Bearded Dragon Diet - Bearded Dragon

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? Complete Guide With Schedule!

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat
Written by Mehwish Imtiaz

Bearded Dragons are charming, right. You must not have given a second thought before owning this little friend. However, later you realize that you know very little about this vibrant creature. So, let us debunk all about the food needs of your little Beradie.

There are up to eight breeds of this fantastic reptile. However, the most popular among reptile pet breeders are the central or inland bearded dragon. The scientific name of this species is (Pogona vitticeps). These reptiles are natural inhabitants of Australia, mostly its arid southeastern line.

Bearded Dragons, like humans, are omnivores. They eat a lot of food, including various fruits, vegetables, and insects, to meet their nutritional requirements. Moreover, there is a complete change in the diet plan of a baby beardie and a juvenile one. Furthermore, you need to introduce various varieties and stay more cautious regarding food administration in the baby dragon. You also need to change the diet as your little friend grows.

So, maintaining a balanced diet for your dragon is a little complicated. However, with a bit of help, you can quickly master all the variety of food, food portions, and how you can keep your bearded dragon healthy.

This article will guide you all about feeding a bearded dragon to keep it healthy and robust for a long time. So, continue reading to learn the feeding chart to maintain the diet of your dragon!

In this detailed article about the diet of bearded dragon, we are going to discuss:

What Are Bearded Dragons?

Classification Of Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons or in Latin Pogonas, or Pogona vitticeps, is categorized among the family of lizards.

Bearded Dragon Scientific Classification

Mass280 – 510 g
Scientific NamePogona
FamilyAgamidae
OrderScaled Reptiles
ClassReptilia
KingdomAnimalia

Life

Bearded dragon has a life span of  10-15 years. Most bearded dragons grow up to 45 cm or 18 inches in total length in all these years.

Origin

These mesmerizing lizards originated from the forests of Australia. However, now they have found their homes with their loving owners all over the world. The best thing about this pet is that it can survive in any habitat. They are referred to as cold-blooded animals. It means that their body temperature can change concerning their surroundings. Simply putting, your bearded dragon, unlike you, can become automatically adjust to the warmth and cold weather of the room. This ability of bearded dragons to acclimatize to any climate is the primary reason why bearded dragons are so common in the world now.

Nature

Of all the pet reptiles, bearded dragons are among the most common, easy to groom, and handle lizards. They are entirely safe for minor children and can go well with your lifestyle with a bit of training. These are typically very social, love to be handled or interacted with, and completely docile.

The habit I love the most in bearded dragons is that they are awake in the day and sleep in the night. It means you can concord your bearded dragon’s routines easily with yours. Moreover, you do not have to worry a lot about loneliness depression in them which is very common in furry pets. And most importantly, you do not have to stay on guard all the time and invest a lot of effort to train them according to your lifestyle. Bearded dragons love to have lots of food. They love the variety and are attracted to colours. This article aims to help you keep track of your bearded dragon’s diet and get alarmed if it is losing interest in its favourite foods. Moreover, is there any flaw from your side, resulting in your pet losing its hunger? So, let us continue.

Dietary Requirements Of The Bearded Dragon

If you are thinking about why bearded dragons eat a lot of variety of food, we have your answer. Bearded dragons originated from a place where the food is usually not available in surplus quantity. You cannot be too picky about food to live. So, to tackle the sparse of nutrients and energy, whatever available is good to go. Therefore, they are called omnivores, i.e., the creatures that enjoy both veg and non-veg

So, your bearded dragon can eat all from vegetable to fruits and meat, including insects.

Bearded dragons are very much like human beings in their diet. They are omnivores, that means they can eat most of the type of meat and vegetable present. However, some food kinds of stuff are not that healthy for your bearded dragon. Eating a variety doesn’t mean you can simply feed them on whatever you find. Doing so will make it super malnourished, and then you will have to run to your vet to get help. To understand any bearded dragon’s dietary pattern, you need to look at the wild’s natural nutritional requirements. In this way, you can better address the healthy condition and assess abnormalities in behaviour.

