A balanced and nutritious diet is vital for the health and longevity of your bearded dragon. Understanding what, when, and how to feed your bearded dragon can help ensure they thrive and live a long, healthy life. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding your bearded dragon, from the best foods to offer to important dietary considerations at different life stages.
Understanding Bearded Dragon Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant-based and animal-based foods. Their diet should be diverse and well-balanced, including a mix of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits. The proportion of these food groups will change as your dragon grows, with younger dragons needing more protein and adults benefiting from a higher proportion of vegetables.
Insect Protein: The Foundation of a Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Staple Insects
- Crickets: A common staple, crickets are affordable and widely available. Ensure they are gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) before offering them to your dragon.
- Dubia Roaches: Highly nutritious, dubia roaches are an excellent protein source. They are less likely to escape and are easier to digest than crickets.
- Mealworms: Suitable in moderation, mealworms are often used as a treat due to their high fat content.
Occasional Insects
- Superworms: These can be fed sparingly to adult dragons but should be avoided for juveniles due to their tough exoskeleton.
- Waxworms: High in fat, waxworms should be offered only as an occasional treat.
Feeding Schedule
- Juveniles (up to 12 months): Feed insects 2-3 times a day. They require a diet high in protein to support rapid growth.
- Adults (12 months and older): Feed insects every other day, with more emphasis on vegetables.
Insect Preparation
- Dusting with Calcium: To prevent metabolic bone disease, dust insects with calcium powder 3-4 times a week. For juveniles, daily dusting may be beneficial.
- Gut-loading: Ensure insects are fed a nutritious diet before being offered to your bearded dragon. This process, known as gut-loading, improves the nutritional content of the insects.
Vegetables and Greens: Essential for Balanced Nutrition
Staple Greens
- Collard Greens: High in calcium and low in oxalates, making them an excellent daily choice.
- Mustard Greens: Another calcium-rich option that bearded dragons typically enjoy.
- Dandelion Greens: Nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins A and C.
Other Vegetables
- Squash (Butternut, Acorn): A good source of vitamins A and C, squash should be a regular part of your dragon’s diet.
- Bell Peppers: These provide a variety of vitamins and add color to your dragon’s meal.
Occasional Vegetables
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene but should be offered in moderation due to their high sugar content.
- Kale: Nutrient-rich but should be fed occasionally due to its goitrogenic properties.
Feeding Schedule
- Juveniles: Offer vegetables once daily but focus more on protein-rich insects.
- Adults: Provide fresh vegetables daily, with a mix of staple greens and other veggies.
Fruits: A Sweet Treat
Fruits should make up only a small portion of your bearded dragon’s diet, offered as occasional treats rather than staples. They are often higher in sugar, which can lead to obesity and other health issues if overfed.
Safe Fruits
- Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries): Low in sugar and high in antioxidants, making them a good occasional treat.
- Apples (Peeled and Seedless): Offer small slices of apple as a treat, but avoid the seeds, which contain harmful compounds.
- Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon): Hydrating and sweet, melons are a refreshing treat in moderation.
Feeding Frequency
- Offer fruits 1-2 times per week as a treat, ensuring they do not exceed 10% of the overall diet.
Supplements: Ensuring Complete Nutrition
To maintain a balanced diet and prevent deficiencies, supplements are essential in a bearded dragon’s diet.
Calcium Supplementation
- Importance: Calcium is critical to preventing metabolic bone disease, a common issue in reptiles.
- How Often: Dust feeder insects with calcium powder 3-4 times a week for adults and more frequently for juveniles. Ensure the calcium powder is free of phosphorus.
Multivitamins
- Importance: Provides additional vitamins and minerals that might not be adequately covered by their regular diet.
- How Often: Use a reptile-specific multivitamin supplement once a week.
Vitamin D3
- If you’re not providing UVB lighting (which is not recommended), you may need to supplement with vitamin D3. However, if you are using UVB lights correctly, extra vitamin D3 is typically not needed.
Hydration: Keeping Your Dragon Hydrated
While bearded dragons get much of their hydration from their food, it’s important to ensure they have access to fresh water.
Water Bowl
- Daily Fresh Water: Provide a shallow dish of clean, fresh water daily. Make sure the dish is shallow enough to prevent drowning but deep enough for them to drink.
Misting
- Misting Vegetables: Lightly misting vegetables before feeding can help with hydration, especially in a dry environment.
- Bathing: Offer a shallow bath once a week to keep your dragon hydrated and aid in shedding.
Feeding Tips and Common Mistakes
Avoid Feeding Insects Too Large
- Insects should be no larger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes to prevent choking and impaction.
Variety is Key
- A diverse diet ensures your bearded dragon gets all the nutrients they need. Avoid feeding the same foods daily.
Remove Uneaten Food
- Remove uneaten food, especially insects, to prevent them from biting or stressing your dragon.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your bearded dragon a balanced diet is one of the most important aspects of their care. By offering a variety of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits, along with the necessary supplements, you can ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and vibrant. Remember, their dietary needs will change as they grow, so adjust their feeding regimen accordingly. With proper nutrition, your bearded dragon will thrive and enjoy a long, healthy life.
