Bearded Dragon Diet 101: The Ultimate Beardie Diet Guide

Bearded dragons are amazing pets, but to keep them healthy and happy, you need to know what a bearded dragon’s diet consists of.

Bearded dragons have specific dietary needs that differ from other reptiles and animals. They are omnivorous, which means they eat both animal and plant matter.

They also need different types and amounts of food depending on their age, size and activity level.

This article will show you everything you need to know about feeding your bearded dragon, from the best insects, vegetables and fruits to the supplements, water and foods to avoid. We will also give you some practical tips on how to prepare and offer the food to your bearded dragon and how to adjust their diet as they grow older.

By following this guide, you will be able to provide a balanced and varied diet for your bearded dragon that will ensure their optimal health and well-being.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that need a balanced diet of insects, vegetables and fruits to stay healthy and happy.
Bearded dragons need different amounts and types of food depending on their age, size and activity level. Generally, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more food than older and larger ones.
Feed them as many insects as they can eat in 10 to 15 minutes, use the space between their eyes or their head as a guide for portion size. The insects should be no bigger than this space to avoid choking or impaction.
Feed them vegetables about the same size as their head or body, or use a shallow dish about 6 inches in diameter. The vegetables should be chopped into small pieces to make them easier to eat and digest.
Feed them fruits as an occasional treat or a supplement, not as a staple food. The fruits should be peeled, sliced or mashed as needed to make them easier to eat and digest.
Give them calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to supplement their diet and prevent deficiencies and diseases. Calcium is essential for their bones, teeth and muscles, while vitamins are essential for their immune system, metabolism and skin color.
Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish or drip system. Water helps them regulate their body temperature, digest their food, flush out toxins and prevent impaction. Dehydration can cause serious problems for bearded dragons, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure and death.
Avoid anything that is harmful or toxic for them, such as avocado, onion, garlic, spinach, lettuce or chocolate. These foods can cause various symptoms in bearded dragons, such as vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, weakness, seizures or death.
Avoid feeding your beardie insects that are caught from outside or bought from unreliable sources. These insects may contain pesticides, insecticides, parasites or diseases that can harm bearded dragons. They should only be fed insects that are raised or bought from reputable sources or bred in a clean and secure container.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles, which means they eat both animal and plant matter. In the wild, they feed on a variety of insects, worms, spiders, small rodents, lizards, birds and eggs, as well as leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. In captivity, they need a balanced diet of insects, vegetables and fruits to stay healthy and happy.

Providing a variety of foods is important for your bearded dragon’s nutrition and well-being. Different foods have different nutrients, flavors and textures that your bearded dragon needs and enjoys. A varied diet can also prevent your bearded dragon from getting bored or picky with their food.

A poor diet can lead to many health problems for your bearded dragon. Some of the most common ones are:

MDB (Metabolic bone disease): This is a condition that affects the bones and muscles of your bearded dragon due to a lack of calcium or vitamin D3. It can cause deformities, fractures, weakness, paralysis and even death. To prevent this, you need to provide enough calcium and vitamin D3 supplements and proper lighting and heating for your bearded dragon.
Obesity: This is a condition that occurs when your bearded dragon consumes more calories than they burn. It can cause stress on their organs, joints and spine and increase the risk of infections and diseases. To prevent this, you need to control the portion size and frequency of feeding your bearded dragon, as well as offer more vegetables and less insects in their diet.
Impaction: This is a condition that occurs when your bearded dragon’s digestive system gets blocked by something they ate or swallowed. It can cause pain, bloating, constipation, loss of appetite and even death. To prevent this, you must avoid feeding your bearded dragon anything too large or hard for them to digest, such as sand, gravel, wood chips or large insects with hard shells.

How Much Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

The amount of food you should feed your bearded dragon depends on several factors, such as their age, size and activity level. Generally, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more food than older and larger ones, because they are growing and burning more calories. However, this also varies depending on the individual bearded dragon and their metabolism.

To measure the appropriate portion size for insects and vegetables, you can use some simple rules of thumb:

You can offer insects as many as your bearded dragon can eat in 10 to 15 minutes, or use the space between their eyes as a guide. The insects should be no bigger than this space to avoid choking or impaction. You can also weigh the insects before feeding them to your bearded dragon and aim for about 10% of their body weight per day.
For vegetables, you can offer a salad that is about the same size as your bearded dragon’s head or body, or use a shallow dish that is about 6 inches in diameter. You can also chop the vegetables into small pieces to make them easier to eat and digest.

