Can Bearded Dragon Eat Apple? (Full Fact That You Need to Know!)
Bearded dragons, just like humans, also need the right food to live a healthy life. Despite of the fact lots of people might be of the view that lizards are plain predators, they are omnivorous animals that need an assorted diet.
They enjoy edible produce (fruits and vegetables) just as much as they enjoy insects i.e., crickets. They call for the balanced nutrition of plants, fruits, and insects. Adult bearded dragons should eat 20% insects and 80% vegetables, and only 10-20% of these plants should be fruit.
A lot of people especially the new owner asks if they can feed their bearded dragon apples, which is why the article was created.
In this article, we confer about apples in a bearded dragon’s food, appropriate ways to serve them, and also the comestible advantage of apples for bearded dragons.
Let Us Begin!
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?
Of course! Bearded dragons can eat apples, but are best in small-scale proportion. Apples carry so much fructose, which can cause diarrhoea for such a little lizard, but it is still one of the safest fruits for bearded dragons and can be given to them regularly. These spunky lizards will delightfully jump at apples if given an opportunity. Just ensure to slice it into nuggets little enough for your lizard to eat with comfortability.
The Importance of Including Apples in Their Diet
Apples are food rich in a nutrient that can offer provide a major advantage to us humans and bearded dragons alike. Here are why apples are good for bearded dragons:
- Apple contains vitamin A and C which strengthen the immune system, vision, and procreation and improves the healing in the body and growth in your dragon.
- Apples contain fibre, which contributes to digestion and softens constipation.
- Apples also carry carbohydrates and protein: Commonly, an entire apple accommodates up to 3 grams of fibre and 20 grams of sugar. Giving even a small portion of this to your dragon means it is acquiring the necessary fibre nutrient into its system.
- Apple contains potassium which is in charge of blood pressure, keeps up muscle function, shields the kidney from problems, and lessens water retention.
- It also carries Iron, which clears the way for circulation of blood and transportation of oxygen.
- Apples contain about 86% water. For lizards in an arid environment, as it should be, they must in possession of an adequate amount of water. Feeding an apple to your lizard when finding it trouble to drink water from can help because it can also take water into the system.
How Frequently Should They Have Them?
The dietary needs of a bearded dragon are very complex and need attention. Their dietary needs change as they age. Young dragons need about 80% protein and 20% plant food. At this time, their bodies are growing at an accelerated pace. Therefore, a carnivorous-centred diet is preferable. Protein, fats, and minerals can be used as much as possible.
Adults, on the other hand, are exactly the opposite! Reduction of protein intake and increment of plant-based food will take place once they finish growing. An adult bearded dragon should consume about 20% protein and 80% vegetable food. You don’t need to calculate every detail of your bearded dragon’s meals diligently, but using those general guidelines is major. If not, you might generate a consequential health issue.
Fruits like apples can harm your dragon if you always feed them. Apple contains a lot of sugar which is said the be the biggest problem with apples. Yes, these sugars are all natural. Too much sugar can lead to corpulence, diabetes, and even fatty liver disease. Your bearded dragon's teeth can also be ruined or have digestive problems like chronic diarrhoea and other irksome ordure symptoms. In extreme cases, years of high sugar intake can cause heart disease and deathblow.
Nevertheless, you have to be attentive about what you give your beard dragon. They’re similar to sweetmeat. Your bearded dragon may have apples occasionally, but extra will only lead to trouble. A little amount once or twice a week is enough your dragon. This is okay to aid them to gather the values without overplaying them. You can consult your vet if you are not sure!
Safety Guidelines to Serving Apple to Your Bearded Dragon
Follow these procedures to serve apples to your bearded dragon carefully:
- Buy chemical-free apples if possible.
- Peel the apples.
- Cut the outermost pulp into small pieces.
- Remove the seeds, stem, or core pieces from the apple slices.
- Provide alone or blended with vegetables
NOTE: It will be nice to let your lizard sniff the fruit or you can mix it with some crickets if you are feeding it for the first. Be very observant while they eat apples the first few times. Check to see if he is coughing or having trouble swallowing food. If your bearded dragon is finding it hard eating the slices, it's likely because the pieces are jumbo for it.
Another thing to watch out for is seeds. Do not forget to remove the stem, seeds, and any other part of the core every time you feed your bearded dragon an apple, because they are unable to digest them. These can lead to intestinal impingement, a condition in which the digestive tract becomes clogged and can be fatal.
Conclusion
Can bearded dragons eat apples? Positively! Bearded dragons can safely eat apples as a treat from time to time but it’s also essential to have a solid apprehension of how these fruits can be good enough in their total diet and how to prepare them without danger. When serving an apple to your dragon, make sure seeds or peels are not found on it. It is important to give them treats to stop them from gaging.
As long as you keep to the guidelines listed above, your bearded dragon should be completely fine with the occasional apple. Your dragon will appreciate such a soft treat and it will help it absorb more water.
