Introduction to Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that make great pets. These reptiles are low-maintenance, friendly, and have a unique personality. Feeding your bearded dragon properly is one of the most important things you can do to ensure they remain healthy, happy, and full of energy. In this guide, we will show you how to feed your bearded dragon and provide you with tips and tricks to make their feeding time stress-free.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they eat insects, vegetation, and occasionally small mammals or birds. In captivity, it’s important that you feed them a balanced diet that consists of:

• Dark, leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and mustard greens
• Squash, carrots, and other non-citrus fruits and vegetables
• Protein-rich insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms
• Occasional small amounts of lean protein sources like chicken or beef
• Supplements including a calcium supplement and a multivitamin

Feeding Schedule

Adult bearded dragons should be fed once a day. You can divide their food into two portions, one in the morning and one in the evening. Baby bearded dragons, on the other hand, require more frequent feeding. They should be fed three times a day until they reach three months of age, after which their feeding schedule can be reduced to two times daily. It’s important not to overfeed your bearded dragon, as obesity can lead to health problems.

Feeder Insects

Crickets are the most popular and widely available feeder insect for bearded dragons. However, there are other insects that you can feed your bearded dragon to provide variety and balanced nutrition. Here are some feeder insects to consider:

• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Dubia Roaches
• Waxworms
• Phoenix Worms
• Superworms

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should make up about 20-30% of your bearded dragon’s diet. It’s important to offer a variety of different vegetables and fruits to ensure that your pet is receiving a balanced diet. Here are some fruits and vegetables to consider feeding your bearded dragon:

• Collard Greens
• Kale
• Mustard Greens
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Squash
• Bell Peppers
• Blueberries
• Papaya

Supplements

Bearded dragons require supplements to ensure they get all the necessary vitamins and minerals they need. Here are the two most important supplements for bearded dragons:

• Calcium supplement: You can provide this to your bearded dragon by dusting their insect feeders or mixing it in with their food. It’s important to provide them with calcium, as calcium deficiencies can lead to metabolic bone disease.
• Multivitamin: A weekly multivitamin supplement can help ensure your bearded dragon has all the nutrients they need. Look for a vitamin that contains vitamins A, B, C, and D3.

How to Feed Your Bearded Dragon

Feeding your bearded dragon is quite easy once you establish a routine. Here are some tips to follow:

• Offer fresh fruits and vegetables daily.
• Provide feeder insects in an insect feeding dish to prevent them from escaping, and make sure they aren’t too large for your bearded dragon to eat.
• Dust insects with a calcium supplement before feeding to ensure proper nutrition.
• Make sure your bearded dragon has access to clean water at all times.
• Remove any uneaten food after 30 minutes to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
• Keep a record of what you feed your bearded dragon to ensure their diet is balanced.
• Offer occasional treat foods like hornworms, which are high in water content, as a supplement to their diet.

Conclusion

Feeding your bearded dragon a balanced and varied diet is essential to their health and happiness. By following the tips and suggestions in this guide, you can ensure that your pet is getting everything they need to thrive. Remember to provide fresh fruits and veggies, a variety of feeder insects, and supplements as needed. With a little effort and care, feeding your bearded dragon can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.