Introduction

Bearded dragons are friendly and curious lizards that make great pets. But sometimes, they can be reluctant to eat, which can be concerning for their owners. If you’re a new bearded dragon owner, you might be wondering how to make your pet eat properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to get your bearded dragon to eat like a pro.

Understanding your Bearded Dragon’s Diet

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of getting your bearded dragon to eat, it’s important to understand their dietary needs. Bearded dragons are omnivores and need a balanced diet of protein and vegetables. Juveniles should be fed more insects and less vegetables, while adults should be fed more vegetables and less insects.

Creating the Right Environment

Bearded dragons don’t like to eat in stressful environments. Make sure that their home is comfortable, clean and secure. The temperature and lighting in their tank should be appropriate for their species, and they should also have access to fresh water.

Feeding Your Bearded Dragon

1. Offer the Right Food

Make sure you’re feeding your beardie the right kinds of food. As we mentioned, they need a balance of protein and vegetables. Some good protein sources include crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. For vegetables, you can offer greens like kale, collard greens or mustard greens, as well as squash and carrots.

2. Try Different Foods

Bearded dragons can be fussy eaters sometimes, so try offering them different kinds of food to determine what they like best. Some beardies may like live food, while others may only eat veggies.

3. Make Sure The Food Is The Right Size

When offering food to your bearded dragon, make sure that the size of the food is appropriate for their size. You don’t want to offer food that’s too big or too small. For juvenile beardies, make sure that the insects are small enough for them to eat.

4. Offer Food At The Right Time

Offer food to your beardie when they are most active, which is usually during the day. Bearded dragons need to bask under a heat lamp to digest their food properly, so try and offer food during the day when the lamp is on.

Feeding Tips & Tricks

1. Add Nutritional Supplements

To ensure that your bearded dragon is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need, you can use supplements like calcium powder or a multivitamin. These should be dusted onto their food a couple of times a week.

2. Mix Up The Food

Try incorporating different types of insects or vegetables into your beardie’s diet. This will keep them interested in their food and ensure that they’re getting a variety of nutrients.

3. Offer Small Meals Throughout The Day

If your bearded dragon isn’t eating big meals, try offering smaller meals throughout the day. This can help stimulate their appetite and ensure that they’re getting enough food.

Conclusion

Getting your bearded dragon to eat can be a challenge, but with the right environment, food, and feeding strategies, you can make sure that they’re happy, healthy and well-fed. Remember to monitor your beardie’s diet and offer a variety of food to keep them interested. If you’re still having trouble getting your bearded dragon to eat, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.