It is important to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your bearded dragon, as both can cause health problems. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can increase the risk of infections and diseases. Underfeeding can lead to malnutrition, affecting your bearded dragon’s growth and development. To prevent this, you should regularly monitor your bearded dragon’s weight and body condition and adjust their feeding accordingly.

How Often Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

The frequency of feeding your bearded dragon also depends on their age and growth stage. Generally, younger and growing bearded dragons need more frequent feedings than older and mature ones, because they have higher energy and nutritional demands. However, this also varies depending on the individual bearded dragon and their appetite.

Here is a table of the recommended feeding schedules for different age groups of bearded dragons:

Age Group	Insects	Vegetables
Baby (0-3 months)	3 times a day	Once a day
Juvenile (3-12 months)	Twice a day	Once or twice a day
Adult (12+ months)	Once or twice a week	Every day

You can adjust these schedules according to your bearded dragon’s needs and preferences, but always provide a balanced diet of insects and vegetables.

Some factors that can affect the appetite of your bearded dragon are:

Stress: If your bearded dragon is stressed by something in their environment, such as noise, predators, other pets or humans, they may lose their appetite or refuse to eat. To prevent this, you should provide a safe and comfortable enclosure for your bearded dragon, with hiding places, climbing branches and basking spots. You should also handle your bearded dragon gently and regularly to make them feel more relaxed and trusting.
Temperature: If your bearded dragon is too cold or too hot, they may not eat properly or at all. To prevent this, you should provide a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a warm basking spot of 95°F to 105°F for adults and 100°F to 110°F for babies and juveniles, and a cool area of 75°F to 85°F. You should also use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and a timer to regulate the lighting cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Brumation: This natural process occurs in some bearded dragons during the winter months, when they slow down their metabolism and activity and enter a state of dormancy. During this time, they may eat less or stop eating altogether. To prevent this, gradually reduce the temperature and lighting in their enclosure, and offer them food and water every few days. You should also check on them regularly and weigh them monthly to make sure they are healthy.

Baby Bearded Dragon Feeding Schedule

Baby bearded dragons are the most active and hungry of all the age groups. They need more protein and calcium than adults to support their rapid growth and development. Protein helps them build muscle and tissue, while calcium helps them form strong bones and teeth.

You should feed your baby bearded dragon insects three times a day and vegetables once a day. You can offer them as many insects as they can eat in 10 to 15 minutes, or use the space between their eyes as a guide. The insects should be no bigger than this space to avoid choking or impaction. You can also weigh the insects before feeding them to your bearded dragon and aim for about 10% of their body weight per day.

Juvenile Bearded Dragon Feeding Schedule

Juvenile bearded dragons are the most growing and active of all the age groups. They still need a high amount of protein and calcium, but not as much as babies. Protein helps them build muscle and tissue, while calcium helps them form strong bones and teeth.

You should feed your juvenile bearded dragon insects twice a day and vegetables once or twice a day. You can offer them as many insects as they can eat in 10 to 15 minutes, or use the space between their eyes as a guide. The insects should be no bigger than this space to avoid choking or impaction. You can also weigh the insects before feeding them to your bearded dragon and aim for about 10% of their body weight per day.

Adult Bearded Dragon Feeding Schedule

Adult bearded dragons are the most settled and calm of all the age groups. They need less protein and more fiber than juveniles to maintain their health and weight. Protein helps them repair muscle and tissue, while fiber helps them regulate their digestion and prevent impaction.

You should feed your adult bearded dragon insects once or twice a week and vegetables every day. You can offer them as many insects as they can eat in 10 to 15 minutes, or use their head as a guide. The insects should be no bigger than their head to avoid choking or impaction. You can also weigh the insects before feeding them to your bearded dragon and aim for about 2% of their body weight per week.

