The food list for your bearded dragon should include a variety of different fruits and vegetables. However, these should be cut into small pieces to avoid choking. Bananas should only be fed occasionally because of the high phosphorous to calcium ratio. Apples, too, should be served in small portions. Apples should be peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces. Strawberries are high in key nutrients but also contain oxalates. Watermelon is not high in nutritional value and should be avoided.
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Fruits
If you have a juvenile bearded dragon, you can start by adding fruits to their diet. These fruits are high in fiber and protein, but also contain a high amount of sugar. Another fruit to include in a beardie’s diet is the orange. Oranges are a great source of calcium, fiber, and vitamin C. Other fruits aren’t as nutritious, though, as they often contain more sugar, acid, and oxalates.
Some fruits your beardie can eat include papayas, peeled bananas, apples, grapes, and raspberries. However, they should only make up 10% of their diet. This is because many fruit items are high in sugar and can contribute to tooth decay.
The best way to provide your dragon with fruit is to wash it first, since this will remove any pesticides that may have been used during its growing process. You can also buy organic fruit to reduce the risk of exposure to chemicals. However, you should be aware of the seeds in some fruits, which can cause choking or impaction. Even if they are small, they can still cause issues for your beardie.
Mealworms
Mealworms are a staple food for your beardie. They provide excellent protein and can be obtained from local bait shops or reputable pet stores. They are also a great source of calcium and moisture. You can purchase mealworms in various sizes and shapes.
These insects should be small enough for your beardie to swallow them. Ideally, you should feed your beardie at least three a day. However, if you are unable to fit them into their mouths, you can offer them smaller mealworms. Just be sure that the mealworms are not too small or too large for your beardie. In addition, you should make sure that there are very few ends leftover.
If you’re planning to feed your beardie a large amount of fruit or vegetables, keep in mind that they’re a good source of vitamin A and C. But, they’re also high in sugar and should be fed in small portions. You shouldn’t feed them vegetables that are high in oxalates and high in fat. You should also avoid feeding your beardie any non-nutritional foods like avocado and garlic.
Wax worms
Wax worms are a nutritious, meaty food source for bearded dragons. Wax worms are a great way to boost the diet of a hungry baby beardie and provide added calcium and fat. However, wax worms should be fed in a shallow escape-proof dish. Wax worms should be fed at least three to five times a week.
Waxworms are larval stages of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. They look like caterpillars, but are much larger. Waxworms are white, gray, or brown, and feed on beeswax and pollen. While waxworms can be a valuable food source for beardies, they are also harmful to beehives.
Wax worms can be fed to bearded dragons of all ages, though it is best to limit their intake to three or five a week. In addition to worms, baby beardies can eat other types of worms. These insects are more nutritious and can be easily digested.
Salads
Salads are a great way to provide your beardie with a balanced diet. They’re a great way to add fiber and vitamins to your dragon’s diet. Some common vegetables for your beardie to enjoy are sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts. Make sure to wash these vegetables thoroughly, and make sure they’re cut into small pieces before you give them to your beardie. Another good addition to your beardie’s diet is cilantro, also known as coriander. Make sure to separate the stem and cut the leaves into pieces.
A sub-adult beardie’s diet should consist of approximately 30% feeder insects and 70% vegetables. Salads for juvenile bearded dragons can be created using several layers of colorful veggies and greens. You can even use a variety of fruits and vegetables to make a medley. The main rule for a beardie salad is to keep the size of the veggies and fruits smaller than your beardie’s eyes.
Salads are a great way to provide your beardie with calcium. Bearded dragons have higher calcium needs than they do for phosphorus. You can sprinkle calcium powder on their salads about two or three times a week. You can also sprinkle a general reptile mineral supplement on their food. It’s a good idea to feed your beardie with small amounts of these supplements at first, so they don’t get too much.
