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What Are the Best Tips for Feeding a Bearded Dragon?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Feeding a bearded dragon is one of the major responsibilities of exotic pet ownership. This reptile should be fed a well-balanced diet to maintain optimal health. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as live insects, can provide proper nutrition. It is important to remember that over-feeding a bearded dragon can cause health issues.

Live crickets should be an integral part of the bearded dragon's diet, however, store-bought crickets can lack nutritional value. Kept at home for a few days, the live crickets should be gut-loaded to provide better nutrition for a bearded dragon. Gut-loading the crickets means fortifying them with a nutritional diet. Prior to feeding a bearded dragon a cricket, the cricket should consume nutritious greens sprinkled with powdered supplements that are sold at pet stores. Fortified crickets will provide the best nutritional value for the dragon.

Bearded dragon.
Bearded dragon.

When feeding a bearded dragon green leafy vegetables, it's best to avoid iceberg lettuce, as this offers little nutritional value. Better choices are romaine, kale, or collard greens. These vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins essential for a bearded dragon's good health. Feeding a bearded dragon greens every day can also help strengthen its immune system.

Berries and melons are good for bearded dragons.
Berries and melons are good for bearded dragons.

Fruits are also accepted by most bearded dragons and should be offered every other day. Berries and melons are favorites and provide a pet bearded dragon with vitamins C and A. All fruits should be chopped or sliced into small pieces before serving them to the lizard. It is important to remember every morsel of food must be smaller than the width of the lizard's mouth. Feeding bearded dragons pieces of fruit or vegetables that are too large may result in digestive complications that could require veterinary care.

Bearded dragons often enjoy eating silkworms.
Bearded dragons often enjoy eating silkworms.

A bearded dragon younger than a month old can obtain sufficient nutrition by being fed small crickets. Maintaining a regular feeding schedule is important, although baby dragons should never be over fed. All crickets should be removed from the feeding area if the baby bearded dragon has not consumed them within 20-30 minutes.

Egg-laying female bearded dragons must consume extra protein. An excellent source of protein can be found in live pinkie mice, which are readily accepted by bearded dragons. These tiny, immature mice are hairless and easily digested by bearded dragons. For additional protein required for breeding dragons, mealworms or silkworms can be fed several times a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be the staple diet of a bearded dragon?

Crickets that have just eaten are often fed to bearded dragons.
Crickets that have just eaten are often fed to bearded dragons.

A bearded dragon's staple diet should consist primarily of leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. Juveniles require more protein, so they should be fed insects like crickets and dubia roaches daily. Adults can have insects every other day, with a focus on plant-based foods for about 80% of their diet.

How often should I feed my bearded dragon?

Kale can be part of a healthy diet for a bearded dragon.
Kale can be part of a healthy diet for a bearded dragon.

Juvenile bearded dragons should be fed 2-3 times per day due to their rapid growth and high metabolic rate. Adults, on the other hand, require less frequent feeding, typically once a day. It's important to establish a consistent feeding schedule to maintain their health and prevent obesity.

Can bearded dragons eat fruits, and if so, which ones are recommended?

Bearded dragons enjoy eating collard greens.
Bearded dragons enjoy eating collard greens.

Bearded dragons can eat fruits, but they should be given as treats in moderation due to their high sugar content. Recommended fruits include berries, apples, and melons. Fruits should make up no more than 10% of a bearded dragon's diet to prevent nutritional imbalances and digestive issues.

Is it necessary to supplement a bearded dragon's diet with vitamins and minerals?

Yes, it is necessary to supplement a bearded dragon's diet with calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease. Dust their food with a calcium supplement 4-5 times per week and a multivitamin with vitamin D3 about twice a week, depending on their age and dietary intake.

What foods are toxic to bearded dragons and should be avoided?

Bearded dragons should never be fed avocado, rhubarb, or wild-caught insects, as these can be toxic. Additionally, avoid giving them lettuce as it is low in nutrients and can cause diarrhea. Always research before introducing new foods to ensure they are safe for your pet.

How do I know if my bearded dragon is eating enough?

To determine if your bearded dragon is eating enough, monitor their weight and growth over time. A healthy bearded dragon should have a well-rounded body, clear eyes, and regular bowel movements. If you notice a lack of appetite or weight loss, consult a veterinarian as it could indicate health issues.

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    • Bearded dragon.
      By: JcJg Photography
      Bearded dragon.
    • Berries and melons are good for bearded dragons.
      Berries and melons are good for bearded dragons.
    • Bearded dragons often enjoy eating silkworms.
      By: lily
      Bearded dragons often enjoy eating silkworms.
    • Crickets that have just eaten are often fed to bearded dragons.
      By: viter
      Crickets that have just eaten are often fed to bearded dragons.
    • Kale can be part of a healthy diet for a bearded dragon.
      By: forevergreen
      Kale can be part of a healthy diet for a bearded dragon.
    • Bearded dragons enjoy eating collard greens.
      By: Onionhead
      Bearded dragons enjoy eating collard greens.