Hand Feeding

Hand feeding is a method of feeding your bearded dragon by offering them food directly from your hand or using a tool such as tweezers or tongs. Hand feeding has many benefits for your bearded dragon, such as:

Bonding: Hand feeding can help you establish a closer relationship with your bearded dragon, as they learn to associate you with food and trust. Hand feeding can also make your bearded dragon more comfortable and friendly with you and other people.
Taming: Hand feeding can help you tame your bearded dragon, especially if they are shy or aggressive. Hand feeding can also reduce their stress and fear of being handled or touched.
Monitoring: Hand feeding can help you monitor your bearded dragon’s intake and appetite, as you can see how much and what they eat. Hand feeding can also help you detect any signs of illness or injury in your bearded dragon, such as mouth rot, parasites or wounds.

Some tips on how to hand-feed your bearded dragon safely and effectively are:

Use tweezers or tongs: These are tools that can help you hold and offer the food to your bearded dragon without hurting them or yourself. They can also prevent your bearded dragon from accidentally biting or scratching your fingers. You can use tweezers or tongs for insects and vegetables, but wash them thoroughly before and after each use.
Offer small bites: You should offer your bearded dragon small bites of food that are easy to swallow and digest. You should also avoid offering too much food at once, as this can cause choking or impaction. You can cut the insects and vegetables into smaller pieces before hand feeding them to your bearded dragon.
Reward good behavior: You should reward your bearded dragon for accepting the food from your hand or tweezers by praising them verbally or stroking them gently. You should also avoid forcing or scaring your bearded dragon into eating, as this can cause stress and resentment. You should respect your bearded dragon’s preferences and mood, and stop hand feeding them if they show signs of disinterest or aggression.

Bowl Feeding

Bowl feeding is a method of feeding your bearded dragon by placing their food in a bowl or a dish inside their enclosure. Bowl feeding has many benefits for your bearded dragon, such as:

Convenience: Bowl feeding can save you time and effort, as you don’t have to hand feed your bearded dragon every time they are hungry. Bowl feeding can also allow your bearded dragon to eat at their own pace and convenience without being disturbed or interrupted.
Cleanliness: Bowl feeding can keep your enclosure clean and tidy, as you don’t have to scatter the food around the substrate or the furniture. Bowl feeding can also prevent the food from getting contaminated by dirt, dust or feces, which can cause infections or diseases in your bearded dragon.
Enrichment: Bowl feeding can provide some stimulation and enrichment for your bearded dragon, as they can explore and hunt for their food in the bowl. Bowl feeding can also encourage some natural behaviors in your bearded dragon, such as digging, climbing and basking.

Some tips on how to bowl feed your bearded dragon properly and efficiently are:

Use shallow dishes: You should use shallow dishes that are easy for your bearded dragon to access and see the food inside. You should also avoid using dishes that are too deep or too slippery, as this can cause difficulty or injury for your bearded dragon. You can use ceramic, glass or plastic dishes for insects and vegetables, but wash them thoroughly before and after each use.
Place them in accessible spots: You should place the dishes in visible and reachable spots for your bearded dragon. You should also avoid placing them in spots that are too hot or too cold, as this can affect the quality and palatability of the food. You can place the dishes near the basking spot, the hiding place or the water source for your bearded dragon’s convenience.
Change them regularly: You should change the dishes regularly to ensure freshness and variety for your bearded dragon. You should also remove any uneaten food at the end of the day to prevent spoilage or mold. You can change the dishes daily for vegetables and weekly for insects, depending on your bearded dragon’s appetite and preference.

The Best Bugs For Your Beardie

Insects are essential to your bearded dragon’s diet, as they provide protein, fat, calcium and other nutrients that your bearded dragon needs. However, not all insects are created equal; some are better than others for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. Here are some of the best bugs for your beardie:

Crickets: These are the most popular and widely available insects for bearded dragons. They are high in protein and low in fat, and they come in different sizes to suit your bearded dragon’s age. They are also easy to breed and cheap to buy. However, they can also be noisy, smelly, escape easily, and carry parasites or diseases if not bought from a reputable source. You should buy them live or frozen, but make sure to gut-load them with nutritious food before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also dust them with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to enhance their nutritional value.
Roaches: These are another great option for bearded dragons. They are high in protein and calcium, and low in fat and chitin. They have a soft exoskeleton that is easy to digest and can live for a long time without food or water. They are also less noisy and smelly than crickets and harder to escape. However, they can also be illegal or restricted in some areas, and they can cause allergies or phobias in some people. You should buy them live or frozen, but make sure to gut-load them with nutritious food before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also dust them with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to enhance their nutritional value.
Mealworms: These are the larvae of beetles that are high in protein and fat. They are good as an occasional treat for your bearded dragon, but not as a staple food. They have a hard exoskeleton that can cause impaction if fed too often or too much, and they can also be addictive for some bearded dragons. You should buy them live or frozen, but make sure to gut-load them with nutritious food before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also dust them with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to enhance their nutritional value.
Waxworms: These are the larvae of moths that are high in protein and fat. They are good as an occasional treat for your bearded dragon, but not as a staple food. They have a soft body that is easy to digest, but they can also cause obesity if fed too often or too much. They are also more expensive and harder to find than other insects. You should buy them live or frozen, but make sure to gut-load them with nutritious food before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also dust them with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to enhance their nutritional value.
Hornworms: These are the larvae of moths that are high in protein and water. They are good as an occasional treat for your bearded dragon, but not as a staple food. They have a soft body that is easy to digest, but they can also cause diarrhea if fed too often or too much. They are also more expensive and harder to find than other insects. You should buy them live or frozen, but make sure to gut-load them with nutritious food before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also dust them with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to enhance their nutritional value.

To prepare the insects for your bearded dragon, you should follow these steps:

Choose the right size and type of insects for your bearded dragon’s age and preference.
Buy the insects from a reputable source or breed them in a clean and secure container.
Store the insects in a cool, dark place with adequate ventilation and moisture.
Gut-load the insects with nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, grains or commercial insect food at least 24 hours before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
Dust the insects with calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly using a plastic bag or a shaker bottle.
Offer the insects to your bearded dragon using your hand, tweezers or a bowl.

Bug	Baby	Juvenile	Adult
Crickets	Yes	Yes	Yes
Roaches	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mealworms	No	Yes	Yes
Waxworms	No	Yes	Yes
Hornworms	No	Yes	Yes
Superworms	No	No	Yes
Butterworms	No	No	Yes
Silkworms	Yes	Yes	Yes
Phoenix worms	Yes	Yes	Yes
Earthworms	No	No	Yes

The Best Vegetables For Your Bearded Dragon

Vegetables are essential to your bearded dragon’s diet, as they provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and water that your bearded dragon needs. However, not all vegetables are created equal; some are better than others for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. Here are some of the best vegetables for your beardie:

Collard greens are leafy greens high in calcium, vitamin A and fiber. They are good for your bearded dragon’s bones, eyes and digestion. However, they can also contain oxalates, which can bind with calcium and reduce its absorption. You should feed them in moderation and rotate them with other vegetables.
Dandelion greens are leafy greens high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. They are good for your bearded dragon’s bones, immune system and blood. However, they can also contain pesticides or herbicides if not grown organically. You should wash them thoroughly and buy them from a trusted source.
Mustard greens: These are leafy greens high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K. They are good for your bearded dragon’s bones, immune system and blood clotting. However, they can also contain goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function. You should feed them in moderation and rotate them with other vegetables.
Squash: This type of gourd is high in vitamin A, C, and fiber. It is good for your bearded dragon’s eyes, immune system and digestion. However, it can also contain seeds, which can cause impaction if fed too often or too much. You should remove the seeds and peel the skin before feeding it to your bearded dragon.
Carrots: This type of root vegetable is high in vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene. It is good for your bearded dragon’s eyes, immune system and skin color. However, it can also contain sugar, which can cause obesity or diabetes if fed too often or too much. You should feed it sparingly and grate it finely before feeding it to your bearded dragon.

To prepare the vegetables for your bearded dragon, you should follow these steps:

Choose the right type and amount of vegetables for your bearded dragon’s age and preference.
Buy the vegetables from a reputable source or grow them yourself organically.
Wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust or chemicals.
Chop the vegetables into small pieces to make them easier to eat and digest.
Mix the vegetables together to create a colorful and varied salad for your bearded dragon.

