What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? A Complete Nutrition Guide
Feeding tips and safe food options to boost your pet’s vitality.
Bearded dragons are captivating, active reptiles that require special nutrition to thrive in captivity. From hatchlings to mature adults, understanding what to feed your bearded dragon and how much can make a significant difference in their long-term health and happiness. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what bearded dragons eat, the right balance for different life stages, safe and unsafe foods, and practical tips for feeding and supplementation.
Understanding Bearded Dragon Diet: Omnivorous Needs
Bearded dragons are naturally omnivores â they require both plant and animal matter to meet their dietary requirements. While their preferences and needs shift as they grow, a balanced diet of insects, leafy greens, vegetables, and small amounts of fruit is essential for every age.
Life Stage Matters: Hatchlings, Juveniles, and Adults
| Life Stage | Insects | Greens/Vegetables | Fruits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0-2 months) | 70%-80% | 20%-30% | Rare, very small amounts |
| Juvenile (2-12 months) | 50%-60% | 40%-50% | Very limited, occasional treats |
| Adult (12+ months) | 20%-30% | 70%-80% | <5% of total diet |
Note: Adult bearded dragons’ diets should shift toward more plant matter to avoid obesity and ensure adequate fiber and micronutrient intake.
Best Greens and Vegetables for Bearded Dragons
Fresh, washed greens and vegetables should make up the majority of an adult bearded dragon’s diet, and are essential even for juveniles and hatchlings. These provide fiber, vitamins, and hydration. Mix several items for a nutritious, varied salad.
Staple Leafy Greens
- Romaine lettuce (not iceberg)
- Green leaf lettuce
- Red leaf lettuce
- Turnip greens
- Mustard greens
- Bok choy
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens
- Kale (in moderation)
- Arugula
Other Safe Vegetables
- Squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti)
- Zucchini
- Sweet potato (grated)
- Broccoli (small amounts)
- Peas
- Green beans
- Okra
- Grated carrot
- Bell peppers
- Parsley (as a garnish)
Avoid iceberg lettuce, celery, and white-potato flesh, as they offer little nutritional value and may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Feeding Tips for Greens and Veggies
- Chop or grate all vegetables into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Always wash produce thoroughly to remove pesticides and bacteria.
- Offer a salad of 4-6 different greens/veggies daily for nutritional variety.
Fruits Bearded Dragons Can Eat
Fruits are a delicious treat but must be limited. They contain natural sugars that can upset digestive balance and cause health issues if fed excessively. Fruit should account for no more than 5% of your beardie’s diet, or just a few small pieces once or twice per week.
Safe Fruits
- Papaya
- Melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Banana (rarely; high in phosphorus)
- Mango (in small amounts)
- Apple (peeled, cored, finely diced)
What others are reading
Never feed: citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), avocado, rhubarb, or fruit seeds/pits â these are toxic or can upset digestion.
Protein and Live Insects for Bearded Dragons
Animal protein sources are crucial for growth in young bearded dragons and still needed for adult maintenance. Choose safe, gut-loaded insects and always avoid wild-caught bugs (risk of pesticides, parasites, toxins).
Recommended Insects
- Crickets: Easy to find, good protein source.
- Dubia roaches: Nutritious, less noisy/odorous than crickets.
- Black soldier fly larvae (such as Calci-worms, Phoenix worms): High in calcium.
- Mealworms (only for adults, as they are high in chitin and can cause impaction in young dragons).
- Superworms (as an occasional treat for adult beardies).
- Waxworms, butterworms (small quantities, high in fat; best as treats).
Insect Feeding Tips:
- All insects should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods) for 24 hours before feeding to your dragon.
- Dust insects with calcium powder before serving, especially for growing juveniles and egg-laying females.
- Feed live insects during the day, not at night, to encourage active hunting and digestion.
Commercial Diets and Prepared Foods
There are several high-quality commercial pellet and freeze-dried diets specially formulated for bearded dragons. Used as a supplement, these can ensure your dragon receives complete nutrition when live or fresh foods aren’t available. The Mazuri® Bearded Dragon Diet is a reputable dry formula designed for adult bearded dragons, but always offer fresh greens and insects as the bulk of the diet.
