Bearded Dragon Diet: The Ultimate Feeding Guide

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles with unique dietary needs. As omnivores, they require a well-balanced mix of insects, greens, vegetables, and fruits to stay healthy. Whether you’re a new owner or an experienced reptile enthusiast, this complete feeding guide will help you provide the best nutrition for your bearded dragon at every life stage.

1. Bearded Dragon Diet by Age

A bearded dragon’s nutritional requirements change as they grow:

• Hatchlings & Juveniles (0-6 months): 70% protein (insects), 30% vegetables and greens.
• Sub-Adults (6-12 months): 50% protein, 50% vegetables and greens.
• Adults (12+ months): 80% vegetables and greens, 20% protein.

Providing the right balance ensures optimal growth, energy, and long-term health.

2. Best Insects for Bearded Dragons

Protein is essential, but not all insects are safe. Stick to these high-nutrient options:

• Staple Insects: Dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae.
• Occasional Treats: Mealworms, superworms, silkworms, hornworms.
• Avoid: Fireflies, wild-caught insects, and insects with hard exoskeletons (which can cause impaction).

How to Feed Insects:

• Gut-load insects with nutritious food 24 hours before feeding.
• Dust with calcium powder (5x per week for juveniles, 3x per week for adults).
• Offer variety to prevent nutritional imbalances.

3. Best Vegetables & Greens

A well-balanced diet includes a variety of leafy greens and vegetables.

• Highly Nutritious Greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens.
• Safe Vegetables: Squash, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, sweet potato.
• Occasionally: Kale, spinach (high in oxalates—limit intake).
• Avoid: Iceberg lettuce (low in nutrients), rhubarb (toxic).

4. Fruits as Occasional Treats

Fruits should be fed sparingly due to their high sugar content.

• Safe Fruits: Blueberries, strawberries, mango, papaya, apple, grapes.
• Feed in Moderation: Bananas, peaches, watermelon (high sugar content).
• Avoid: Citrus fruits (acidic and can cause digestive issues), avocado (toxic).

5. Safe vs. Unsafe Foods

Safe Foods:

✔ Dark leafy greens (collards, mustard greens, turnip greens)
✔ Vegetables (squash, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini)
✔ High-protein insects (dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae)
✔ Occasional fruits (blueberries, mango, apple)

Foods to Avoid:

❌ Fireflies, wild-caught insects (potential toxins)
❌ Rhubarb (poisonous)
❌ Iceberg lettuce (zero nutritional value)
❌ Onions, garlic, chives (harmful compounds)

6. Hydration & Water Needs

Bearded dragons get most of their hydration from food, but water should always be available.

• Provide a shallow water dish (change daily to keep it fresh).
• Mist vegetables lightly to boost hydration.
• Give occasional warm baths to help with hydration and shedding.

7. Feeding Schedule & Portions

• Juveniles (0-6 months): 3-5 small feedings per day, primarily insects.
• Sub-Adults (6-12 months): 2 meals per day, balancing insects and greens.
• Adults (12+ months): 1 feeding per day, mostly greens with occasional insects.

8. Essential Supplements

To prevent nutritional deficiencies, include these:

• Calcium Powder: Dust food 3-5 times per week.
• Multivitamins: Provide twice a week.
• Vitamin D3 (if no UVB lighting): Essential for calcium absorption.

Conclusion

Providing a proper diet is key to your bearded dragon’s long-term health and happiness. By following this complete food guide, you can ensure your pet thrives with a well-balanced diet, proper hydration, and essential nutrients.

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