Vegetable	Baby	Juvenile	Adult
Collard greens	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dandelion greens	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mustard greens	Yes	Yes	Yes
Squash	Yes	Yes	Yes
Carrots	No	Yes	Yes
Kale	No	Yes	Yes
Bell peppers	No	Yes	Yes
Zucchini	No	Yes	Yes
Green beans	No	No	Yes

The Best Fruit For Your Bearded Dragon

Fruit is an optional part of your bearded dragon’s diet, as it provides some vitamins, minerals and water that your bearded dragon needs. However, not all fruits are created equal; some are better than others for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. Here are some of the best fruits for your beardie:

Apples: These are a type of fruit that are high in vitamin C and fiber. They are good for your bearded dragon’s immune system and digestion. However, they can also contain seeds, which can cause impaction if fed too often or too much. You should remove the seeds and peel the skin before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also cut them into small pieces to make them easier to eat and digest.
Bananas: These are a type of fruit that are high in potassium and magnesium. They are good for your bearded dragon’s muscles and nerves. However, they can also contain sugar, which can cause obesity or diabetes if fed too often or too much. You should peel the skin before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also slice them thinly to make them easier to eat and digest.
Berries: These are a type of fruit that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. They are good for your bearded dragon’s immune system and skin color. However, they can also contain seeds, which can cause impaction if fed too often or too much. You should wash them thoroughly before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also mash them slightly to make them easier to eat and digest.
Grapes: These are a type of fruit that are high in water and vitamin C. They are good for your bearded dragon’s hydration and immune system. However, they can also contain seeds, which can cause impaction if fed too often or too much. You should remove the seeds before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also cut them into quarters to make them easier to eat and digest.
Melons: These are a type of fruit that are high in water and vitamin A. They are good for your bearded dragon’s hydration and eyes. However, they can also contain seeds, which can cause impaction if fed too often or too much. You should remove the seeds and peel the skin before feeding them to your bearded dragon. You should also dice them into small cubes to make them easier to eat and digest.

To prepare the fruits for your bearded dragon, you should follow these steps:

Choose the right type and amount of fruits for your bearded dragon’s age and preference.
Buy the fruits from a reputable source or grow them yourself organically.
Wash the fruits thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust or chemicals.
Peel, slice or mash the fruits as needed to make them easier to eat and digest.
Serve the fruits as an occasional treat or a supplement for your bearded dragon.

Fruit	Baby	Juvenile	Adult
Apples	No	Yes	Yes
Bananas	No	Yes	Yes
Berries	No	Yes	Yes
Grapes	No	Yes	Yes
Melons	No	Yes	Yes
Papayas	No	No	Yes
Mangoes	No	No	Yes
Kiwis	No	No	Yes
Strawberries	No	No	Yes

Foods to Avoid

There are some foods that are harmful or toxic for your bearded dragon’s diet, and you should avoid feeding them to your bearded dragon at all costs. Here are some of the foods to avoid:

Avocado: This type of fruit contains a substance called persin, which can damage the heart and lungs of your bearded dragon. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea and death in your bearded dragon.
Onion: This type of vegetable contains a substance called thiosulphate, which can destroy the red blood cells of your bearded dragon. It can also cause anemia, weakness and death in your bearded dragon.
Garlic: This is a type of vegetable that contains a substance called allicin, which can also destroy the red blood cells of your bearded dragon. It can also cause anemia, weakness and death in your bearded dragon.
Spinach: This type of leafy green contains a substance called oxalate, which can bind with calcium and reduce its absorption. It can also cause metabolic bone disease, kidney stones and death in your bearded dragon.
Lettuce: This type of leafy green contains mostly water and very little nutrients. It can also cause diarrhea, dehydration and malnutrition in your bearded dragon.

Some signs of food poisoning or allergic reaction in your bearded dragon are:

Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Coma

If you notice any of these signs in your bearded dragon, you should contact your veterinarian immediately and seek medical attention.

Poisonous Foods & Plants

Some foods and plants are poisonous for your bearded dragon’s diet, and you should keep them away from your bearded dragon’s reach. Here are some of the poisonous foods and plants:

Chocolate: This type of food contains a substance called theobromine, which can stimulate the nervous system and heart of your bearded dragon. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures and death in your bearded dragon.
Rhubarb: This is a type of plant that contains a substance called oxalic acid, which can damage the kidneys and liver of your bearded dragon. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and death in your bearded dragon.
Oleander: This type of plant contains a substance called cardiac glycosides, which can affect the heart and blood pressure of your bearded dragon. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, paralysis and death in your bearded dragon.
Azalea: This type of plant contains a substance called grayanotoxins, which can affect the nervous system and muscles of your bearded dragon. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors, seizures and death in your bearded dragon.

