Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apricots? Vet-Approved Benefits, Risks, & FAQ

Diversity is the focus when formulating a healthy routine for your Bearded Dragon. With fruits being such a marginal part of your lizard’s diet and certain varieties being unsafe in any amount, finding the healthiest way to reward your pet can be a bit nerve-wracking. If you need a great place to start, apricots could be the answer. In moderation, apricots can be a flavorful and rewarding part of a Bearded Dragon’s varied diet.

Though it’s one of the better fruits to feed your Bearded Dragon, apricots aren’t a perfect match for their needs. Learn how to safely add this satisfying treat to your pet’s diet as we discuss whether Bearded Dragons can eat apricots.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apricots?

Feel free to add apricots to your regimen of Bearded Dragon treats. As a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, apricots can promote your Beardie’s health in several ways while delighting the taste buds.

Bearded Dragons are omnivores and should have a diet primarily made up of a variety of insects and leafy greens. Fruit should only make up about 10–15% of a Bearded Dragon’s diet, apricots have several perks over other options in the category. To understand why, we’ll look at a few key reasons fruits should not be a central feature in your Beardie’s diet.

Sugar

The primary concerns with fruits are the high sugar content and its effects on Bearded Dragons. Excess sugar can wreak havoc on a Bearded Dragon’s digestive system. As sugar is not high in their natural diet, they can experience problems like diarrhea. Obesity, diabetes, and various debilitating diseases may eventually result from a consistently high-sugar diet.

Considering sugar’s impact, apricots make an excellent option to offer as a sweet treat to your Bearded Dragon. Apricots have lower sugar levels than most fruits, only containing 3–4 grams per fruit. In the small portions you’ll offer your pet, the content likely won’t affect anything but their taste buds.

Oxalates

Oxalates can be detrimental to a Bearded Dragon because they bind to calcium, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. By depleting the Bearded Dragon’s ability to utilize the all-important nutrient, oxalates can cause severe conditions like metabolic bone disease¹ (MBD), which is a painful weakening of the bones. Fortunately, while oxalates are common in various leafy vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts, they appear in low amounts in apricots.

Drawbacks to Apricots

Bearded Dragons enjoy several benefits from apricots compared to other fruits, but they’re far from perfect. Two primary downsides to apricots highlighting the need for moderation include the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and water content.

Poor Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio

Like oxalates, phosphorus can negatively affect calcium balance, leading to a deficiency and potentially life-threatening health issues like MBD. To keep a Bearded Dragon in peak condition, the ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is around 2:1. When they’re young, Bearded Dragons need an even higher ratio to accommodate their growing bones.

Apricots won’t do your lizards any favor in this regard. With about 23 grams of phosphorus for every 13 grams of calcium, apricots have almost the opposite of what you want in a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for your Bearded Dragon. While it is unlikely to cause undue stress when supplied sparingly, it is an excellent example of why you should consider every food you include in your pet’s diet.

High Water Content

Compared to other fruits, apricots have a high water content of up to 86%. Although we might find that extra-refreshing on a summer day, Bearded Dragons get little benefit from it. Instead, overly watery foods can lead to loose stools and dehydration. Though it’s usually not a long-lasting concern, it can still cause your Bearded Dragon mild discomfort.

How Much Apricot Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Apricots should be one of the varied fruits to include in a Bearded Dragon’s diet, so you don’t need to offer it more than once weekly. Always cut it into tiny, bite-sized chunks they can easily manage and remove the stone. Since they aren’t strong chewers, you must keep the portions manageable enough for them to swallow.

Which Other Fruits Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

While some fruits should stay off the menu in any amount, like avocados or acidic citrus fruits, most are safe for your Bearded Dragon to consume to some degree. Popular fruits to include in a well-rounded monthly diet include:

Organic produce is preferable to prevent pesticide contamination. Flowers also make healthy alternatives as Bearded Dragon treats. Appropriate varieties for your Bearded Dragon include dandelions, hibiscus, geraniums, and roses. Though easy to grow at home, you can also check with a local florist to see if they have any unwanted or unusable flowers they might offer.

Final Thoughts

Although your Bearded Dragon will happily munch on their regular diet of veggies and insects, they love a sweet piece of fruit to break up the monotony. Apricots are one treat you can feel good about feeding. Though no fruit is ideal for a Beardie’s sensitive metabolism, apricots are some of the more nutritious fruits to perk up your pet without risking any uncomfortable side effects.

Related Reads: 

• Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe? Vet-Reviewed Facts &FAQ
• Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pears? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Ilona Frey, Unsplash