A Comprehensive Baby Bearded Dragon Food Chart – What to Feed Your New Pet
Introduction
Bearded dragons, also known as Pogona Vitticeps, are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. These lizards are docile, friendly and easy to care for, which makes them ideally suited for beginner owners. However, they do require a specific diet to stay healthy and thrive. In this post, we will discuss the best baby bearded dragon food chart to help you give your new pet the nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy.
What Do Baby Bearded Dragons Eat?
Baby bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. They require a balanced diet consisting of vegetables, fruits and protein sources like insects and meat. Their nutritional needs can be broken down into the following categories:
- Protein (insects, meat)
- Calcium (dark leafy greens, calcium supplements)
- Vitamins (fruits, vegetables)
- Water
Baby Bearded Dragon Food Chart
Here is a comprehensive food chart for baby bearded dragons:
Protein
Protein should make up around 40% of your baby bearded dragon’s diet. Here are some great protein sources:
- Crickets
- Dubia Roaches
- Mealworms
- Superworms
- Silkworms
- Hornworms
- Pinkie Mice (optional)
Vegetables
Vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals to your baby bearded dragon.
- Collard Greens
- Mustard Greens
- Dandelion Greens
- Turnip Greens
- Kale
- Butternut Squash
- Zucchini
- Green Beans
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
Fruits
Fruits should be given in moderation as treats, as they are high in sugar.
- Papaya
- Mango
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Melon
Calcium
Calcium is essential for your baby bearded dragon’s bone and shell growth. You can add calcium powder to their food, or offer calcium-rich foods like these:
- Turnip Greens
- Mustard Greens
- Collard Greens
- Dandelion Greens
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Cilantro
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some tips to keep in mind when feeding your baby bearded dragon:
- Do use gut-loaded insects that have been dusted with calcium powder
- Do offer a variety of protein sources to keep your bearded dragon interested in their food
- Do include calcium-rich foods in their diet
- Do mist their food with water to improve hydration
- Do not feed your baby bearded dragon iceberg lettuce or spinach, as they are nutritionally deficient and can cause health problems
- Do not offer high-fat or high-sugar foods like avocados, cherries or bananas
- Do not feed your baby bearded dragon wild-caught insects, as they may be carrying parasites or disease
Conclusion
Feeding your baby bearded dragon a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their health and happiness. By using this food chart and following the do’s and don’ts outlined above, you can give your new pet the best possible start in life. With proper care and attention, your baby bearded dragon will grow into a healthy and happy adult lizard that will bring you joy for years to come.