Introduction

Bearded dragons are amazing pets. These lizards are extremely popular among reptile enthusiasts, owing to their unique personalities, friendly nature and low-maintenance requirements. And when it comes to feeding them, it’s important to understand what and how much you should be feeding them.

What to Feed Your Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons eat both insects and plants, so ideally, their diet should comprise of a balance of both. However, the ratio of insects to plants should change as the dragon grows.

Feeding Baby Bearded Dragons

Baby bearded dragons younger than 6 months of age should eat more insects than plants. Their staple diet should consist of crickets or roaches, coupled with occasional mealworms, super worms or wax worms. They can also be fed with finely chopped greens or fruits such as collard greens, mustard greens, or dandelion greens, and butternut squash or sweet potato.

Feeding Adult Bearded Dragons

Adult bearded dragons over 6 months of age require a more plant-based diet than their younger counterparts. Their staple diet should still consist of insects such as crickets or roaches, as well as occasional mealworms, super worms or wax worms, but these should be provided in smaller amounts.

Adults can be fed with a wide range of greens including collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, parsley and other nutrient-rich vegetables such as carrots, sweet potato, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits can also be included, but should only be an occasional treat due to their high sugar content.

How Much to Feed Your Bearded Dragon

One common question among new bearded dragon owners is how much food should they be feeding their pet dragons. The amount of food you should feed your dragon will depend on its age and size.

Feeding Baby Bearded Dragons

For baby bearded dragons, they should be fed at least 2-3 times a day, and you should provide enough insects to total approximately 50-70% of their diet. This means that you will need to feed them several times throughout the day, and the insects should be no bigger than the space between the dragon’s eyes. They should also have access to an omnivore salad mixture that has been finely chopped and placed in the feeding area, preparing the lizard for a plant-heavy diet further down the line.

Feeding Adult Bearded Dragons

Adult bearded dragons require a more plant-based diet and should only be fed insects a few times a week, depending on their size. They should have access to an omnivore salad mixture daily along with occasional treat food, but not more than 20% insects of their overall diet. You should also remove any uneaten food after an hour or two.

Conclusion

Feeding your bearded dragon is an important part of being a responsible and caring pet owner. By following the above guideline, you’ll be able to keep your pet dragon well-fed, happy, and healthy. Remember to pay close attention to their dietary needs, and adjust their diet according to their age and size. With the right care and attention, your bearded dragon will thrive, and you’ll enjoy a long-lasting and rewarding relationship with your new pet.