Madeleine Hull
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of animal- and plant-based foods. Their diet should be diverse and based on their life stage, with vitamin and calcium supplementation. Baby bearded dragons need a lot of protein, so their diet should consist mostly of live bugs. As they mature, they start to eat more vegetables and fruits. Adult bearded dragons should eat mostly plants and vegetables, and fewer insects and animal-based foods to keep them at a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet composition | 80% plants and vegetables, 20% insects and bugs |
| Diversity | Recommended |
| Fruits | Limited amounts |
| Age | Impacts diet composition |
| Commercial food | Should be fed in conjunction with fresh and live food |
| Calcium | Supplements should be used to dust live prey |
| Vitamins | Should be provided as a powder with live prey once or twice a week |
| Water | Always provide access to drinking water |
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What You'll Learn
Live insects and bugs, such as crickets, mealworms and kingworms
Live insects and bugs are a crucial part of a bearded dragon's diet, especially for younger dragons. A baby bearded dragon's diet should consist of around 80% insects and bugs, while for juveniles, this number drops to 20%. Adult bearded dragons should reduce their insect and bug intake to 50% at most, with some sources recommending as little as 2% to 20%.
Good options for insects and bugs include crickets, mealworms, and kingworms. Crickets are a particularly good choice as they are stimulating—in the wild, bearded dragons would chase them. However, crickets can be intimidating to baby dragons, so feed them one at a time. Dubia roaches are another excellent option, as they are packed with protein, easy to keep, and available in small sizes.
All insects fed to bearded dragons should be gut-loaded for 6 to 12 hours before feeding to ensure the insects are nutrient-dense. This can be done by feeding the insects what the dragon is not eating that week to provide nutritional variety. Additionally, use calcium supplements to dust live prey to ensure adequate calcium intake.
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Vegetables, including peppers, sweet potatoes and dark leafy greens
Vegetables are an essential part of a bearded dragon's diet. These reptiles can eat as many veggies as they want, all day, every day. In fact, adult bearded dragons should eat a diet of 70% to 80% vegetables and greens, with 20% to 30% coming from insects and bugs.
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of vegetables, including peppers, sweet potatoes, and dark, leafy greens. Other vegetables that are safe for them to eat include kale, parsley, and dandelions. It is important to vary the food you provide so that your pet dines on a diverse range of foods.
When it comes to peppers, it is important to note that bearded dragons can eat both the flesh and the seeds. The seeds are a good source of fibre and vitamins, and the flesh is a good source of hydration. Sweet potatoes are also a great option as they are high in fibre and vitamins A and C. They also contain calcium, which is essential for bearded dragons.
Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, mustard greens, and turnip tops are also excellent sources of nutrition for bearded dragons. They are rich in calcium, fibre, and vitamins A, C, and K. These greens also contain oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption, so it is important to feed them in moderation and ensure that your dragon is getting enough calcium from other sources.
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Fruit, but only in small amounts and not daily
Bearded dragons can eat fruit, but it should only make up a small part of their diet. Fruit is high in sugar and too much can be bad for their health. Adult bearded dragons should eat fruit no more than once a day and it should make up only 2-5% of their diet. Juvenile bearded dragons can also eat small amounts of fruit, but they should not be fed it every day.
Fruit should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces before being offered to a bearded dragon. In addition to fruit, bearded dragons can eat flowers such as dandelions, hibiscus, roses, carnations, geraniums, and nasturtiums.
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of fruits, but citrus fruits should be avoided as they can be too acidic for a dragon's stomach. Fruits that are safe for bearded dragons include raspberries, which can be used to top vegetables to make them more appealing to dragons.
Bearded dragons require a varied diet of nutrient-rich insects, veggies, and fruits. They are omnivores, so they can eat a variety of animal- and plant-based foods. However, they need a specific diet to stay healthy and happy, and it is important to mimic the foods they would eat in the wild.
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Flowers, including dandelions, hibiscus and roses
Flowers, including dandelions, hibiscus, and roses, can be a part of a bearded dragon's diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores and can eat a variety of animal- and plant-based foods. They require a diverse diet that includes live insects, vegetables, and fruits. Flowers can be included in this diet as an occasional treat.
When it comes to flowers, dandelions are an excellent option for bearded dragons. Dandelions are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They also have a high water content, which can help keep your bearded dragon hydrated. Hibiscus flowers are also safe for bearded dragons to consume and provide a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C. Roses, with their high vitamin C and antioxidant content, can also be offered sparingly.
It is important to remember that flowers should not be the main source of nutrition for your bearded dragon. While they can be a healthy treat, too many flowers can fill up your dragon without providing all the necessary nutrients. The majority of a bearded dragon's diet should consist of vegetables, with insects and fruits making up the rest.
The specific dietary needs of a bearded dragon will depend on its age. Baby bearded dragons require a diet that is high in protein and consists mostly of live insects, with some greens and vegetables. As they grow into juveniles, their diet should gradually shift to include more vegetables and less insects. Adult bearded dragons should have a diet that is primarily made up of plants, with a smaller portion of insects and fruits.
In addition to flowers, there are other plant options that you can feed your bearded dragon. Dark, leafy greens such as parsley and kale are excellent choices. Vegetables like peppers and sweet potatoes can also be included in their diet. It is important to remember that citrus fruits should be avoided or given sparingly as they can be too acidic for your dragon's stomach.
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Calcium and multivitamin supplements
Bearded dragons need a specific diet to stay healthy and happy. Calcium and multivitamin supplements are essential to ensure your pet is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Calcium is crucial for your bearded dragon's health. It should be used to dust live prey items to ensure your pet gets an adequate amount. Calcium supplements should be provided as a powder with live prey one to two times per week. Additionally, UV light must be provided to allow your dragon to absorb the calcium.
Multivitamin supplements should also be provided in powder form, following the manufacturer's instructions for the best results. You can use a separate vitamin powder or an all-in-one supplement that includes calcium.
Gut-loading the insects your dragon eats is another way to ensure they get the necessary nutrients. Gut-loading involves feeding insects a nutrient-dense diet before offering them to your dragon. This can include a vitamin and mineral-fortified diet or the foods you are not feeding your dragon that week.
It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your bearded dragon, as they may vary depending on age, health, and other factors.
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