The diet pattern of bearded dragon varies a lot with age. The difference in the diet of a young(5 to 18 months old bearded dragons) and the adult bearded dragon is given as:

  1. Usually, it would be best to feed more meaty things, including insects, to the young and growing bearded dragon. The juvenile bearded dragon’s diet pattern must include 75% insects and 25% other fruit and vegetables.
  2. However, for adults, one that has reached its full length more significant portion of fruits and vegetables in the diet is good to go. You may go for 75-85% fruits and vegetables and 20-25% insects
Dietary Requirements Of The Bearded Dragon

Let us give you a clearer picture of the diet guideline. You need to have at least 50% animal-based food material and have another 50% plant-based foodstuff to have a balanced diet for your beardie. However, when you go more breed-specific, you should consult a veterinarian if you are new to experiencing a pet relation with a bearded dragon

How Often Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?

The frequency of food depends on age, and it is also very case-specific. Mostly, it depends on the beard’s appetite. However, you need to feed the bearded baby dragon twice a day as for the general rule. For the adult bearded dragon, feeding once a day at a specific time is a good habit.

The eating habits of a bearded dragon also depend on the type of breed you are dealing with. Always go for a true breed, and then you will have to face much lesser issues related to grooming, health etc. Look for the best-bearded dragon breeder in the US, and select anyone among your favourite bearded dragon depending on their colour, texture and traits.

  1. Citrus leatherbacks
  2. Rainbow Dunners
  3. Citrus tigers
  4. Witblits
  5. Orange leatherbacks
  6. Hypo citrus tigers
  7. Red bearded dragons
  8. Hypo citrus Dunners
  9. and a lot more other breeds of bearded dragons

Fruits And Vegetables For The Bearded Dragon

Fruits are great. They have high water content and lots of vitamins and minerals. Water in food is the best way to keep this reptile hydrated for a long. However, continuous intake of high sugar content can pose tens of risks to the health of your bearded dragon. So, you can simply avoid food with an increased amount of sugar like grapes, honey, etc.

Some bearded dragon owners end up feeding their dragon a lot too much. Following are the main risks that your beardie can encounter if it is fed continuously with fruits.

  1. Greens lack calcium. Simply, plants and plant-based products are the source of earth minerals but lack several essential animal-based minerals in adequate amount. So, if you feed your beardie only on fruits, it will start establishing calcium deficiency. This can leads to metabolic bone disease that can cause brittleness of bones. Moreover, a lot of fruits and vegetables have high stores of oxalates, which not only bind to the calcium in the food but also in blood. So, a severe calcium deficiency is seen.
  2. Another most essential effect you can see due to high sugar content is tooth decay.
  3. Increased fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract also calls for high sugar content in food.
  4. Captive dragons can quickly develop obesity due to increased sugar content in their food. They generally lack exercise, and all the food is getting stored n the form of fats.
  5. Many fruits lower the gut’s ph due to their acidic nature. These include citrus fruits, including orange, lemons, and tomatoes. Having acidic food will disrupt the normal flora and environment of the gut of your beardie. This thing can affect the normal digestion process a lot.
  6. Diarrhoea is another thing caused by too sugary fruits. Moreover, increased water or acidic food intake will also lead to excessive diarrhoea. Water depletion, including the removal of essential minerals from the body, cause severe dehydration. So, even if you are giving fruits containing a lot of water, but if the choice of fruit is wrong, it can cause a lot more loss than gain. For example, suppose you feed your bearded dragon on many oranges. In that case, it can affect its health so much that it can become severe.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apples?

Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon apples.

Apples are among the most loved foods by bearded dragons. However, ensure to make small pieces to help your bearded dragon chew and swallow it nicely. Moreover, it is usually observed that bearded dragons usually do not chew a lot.

