Overview
Bearded Dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plnats and meat. A balanced diet for a bearded dragon includes various plants and insects to ensure they get the proper nutrients. Bearded dragons kept in captivity don't get as much exercise as wild ones, so it is important to implement a regulated diet. As juveniles, a healthy diet consists of around 80% insects and 20% plants. However, as they get older and become adults, the diet shifts to be closer to 80% plants and 20% insects.
Insects
Crickets
Crickets are a very popular option for bearded dragon feeding. They are rich in protein and calcium, a perfect blend for any dragon! Crickets are also easily accessible as they are available at most pet stores and are relatively cheap.
Worms
There are many worms availabe to feed your dragon that offer a variety of nutrients.
- Mealworms: Mealworms are widely accessible and available at many pet stores. It is important to note however that they should be fed in moderation and should not be fed to young dragons as they have a hard exoskeleton that can cause a potentially fatal digestion blockage called gut impaction.
- Hornworms: Hornworms are a favorite for dragons and serve as a special treat. Dragons should not be fed these too often and they should be thought of as more of a once in a while treat. Hornworms can be quite pricey and are usually pretty large, so they should only be fed to adults.
- Silkworms: Silkworms contain a lot of protein, potassium, calcium, and moisture. They are a great option for your dragon.
- Wax Worms: Wax worms are very fatty and thus should be more of a dessert and occasional treat for your dragon rather than an everyday snack.
Plants
Bearded dragons should be mostly fed vegetables and those vegetables should primarily be dark green and leafy. Some vegetable should also be fed to your dragon more often than others.
| Vegetable | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Daily |
| Bok choy | Biweekly |
| Butternut squash | Daily |
| Cactus leaves | Daily |
| Carrots | Every few days |
| Celery | Biweekly |
| Collard greens | Daily |
| Dandelion leaves | Daily |
| Kale | Weekly |
| Mustard greens | Daily |
| Okra | Biweekly |
| Turnip greens | Daily |
Fruit
Fruits are a great option to feed your dragon, however, they do not need much. They should be fed in small amounts and should be cut into bite-sized pieces. Some fruits are too acidic, but there are still many options for your dragon to enjoy.
| Fruit | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Bananas | Once a month |
| Blackberries | Biweekly |
| Blueberries | Weekly |
| Cantaloupe | Biweekly |
| Grapes | Weekly |
| Raspberries | Biweekly |
| Strawberries | Weekly |
| Watermelon | Monthly |
Avoid These
Insects
With all the insect options for food for your dragon, it is also important to mention some that should be avoided. Bearded dragons should not be fed wild insects found in your house or backyard. They should also not be fed dead bugs or poisonous insects. Some specific insects that should be avoided include elderbugs and fireflies.
Plants
Bearded dragons should not be given avocados, citrus fruits, lettuce, mushrooms, rhubarb, and wild plants or plants found in your backyard.
Water
It is very important to have a water bowl in your dragon's enclosure. Bearded dragons receive most of their hydration through the plants they eat, but they will still need a bowl as they like to either drink or soak in it.
Supplements
To ensure a health dragon, it may be necessary to provide them with dietary supplements. The most important supplement is calcium. Calcium is important for preventing metabolic bone disease, which is caused by a calcium deficiency. Vitamin D3 may also be important to supplement. They usually receive D3 from sunlight, which they may not receive enough of in an indoor enclosure.