If youre thinking about owning a bearded dragon, its essential to learn about its dietary requirements. Our Clarksville veterinarians have compiled a comprehensive list of the types of food that bearded dragons need to consume, as well as the recommended quantity and other crucial information.
Bearded dragons are becoming increasingly popular as pet reptiles. Their calm temperament, manageable size, and relative ease of care make them an excellent choice for reptile enthusiasts of all experience levels. However, properly caring for a bearded dragon does require dedication – especially when it comes to their dietary needs. So what does a bearded dragon eat? Let’s take an in-depth look at the bearded dragon diet and feeding requirements.
An Overview of the Bearded Dragon Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet should consist of:
- Insects (70% of diet)
- Vegetables and fruits (20-30% of diet)
- Calcium and vitamin supplements
In the wild, bearded dragons are opportunistic eaters They will consume a wide variety of small animals including insects, spiders, small lizards and even small mammals They also feed on a diverse selection of flowers, fruits, seeds and other plant material.
As pets, we aim to recreate this diverse diet by offering a variety of gut loaded insects along with a mix of leafy greens and vegetables. Exact nutritional requirements will vary based on the dragon’s age, size and activity level. But the basics of the bearded dragon diet remain the same.
Feeder Insects for Bearded Dragons
Insects should make up about 70% of total food intake for adult bearded dragons, and 80-90% for juveniles who are growing rapidly. Here are some of the best feeder insect options
Crickets
Crickets are a staple feeder insect for bearded dragons. They are nutritious, readily available, and dragons love chasing them. Select crickets no larger than the space between the dragon’s eyes.
Mealworms
While mealworms aresoft-bodied and easy for young dragons to eat, they have a high fat content. Feed in moderation, no more than 10 per feeding for adults.
Superworms
Superworms are higher in protein and calcium than mealworms. But limit them as they are high in fat.
Hornworms
Hornworms are soft, nutritious and full of moisture. An excellent occasional treat.
Silk worms
Full of protein, silk worms have a soft body that makes them easy to digest.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are a mainstay feeder insect for bearded dragons. They can’t climb smooth surfaces or fly, and have a better calcium to phosphorus ratio than crickets.
Wax Worms
Wax worms are high in fat so only feed occasionally. But dragons love them!
Phoenix Worms
Phoenix worms are a great occasional treat. They have more calcium than most feeders and hold moisture well.
Gut load your insects by feeding them a nutritious diet for 24-48 hours before feeding to your dragon. This will boost their nutritional value. Dust them with calcium powder just before feeding.
Vegetables and Fruits
Leafy greens, veggies and some fruits should make up 20-30% of a bearded dragon’s diet. Try to offer a diverse mix. Here are some top choices:
- Collard Greens
- Mustard Greens
- Dandelion Greens
- Bok Choy
- Kale
- Carrots
- Bell Peppers
- Squash
- Blueberries
- Mango
- Grapes
- Figs
Leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Chop veggies and fruits into bite sized pieces. Eliminate any high oxalate or acidic options which may disrupt calcium metabolism like spinach, kiwi and citrus.
Calcium and Vitamins
Since bearded dragons come from arid, sunny environments, they need extra calcium to properly metabolize and absorb UVB lighting. Use a calcium supplement without phosphorus 5-6 times per week. An all-in-one multivitamin once or twice weekly also helps provide balance.
Feeding Babies and Juveniles
Baby dragons under 4 months old should be fed 3-5 times per day. They need more animal protein to fuel rapid growth. Offer size appropriate insects at each feeding and greens lightly dusted with calcium.
Juveniles 4-18 months old can eat 2-3 times per day. They still need a higher proportion of insects than adults. Shoot for 80% insects, 20% greens and veggies.
Hydration and Supplements
Make sure fresh, clean water is always available. Some dragons enjoy soaking in a shallow bath. Mist greens to increase hydration. Offer butternut squash, melon and berries for extra fluid.
Never feed avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or other human junk foods. Stick to the basic bearded dragon diet outlined above and your dragon will thrive.
Feeding Challenges
Bearded dragons are eager eaters when young. But as they mature, some go off their feed, lose interest in greens, or become picky. Try these tips to encourage a balanced diet:
- Hand feed favorite treats like hornworms or strawberries
- Increase temperatures and UVB output
- Vary diet with novel insect and plant choices
- Try moving food dishes to different locations
- Eliminate substrate which may be accidentally ingested
- Have vet check for underlying health issues
With patience and creativity, most feeding issues can be resolved. Don’t give up on expanding your bearded dragon’s palate – variety is key to health.
The Importance of Proper Bearded Dragon Nutrition
Feeding your bearded dragon a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet. Without proper nutrition, bearded dragons can suffer from:
- Metabolic Bone Disease – caused by calcium deficiency
- Malnutrition – from lack of well-rounded diet
- Obesity – from feeding too many fatty feeders
- Intestinal Blockages – from substrate ingestion
- Shortened Lifespan – improper diet stresses organs
Do your research, consult your vet, and commit to providing top-notch nutrition. Your efforts will be rewarded with a healthy, happy bearded dragon companion.
Can I feed my bearded dragon dry food?
Yes, commercially available dry foods are specifically formulated for bearded dragons. These dry food diets should make up a small component of your dragon’s diverse diet.
What Else to Know About Feeding a Bearded Dragon
Since bearded dragons can sometimes inadvertently ingest the substrate around their food, we dont recommend feeding smaller bearded dragons in tanks with a loose substrate.
Older bearded dragons are typically more accurate and may be able to digest a little substrate more easily.
Bearded Dragon Diet – What Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
FAQ
What do bearded dragons eat?
Since they are omnivores, they eat both plants and animals and can dine on a wide range of food, from live mealworms, kingworms and crickets to greens such as parsley and kale and vegetables like pepper and sweet potato. You can even give them limited amounts of fruit.
What fruit can bearded dragons eat every day?
Animal food planet website says dot com … example www.x.com. Bearded Dragons can eat plums, peaches, figs, apples, raspberries, bananas, watermelon, cherries, pears, mangos, and papayas.
How often should I feed a bearded dragon?
Bearded Dragons should be fed three times per day and given as many insects as they will consume in 10 to 15 mins.
What is a bearded dragon’s favorite snack?
A:Bearded dragons love chomping on live insects such as crickets and Dubia roaches, along with a variety of leafy greens and vegetables such as collard greens and bell peppers. Occasional treats of fruits such as berries and mango can also be favorites, providing both nutritional value and variety.
How many times a day should a bearded dragon eat?
Baby bearded dragons under four months need to be fed between three to four times a day. You should feed your beardie as many insects as they can eat in 5 to 10-minute increments. Make sure to give them a small amount of vegetables too. Juveniles from 4 to 12 months should be feed three times a day.
Do bearded dragons eat vegetables?
When they’re a baby, your bearded dragon will eat more crickets than veggies. Once they start growing bigger and older, they’ll focus more on eating the vegetables. You don’t need to use every vegetable during each feeding. Occasionally mix up what ingredients you use to take care of your bearded dragon.
Do bearded dragons eat eggs?
Sweetie the bearded dragon and Honey Bun try scrambled eggs. Eggs are a food to feed your bearded dragon rarely (1-2 times a month). Watch to find out if Sweetie and Honey Bun like eggs. Plus they get to eat some superworms (which we know they love :).