Apples are delicious, nutritious, and among the world’s most popular fruits. It’s a native fruit of Central Asia and grows on the apple tree (Malus domestica).

As the popular saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." The phrase is synonymous with its healthy nature. Over 80 million metric tons are cultivated every year globally, making them one of the most widely produced fruits. 

No wonder humans prefer apples, but do exotic pets love them equally? The essential question is, can bearded dragons eat apples?  TopFlight Dubia presents this detailed guide to help responsible pet owners resolve all their queries regarding beardie diets and health maintenance. 

Apples For Bearded Dragons

The short answer is YES.

Bearded Dragons can consume apples, but experts at TopFlight Dubia recommend feeding them only once a week. Beardies don’t require fruit every day; for adult dragons: 

20% Diet - Insects (Crickets, Mealworms, dubia roaches) 

80% Diet - Plants ( greens such as Arugula)

Recommended Fruit Quantity: 10 to 20% of plants should be fruit.

Why Is Feeding Apples To Bearded Dragons OKAY? 

Apples are a rich source of nutrients and minerals that keep your beardie's health intact. Here is the list: 

Vitamin A & C - Essential for dragon’s immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.

Fiber - Prevents constipation by enhancing the digestive process. 

Carbohydrates - Act as a source of energy for your bearded friend.

Potassium - Helps regulate blood pressure, coordinate muscle function, and lower water retention.

Iron - Plays a significant role in reaching oxygen to blood streams in the body. 

Water - They have roughly 80% water, which keeps your pet hydrated. 

Beware of not feeding your pet too many apples at once, as too much sugar can cause discomfort. 

Nutritional Value Of Different Types Of Apples

Both green and red apples are safe for bearded dragons. Remove the peel before feeding, as it prevents your pet from choking and helps remove chemicals. 

Green ones have more fiber, protein, potassium, and iron than red ones. Here is the breakdown of nutritional value: 

How To Feed Apples Correctly? 

Serving the fruit before your pet in the correct way is a must. Here are the easy steps to prepare before feeding: 

1. Wash them thoroughly as it helps to remove all the unwanted chemicals that may be present on the surface. Buying organic fruits is recommended to maintain the health of your beardie. 

2. Peel the fruit after drying to avoid choking.

3. Cut the fruit into small pieces for easy digestion. 

4. Ensure there is no seed; bearded dragons can eat the pieces in a single bite. 

5. Mix the apples with greeny leafy vegetables like Arugula. 

6. Serve it and let your beardie enjoy the meal. 

Preventive Measures & Precautions

Here is the list of precautions and measures one take before feeding apples to its pet: 

1. Maintaining the frequency: Ideal to serve once a week, and maintaining the amount is a must to avoid any form of toxicity. 

2. Getting the right size: Cutting into pieces that are easy for beardie to intake and digest.

3. Monitoring the behavior: Always observe your pet’s behavior after feeding them the fruit.                                            

The Final Word

Feeding apples to the bearded dragon is a great decision and one of the first fruits a responsible pet owner should serve. 

Always feed your exotic pet apples at most once a week to avoid discomfort or stomach upset. The minerals and nutrients in apples will keep your pet happy and healthy. 

"Bearded dragons: Tiny dinosaurs with big personalities, bringing sunshine to every home."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)