Bearded dragons form a group of reptiles that people like to have as their pets because they are friendly so their look is very special. These small spiky lizards are popular among many reptile fans because of their cute appearance and temperance.
This is more so because the lives and health of bearded dragons are highly dependent on what they eat. Like any other domesticated animals, they need to eat a balanced diet.
In this post, we will unravel everything about diets for bearded dragons you need to know a complete guide. Now let’s take a closer look!
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
They are omnivorous and get their food from insects and plants; their food diet includes insects, leaves, vegetables, and occasionally fruits.
Wild Environment
In the known habitats, the species show remarkable opportunistic feeding habits and they feed on almost everything ranging from animal meat to plants. They feed mainly on insects like crickets, insect larvae like mealworms and roaches, but also on fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and other green parts of plants, and fruits occasionally.
Captive Environment
Wild bearded dragons’ diet needs to be replicated in captivity in order to fulfill animals’ proper dietary needs. This involves supplementation with fresh live insects and fresh aeroelastic greens containing calcium, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
What Diet Should Juvenile and Adult Bearded Dragons Follow?
Let’s explore the dietary needs of both juvenile and adult bearded dragons:
Juvenile Bearded Dragons (5 months to 18 months old)
Insects: Juveniles should be fed approximately 50% insect prey. Suitable insects include Dubia roaches, earthworms, crickets, and superworms.
Plant Matter: The remaining 50% of their diet should consist of vegetation. Baby bearded dragon can enjoy a variety of leafy greens and veggies, such as collard greens, kale, dandelion leaves, and okra leaves123.
Adult Bearded Dragons (over 18 months in age)
Insects: Adults require about 25% to 30% insect prey in their diet.
Plant Matter: The majority of their diet—70% to 75%—should come from plant-based foods. Leafy greens and veggies play a crucial role in maintaining their health142.
Remember to provide a varied diet to ensure optimal health for your scaly companions!
5 Factors Affecting the Diet of Bearded Dragons
These factors play a crucial role in determining how much a bearded dragon will eat:
1. Emotional Distress
Bearded dragons can express their emotional distress by not eating.
- Changes in their environment, such as a small alteration in their diet, can cause stress.
- Minor adjustments in their enclosure, like rearranging items or fluctuations in temperature and lighting, may also contribute to a suppressed appetite.
- Regularly check the efficiency of their heat lamp, as proper temperature and lighting are essential for their health.
- Major changes, such as relocating their tank or thorough cleaning, can stress them and lead to a loss of appetite.
2. Temperature and Lighting
- Bearded dragons are sensitive to temperature.
- Their appetite may be affected if they are too cold or hot.
- Ensure their enclosure provides an appropriate temperature gradient, including basking spots and cooler areas.
- Proper UVB exposure is crucial for their overall health and appetite.
3. Shedding and Brumation
- Bearded dragons that are shedding their skin or preparing for brumation (a hibernation-like state) may have a suppressed appetite.
- During these phases, they may eat less or refuse food altogether.
- Be patient and provide a stress-free environment during shedding and brumation.
4. Health Conditions
- Illness, parasites, or other health issues can impact appetite.
- If your bearded dragon shows signs of illness (lethargy, weight loss, abnormal stool), consult a veterinarian promptly.
- Impacted bearded dragons (due to ingesting substrate or foreign objects) may also eat less.
- Regular health checks are essential to catch any problems early.
5. Age and Growth
- Juvenile bearded dragons grow rapidly and have higher appetites.
- Adults eat less frequently.
- Adjust feeding schedules accordingly based on their life stage.
Best Bugs & Worms for Your Beardie
Bearded dragons are insectivores and this means they feed on several insects.
Crickets
3-5 appropriately sized crickets per feeding, 2-3 times per week for juvenile bearded dragons. For adults, feed 10-15 crickets per feeding, 2-3 times per week.
Dubia Roaches
Provide 3-5 appropriately sized dubia roaches per feeding, 2-3 times per week for juvenile bearded dragons. For adults, feed 5-10 dubia roaches per feeding, 2-3 times per week.
