What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? Complete Food & Nutrition Guide

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that have become very popular pets in recent years. They are native to Australia and belong to the genus Pogona. They have spiny scales on their head and neck that resemble a beard when they puff up.

Bearded dragons are friendly, curious, and easy to handle. They can also live up to 10 years or more with proper care. However, one of the most important aspects of caring for a bearded dragon is providing it with a good diet.

Bearded dragons need a well balanced diet of insects, vegetables, fruits, and supplements. They also need different amounts of insects and vegetables depending on their age and size. They also need a variety of foods to get all the nutrients they need. They also need fresh and clean water every day.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide on what do bearded dragons eat, how to feed them, and what foods to avoid. We will also give you some tips on how to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy with its diet.

• The importance of a good diet for bearded dragons
• The basic principles of a bearded dragon diet
• The best vegetables for bearded dragons
• The best fruits for bearded dragons
• The foods to avoid for bearded dragons
• The feeding tips for bearded dragons
• Conclusion
• FAQs

The importance of a good diet for bearded dragons

A good diet can make a massive difference in the overall health and well-being of your bearded dragon. A good diet can:

• • Support the growth and development of your bearded dragon, especially when it is young and growing fast.
  • Prevent or treat common health problems such as obesity, metabolic bone disease, impaction, dehydration, or infections.
  • Enhance the color, activity, and personality of your bearded dragon, making it more vibrant, energetic, and sociable.
  • Extend the lifespan of your bearded dragon, allowing it to live up to 10 years or more with proper care.

On the other hand, a bad diet can cause serious harm to your bearded dragon. A bad diet can:

• • Stunt the growth and development of your bearded dragon, making it smaller and weaker than normal.
  • Cause or worsen health problems such as obesity, metabolic bone disease, impaction, dehydration, or infections.
  • Dull the color, activity, and personality of your bearded dragon, making it more pale, lethargic, and aggressive.
  • Shorten the lifespan of your bearded dragon, reducing its quality and quantity of life.

Therefore, it is essential to provide your bearded dragon with a good diet that meets its nutritional needs and preferences.

The basic principles of a bearded dragon diet

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both animal and plant matter. They need a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, fruits, and supplements.

However, the ratio of insects to vegetables varies depending on the age and size of your bearded dragon. Generally speaking, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more insects than vegetables, while older and larger bearded dragons need more vegetables than insects.

This is because insects are high in protein and fat, which are essential for growth and development. Vegetables are high in fiber and water, which are important for digestion and hydration. Fruits are high in sugar and water, which are good for energy and hydration.

Here is a rough guide on how much insects and vegetables to feed your bearded dragon based on its age:

• • Baby bearded dragons (0-3 months): 80% insects and 20% vegetables
  • Juvenile bearded dragons (3-12 months): 50% insects and 50% vegetables
  • Adult bearded dragons (12 months+): 20% insects and 80% vegetables

You should also offer your bearded dragon a variety of foods to ensure that it gets all the nutrients it needs. You should not feed your bearded dragon the same food every day, as this can lead to boredom, picky eating, or nutritional deficiencies.

You should also provide your bearded dragon with fresh and clean water every day. You can offer water in a shallow bowl or by misting or dripping water on its nose or mouth. You should not use tap water, as it may contain chlorine or fluoride that can harm your bearded dragon. You should use filtered or bottled water instead.

The best insects for bearded dragons Insects are a vital part of a bearded dragon’s diet. They provide protein, fat, calcium, and other minerals that are essential for growth and development. They also stimulate the natural hunting instincts of your bearded dragon.

However, not all insects are suitable for bearded dragons. Some insects are toxic or harmful for bearded dragons, while others are not nutritious or digestible enough. You should only feed your bearded dragon insects that are safe and healthy for them.

Some of the best insects for bearded dragons are:

• • Crickets: Crickets are one of the most common and popular insects for bearded dragons. They are widely available, inexpensive, and nutritious. They are high in protein and calcium, and low in fat and chitin (a hard substance that makes up the exoskeleton of insects). They also come in different sizes to suit different ages and sizes of bearded dragons.
  • Dubia roaches: Dubia roaches are another great option for bearded dragons. They are similar to crickets in terms of nutrition, but they have some advantages over them. They are less noisy, less smelly, less likely to escape or die, and easier to breed. They also have a softer exoskeleton than crickets, making them more digestible for bearded dragons.
  • Black soldier fly larvae: Black soldier fly larvae (also known as phoenix worms or calciworms) are one of the best insects for bearded dragons. They are very high in calcium and protein, and low in fat and chitin. They also have a natural balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (2:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. They also have a soft body that is easy to chew and digest for bearded dragons.
  • Locusts: Locusts are another excellent choice for bearded dragons. They are similar to crickets in terms of nutrition, but they have some benefits over them. They are larger, more colorful, and more active than crickets, making them more appealing and stimulating for bearded dragons. They also have less chitin than crickets, making them more digestible for bearded dragons.

