Home
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat a combination of insects, vegetables, and fruits to maintain a balanced diet.
A proper feeding regimen ensures their health and vitality, whether they live in the wild or as pets.
Diet of Bearded Dragons in the Wild
In the wild, bearded dragons have a varied diet that includes both insects and plant-based foods. In their native Australian deserts, they actively hunt insects like crickets, locusts, and mealworms, which are essential for protein, particularly during their juvenile stage.
Alongside insects, they also consume fruits like berries in moderation due to their sugar content, and they forage for vegetables and leafy greens such as dandelions, which provide fiber and hydration.
This balanced diet supports their growth and overall health.
Learn more about the dietary habits of bearded dragons and their hunting strategies in the wild on Wikipedia.
Feeding Pet Bearded Dragons
When keeping a bearded dragon as a pet, it’s crucial to replicate their wild diet as closely as possible. A well-balanced diet in captivity includes insects, leafy greens, and occasional fruits to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.
Insects for Pet Bearded Dragons
Live insects are a staple in the diet of pet bearded dragons, especially for young dragons that require more protein.
- Crickets and dubia roaches: These are among the most common insects fed to pet bearded dragons. Crickets are high in protein, while dubia roaches are more nutritious and contain less fat.
- Mealworms and waxworms: While mealworms can be part of their diet, they should be fed sparingly due to their higher fat content. Waxworms are more suitable as treats rather than regular meals.
Vegetables and Fruits for Bearded Dragons
Adult bearded dragons need a greater proportion of plant-based foods compared to younger ones. Vegetables should make up about 75% of their diet, with insects comprising the other 25%.
- Leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens are excellent choices for bearded dragons. They provide fiber, calcium, and essential vitamins.
- Fruits: Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and mangoes can be given occasionally, but due to their high sugar content, they should not be a primary food source.
For more information about fruits, check our guide about can bearded dragons eat strawberries.
According to Dr. Susan Donoghue, a reptile nutritionist, “A balanced diet for pet bearded dragons is crucial. It’s important to feed them a mix of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits to ensure they receive all the nutrients they need.”
Foods to Avoid When Feeding Bearded Dragons
Certain foods can be harmful to bearded dragons and should be avoided to maintain their health.
- Avocados: Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which is dangerous to reptiles. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues.
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits are too acidic for bearded dragons and can upset their digestive system.
- Superworms: While they can be fed occasionally, superworms should be avoided for baby bearded dragons as their tough exoskeletons can cause impaction, a potentially serious digestive issue.
Feeding Schedule and Frequency
The feeding schedule for bearded dragons depends on their age, with juveniles needing more frequent meals than adults.
Juvenile bearded dragons, requiring a protein-rich diet for growth, should be fed 3-4 times a day, with 80% of their diet consisting of insects and 20% vegetables, along with regular calcium supplementation to support bone health.
As they mature, adult bearded dragons should be fed once daily, with a diet shift to 75% vegetables and 25% insects, focusing on leafy greens while maintaining a reduced intake of protein-rich insects to ensure a healthy weight.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are omnivores with a varied diet that includes insects, vegetables, and fruits.
In the wild, they eat what they can find, while in captivity, their diet should be carefully balanced to meet their nutritional needs.
Understanding the dietary requirements of bearded dragons is essential for keeping them healthy and ensuring they thrive.
FAQs
Bearded dragons can eat certain fruits and vegetables, but should avoid processed human food, especially anything high in salt or sugar.
Juveniles should be fed 3-4 times a day, focusing on protein-rich insects, while adults require one meal per day, primarily consisting of vegetables with occasional insects.
Bananas can be given occasionally in moderation due to their high sugar content, but should be part of a balanced diet.