If you suspect your bearded dragon has ingested something poisonous, you should do the following:

Remove the source of the poison from your bearded dragon’s mouth or enclosure.
Try to identify the poison and its amount.
Call your veterinarian or a poison control center for advice.
Follow their instructions carefully and take your bearded dragon to the nearest animal hospital if needed.

Keep Your Beardie Hydrated

Hydration is essential for your bearded dragon’s well-being and metabolism. Water helps your bearded dragon regulate their body temperature, digest their food, flush out toxins and prevent impaction. Dehydration can cause serious problems for your bearded dragon, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, kidney failure and death.

You should provide fresh water for your bearded dragon every day in a shallow dish or a drip system. The dish should be large enough for your bearded dragon to drink from, but not too deep or too slippery to prevent drowning or injury. The drip system should be set up to drip water slowly and steadily onto a plant or a rock in your bearded dragon’s enclosure. You should also change the water daily and clean the dish or the system weekly to prevent bacteria or algae growth.

Some alternative ways to hydrate your bearded dragon are:

Misting: You can spray some water on your bearded dragon’s head, body or enclosure using a spray bottle or a mister. This can help your bearded dragon absorb some water through their skin or lick it off their mouth or nose. You can mist your bearded dragon once or twice a day, depending on the humidity and temperature of their environment.
Bathing: You can soak your bearded dragon in a shallow tub or a sink filled with lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help your bearded dragon hydrate themselves, as well as clean their skin and loosen any shed. Depending on their need and preference, you can bathe your bearded dragon once or twice a week.
Offering juicy foods: You can offer some fruits or vegetables that are high in water content to your bearded dragon, such as melons, grapes, berries or squash. This can help your bearded dragon get some extra hydration and nutrients from their food. You can offer these foods as an occasional treat or a supplement for your bearded dragon.

Bearded Dragon Supplements

Supplements are necessary for your bearded dragon’s diet to prevent deficiencies and diseases. Even if you provide a balanced and varied diet of insects and vegetables for your bearded dragon, they may still lack some necessary vitamins and minerals. Supplements can help fill these gaps and ensure optimal health and growth for your bearded dragon.

You should use calcium powder daily and vitamin powder weekly to dust the insects and vegetables before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Calcium is essential for your bearded dragon’s bones, teeth and muscles, while vitamins are essential for your bearded dragon’s immune system, metabolism and skin color. You should use a plastic bag or a shaker bottle to coat the food evenly with the powder, and shake off any excess before offering it to your bearded dragon.

Some reputable brands and products of supplements for your bearded dragon are:

Rep-Cal: This is a brand that offers calcium powder with or without vitamin D3, as well as multivitamin powder with beta-carotene. These products are formulated specifically for reptiles and have been tested by veterinarians and breeders. You can use the calcium powder with vitamin D3 daily and the multivitamin powder weekly for your bearded dragon.
Zoo Med: This is a brand that offers calcium powder with vitamin D3, as well as reptivite multivitamin powder with beta-carotene. These products are also formulated specifically for reptiles and have been approved by veterinarians and zoos. You can use the calcium powder daily and the reptivite multivitamin powder weekly for your bearded dragon.
Fluker’s: This is a brand that offers calcium powder with vitamin D3, as well as reptile vitamin powder with beta-carotene. These products are also designed for reptiles and have been used by hobbyists and professionals. You can use the calcium powder daily and the reptile vitamin powder weekly for your bearded dragon.