Some other insects that are good for bearded dragons are:

• • Earthworms: Earthworms are high in protein and calcium, and low in fat and chitin. They also have a soft body that is easy to chew and digest for bearded dragons. However, they are also high in moisture, so they should not be fed too often or too much to avoid diarrhea or dehydration in bearded dragons.
  • Butterworms: Butterworms are high in protein and calcium, and low in chitin. They also have a soft body that is easy to chew and digest for bearded dragons. However, they are also high in fat and sugar, so they should only be fed as treats or snacks to avoid obesity or diabetes in bearded dragons.
  • Hornworms: Hornworms are high in protein and water, and low in fat and chitin. They also have a soft body that is easy to chew and digest for bearded dragons. However, they are also high in phosphorus, which can interfere with calcium absorption in bearded dragons. Therefore, they should only be fed occasionally and with calcium supplements to balance the calcium to phosphorus ratio.

When choosing insects for your bearded dragon, you should consider the following factors:

• • Size: The size of the insects should match the size of your bearded dragon’s head. If the insects are too large, they can cause choking, impaction, or injury to your bearded dragon. If the insects are too small, they can be ignored or wasted by your bearded dragon. A good rule of thumb is to feed your bearded dragon insects that are no longer than the space between its eyes.
  • Quantity: The quantity of insects you feed your bearded dragon depends on its age and size. Generally speaking, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more insects than older and larger ones. You should feed your bearded dragon as many insects as it can eat in 10-15 minutes, once or twice a day depending on its age. You should also remove any leftover insects from the enclosure after feeding time to prevent overeating or hiding.
  • Quality: The quality of the insects you feed your bearded dragon depends on how you prepare them. You should always buy or raise healthy and clean insects that are free from pesticides, parasites, or diseases. You should also gut-load the insects with nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, or commercial insect food before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will enhance the nutritional value of the insects for your bearded dragon. You should also dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This will prevent calcium deficiency or metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon.

The best vegetables for bearded dragons

Vegetables are an important part of a bearded dragon’s diet. They provide fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for digestion and hydration. They also provide variety and color to your bearded dragon’s diet.

However, not all vegetables are suitable for bearded dragons. Some vegetables are toxic or harmful for bearded dragons, while others are not nutritious or digestible enough. You should only feed your bearded dragon vegetables that are safe and healthy for them.

Some of the best vegetables for bearded dragons are:

• • Collard greens: Collard greens are one of the most nutritious and beneficial vegetables for bearded dragons. They are high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and low in oxalates (substances that can bind with calcium and reduce its absorption). They also have a good balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (14:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
  • Dandelion greens: Dandelion greens are another excellent vegetable for bearded dragons. They are high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and low in oxalates. They also have a good balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (2:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
  • Mustard greens: Mustard greens are another great vegetable for bearded dragons. They are high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and low in oxalates. They also have a good balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (3:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.

Some other vegetables that are good for bearded dragons are:

• • Turnip greens: Turnip greens are high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and low in oxalates. They also have a good balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (4:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
  • Bok choy: Bok choy is high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and low in oxalates. It also has a good balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (2:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.
  • Escarole: Escarole is high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and low in oxalates. It also has a good balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (2:1), which is ideal for preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.

When choosing vegetables for your bearded dragon, you should consider the following factors:

• • Variety: You should offer your bearded dragon a variety of vegetables to ensure that it gets all the nutrients it needs. You should not feed your bearded dragon the same vegetable every day, as this can lead to boredom, picky eating, or nutritional deficiencies. You should rotate different vegetables every day or every week, and mix them together to create a salad for your bearded dragon.
  • Preparation: You should prepare the vegetables for your bearded dragon by washing them thoroughly and chopping them into small pieces. You should also remove any seeds, stems, or pits that can cause choking or impaction in your bearded dragon. You should also avoid cooking or freezing the vegetables, as this can destroy some of the nutrients or change the texture of the vegetables.
  • Presentation: You should present the vegetables to your bearded dragon in a way that makes them appealing and accessible. You can offer the vegetables to your bearded dragon in a shallow bowl or by hand-feeding them. You should also place the bowl near the basking spot or the water dish, where your bearded dragon is more likely to see and eat them. You should also remove any leftover vegetables from the enclosure after feeding time to prevent spoilage or bacteria growth.

