A hatchling bearded dragon’s diet should consist of two different types of foods: insects and vegetables. Insect prey should be smaller than its head, and vegetables should be fed at least four times per week. Mealworms can be offered to adult bearded dragons once or twice a week. Adult bearded dragons should be fed mealworms twice a week. However, mealworms are not considered to be suitable for hatchling beardies.
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Mini/micro mealworms
If you are feeding a bearded dragon as a hatchling, you will need to provide mini/micro mealworms as a daily source of protein and calcium. In addition, it is a good idea to add calcium powder to their diet twice a week, which is essential for bone development, neurological processes, and other body functions. A weekly feeding chart is an excellent guide to follow when giving your beardie the right diet.
Although mealworms are not toxic to bearded dragons, they are not an ideal staple food. Mealworms are high in fat and calcium and are difficult for young beardies to digest, and dried mealworms are tough to consume due to their lack of moisture. While mini/micro mealworms can be an excellent replacement for crickets, they are not a good substitute for roaches.
Vegetables
If you are not sure what vegetables to give your hatchling bearded dragon, you can try offering live vegetation to your pet. Bearded dragons can naturally pick leaves and graze on greens. Offering live vegetation can help them choose greens on their own. Some plants that your beardie will enjoy include clover, grass, dandelions, basil, and mint. Try rotating the live plants you feed them so that they get the same variety of fresh vegetables each day.
Vegetables are a vital part of a hatchling beardie’s diet, so you should avoid giving your pet vegetables that are not suitable for it. For instance, kale is one of the best foods for your beardie, as it contains high amounts of calcium and vitamin C. Avoid giving carrots to your beardie because they are high in vitamin A and can cause toxicity. However, carrot green tops are great for your pet. Zucchini is safe to feed, but it doesn’t have many nutrients.
Supplements
You can use supplements to give your beardie extra calcium and Vitamin D3. Although Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient, its safety is in question, especially when given orally. There are different types of Vitamin D supplements, some plant-derived and others made from animal sources. Cholecalciferol, for example, is naturally produced in the skins of animals exposed to ultraviolet rays. For your beardie, you may want to consider adding a few drops of vitamin D3 powder on its food for extra nutrition.
Using mealworms is another good option, but be sure to monitor your dragon’s intake. Mealworms are tough, and may cause gut impaction in young beardies. Phoenix worms, on the other hand, are great sources of protein and calcium. However, if you want to feed your beardie mealworms as snacks, you should buy them from a trusted source. Make sure to give your dragons a varied diet, as mealworms may be high in fat.
Commercial foods
Commercial foods for hatchling bearded dragons are a good way to supplement your reptile’s diet. They contain both plant and animal ingredients, and often contain supplements for proper growth. Keep in mind that a beardie needs fresh food in addition to commercial foods, so be sure to consult with the manufacturer’s feeding instructions and your vet before switching to commercial food. You should also choose a formula formulated especially for beardies.
Live food is essential, but it is not always possible to provide the appropriate diet for your beardie. While most beardie diets include a live food supplement, live insects are best suited for young beardies. Some species-appropriate insects and chicken are also available as live foods. However, you can always substitute live food with commercial foods, which can provide your beardie with more calcium and nutrients while saving you time.
Avoiding poisonous plants
When choosing a diet for your new pet bearded dragon, it is important to know which types of insects are safe for them to consume. Using the most commonly available insect pellets can be a great way to start, but it is also important to keep a few poisonous plants out of their diet. It is not uncommon for these plants to harbor parasites and other diseases in your pet.
Fruits and vegetables are not suitable for your beardie, because they are low in minerals. Try giving him vegetables that are raw or cooked. Flowers are another option. You can grow them yourself or purchase them from a flower shop. Remember that floral shops often throw out wilted or dead flowers. You can usually score free ones if you ask them nicely. Make sure to avoid chemicals or other treatments when selecting flowers.
Baby food
Be sure to provide your new baby bearded dragon with proper nutrition. Their diet consists of primarily vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach. The ratio of greens to insects changes as they get older. Feeding them insects once a day is ideal, and they can also eat insects once or twice a week. It is not advisable to overfeed them, as overfeeding can result in a hefty weight gain and lethargic behavior.
When introducing a new type of food to a bearded dragon, it is important to keep in mind that they will likely reject it. If this happens, give them a few days to adjust. Then, mix the new food with their old food for a smooth transition. Don’t feed your beardie dairy products, as these are not good for them. Your beardie will be able to differentiate between foods and will stop eating when it’s full.