So, large bite sizes can be stuck in the throat. So, you need to ensure to feed your bearded dragon a safe bite size. Moreover, you know the rind is quite fibrous and stiff. So, you can also peel it off.

Moreover, cut the apple thoroughly from the inside. Coming out entirely, you need to feed only the pulp of apple to stay on the safer side. Apples are one of the most delicious treats for bearded dragons. So, let your beardie enjoy it fully. However, you need to be careful about the quantity frequency and multiple other things. So, it’s better to check in detail about how to feed apples to your bearded dragon before making it a part of your bearded dragon’s bowel of salad.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocado?

You should not feed your bearded dragon on avocados.

Avocados have a high concentration of oxalates present in them. As told before, oxalates can bind to calcium, thus depleting the body of its calcium resource. Thus it can lead to multiple bone problems, including brittleness, soreness, and arthritis. Moreover, it can also lead to several heart problems. You will be surprised to know that the avocados humans can eat safely are termed as poisonous for bearded dragons. So, a small amount of it can still be harmful.

So, as far as avocados are concerned, they are not the right option for bearded dragons, irrespective of dose.

Never give avocadoes to your bearded dragon

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Banana?

Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon on the banana.

You ask about the banana. It is a loud yes.

Bearded dragons love bananas as we love fine dining. They can’t help eating it all the portion in the single time.

That can be considered as the most lavish treat for bearded dragons. You can give it to your dragon as a fine treat.

However, too much quantity of it can be harmful. Bananas have a high amount of phosphorus in them. This phosphorus can easily bind to the circulating calcium and that of it present in the diet. If So, your bearded dragon will lose all the calcium essential for bone strength and growth. Excess of bananas, especially in growing bearded dragons, can pose serious harm. So, be very cautious before feeding your dragon with bananas. Never exceed a small amount. Otherwise, you will end up harming your bearded dragon unintentionally. So, be very frugal while giving your beardie a banana. Half of it twice or once a week is a fair go. Moreover, you can also give a well-washed and chopped into small pieces rind peel of the banana—bearded dragon love bananas in its al form. But you are its owner. So, you should know when and how much you should bless your dragon with a lavish treat.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blackberries?

Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon on blackberries.

Like most famous seasonal fruits, blackberries are one of the suitable options. However, they also should only be given in smaller amounts. It should be given as a treat. Feed the blackberries to your bearded dragon what you can eat too. That’s simple recognition. Store-bought or homegrown blackberries are one of the best options. However, the wild berries contain an unknown portion of constituents. Also, the pests in there can cause harmful effects.

Unlike raspberries, blackberries are a bit harder. So, the best thing is to cut it into small sizes to make it easy for your beardie to chew it up and swallow. So, blackberries must be given in small pieces in a moderate amount. They can be given occasionally as a treat.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries?

Yes, it is safe to feed your bearded dragon on blueberries.

Blueberries have a considerable amount of oxalates in them. These oxalates bind strongly to the blood calcium and cause the loss of it. That’s why calcium depletes for metabolism, and your bearded dragon can face moderate to high bone metabolic disorders and heart disorders… all dependent on the excess you feed.

So, you can feed blueberries in safe moderation to your bearded dragon. Most of the bearded dragons like to have it. However, never overdo it!

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cabbage?

Yes, bearded dragons can gobble cabbage!

As far as the cabbage is concerned, bearded dragons eat it very well. As a part of the balanced diet, you should feed cabbage 2-3 times a week. They are great when you need to sprinkle any kind of supplements. Cabbage has some reserves of oxalates, so the excess is never good. Moreover, the type of cabbage is never specified. You can go for either red cabbage, white cabbage or that of green one. However, make sure the leaves are wholly washed before feeding. Cabbage leaves are great to be sprinkled with lots of water when your beardie is not a very decent drinker from the pot.

So, yeah, cabbages are great for your dragon in moderation.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cantaloupe?

Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon on cantaloupe.

The orange pulp inside is a lavish treat for your little dragon. But weight! Never go for too much. Cantaloupe is usually known as Rock Melon, and it is commonly available in Australia. The water inside this juicy fruit helps to keep your little friend hydrated.

Moreover, it also contains a surplus of vitamins C and A. A fair amount of potassium is also present along. So, now you know what excess potassium can do to your beardie. An excess can simply lead to rapid Like all the other fruits a moderation is preferred. However, even if it is a pretty delicious treat for your beardie and asking for it impatiently, remember to check for everything. Know in detail how to feed cantaloupe to your bearded dragon before making a part of your bearded dragon’s bowel.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Carrots?

Yes, they can have it, but they must be least often.

Bearded dragons came from Australia. And this region does not have carrots in its natural habitat. So, they are not on natural dining table fro bearded dragons. However, we know that carrots are full of vitamin A and essential beta carotenes healthy for your dragon. They can help maintain the immune system and strengthen it, working with healthy skin and great vision. Whenever you aim to feed your beardie on carrots, make sure to cut the pieces into little. Boiling them is the best idea. Boil in till they are easy to swallow, and your little friend does not have to work a lot in chewing it up.

So, for carrots, it is yes. However, make sure you did not get them stuck inside.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Celery?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat celery quickly.

Leafy vegetables are great for bearded dragons. However, they have reserves of oxalates which can generate calcium oxalates in the body. It can thus deplete the body with calcium. So, now you know what too much can do. Ensure to use it moderately, and then it is good to go—mind to wash off the leaves thoroughly to remove all the dirt and chemicals from it. Tearing in shorter pieces is the best idea. So, for celery, moderation is best for your bearded dragon. However, know in detail how to feed celery to your bearded dragon before adding it to the bowl of salad.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cherries?

Yes, cherries are a good treat for your bearded dragon.

Who doesn’t like cherries? They are so appealing that they make the whole boring bowl of salad appetizing. So, in the case of bearded dragons, it is OK to feed on cherries. However, they also contain a lot of potassium along with a load of sugar. So, as the excess is always wrong, it can cause diarrhoea and bone disorders.

Moreover, permanently remove the fine stone inside before giving it to your bearded dragon. If you are not cautious about it, your little friend will end up swallowing it. It will not possibly choke in the throat, but it can cause impaction in the intestine. Impaction can lead to loss of appetite, severe constipation, and other serious health hazards. So, you should always be very careful about it. So, cherries are suitable to decorate the bowl of salad for your bearded dragon. Use them cut into small pieces with the pit removed.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cilantro?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat cilantro.

As a part of the balanced diet, the cute tiny leaves of cilantro are great. However, as for all the other greens going for moderation is a general idea. Feed your dragons with cilantro occasionally, and that will be great. Mind it, and you don’t want to make any of the food a staple for your beardie. So, introduce a lot of variety and enlist cilantro on the chart twice a fortnight. So, yeah.

Go for cilantro occasionally, and it would be great for your beardie.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cucumbers?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat cucumbers.

Greens are essential for bearded dragon. And as for general rule, most of them are safe. However, cucumbers have little to no nutritional value and have a lot of water.

So, it can cause diarrhoea too. Moreover, hard rind and pulp are difficult to chew for your little one. So, make sure to introduce minor cuts with a safe bite-size when you feed cucumbers. Moreover, never forget to remove the outer rind. It is always the best idea to remove the bit of outer slice and rub it on the cucumber for two to three minutes. Remove the scum afterwards. That’s the safest way of feeding the cucumbers.

So, when you ask about the safety profile of cucumbers, we always recommend good moderation. Otherwise, you will have to deal with severe diarrhoea.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Eggs?

Yeah, bearded dragons can eat eggs!