The best fruits for bearded dragons

Fruits are a tasty and refreshing treat for bearded dragons. They provide sugar, water, vitamins, and antioxidants that are good for energy and hydration. They also provide variety and color to your bearded dragon’s diet.

However, fruits are not a staple food for bearded dragons. They are high in sugar and water, which can cause obesity or diarrhea in bearded dragons if fed too often or too much. They are also low in calcium and high in phosphorus, which can interfere with calcium absorption in bearded dragons and cause metabolic bone disease.

Therefore, you should only feed your bearded dragon fruits occasionally and sparingly. You should limit the amount of fruits to 10% of your bearded dragon’s diet.

Some of the best fruits for bearded dragons are:

• • Apples: Apples are one of the most common and popular fruits for bearded dragons. They are high in vitamin C and fiber, and low in oxalates. They also have a moderate balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (1:1), which is acceptable for occasional feeding.
  • Bananas: Bananas are another common and popular fruit for bearded dragons. They are high in potassium and fiber, and low in oxalates. They also have a moderate balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (1:1), which is acceptable for occasional feeding.
  • Berries: Berries are another great fruit for bearded dragons. They are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in oxalates. They also have a moderate balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (1:1), which is acceptable for occasional feeding.

Some other fruits that are good for bearded dragons are:

• • Grapes: Grapes are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in oxalates. They also have a moderate balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (1:1), which is acceptable for occasional feeding.
  • Melons: Melons are high in water and vitamin C, and low in oxalates. They also have a moderate balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (1:1), which is acceptable for occasional feeding.
  • Pears: Pears are high in fiber and vitamin C, and low in oxalates. They also have a moderate balance of calcium to phosphorus ratio (1:1), which is acceptable for occasional feeding.

When choosing fruits for your bearded dragon, you should consider the following factors:

• • Variety: You should offer your bearded dragon a variety of fruits to ensure that it gets all the nutrients it needs. You should not feed your bearded dragon the same fruit every day, as this can lead to boredom, picky eating, or nutritional deficiencies. You should rotate different fruits every day or every week, and mix them with vegetables to create a salad for your bearded dragon.
  • Preparation: You should prepare the fruits for your bearded dragon by washing them thoroughly and peeling them if necessary. You should also chop them into small pieces that are easy to eat and digest for your bearded dragon. You should also remove any seeds, stems, or pits that can cause choking or impaction in your bearded dragon. You should also avoid cooking or freezing the fruits, as this can destroy some of the nutrients or change the texture of the fruits.
  • Presentation: You should present the fruits to your bearded dragon in a way that makes them appealing and accessible. You can offer the fruits to your bearded dragon in a shallow bowl or by hand-feeding them. You should also place the bowl near the basking spot or the water dish, where your bearded dragon is more likely to see and eat them. You should also remove any leftover fruits from the enclosure after feeding time to prevent spoilage or bacteria growth.

The foods to avoid for bearded dragons

While there are many foods that are good for bearded dragons, there are also some foods that are bad for them. These foods can be toxic or harmful for bearded dragons, causing illness, injury, or death. You should never feed your bearded dragon these foods, no matter how much they beg or how cute they look.

Some of the foods to avoid for bearded dragons are:

• • Avocado: Avocado is one of the most toxic foods for bearded dragons. It contains a substance called persin, which can cause heart failure, respiratory distress, or death in bearded dragons. Even a small amount of avocado can be fatal for your bearded dragon.
  • Rhubarb: Rhubarb is another toxic food for bearded dragons. It contains a substance called oxalic acid, which can bind with calcium and reduce its absorption in bearded dragons. This can lead to calcium deficiency or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. It can also cause kidney failure, seizures, or death in bearded dragons.
  • Spinach: Spinach is another food that is high in oxalic acid and can cause calcium deficiency or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. It can also interfere with the absorption of other minerals such as iron and magnesium in bearded dragons. Therefore, you should avoid feeding spinach to your bearded dragon.
  • Lettuce: Lettuce is another food that is low in nutrition and high in water for bearded dragons. It can cause diarrhea or dehydration in bearded dragons if fed too often or too much. It can also fill up your bearded dragon’s stomach and prevent it from eating other more nutritious foods. Therefore, you should avoid feeding lettuce to your bearded dragon.
  • Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are another food that is not suitable for bearded dragons. They are high in acid and sugar, which can upset your bearded dragon’s stomach and cause vomiting or diarrhea. They can also damage your bearded dragon’s teeth and mouth with their acidity. Therefore, you should avoid feeding citrus fruits to your bearded dragon.

