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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?

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An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and this is for humans. But is it the same case for bearded dragons? Can a bearded dragon eat apples? Are apples good for them? How many Apples can a bearded dragon eat? How often can bearded dragons eat apples? How to feed bearded dragons the apples? This article will answer all your questions.

Bearded dragons can eat most of the fruits in limited quantities. Let’s find out about apples.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple?

The short answer is:

  • Yes, Bearded Dragons can eat apples weekly.
  • No, Not Daily.

Like all fruits, the bearded dragon can also eat apples in limited quantities. Apple is comparatively safer food for bearded dragons. The recommended bearded dragon diet is 20% insects and 80% plants. Out of 80% of plants, only 10-20% can be fruits, the rest should be greens. You need to keep this in mind while planning the diet for your bearded dragon.

To know more about the bearded dragon diet, read, “The Comprehensive Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide” and “What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? FAQ”.

What are the Nutrient Benefits of Apples for Bearded Dragons?

So, Why Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples? Apples are nutrient-rich fruit, a beneficial snack for bearded dragons in controlled quantities. Apple benefits for bearded dragons are as under:

  • Apples contain Vitamins A and C. They are good for bearded dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and overall growth. 
  • Apples have fibers.  They improve the digestive system and prevent constipation.
  • Apples have many Carbohydrates. They energize your bearded dragons. 
  • Apples contain potassium. It helps in blood regulation, controls blood pressure, relieves muscle function, prevents kidney issues, and lowers water retention.
  • Apples are Iron-rich. It helps the oxygen to travel smoothly in the blood.
  • Apples have a lot of water, which keeps your dragon hydrated.

So, if your bearded dragon eats apples (Only once a week), Apples make a beneficial addition to their diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Have Green and Red Apples?

Apples come in many types, mainly green and red and you will be happy to know that your bearded dragon can eat both types of apples. Besides taste, the key difference between them is the amount of fiber, protein, potassium, and iron. The green apples have all these in more quantity.

Remember, always peel the apple and remove the seeds. Seeds are difficult to digest and can cause digestive congestion.

Do Bearded Dragons Eat Apple Peels?

Apple peel can be dangerous for bearded dragons. Bearded dragons can’t chew apple peel and it can cause choking. The other issue with peel is that it contains many preservative chemicals which are a health hazard for your bearded dragon. If your dragon eats that chemical, it can even die. So, Never let your dragon eat an apple peel, and always buy organic apples for your bearded dragon.

Why Can’t Bearded Dragons Have Apples All the Time?

Remember, your bearded dragon can have 80% of plants, and out of this 80% only 20% of fruits. So, no fruit is beneficial for your bearded dragon on a daily basis including the apples.

Despite all the nutrient benefits of apples, they can still harm your bearded dragon if given in larger quantities or daily. Here’s why.

Apples have too much sugar:

The main reason to avoid apples is the high content of sugar in them. Like humans, too much sugar can be very dangerous for bearded dragons. It can cause tooth decay, obesity, fatty liver disease, and even diabetes in your bearded dragon. At worst, if your dragon consumes too much sugar for a prolonged period of time, he could even suffer from heart failure and die.

Apples contain too much phosphorous:

The overall health of bearded dragons depends upon calcium. The deficiency of calcium can cause many problems like weaker bones, broken tissues, or even metabolic bone disease or MBD.

Apples have calcium as well as phosphorus. The safe ratio of calcium to phosphorous is 1:1 or 2:1. But apples exceed it as they contain too much phosphorous in them. It’s almost the reverse of the recommended ratio. The phosphorous tends to bind with calcium and stops its absorption into bearded dragon’s blood streams which results in calcium deficiency and can cause many health issues as already discussed in the above paragraph. This is another reason to avoid feeding apples to your bearded dragon daily.

So, whenever you are feeding apples to your bearded dragon, also give calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements to them. It will help them to maintain balance.

Read,” Bearded Dragons, Calcium, and Vitamin D3: Everything You Need to Know” and, “How Do I Give My Bearded Dragon Calcium?”.

