Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and wellbeing. These fascinating creatures are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. It’s important to feed them a varied diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Here are some guidelines for what to feed your bearded dragon:
Insects
Insects should make up a significant part of your bearded dragon’s diet. Some good options include crickets, mealworms, superworms, and dubia roaches. These insects are high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent source of nutrition for your pet. Be sure to gut-load your insects with nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens or carrots before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
Vegetables
Vegetables should also be a significant part of your bearded dragon’s diet. Some good options include collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and dandelion greens. These leafy greens are high in calcium and other essential nutrients that your bearded dragon needs. Other good vegetables to feed your bearded dragon include squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Be sure to chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces so your bearded dragon can easily eat them.
Fruits
While fruits should not make up a significant part of your bearded dragon’s diet, they can be a great occasional treat. Some good options include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Be sure to remove any seeds or pits from the fruit before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
Commercial Food
There are also commercially available bearded dragon foods that you can purchase. These foods are formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients that your bearded dragon needs. However, they should not make up the entirety of your bearded dragon’s diet. It’s best to offer a variety of different foods to ensure your pet gets all the nutrients they need.
Calcium and Vitamin
Supplements Bearded dragons require a lot of calcium to maintain healthy bones and teeth. You can provide calcium supplements in the form of calcium powder or calcium blocks. Vitamin supplements are also important to ensure your bearded dragon gets all the essential vitamins they need.
Water
It’s important to provide your bearded dragon with clean, fresh water at all times. You can use a shallow dish or a water bottle to provide water to your pet. It’s also a good idea to mist your bearded dragon with water occasionally to help maintain their skin’s hydration.
Feeding Schedule Bearded dragons should be fed 2-3 times per day. Juvenile bearded dragons require more frequent feedings than adults. It’s important to provide the right amount of food to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your pet. A good rule of thumb is to offer as much food as your bearded dragon can eat in 10-15 minutes.
In conclusion, a balanced and varied diet is essential for the health and wellbeing of your bearded dragon. Make sure to provide a mix of insects, vegetables, fruits, and commercial food, and don’t forget about calcium and vitamin supplements. With proper care and nutrition, your bearded dragon can live a long and healthy life.
