How Much to Feed Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner's Guide
How Much to Feed Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide
Bearded dragons are a great pet for beginners. They are friendly, easy to care for, and have unique personalities. Like all pets, they require proper nutrition to stay healthy and happy. In this beginner’s guide, we will discuss how much to feed your bearded dragon and the best feeding practices.
How often should you feed your bearded dragon?
Adult bearded dragons should be fed once a day. Young bearded dragons should be fed twice a day. It is important not to overfeed your bearded dragon as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Bearded dragons are opportunistic eaters and will continue to eat even when full. Therefore, it is important to regulate their food intake to prevent overeating.
What should you feed your bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are omnivores and require a balanced diet of insects and vegetables. The best combination is 75% insects and 25% vegetables. Insects should be gut-loaded, which means feeding them a nutritious diet before feeding them to your bearded dragon. The most popular insects to feed your bearded dragon are crickets, mealworms, and superworms.
Vegetables should be finely chopped and sprinkled lightly with calcium powder. Bearded dragons require calcium for bone health, and the calcium powder helps them absorb nutrients from their food. Good vegetables for bearded dragons include collard greens, kale, squash, and carrots.
How much should you feed your bearded dragon?
The amount you feed your bearded dragon depends on their age, size, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to feed your bearded dragon as much as they can eat in 10-15 minutes. After that time, remove any uneaten food to prevent overeating. If you have concerns about the amount you are feeding your bearded dragon, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian.
When should you feed your bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. Therefore, it is best to feed your bearded dragon during the day when they are most active. Feeding them at the same time every day will help them establish a routine and may prevent overeating.
What should you avoid feeding your bearded dragon?
There are some foods that you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon as they can cause health problems. These include:
- Insects that are too large for your bearded dragon to eat
- Insects that have been caught in the wild and may carry parasites
- Insects that have been treated with insecticides or other chemicals
- Foods that are high in oxalates, such as spinach and beet greens
- Foods that are high in phosphorous, such as beans and nuts
- Foods that are high in fat, such as mealworms and waxworms
In conclusion
Feeding your bearded dragon is an important part of their care. Following these tips will help ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy. Remember to feed your bearded dragon a balanced diet of insects and vegetables, regulate their food intake, and avoid feeding them foods that can cause health problems.