to obesity or tooth decay. Before giving apples to your bearded dragon, ensure they are peeled, seeded, stem-free, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. 

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