Introduction

Bearded dragons are adorable pets that make great companions for reptile lovers. Feeding them can be overwhelming and confusing for first-time owners, and a poor diet can lead to health problems. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to feed your bearded dragon a healthy and balanced diet.

Feeding Schedule

Bearded dragons have different feeding schedules depending on their age. Young bearded dragons should be fed 2-3 times a day, while adults can be fed once a day. It’s important to feed your bearded dragon at the same time every day to keep their metabolism regular. Here’s a sample feeding schedule based on age:

Food Types

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet should consist of 80% vegetables and 20% insects. Here are some examples of each:

Vegetables

• Dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens)
• Squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti)
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Green beans
• Sweet potatoes
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Zucchini
• Peas
• Green cabbage
• Parsnips
• Radishes
• Brussels sprouts

Insects

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Dubia roaches
• Phoenix worms
• Hornworms
• Waxworms
• Super worms
• Black soldier fly larvae

It’s important to feed your bearded dragon a variety of vegetables and insects to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients. You can also offer commercial bearded dragon food which is a great way to ensure that they are getting a balanced diet. Avoid feeding your bearded dragon citrus fruits, avocado, and rhubarb as they are toxic and can be harmful to their health.

Feeding Techniques

There are several ways to feed your bearded dragon. Here are some techniques you can use:

Hand-Feeding

Hand-feeding is a great way to bond with your bearded dragon. Use tongs to offer the insects or vegetables, and hold it close to their mouth. This is also a good technique to use if your bearded dragon is a picky eater.

Bowl Feeding

Bowl feeding is a good technique to use if you’re feeding your bearded dragon vegetables. Offer the vegetables in a shallow dish, and they will eat it at their own pace.

Gut Loading

If you’re feeding your bearded dragon insects, it’s important to gut load them first. This means feeding the insects vegetables or commercial gut load prior to feeding them to your bearded dragon. This is a good way to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting all the necessary nutrients from their insects.

Conclusion

Feeding your bearded dragon a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Remember to offer a variety of vegetables and insects, and avoid feeding them toxic foods. Use the feeding techniques that work best for you and your bearded dragon, and enjoy bonding with your new pet.