Mealworms
Offer mealworms sparingly as an occasional treat due to their higher fat content. For juvenile bearded dragons feed 3-5 mealworms once or twice a week. For adults, offer mealworms as an occasional treat, around 1-3 times per month.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Phoenix Worms/Calciworms)
Provide 5-10 black soldier fly larvae per feeding, 2-3 times per week for juvenile bearded dragons. For adults, feed 10-15 larvae per feeding, 2-3 times per week.
Silkworms
Offer 2-3 silkworms per feeding, 2-3 times per week for juvenile bearded dragons. For adults, feed 5-10 silkworms per feeding, 2-3 times per week.
Insects to Avoid
Before selecting insects to feed your bearded dragon, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks.
Some insects to avoid feeding your bearded dragon:
- Fireflies (Lightning Bugs)
- Boxelder Bugs
- Ladybugs (Ladybirds)
- Caterpillars
- Wild-Caught Insects
- Insects Caught Near Roads or Urban Areas
The Best Vegetables for Your Bearded Dragon
Here, are the vegetables that a bearded dragon should take to be healthy and active all the time.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are perhaps one of the healthiest dark-green leafy vegetables that are particularly rich in calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K. It is also a perfect staple veggie to include in the diet of your bearded dragon. Use collard greens daily or perhaps every other day as a regular green vegetable in your bearded dragon’s diet.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are another good source of leafy green nutrition that offer vitamins A, C, and K; calcium; and fiber. They make a change in the diet of your Beardie and they are rich in nutrients. You should feed your beardie with mustard greens every other day on your beardie’s menu of greens.
Turnip Greens
The turnip greens can be a healthy input into the diet of a bearded dragon as they contain calcium, vitamin A and vitamin K. Include turnip greens in your bearded dragon’s list of greens and feed it 2-3 times a week.
Dandelion Greens
Vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and iron are also available in dandelion greens. Include dandelion greens in your beardie’s greens cycle, feeding him moderation of it 2 to 3 times per week.
Kale
Kale is a culinary green that belongs to the leafy green vegetable bucket; a source of vitamins A, C, and K, with calcium and dietary fiber. Kale is best served in very small portions, about once a week, since it contains fairly high amounts of oxalates.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious addition to your bearded dragon’s diet. They are rich in vitamin C and provide hydration due to their high water content. Offer bell peppers 2-3 times per week as part of a varied diet.
Never give your dragon any of the following.
Ensuring your bearded dragon’s diet is safe and nutritious is essential for their health and well-being. Avoid feeding them the following items:
- Avocado
- Rhubarb
- Spinach
- Iceberg Lettuce
- Tomato Leaves and Stems
- Citrus Fruits
- Insects Caught in the Wild
- Large Prey Items
The Best Fruit for Your Bearded Dragon
Some of the best fruits to offer your bearded dragon for optimal nutrition and overall health.
Apples
Offer apples as an occasional treat, around once or twice a week. Remove seeds and core before serving.
Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)
Around once or twice a week. These fruits are high in antioxidants and vitamins.
Mango
Offer mango as an occasional treat, around once or twice a week. Remove the skin and pit before serving.
Papaya
Around once or twice a week. Remove seeds and skin before serving.
Melon (Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew)
Offer melon as an occasional treat, around once or twice a week. Remove seeds and rind before serving.
Kiwi
Offer kiwi as an occasional treat, around once or twice a week. Remove the skin before serving.
Feeding Tips For Bearded Dragons
You need to consider the following tips when feeding your bearded dragon.
Portion Sizes
- Ensure all insects and food pieces are no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes.
- Adjust portion sizes based on your dragon’s age and size.
Supplements
- Dust insects with calcium (4-5 times a week) and multivitamins (once a fortnight).
- Greens don’t need dusting with supplements.
Hydration
- Provide fresh water daily.
- Mist the enclosure to maintain humidity.
Variety Matters
- Rotate insect types and greens to prevent boredom and ensure a balanced diet.
- Remember, a well-fed dragon is a happy and healthy one!
The Bottom Line
Kindly apply the details explained in this blog post on the diet of bearded dragons to practice. Because of the provided feeding guidelines and the value of appropriate feeding, your pet’s health and well-being will be at its best. The best point would be to spend a few minutes for a healthy pause:
Now that you are informed about the basics of this guide, it is time to think about the possibilities regarding your own dragon’s nutrition.
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