Apricots are a type of fruit that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. They are also known for their sweet taste and can be eaten raw, cooked, or as a juice.
While apricots are safe and healthy for humans to eat, can bearded dragons eat apricots too?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat apricots. However, they should only be fed apricots on occasion. Apricots are high in sugar and not very nutritious.
Is It Safe For Bearded Dragons To Eat
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they can eat both plants and animals. They also have a sweet tooth, so it’s no surprise that they love eating fruit.
Apricots are often considered a fruit for humans to eat, but bearded dragons can technically eat them too. These small fruits are high in sugar and carbohydrates which bearded dragons need to get their energy from.
However, bearded dragons should only be given apricots in moderation because of the high sugar content in these small fruits.
Health Benefits of Apricots for Bearded Dragons
Apricots are a fruit that provides many benefits to bearded dragons. They are rich in many nutrients that the bearded dragon needs, including vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are important for the healthy growth of the bearded dragon’s bones, muscles, cartilage, and other tissues. The apricot also contains beta-carotene which is needed for eye health and neural development.
Nutrition Facts
Just 2 fresh apricots (70 grams) provide:
- Calories: 34
- Carbs: 8 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.27 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
Source: USDA
Below are some of the health benefits of feeding apricots to your bearded dragons:
Improve Digestion
Apricots have a good amount of fiber, which is critical for the digestion system of the bearded dragon. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. It helps the digestive system move food through the intestines more quickly and easily.
Fiber also helps prevent constipation by making it easier for waste to pass through the intestines.
Muscle Development
Apricots are a good source of protein. They provide 12 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving.
Protein is a macronutrient that contributes to muscle growth and repair. It is also important for the health of your liver, kidneys, and brain.
They also help with digestion, tissue repair, and other bodily functions.
How To Feed Apricots To Bearded Dragons
One way to feed apricots to bearded dragons is by using the food dish method. This method involves placing the food in an empty dish, then placing the dish in front of the bearded dragon’s cage. The dragon will then eat from the dish and leave any leftover food on top of their bowl for later consumption.
Make sure to remove the pit from the fruit first as it could cause them to choke on it. Also, cut the apricots into small pieces so it will be easier for them to eat them.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apricots?
If you feed your bearded dragon apricots too often, it might get diarrhea. Apricots should only be given in small quantities to your bearded dragon and only once in a given day. Also, your pet bearded dragons should only be served apricots 2 to 3 times per month as a treat.
In addition to apricots, to maintain the health of your bearded dragon, it is important to feed them fresh fruit and vegetables every day to get enough vitamins and minerals which helps to keep them healthy.
Other Fruits That Bearded Dragons Can Eat
Apples
Apples are a good source of Vitamin C, so if you feed them to your bearded dragon, it will help them fight off illness. Be sure not to give your bearded dragon too much fruit because they might become overweight and develop health problems in the future.
Bananas
Bearded dragons can eat bananas. However, you will want to avoid giving them too much and too often. This is because the sugar in it may cause problems for their digestive tract.
Dragonfruit
Bearded dragons can eat dragonfruit, but you should feed them in moderation. Dragonfruit has a high sugar content that doesn’t agree with all bearded dragons. It also contains a high level of vitamin A which can cause liver damage when eaten in large quantities. Bearded dragons need to have a diverse diet to get enough nutrients from their food. They should be fed a variety of vegetables and fruits to get all the nutrients they need for healthy digestion and growth.
Conclusion
Apricots are a fruit and they may not be the best food for bearded dragons. However, if you want to try, make sure to test it out on your bearded dragon before feeding it to them. They contain moderate amounts of sugar which can have negative effects on their bodies. Bearded dragons typically eat bugs, fruit, vegetables, and flowers which provide them with proteins and other nutrients that apricots lack in comparison.