You must be a bit surprised to know that eggs are great for your beardie. They are enriched in vitamins, minerals and proteins. So, for a balanced diet, they are great. As beardie does not work out a lot, the significant proportion of proteins can lead to immense weight gain. So, if you cook scrambled eggs for you twice a week, feed your dragon the same once too. You can also try hard boil egg, mere yolk or egg white., all forms of eggs are extraordinary!

However, mind giving it a little treat to your lazy little friend to manage its weight. So, if your beardie is already overweight, do not give it much of it. As for the regular adult bearded dragon, half of an egg is excellent. Do not give more, even if it asks for it.

So, eggs are great for all of us but bearded dragons only occasionally!

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

Yes, grapes are suitable for your bearded dragon.

Grapes, among all the fruits, have a fair quantity of calcium. However, they pose a considerable amount of phosphates and sugars too. Grapes also have high oxalate content. When combined, all this can lead to loss of calcium and diarrhoea when used in excess.

So, moderation is key in them. However, it can be used more often than all the other fruits.  While feeding your bearded dragon on grapes, ensure that it has a soft rind. Moreover, the seed should be fragile, or you have to eradicate it. Moreover, it is always the best idea to cut the whole grape into four pieces instead of going for a choking risk.

So, yeah, go for grapes but only from day to day. Moreover, if your beardie struggles with a moderate to severe calcium deficiency, avoid such fruits as a whole.

However, before feeding grapes, know how to feed and take care of quantity of grapes and the frequency of this delicious treat for your bearded dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Lettuce?

Yes, they are safe for bearded dragons.

Eating lettuce is safe for bearded dragons. Moreover, it is an essential part of a balanced diet. However, lettuce is composed primarily of water. So, an excess quantity of it can cause severe diarrhoea. This thing can not only lead to electrolyte depletion but also water loss. Wash the leaves before feeding. Always ensure they are fresh. Never feed mildewed leaves. They can cause multiple gut issues.

So, having fresh lettuce is suitable for bearded dragons occasionally.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Yes, mangoes are safe for your bearded dragon but only in moderation.

Mangoes are delicious and irresistible, right. However, they have high sugar content in them. Sugar can be a significant cause of diarrhoea in bearded dragons and humans if eaten in excess. Moreover, the increased amount of oxalates can form the crystals of calcium oxalate. It can cause kidney stones and bone metabolic disorders.

So, yeah, in moderation, this treat is lavish.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Oranges?

Yes, you can feed oranges to your bearded dragons! However, do not feed oranges frequently, as they are pretty acidic for the little gut of your beardie.

You will be a bit surprised to know that oranges are not that much suitable for your little friend. It is because they are too acidic for their little gut. It can not only cause diarrhoea but also ulceration and irritation. Moreover, the high sugar content in the fruit can be harmful. Another disadvantage is the lot of water content. This thing can also be a cause of diarrhoea, which can ultimately cause dehydration. When combined, all these components, and orange for a bearded dragon, cause uncontrolled diarrhoea.

If we apply the general rule, avoid any kind of citrus fruit for your bearded dragon. It includes all of the navel oranges, mandarin oranges, clementines, satsumas, and all the others. All because of the high acid content. However, due to the high content of vitamin C, which acts as an immune booster, you can include a small number of oranges in the diet of your bearded dragon. However, before feeding oranges to your bearded dragon, make sure you know all the details of feeding an orange to a reptile.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat parsley.

As far as parsley is concerned, they are edible for bearded dragon too. However, like all the other leafy vegetable, they have a high amount of oxalates in them. Oxalate will lead to the formation of calcium oxalates in the body of reptiles. It can not only deplete the body of is calcium reservoir but also cause kidney stones. So, now you know which harm the excess utilization can cause in bearded dragons. Just make sure to introduce a lot of variety in the diet. So, your bearded dragon is protected from all such harms. Moreover, it gets all the essential components as a part of a balanced diet.

Wash the parsley before feeding and chop in delicate parts. Moreover, ensure it is fresh.