Essential Supplements: Calcium & Vitamins
Supplementation is crucial to avoid nutritional diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD), especially due to the limited natural diet and indoor habitats.
Calcium Supplementation
- Dust live insects with a calcium carbonate or calcium with vitamin D3 powder at each feeding for juveniles. Adults need supplementation at least 3-4 times per week.
- UVB lighting is essential for proper calcium absorption and vitamin D3 synthesis.
Multivitamin Supplements
- Dust insects with a reptile multivitamin powder once or twice a week.
- Avoid over-supplementing; too much vitamin A or D3 is dangerous.
Hydration
- Always provide clean, shallow water. Mist greens lightly to help hydration.
- Occasionally give your bearded dragon a shallow, warm bath to encourage bathing and hydration.
Unsafe Foods and Common Feeding Mistakes
Some commonly available foods can harm your bearded dragon. Avoid the following:
- Insects caught outdoors (may carry pesticides/parasites)
- Fireflies and lightning bugs: Highly toxic to reptiles.
- Avocado, rhubarb, onions, mushrooms: Toxic compounds present.
- Iceberg lettuce, celery: Very low nutritional value; may lead to diarrhea.
- Spinach: Binds calcium and may lead to deficiencies if fed regularly.
Feeding Frequency and Meal Planning
Proper meal timing is as important as the food itself:
- Hatchlings (0-2 months): 3â5 times daily; primarily small insects with finely chopped veggies.
- Juveniles (2â12 months): 2â3 times daily; a higher mix of insects, with daily salads.
- Adults (12+ months): Once daily; mostly salad, insects 2â3 times a week.
Remove uneaten insects and old vegetables after feeding to prevent decomposition and stress.
Bearded Dragon Nutrition Problems and Solutions
Common Diet-Related Health Issues
- Obesity: Can result from too many fatty insects or fruit; limit treats and keep insects portioned.
- Metabolic Bone Disease: Due to calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency; always supplement and provide UVB light.
- Dehydration: Ensure daily water and misted greens.
- Picky Eating: Offer a variety of vegetables and rotate ingredients regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I feed my bearded dragon live insects purchased from a pet store?
A: Yes, live pet-store insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae are safe and nutritious. Avoid wild-caught insects.
Q: How important is calcium for bearded dragons?
A: Calcium is vital â deficiencies cause metabolic bone disease. Always provide calcium supplements and UVB lighting for proper absorption.
Q: Which fruits are the safest for bearded dragons, and how often?
A: Safe options include papaya, berries, and melon. Offer as a treat, no more than 1â2 times per week and in very limited quantities.
Q: What should I do if my bearded dragon refuses to eat veggies?
A: Try chopping veggies smaller, mixing greens, or offering them first thing in the morning. Persistent problems may need a vet check for underlying health issues.
Q: Do bearded dragons need water bowls?
A: Yes. Clean, shallow water should always be available. Many bearded dragons prefer to drink droplets or absorb water during baths.
Summary: Key Takeaways for Bearded Dragon Nutrition
- Feed a diverse, predominantly plant-based diet for adults, with insects, proteins, and limited fruit.
- Adjust food ratios according to age: more insects for young dragons, more greens for adults.
- Use calcium and vitamin supplements and provide UVB lighting to prevent common reptile health issues.
- Avoid dangerous foods, cheap fillers, and never feed wild-caught insects.
- Consult your exotics veterinarian for individual dietary needs and to address any health concerns.
By following this comprehensive plan and offering nutritious, properly prepared meals, your bearded dragon will thrive and display its full, lively personality for years to come.
References
- https://www.petmd.com/reptile/nutrition/what-do-bearded-dragons-eat
- https://www.redhillsvet.com/site/blog/2023/04/15/bearded-dragon-diet
- https://www.fallsroad.com/site/tips-resources-blog-baltimore-vet/2022/01/14/bearded-dragon-diet
- https://www.sangoveterinaryhospital.net/site/blog/2023/03/30/bearded-dragon-diet
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bearded-dragons-feeding
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