The best diet for a bearded dragon should replicate the foods the species eats in the wild. They should be fed meat, greens, fruits, and weeds. While older Beardie dragons will not get as much exercise as their wild cousins, a healthy diet is an important part of keeping them healthy. Be sure to avoid feeding them too much meat, as this can result in obesity.
Mealworms
Mealworms are one of the healthiest foods for bearded dragons, but you should watch out for certain things. While mealworms are not toxic to beardies, they are difficult for juvenile beardies to digest and can cause impaction. This condition is usually fatal for small beardies, so mealworms should be avoided when feeding your beardie. Mealworms are great substitutes for crickets and roaches, but keep in mind that mealworms are not the best substitute for crickets or roaches.
Superworms are another option for adult beardies. They are very nutritious, though they contain a little bit of fat. Superworms are sometimes mistaken for giant mealworms, but they are actually superior in nutritional value. In addition to that, they are much softer and have a softer outer casing, called chitin (pronounced “ky-tin”). Superworms are excellent for feeding to bearded dragons of all sizes and ages.
Mealworms are a great alternative to meat. While mealworms are high in fat, they also contain high calcium levels. Butterworms are also readily available at reputable pet stores or online vendors. Earthworms, on the other hand, are a great source of calcium and moisture. They can be purchased from reputable pet stores and bait shops. These insects are a great source of calcium and phosphorus, and can be purchased from online vendors.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a vital part of your bearded dragon’s diet. Almost all green leafy vegetables contain beneficial nutrients for your dragon. While your beardie won’t eat iceberg lettuce, other greens such as spinach and kale are suitable for your beardie. You can also feed him or her the tops of carrots and peas. Other vegetables that your beardie can enjoy are broccoli, cucumber, summer squash, sweet potato, carrots, and peas. Alternatively, you can buy frozen mixed vegetables or prepare fresh greens and feed your beardie.
When feeding your beardied dragon vegetables, make sure to cut them into small pieces. Beardies can’t chew on vegetables that are slimy, so you should cut them up in bite-sized pieces. Vegetables should also be cleaned thoroughly before feeding them to prevent a nasty surprise later on. Moreover, you should remove any spoiled food from your beardie’s enclosure immediately. If your beardie refuses to eat, it might have fallen sick or is sick.
In addition to fruits, bearded dragons can eat vegetables, including lettuce, carrots, cabbage, and watermelons. Fruits like blueberries are rich in vitamins C and K, but contain oxalates that will prevent them from getting adequate calcium. Citrus fruits are not suitable for bearded dragons because they contain excessive amounts of acid, which can lead to digestive problems. Berries, such as raspberries, contain essential nutrients, such as Vitamin C and potassium.
Insects
Although they are only domesticated pets for the past two decades, bearded dragons still exhibit many of their wild behaviors. They should be fed a diet resembling that of their wild counterparts. This means a 75/25 ratio of insects to plants, greens, and fruits. The resulting diet is a balance of plants and insects, with a small portion of flies.
Onions are an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber, but they are too acidic for bearded dragons’ digestive systems. In addition, too much onion may cause organ failure. Garlic is another great option, but it is best to avoid it if possible, as it contains traces of pesticides. Other plants and insects that bearded dragons may eat include avocados and rhubarb.
Unlike fruits and vegetables, insects are also great for your bearded dragon’s diet. Silkworms, for example, contain proteins, moisture, and phosphorus. Phoenix worms, which contain a lot of fat, are not recommended for bearded dragons. Be sure to buy them from a reputable source and make sure that they are fed a balanced diet. In addition to insects, you can also feed your bearded dragon wet lizard pellets.