So, when you ask for parsley for your bearded dragon, it is a yes. However, mind using it only occasionally to avoid health loss. Moreover, it is prohibited like tomatoes if your dragon is fighting bone diseases by calcium depletion. However, before feeding parsley to your bearded dragon, you should look into the complete details about how to feed parsley to your bearded dragon. It is because you can mess with the quantity and not manage it with other food components. So, know entirely before you choose your beardie.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Peaches?

Yes, peaches are OK for your bearded dragon but only in moderation.

We are not cursing a peach because of its acidic nature. It’s because it does not have it! Yeah, peaches are somewhat moderately alkaline than acidic. So, it is safe in this sense. However, they have a high sugar content in them, which can lead to diarrhoea. Moreover, it also harbours substances which can cause goitre. So, it can only be given in smaller amounts just to add more colours to the sad bowl of salad for your bearded dragon.

However, before feeding peaches, make sure to remove the pit and rind. Otherwise, it will be challenging to chew and can be stuck in the middle. Consider using half or a quarter of the fruit and cut it into small cubes for a lavish treat.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pears?

Yes, like apple pears are also safe for bearded dragons.

Pears have a fair amount of oxalates. So, optimization and occasional feeding are always recommended. Moreover, when you think to feed your beardie on pear, consider removing the whole stem and the whole rind. These parts are somewhat difficult to chew and swallow so that you can choke your dragon. Moreover, it would be best if you tried mixing pears with other fruits and substances in a big bowl of salad. And use them from time to time.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pineapple?

Yes, pineapples are safe for bearded dragons.

Pineapples are one of the most delicious treats. We, humans, can eat it daily. However, for bearded dragons, it is not good that often. Pineapple contains a lot of sugar content. Moreover, it has a surplus of water. So, they can cause not only obesity but also excessive diarrhoea if fed often. It is proved in studies that pineapples can cause gut and renal diseases in reptiles. So, they are only safe once or twice a month. Use them to add variety to the bowl of salad. Moreover, they are just delicious treats when your little friend behaves the way you instructed.

So, yes, once or twice a month, this treat is delicious.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Raspberries?

Yeah, you can feed your bearded dragon on raspberries in moderation.

Raspberries do have oxalates in them. But you know a moderate level of it can be managed. As your bearded dragon, I love to have these lavish treats so you can bless the wish. But for your little one’s good, always give it in moderation. Otherwise, you will not be able to handle the massive bone disorders. Mind that.

Moreover, if you want your dragon to increase its appetite and finish the whole portion of food, you can try an amusing trick. Slice some raspberries and spread them on the top of the whole food. You will be amazed to know that raspberries attract your little friend so much that they ended up finishing the whole thing. It will be considering other things to have the same flavour too!

So, in moderation, it’s always a yes. However, before feeding raspberries, you should look into the complete details about the raspberry diet to your bearded dragon. You can always go wrong with it, and it has a narrow safety window. So, know entirely before you choose your beardie.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rhubarb?

Never feed your bearded dragon on Rhubarb

Rhubarb is one of the most poisonous fruits for bearded dragons. It is highly nephrotoxic and can destroy the whole renal system of the dragon. It is so poisonous that even if your bearded dragon eats a little chunk by mistake, you need to run to your vet to stop further loss immediately.

An impaired human kidney can also not tolerate Rhubarb. So, how do you expect that little bean to tolerate it? Rhubarb is considered nephrotoxic in humans too. However, a healthy human kidney can tolerate it in moderation. So now you know what not to do.

Rhubard is super toxic for bearded dragons. Avoid it as a whole.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spinach?

Yes, the bearded dragon can have spinach.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins. But it is also full of oxalates. So, it can cause severe bone metabolic disorders if given in excess. So, occasionally it is an excellent addition to the balanced diet chart. However, if your beardie is already struggling with bone disorders, do not use it.

