Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of bearded dragons. Their dietary needs change
as they grow from juveniles into adults, with younger dragons requiring more protein and older dragons needing more vegetables. Here’s a comprehensive guide to a bearded dragon’s diet across different stages of their life.
Juvenile Diet (Under 18 Months)
Protein: Juveniles have a high demand for protein to support their rapid growth. Their diet should consist of about 70-80% live insects.
Primary Insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, and small mealworms. These should be appropriately sized (no larger than the space between the bearded dragon’s eyes) to prevent choking.
Occasional Treats: Waxworms and butterworms can be given sparingly due to their high fat content. Vegetables and Fruits: About 20-30% of their diet should be plant-based.
Vegetables: Collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens are excellent choices. Vegetables should be finely chopped for easier consumption.
Fruits: Offered sparingly as treats. Suitable fruits include mango, papaya, and berries.
Adult Diet (18 Months and Older)
Vegetables and Greens: As they mature, the diet should shift to approximately 70-80% vegetables and greens.
Daily Greens: Include a variety of leafy greens like collard, mustard, and turnip greens.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, squash, and carrots can be offered regularly. Ensure all vegetables are chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Protein: The remaining 20-30% of their diet should be live insects.
Feeding Frequency: Adult bearded dragons need fewer insects, fed 2-3 times a week instead of daily. Insect Variety: Continue with crickets and dubia roaches, but you can also introduce larger mealworms, superworms, and the occasional hornworm for variety and hydration.
Supplements
Calcium and Vitamin D3: Dust the live food with a calcium supplement most days of the week and a cal- cium with vitamin D3 supplement 2-3 times a week to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Multivitamins: Provide a multivitamin supplement once or twice a week to ensure your bearded dragon is getting a full range of necessary vitamins and minerals.
Water
Hydration: Provide fresh water daily in a shallow bowl that they can easily access. Bearded dragons often don’t drink much water from a bowl, so their hydration is also supplemented through their diet (especially from vegetables and the occasional fruit).
Feeding Tips
Live Food Size: Always ensure the size of the insects is appropriate to prevent choking hazards. Gut-loading Insects: Feed the insects a nutritious diet 24-48 hours before offering them to your bearded dragon to enhance their nutritional value.
Variety: Rotate the types of vegetables and insects to provide a wide range of nutrients and to keep your bearded dragon interested in their food.
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By providing a diet that matches these guidelines, you can help ensure your bearded dragon remains healthy, active, and happy throughout its life. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on their health, activity level, and age will help you cater to their nutritional needs effectively.