Apple peel and seeds are dangerous for bearded dragons:

As already discussed, bearded dragons chew apple peel or seeds. These can cause choking in bearded dragons. If somehow your bearded dragon has inhaled the peel or seeds, they are difficult to digest and can cause digestive congestion.

What Parts Of Apple A Bearded Dragon Can Eat?

If you are wondering, whether your bearded dragon can eat the skin, core, seeds, or flesh of the apple?

A Bearded dragon can safely eat the flesh of the apple.

The core or seeds a part of an apple contain cyanide, a toxic compound for bearded dragons that can cause health issues. The skin or peel of apples is difficult to digest. It also has a potential choking hazard for bearded dragons.

What Type Of Apples Are Better For Bearded Dragons?

Any type of apple can be suitable for bearded dragons. Apples like Smith, Fuji, or Gala can be fed to bearded dragons.

Always choose organic apples for bearded dragons.

After purchasing apples, be sure to clean and wash them properly and prepare them for your bearded dragon.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?

Yes, Baby bearded dragons can have apples but in moderate quantity. While preparing apples for them, take care of the size of each piece. Cut apples into smaller, bite-size pieces. Each piece should not be bigger than the distance between their eyes.

Can A Bearded Dragon Eat Cooked Apples?

Although bearded dragons can eat cooked apples but it’s not recommended. Cooking an apple can change its nutritional content and make it less beneficial for bearded dragons.

Always offer raw apples to bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple Leaves?

No, bearded dragons can’t eat apple leaves as it is not a natural part of their diet. Apple leaves can be toxic for some bearded dragons and can cause health issues.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple Stems?

No, bearded dragons can’t eat apple stems as they can be difficult to digest and pose a choking hazard. It’s best to feed them only the flesh of fresh organic apples.

What Are The Signs That Bearded Dragons Are Not Tolerating Apples Well?

Usually, apples are beneficial for bearded dragons (in moderate quantity). They like the sweet taste of apples and apples can be served as a treat to bearded dragons. But if you observe the following in bearded dragons, it means your bearded dragon is not tolerating apples and you need to stop feeding them to your pet dragon:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Other changes in behavior

If you observe any above symptoms, call your vet.

In What Health Conditions Bearded Dragons Should Not Eat Apples?

Bearded dragons with the following health conditions should not eat apples:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Digestive issues

Other conditions depend upon your vet’s advice.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apple While Shedding?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat apples while they are shedding. Shedding is a natural process in which bearded dragons remove their old or injured skin. Be sure to give them a well-balanced diet and calcium and vitamin D3 supplements while they shed.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples While Brumating?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat apples while they are brumating. Brumation is a sort of hibernation, a deep sleep, and bearded dragons need proper hydration during this period.

Can a Bearded Dragon Eat Apple While Pregnancy (Gravid)?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat apples during pregnancy. Apples can be good for them as they will get nutrients and iron from the apple. Be sure to give them a calcium-rich, proper diet while feeding them apples.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples If They Are Overweight?

Although an overweight bearded dragon can eat apples but it’s not recommended. Apples are high in sugar content which can contribute to bearded dragon’s weight.

How Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?

Bearded dragons really enjoy the sweet apple treat. But how to feed apples to your bearded dragons? You can’t just hand over the apples to them. The best way to feed apples to bearded dragons is by cutting them into small chewable pieces. If your bearded dragon makes a coughing sound while eating these cutout pieces, they are probably big for your bearded dragon and you need to make them even smaller.

You can follow these steps for feeding apples to your bearded dragons:

  • Get organic apples.
  • Wash them thoroughly to remove all chemicals and bacteria.
  • Cut it into small pieces.
  • Remove seeds.
  • Place it in a food bowl and place this bowl into a bearded dragon tank.
  • Now enjoy the view.

You can add apples to other salads. As apples are sweet, your bearded dragon loves them. Adding them to a salad will motivate your bearded dragon to eat it, especially young bearded dragons who are very choosy in their diet.

Before feeding any fruit to a bearded dragon, always check the amount that your bearded dragon can eat. Serve the fruit in a safe quantity. If still you notice any health issues, contact your vet.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

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