Bearded Dragon Diet - What Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Summary

In this detailed guide, Chief S explains how to properly feed and care for a bearded dragon. Covering the essentials of diet, the video highlights staple insects like crickets and dubia roaches, vegetables such as collard greens, and the importance of hydration. Chief S provides insights into the varying nutritional needs of baby, juvenile, and adult bearded dragons, offering advice on feeding frequency and portion sizes. He also discusses common misconceptions, such as the overfeeding of fruits and dried insects, and emphasizes the importance of proper supplementation for a healthy, thriving pet.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bearded dragons can be fed once or twice a week once they are fully grown, as they are efficient at conserving energy and fat.
• 😀 Adult bearded dragons are able to go without food for several days without losing weight due to their ability to store fat.
• 😀 You can mix up your bearded dragon's diet by feeding insects on some days and vegetables on others. A balanced diet is essential.
• 😀 Bearded dragons generally do not drink water from a bowl because they get most of their hydration from the food they eat.
• 😀 Providing a water bowl for your bearded dragon is still important, as they might get thirsty on rare occasions.
• 😀 Avoid feeding your bearded dragon dried insects or processed foods, as they lack nutrients and can cause dehydration.
• 😀 Fresh, live insects and vegetables provide the best nutrition for your bearded dragon, ensuring they stay hydrated and healthy.
• 😀 Supplementing your bearded dragon’s diet with calcium (without D3 if UVB exposure is adequate) supports bone health and growth.
• 😀 Multivitamin supplements like Reptivite should be given once a month or bi-weekly to fill in nutritional gaps in their diet.
• 😀 Dehydration is a serious risk for bearded dragons when fed dried food, so always stick to fresh, high-quality foods for their health.

Q & A

What type of diet does a bearded dragon follow?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They eat a variety of insects and plants in the wild, and in captivity, their diet includes staple insects and vegetables.

Why shouldn't I feed my bearded dragon other smaller lizards?

Feeding your bearded dragon smaller lizards is not recommended because they contain too much protein and fat. Bearded dragons in captivity don't get enough exercise to process this, which can lead to obesity, fatty liver disease, or heart issues.

What are staple insects for bearded dragons, and how often should they be fed?

Staple insects for bearded dragons include crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae. These can be fed daily without causing harm, as they provide necessary nutrition without excess fat.

What insects should be fed to bearded dragons moderately, and why?

Moderate insects like hornworms, mealworms, and superworms should be fed once or twice a week. Hornworms can cause diarrhea if overfed, while mealworms and superworms are high in fat and can lead to obesity if fed too often.

How can I keep my insects alive for a longer period?

You can keep feeder insects alive by purchasing them in bulk from online stores like Fluker's Farms, Rainbow Mealworms, or Pangea Reptile. These insects can often be stored and fed for a longer time, which is more cost-effective than buying them frequently from pet stores.

What vegetables should I feed my bearded dragon daily?

Daily vegetables for bearded dragons should include collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and spring mix (without spinach). These provide hydration and essential nutrients.

Why is spinach not recommended for bearded dragons, and how often can it be fed?

Spinach contains oxalates that can bind with calcium and prevent its absorption. It should only be fed to bearded dragons once a month or occasionally, not regularly.

Is it safe to feed bearded dragons fruits like blueberries and strawberries?

Fruits should not be a regular part of a bearded dragon's diet due to their high sugar content. While feeding a blueberry once a month is fine, frequent feeding of sugary fruits like strawberries can lead to dental issues and weight gain.

How should I portion the food for a baby bearded dragon?

For a baby bearded dragon, insects should be about the size of its head or a little smaller. Salad should be about half the size of its torso. This ensures they get enough food without overeating.

How often should adult bearded dragons be fed?

Adult bearded dragons can be fed once or twice a week. After they reach adulthood, they require less frequent feeding as they conserve energy and fat. You can mix up the schedule, offering insects one day and salad the next.

Should I provide a water bowl for my bearded dragon?

Yes, you should always provide a water bowl for your bearded dragon, even though they often get most of their hydration from the food they eat. It's important to ensure they have access to water if they ever become thirsty.

What kind of supplements should I give my bearded dragon?

Bearded dragons benefit from calcium supplementation with or without D3, depending on whether they get adequate UVB exposure. Multivitamins like Reptivite should be given once a month or every two weeks, but not too frequently.