Moreover, excess of it can also cause diarrhoea in your bearded dragon. Wash off the leaves thoroughly before feeding them. You can also remove the stem part and cut it into small pieces for easy feeding. So, spinach is excellent only when given from time to time.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Strawberry / Strawberries?

Yeah, strawberries are safe for bearded dragons but only in moderation.

Strawberries are among one the most delicious treats for your baby. But remember, they have a high level of oxalates in them. These oxalates can bind with calcium leading to the formation of crystals of calcium oxalate. It can then cause bone disorders. Always cut the strawberries into safe bite sizes to avoid your bearded dragon take up too much and end up sticking a big chunk in its throat. This thing can also lead to choking and other uncomfortable conditions. So, make sure to cut it before feeding.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon on watermelons easily.

Watermelons have a high safety profile for your bearded dragon. However, you will not want to feed your dragon a lot on watermelons. Watermelons have little to no nutritional value for bearded dragons. But yeah, they contain a lot of water in them. However, this can pose a danger too. Bearded dragons are reptiles and do not need a lot of water to live. So, overhydration can pose severe problems as it can lead to diarrhoea and loose, watery stools. This thing can ultimately result in electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Giving watermelon in moderation is always the best idea.

Do I Need To Give My Bearded Dragons Vitamins And Minerals?

Bearded dragons have a high need for calcium and phosphorus, significantly when they are growing. So, you have to take care of it while feeding a bearded baby dragon. There are a lot of calcium supplements for bearded dragons.

You can sprinkle a relatively light quantity of calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, or calcium carbonate on the bowl of salad two to three times a week. Most experts recommend it.

Consider adding vitamin D3 supplements to the diet 2-3 times in the week. You can sprinkle the same on the food so your bearded dragon can take it easy.

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation and use a light sprinkle of whole reptile supplement powder pre-made available in the market.

Ensure to use supplements on a small portion of food and feed it in your supervision to ensure complete uptake. Moreover, it is always the best idea to feed it on moist foods to make swallowing easier. Always feed the supplemented foods first to ensure they eat them whole. We saw many owners have an inappropriate supplementation of calcium or vitamin D3. Either it is below average to make it deficient or above average to make the bearded dragon hypercalcemic. So, proper consultation with a veterinarian is always the best idea. It is because supplementation is always very case-specific.

What About Water?

In the wild, bearded dragons’ primary water source is natural rainwater or dew from the plants. However, when you have it in your home, you need to provide fresh water in a crock that does not slip easily. Make sure the fresh water is available all the time. Moreover, always ensure the water is clean and disinfect and wash the bowl daily. Another way to keep your bearded dragon hydrated is sprinkling water on vegetables and fruits you feed it. You can also mist it directly with a plant mister’s help or bath it directly 2-3 times a week to ensure due hydration.

What Kind Of Meat Products Should I Feed To My Bearded Dragon?

In meat products, there come insects. The most common insects that your bearded dragon love consuming are

  1. Superworms
  2. Dubai Roaches
  3. Crickets
  4. Mealworms

However, while feeding any nonliving thing to your bearded dragon, always remember to cut it into bite-sized pieces. To ensure that your beardie may ingest it without any problem as they are very poor chewers. There is a high chance that the food gets stuck in the throat, so be very careful about that.

One thing you need to understand that every insect you feed to your bearded dragon must not be caught or bought randomly. All the insects must be bred specifically and brought from a reputable pet store. It is because wild bugs and insects may contain many harmful insect toxins and multiple parasites. These can have a negative effect on your beardie’s health, which can sometimes go unpredictable to fatal.

Amount Of Insects Per Day To Bearded Dragons

What Are The Other Things We Need To Take Care Of Before Feeding To Our Bearded Dragon?

When you are preparing the salad bowel for your bearded dragon, make sure to maintain the concentration of the following essential components:

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the essential energy sources for all living beings. It will help your beardie to maintain its strength and do not lay down with fatigue. Precisely these are energy boosters. It will help them move around quickly.

