The Ultimate Guide to Feeding Your Bearded Dragon

As a proud owner of a bearded dragon, I know how important it is to provide your scaly friend with the right diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they need a balanced mix of vegetables, fruits, and insects to thrive. In this blog post, I'll share my top tips for feeding your bearded dragon and ensuring they stay healthy and happy.

Understanding Your Bearded Dragon's Dietary Needs

Bearded dragons are native to Australia, and in the wild, they would consume a variety of plant matter and small prey. Their diet in captivity should mimic this as closely as possible. Bearded dragons require a diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D3 to support their bone and muscle development.

The ideal diet for a bearded dragon should consist of:

• 80% vegetables and greens
• 20% insects and other protein sources

Some of the best vegetables for bearded dragons include:

• Collard greens
• Kale
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Dandelion greens
• Squash
• Bell peppers
• Carrots

It's important to vary the types of vegetables you offer to ensure your bearded dragon is getting a wide range of nutrients. Avoid feeding your dragon too many starchy vegetables, such as potatoes or corn, as these can be high in carbohydrates and low in essential vitamins and minerals.

Choosing the Right Insects

Insects should make up about 20% of your bearded dragon's diet. Some of the best options include:

• Crickets
• Dubia roaches
• Mealworms
• Waxworms (in moderation)
• Superworms

When feeding insects, it's important to "gut load" them first. This means feeding the insects a nutrient-rich diet for a few days before offering them to your bearded dragon. This helps ensure your dragon is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need.

It's also crucial to dust the insects with a high-quality calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. Bearded dragons are prone to metabolic bone disease if they don't get enough of these vital nutrients.

Feeding Schedule and Portion Sizes

The amount of food your bearded dragon needs will depend on their age, size, and activity level. As a general rule, young bearded dragons (under 12 months) should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day.

Here's a rough guide for portion sizes:

• Hatchlings (under 3 months): 2-3 appropriately sized insects per feeding, plus a small amount of chopped vegetables
• Juveniles (3-12 months): 3-5 insects per feeding, plus a larger serving of chopped vegetables
• Adults (over 12 months): 5-7 insects per feeding, plus a generous serving of chopped vegetables

It's important to monitor your bearded dragon's weight and adjust their feeding schedule and portion sizes accordingly. If your dragon seems to be gaining or losing weight too quickly, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Providing Variety and Enrichment

Bearded dragons can be quite picky eaters, so it's important to offer a variety of foods to keep them interested and engaged. Try rotating different types of vegetables, fruits, and insects to ensure your dragon is getting a well-rounded diet.

You can also try offering your bearded dragon live prey, such as small mice or rats, as an occasional treat. This can be a great way to provide enrichment and stimulate their natural hunting instincts. Just be sure to only offer appropriately sized prey and monitor the interaction closely.

Another way to add variety and enrichment to your bearded dragon's diet is by offering different textures and shapes. For example, you can try grating or shredding vegetables, or offering them in larger pieces for your dragon to tear apart.

Hydration and Water Intake

In addition to a balanced diet, it's important to ensure your bearded dragon is staying hydrated. Bearded dragons can be notoriously finicky drinkers, so you may need to get creative.

Offer your dragon a shallow water dish that they can easily access and soak in. You can also mist their enclosure with a spray bottle a few times a day, as some bearded dragons will lick the water droplets off the plants and walls.

If your dragon still seems reluctant to drink, you can try offering them water-rich foods, such as cucumber or watermelon. Just be sure to monitor their intake and avoid overfeeding these high-moisture foods.

Troubleshooting Common Feeding Issues

Even the most experienced bearded dragon owners can encounter feeding challenges from time to time. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Refusal to Eat

If your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating, it could be due to a variety of factors, such as stress, illness, or a change in their environment. Try offering a variety of their favorite foods, and consult your veterinarian if the issue persists.

Impaction

Bearded dragons can sometimes become impacted, which means they have a blockage in their digestive system. This can be caused by ingesting too much substrate, such as sand or wood chips, or by eating the wrong types of food. If you suspect impaction, contact your vet immediately, as it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Metabolic Bone Disease

As mentioned earlier, bearded dragons require a diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D3 to maintain healthy bones and muscles. If your dragon doesn't get enough of these essential nutrients, they can develop metabolic bone disease, which can lead to deformities and other health issues. Ensure you are properly supplementing your dragon's diet and consult your vet if you have any concerns.

Feeding your bearded dragon a healthy, balanced diet is one of the most important aspects of their care. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can help ensure your scaly friend stays happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your bearded dragon's diet or overall health.