Some other foods to avoid for bearded dragons are:

• • Meat: Meat is another food that is not suitable for bearded dragons. It is high in protein and fat, which can cause obesity or liver problems in bearded dragons if fed too often or too much. It can also contain parasites or bacteria that can infect your bearded dragon. Therefore, you should avoid feeding meat to your bearded dragon.
  • Dairy products: Dairy products are another food that is not suitable for bearded dragons. They are high in lactose, which is a type of sugar that bearded dragons cannot digest properly. This can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea in bearded dragons. Therefore, you should avoid feeding dairy products to your bearded dragon.
  • Bread: Bread is another food that is not suitable for bearded dragons. It is high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, which can cause obesity or impaction in bearded dragons if fed too often or too much. It can also expand in your bearded dragon’s stomach and cause discomfort or blockage. Therefore, you should avoid feeding bread to your bearded dragon.
  • Cereals: Cereals are another food that is not suitable for bearded dragons. They are high in carbohydrates and low in fiber, which can cause obesity or impaction in bearded dragons if fed too often or too much. They can also contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners that can harm your bearded dragon’s health. Therefore, you should avoid feeding cereals to your bearded dragon.
  • Fireflies: Fireflies are one of the most dangerous insects for bearded dragons. They contain a substance called lucibufagin, which is a type of toxin that can cause paralysis, seizures, or death in bearded dragons. Even a single firefly can kill your bearded dragon. Therefore, you should never feed fireflies to your bearded dragon.

Some other insects to avoid for bearded dragons are:

• • Wasps: Wasps are another dangerous insect for bearded dragons. They can sting your bearded dragon and cause pain, swelling, or allergic reactions. They can also carry parasites or diseases that can infect your bearded dragon. Therefore, you should never feed wasps to your bearded dragon.
  • Bees: Bees are another dangerous insect for bearded dragons. They can sting your bearded dragon and cause pain, swelling, or allergic reactions. They can also carry parasites or diseases that can infect your bearded dragon. Therefore, you should never feed bees to your bearded dragon.
  • Ants: Ants are another harmful insect for bearded dragons. They can bite your bearded dragon and cause pain, irritation, or infection. They can also carry parasites or diseases that can infect your bearded dragon. Therefore, you should avoid feeding ants to your bearded dragon.
  • Wild insects: Wild insects are another risky food for bearded dragons. They can contain pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers that can poison your bearded dragon. They can also carry parasites or diseases that can infect your bearded dragon. Therefore, you should avoid feeding wild insects to your bearded dragon.

The feeding tips for bearded dragons

Feeding your bearded dragon is not only about choosing the right foods, but also about how you feed them. You should follow some basic tips to make sure that your bearded dragon enjoys its meals and gets the most out of them.

• • Set up a feeding schedule: You should set up a feeding schedule for your bearded dragon based on its age and size. Generally speaking, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more frequent and smaller meals than older and larger ones. You should feed your bearded dragon once or twice a day depending on its age, and offer it as many insects as it can eat in 10-15 minutes, and as much vegetables as it wants. You should also offer it fruits occasionally and sparingly as treats or snacks.
  • Monitor your bearded dragon’s appetite and weight: You should monitor your bearded dragon’s appetite and weight regularly to make sure that it is eating enough and not too much. You should weigh your bearded dragon once a week using a digital scale, and keep a record of its weight. You should also observe its behavior and body condition to see if it is hungry or full. If your bearded dragon is losing weight or not eating well, you should consult your veterinarian for advice. If your bearded dragon is gaining weight or overeating, you should reduce the amount or frequency of its meals.
  • Adjust your bearded dragon’s diet according to its needs and preferences: You should adjust your bearded dragon’s diet according to its needs and preferences as it grows and changes. You should increase the amount of vegetables and decrease the amount of insects as your bearded dragon gets older and larger. You should also offer your bearded dragon a variety of foods to prevent boredom, picky eating, or nutritional deficiencies. You should also respect your bearded dragon’s likes and dislikes, and avoid forcing it to eat something it does not want.

Water and hydration are essential for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. Water helps regulate your bearded dragon’s body temperature, digestion, metabolism, and excretion. Hydration helps prevent dehydration, constipation, impaction, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections in your bearded dragon.

