Your bearded dragon’s diet should be varied. It’s important to keep in mind that the bearded dragon is not a grazer, so the last scraps of food should be removed before serving it to your beardie. Foods that have been left out can sour and harbor bacteria. A good rule of thumb is to serve your beardie with the freshest food possible. Here are some examples of beardie food:
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Dubia Roaches
If you’re in the market for some new foods for your bearded dragon, you may want to consider feeding your pet Dubia roaches. These roaches have become increasingly popular over the years, and they’re a fantastic alternative to standard crickets. As a general rule, bearded dragons can eat three to five Dubia roaches a day, but they’re not suited to feeding smaller, baby dragons.
When you’re thinking about feeding your beardie Dubia roaches, make sure to choose a container that allows for close quarters and a temperature that ranges from room temperature to around fifty degrees Fahrenheit. They will also prefer a dark, warm enclosure that doesn’t change too much. Generally, dubia roaches are best fed once every other day, but sometimes you can skip a feeding day. Make sure to remove any uneaten food every 48 to twenty-four hours. You can also add water crystals and fruit and vegetable slices to their diet to keep them hydrated.
Freeze-dried mealworms
Among the best bearded dragon foods, freeze-dried mealworms are a great option for your reptile. They’re protein-filled insects that are usually bred for use as predator food. However, they can also be loaded with other foods for greater nutritional value. Mealworms are great for bearded dragons, but their hard shells make them difficult for them to digest.
Mealworms are not toxic for bearded dragons, but they are tough to digest and can cause problems for young beardies. They are also lacking in moisture, making them a poor replacement for crickets. However, these creatures do not require much more nutritional value than crickets and roaches. So, you can give your beardie freeze-dried mealworms as a treat once a week.
Although freeze-dried crickets are a great alternative to live feeders, these insects are not ideal for everyday feeding. Although freeze-dried insects are less expensive and easier to store, they still provide your bearded dragon with nutrients and are a great option for occasional feeding. Just make sure to supervise your beardie when it eats freeze-dried mealworms.
Fruits
The first thing to keep in mind when providing bearded dragon food is to avoid fully cooking the fruits and vegetables. Generally, cooking soft food makes them stay in the bearded dragon’s mouth longer, contributing to periodontal disease. Additionally, cooking the vegetables can remove some of the nutrients. Therefore, it’s best to grate or chop them before offering them to the beardie. However, if you’re feeding your beardie a large amount of fruit and vegetables, you should also remember to grate or chop them in small pieces. If you plan on providing your beardie with soft foods, remember to avoid iceberg lettuce as it contains a lot of water and can cause diarrhea.
Green vegetables are an excellent choice for beardie food. Make sure you avoid spinach and beet greens, which can lead to a calcium deficiency. Kale is another good choice, as it’s high in vitamin C and A. Carrots are not suitable for beardie food because they contain high levels of vitamin A. However, the green tops of carrots are healthy for your pet. Also, zucchini is safe to feed, but it lacks nutrients.
Plants
If you have a bearded dragon, you should consider growing some plants for your pet. Basil, for example, is not only edible but can also make a tasty treat for your dragon. Basil can be cultivated in a container and sprouted for your pet. Some other plants for your beardie’s diet include pea shoots, alfalfa, and lemon balm. Though lettuce is not a natural bearded dragon food, it can be grown in your tank. There are many types of lettuce you can choose from, including:
It is also important to know that some plants are toxic to lizards. So, although they are not toxic to bearded dragons, you must still be cautious in introducing them to your beardie. Spider plants are also safe for beardies, though their leaves may be fragile. They are best kept in a humid environment. If you have a large beardie tank, you should consider keeping several pothos plants.
