A bearded dragon diet should consist largely of leafy greens, including collard greens, kale, broccoli, spinach, and beet greens. Some additional foods to try include alfalfa hay, cilantro, parsley, and red or green cabbage. These are just a few suggestions, and these foods should make up most of a bearded dragon’s diet.
Contents
Vegetables
The diet of bearded dragons should be mostly composed of leafy greens. Examples of leafy vegetables for bearded dragons are broccoli, alfalfa hay, collard greens, and beet greens. Other vegetables that bearded dragons can eat are cilantro, parsley, and red or green cabbage. To ensure proper digestion and absorption, serve the vegetables in small portions in a shallow dish and mix well.
Vegetables are not necessary to be fed on a daily basis, but they are a great source of calcium and phosphorus. You can also feed your beardie occasional list items such as broccoli or carrots. These items have favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, and they contain low amounts of oxalates. When feeding your beardie new vegetables, mix them with some fruit and try varying ratios of veggies and fruits.
Fruits
A variety of fruits are suitable for bearded dragons. They are very fond of the juice from fruits. However, you should avoid overfeeding your beardie with fruit. Fruits can cause problems with its teeth, so don’t overfeed it. Instead, give him small pieces of fruit once a month. In addition to fruit, bearded dragons can also eat vegetables. They are omnivores, which means they get protein from both sources.
One of the best fruits to give to your beardie is cantaloupe. It is great in fruit salads and is a treat on its own. Bearded dragons love cantaloupe for its sweetness. It is also high in potassium, which helps regulate the bearded dragon’s blood pressure and nerve functions. Finally, bearded dragons can eat other fruits, such as bananas and apples.
Meal worms
Although your bearded dragon may eat meal worms, you should avoid giving them to your dragon if you suspect they’re sick. The mealworm’s outer layer is made of a hard substance called chitin, which your beardie will have trouble eating through. If you don’t want to risk giving him a sick mealworm, look for mealworms that have “Super” labels.
Butter worms are a popular treat for beardie owners. Butterworms are larvae of a Chilean moth. These creatures grow up to 1 inch in length and are soft and plump. Their color is typically yellowish-red. They’re also fairly active and make a delicious meal for your dragon. You can store these insects in the refrigerator for several months and feed them to your beardie when he’s in the mood for a meal. Be sure to always store meal worms in the fridge, as they’ll last a long time if properly stored.
Brussel sprouts
Brussel sprouts are not a food that bearded dragons typically eat in the wild. But bearded dragons can eat them in captivity, and they may even enjoy it! Of course, they shouldn’t be fed to your beardie too often, because they are high in phosphorous and contain compounds that interfere with calcium absorption. Nevertheless, brussel sprouts are a high source of vitamins and minerals, and a good choice for your beardie.
As for vegetables, beardies can enjoy leafy green vegetables and fruits. They can even eat fruits. Some types of berries, like strawberries and raspberries, are high in vitamin C and fiber. And while you’re at it, why not give your beardie a taste of your favorite herb? Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a great way to introduce vitamin A to your beardie. Make sure to separate the stem from the leaves before feeding your beardie.
Asparagus
Asparagus are nutritious for your dragon. You can give your beardie as much as two cups of asparagus per week, but you must remember that it is stringy and small pieces can suffocate your beardie. Nonetheless, asparagus are a great supplement to your beardie’s diet. Providing your beardie with a weekly serving of asparagus will help ensure a proper calcium intake and prevent metabolic bone disease.
Asparagus are packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, which help keep your beardie healthy. A large amount of fiber prevents constipation and upset stomach. Additionally, asparagus are high in vitamin C and E, which support the immune system of beardie dragons. The other nutrients found in asparagus are fiber, which helps your beardie maintain regular bowel movements.