Tips On Feeding Your Baby Or Juvenile Dragon

Feeding your baby or juvenile bearded dragon can be a challenging but rewarding task. You need to provide them with enough food and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development, but also avoid overfeeding or underfeeding them. Here are some practical tips on how to feed your baby or juvenile bearded dragon effectively and safely:

Offer small-sized insects that are no bigger than the space between their eyes to avoid choking or impaction. You can use crickets, roaches, mealworms, waxworms or hornworms as your main source of protein, but make sure to vary them and rotate them regularly. You can also use tweezers or tongs to hold and offer the insects to your bearded dragon, or place them in a shallow dish or a bowl for them to hunt.
Remove any uneaten insects after 15 minutes to prevent stress or injury. Some insects can bite or scratch your bearded dragon if left in their enclosure for too long, or hide under the substrate or the furniture and breed. You should also clean the dish or the bowl after each feeding to prevent bacteria or algae growth.
Provide a basking spot with a temperature of 100°F to 110°F to aid digestion. Your bearded dragon needs heat and light to digest their food properly and absorb the nutrients. You should use a heat lamp or a ceramic heater to create a warm basking spot in their enclosure, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature. You should also use a timer to regulate the lighting cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Monitor their weight and growth regularly to adjust their feeding accordingly. Your bearded dragon’s weight and size can vary depending on their age, gender and individual differences. You should weigh them monthly using a digital scale and measure them using a ruler or tape. You should also keep a record of their weight and length to track their progress and identify any problems.

Tips On Feeding Your Adult Dragon

Feeding your adult bearded dragon can be a simple but important task. You need to provide them with enough food and nutrients to maintain their health and weight, but also avoid overfeeding or underfeeding them. Here are some practical tips on how to feed your adult bearded dragon efficiently and responsibly:

Offer large-sized insects no bigger than their head to satisfy their appetite. You can use crickets, roaches, superworms, butterworms or dubia roaches as your main source of protein, but make sure to vary them and rotate them regularly. You can also use tweezers or tongs to hold and offer the insects to your bearded dragon, or place them in a shallow dish or a bowl for them to hunt.
Remove any leftover vegetables at the end of the day to prevent spoilage or mold. Some vegetables can rot or grow fungus if left in their enclosure for too long, which can cause infections or diseases in your bearded dragon. You should also clean the dish or the bowl after each feeding to prevent bacteria or algae growth.
Provide a basking spot with a temperature of 95°F to 105°F to aid digestion. Your bearded dragon needs heat and light to digest their food properly and absorb the nutrients. You should use a heat lamp or a ceramic heater to create a warm basking spot in their enclosure, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature. You should also use a timer to regulate the lighting cycle of 12 hours on and 12 hours off.
Monitor their weight and health regularly to prevent obesity or malnutrition. Your bearded dragon’s weight and size can vary depending on their age, gender and individual differences. You should weigh them monthly using a digital scale and measure them using a ruler or tape. You should also keep a record of their weight and length to track their progress and identify any problems.

Q: What is a bearded dragon diet?

A: A bearded dragon diet refers to the specific food items and nutrients a bearded dragon should consume on a regular basis to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Q: Can I feed my dragon only fruits and vegetables?

A: No, bearded dragons are omnivores and require a mix of greens and vegetables as well as live insects to create a complete bearded dragon diet.

Q: Can I feed my bearded dragon any feeder insect?

A: No, it’s important to make sure the live insects you feed to your bearded dragon are not toxic to them. Some insects can cause harm or even death if consumed.

Q: Do I need to provide my bearded dragon with a calcium supplement?

A: Yes, calcium supplements are important to make sure your bearded dragon receives enough calcium in their diet. Lack of calcium can cause serious health problems.

Q: How many times per day should I feed my bearded dragon?

A: Baby dragons require 2-3 small meals a day, while adult dragons only need to eat once a day.

Q: Where can I find bearded dragon food?

A: You can find bearded dragon food items at most pet stores or online. It’s important to make sure you are purchasing food items specifically designed for bearded dragons.

Q: Can I feed my bearded dragon citrus fruit?

A: No, citrus fruit is not recommended for bearded dragons as it can cause digestive issues and could be harmful to their health.

Q: What do bearded dragons love to eat?

A: Bearded dragons love to eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches.

Q: Can bearded dragons eat as many insects as they want?

A: No, bearded dragons should only eat a certain amount of insects daily depending on their age and size. Overfeeding live insects can cause health problems.

Q: What should I feed my baby bearded dragon?

A: Baby bearded dragons require a mix of live insects and fresh greens and vegetables to create a complete bearded dragon diet.