• • Provide fresh and clean water: You should provide fresh and clean water for your bearded dragon every day. You can offer water in a shallow bowl that is easy to access and clean. You can also mist or drip water on its nose or mouth using a spray bottle or a syringe. You should not use tap water, as it may contain chlorine or fluoride that can harm your bearded dragon. You should use filtered or bottled water instead.
  • Check your bearded dragon’s hydration level: You should check your bearded dragon’s hydration level regularly to make sure that it is not dehydrated or overhydrated. You can check your bearded dragon’s hydration level by pinching its skin gently and seeing how fast it returns to its normal shape. If the skin stays wrinkled or tented, your bearded dragon is dehydrated. If the skin is swollen or puffy, your bearded dragon is overhydrated. You can also check your bearded dragon’s hydration level by looking at its eyes or mouth. If the eyes are sunken or dull, your bearded dragon is dehydrated. If the eyes are bulging or watery, your bearded dragon is overhydrated. If the mouth is dry or sticky, your bearded dragon is dehydrated. If the mouth is wet or drooling, your bearded dragon is overhydrated.
  • Prevent dehydration or overhydration: You should prevent dehydration or overhydration in your bearded dragon by regulating its temperature and humidity. You should provide your bearded dragon with a temperature gradient in its enclosure, ranging from 95-110°F (35-43°C) in the basking spot to 75-85°F (24-29°C) in the cool spot. You should also provide your bearded dragon with a humidity level of 30-40% in its enclosure, and mist it lightly once or twice a day. You should avoid exposing your bearded dragon to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause dehydration or overhydration.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons are amazing pets that need a good diet to stay healthy and happy. They need a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, fruits, and supplements. They also need different amounts of insects and vegetables depending on their age and size. They also need a variety of foods to get all the nutrients they need. They also need fresh and clean water every day.

By following this guide, you can provide your bearded dragon with a complete food and diet plan that suits its needs and preferences. You can also avoid feeding your bearded dragon foods that are toxic or harmful for them. You can also follow some tips on how to feed them, monitor them, and adjust their diet as they grow and change.

We hope this guide has helped you understand what do bearded dragons eat, and how to feed them properly. We wish you and your bearded dragon a happy and healthy life together!

FAQs

Q: How often should I feed my bearded dragon?

A: The frequency of feeding your bearded dragon depends on its age and size. Generally speaking, younger and smaller bearded dragons need more frequent and smaller meals than older and larger ones. You should feed your bearded dragon once or twice a day depending on its age, and offer it as many insects as it can eat in 10-15 minutes, and as much vegetables as it wants. You should also offer it fruits occasionally and sparingly as treats or snacks.

Q: What supplements should I give my bearded dragon?

A: The supplements you should give your bearded dragon are calcium and vitamin D3. Calcium is essential for bone health and growth, while vitamin D3 helps with calcium absorption and metabolism. You should dust the insects you feed your bearded dragon with calcium powder every day, and with vitamin D3 powder once or twice a week. You can also use a multivitamin supplement once or twice a week to provide other vitamins and minerals for your bearded dragon.

Q: How can I tell if my bearded dragon is healthy?

A: You can tell if your bearded dragon is healthy by observing its behavior and body condition. A healthy bearded dragon should be alert, active, curious, and sociable. It should have a good appetite and weight, and eat a variety of foods. It should have clear eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and vent. It should have smooth skin, scales, nails, and teeth. It should have regular bowel movements and urination. It should not show any signs of illness or injury such as lethargy, aggression, anorexia, weight loss or gain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, impaction, dehydration, overhydration, swelling, bleeding, infection, parasites, or abnormal behavior.

Q: How can I make my bearded dragon like me?

A: You can make your bearded dragon like you by spending time with it and bonding with it. You can handle your bearded dragon gently and regularly, and let it explore your hands, arms, shoulders, or lap. You can talk to your bearded dragon softly and calmly, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements. You can feed your bearded dragon by hand or offer it treats or snacks. You can also provide your bearded dragon with a comfortable and stimulating enclosure, and give it toys or enrichment items to play with.

Q: How can I tell the gender of my bearded dragon?

A: You can tell the gender of your bearded dragon by looking at its physical characteristics and behavior. Male bearded dragons tend to be larger and heavier than females. They also have larger heads, thicker tails, and more pronounced femoral pores (small bumps on the underside of their hind legs). They also have two bulges at the base of their tail, which are the hemipenes (male reproductive organs). Female bearded dragons tend to be smaller and lighter than males. They also have smaller heads, thinner tails, and less pronounced femoral pores. They also have one bulge at the base of their tail, which is the cloaca (female reproductive organ). Male bearded dragons tend to be more territorial and aggressive than females. They also display more head bobbing, beard flaring, and arm waving than females. Female bearded dragons tend to be more docile and submissive than males. They also display more digging, scratching, or nesting behavior than males.