However, an excess of carbohydrates can also cause obesity and diabetes. That is why we need to take a lot of care while feeding different food items to our bearded dragon. Parsley, celery and other greens are pretty low in carbohydrates, so you can safely pair them with a moderate amount of fruits in the same bowel.

However, fruits usually have a very high concentration of carbohydrates. Let us compare the carbohydrate contents of the most common fruits available for bearded dragons:

Carbohydrate Concentration Of 100g of food items

Do not include high carb food all in one bowl. If you add a high sugar one, balance it with little sugar-containing foods to avoid side effects.

Fibre

The proper concentration of fibres is necessary for the diet of bearded dragons. It helps to improve the mobility of GIT, thus prevent any chance of ulceration and constipation. So, it is the best diet remedy for constipation in bearded dragons. However, it would be best if you always were very careful about the number of fibres you are feeding your dragon. Never provide more than one or two-component rich in fibre in a single time.

Moreover, avoid fibre-rich foods when your beardie is suffering from diarrhoea. Consuming fibres in diarrhoea can worsen the situation a lot. So, be careful while feeding fibres.

Moreover, fibres, when given in excess to even a healthy adult dragon, can cause severe diarrhoea. So, always keep its amount under check to have the benefit instead of a loss. Greens are usually high in fibre content. Moreover, the skin of fruits has a high quantity of fibre. Always look into the food items’ nutrient contents before pairing them with high fiber foods such as parsley, celery, cilantro, etc.

Oxalates

Oxalates are usually found in most greens and some fruits. However, all that matters is how much quantity of oxalates you are consuming. Oxalates have two significant effects on the body of any living being

  1. Oxalate binds to calcium and inhibits its absorption in bones. This unavailability of calcium can lead to significant bone metabolic disorders. Due to oxalates in the diet, the calcium cannot reach bones even if you provide adequate supplementation. So, the condition can become chronic and also fatal sometimes.
  2. Oxalates from stones by chelation. These stones have very sharp edges that can cause ulceration and vessel obstruction.

In a broader term, oxalates are significant concerns for bearded dragons when feeding greens to them. Moreover, some fruits, usually citrus fruits and berries, have many oxalates in them. Let us compare the oxalate concentration of various food items to let you have a better idea.

Oxalate Concentration in 100g of various food items

Never add more than one oxalate-rich component in one bowel of salad for your bearded dragon.

Water

Water is necessary for all living beings. However, in reptiles, the excess of it can cause severe diarrhoea. This thing can lead to a negative effect in the form of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. So, mind to consider the water concentration in the food and balance everything in the bowel. If you are going fo high water content in the bowel, do not feed extra water. Moreover, it is best to balance high water content foods with low water ones to have the perfect bowel.

Summary

As you see, most of the fruits are relatively safe for the bearded dragons except citrus fruits, Avocado, and Rhubarb. The main idea is not to let the calcium dissipate out of the body and avoid extra sugar content in the diet. Every time you feed, ensure to give a smaller bite sie to avoid choking and infection.

Moreover, fruits are food storage parts for plants. So, they are high in sugar content. Give fruits as a treat and ensure to keep a good variety. Remember, the nutritional requirements of bearded dragons vary a lot depending on the breed. So, make sure to contact your veterinarian when you are new to a bearded dragon. When choosing a veterinarian, ensure to go to one with a reptile-savvy veterinarian familiar with your lizard.

And last but not least:

Reptile skin has some parasites and bacterias that are pretty useful to maintain their normal flora of the skin. However, they can be potentially harmful to humans. So always wash your hands after feeding, handling, or cleaning your bearded dragon to ensure your health safety. Moreover, never allow toddlers to play with a bearded dragon because they tend to lick everything in the area.

Thanks for your attention! In case of any query, feel free to contact us at any time. We will be delighted to help you in the best possible way.