Are you wondering how to care for a bearded dragon while keeping them healthy? Proper care, including a nutritious diet, is a great place to start!
These beautiful and popular lizard pets can be a great addition to your family, but only if you provide them with the proper care. Even with new respect, your baby dragon will likely remain shy and hesitant to leave their enclosure’s safety for a few weeks.
So, what is a healthy bearded dragon diet? Primary reptile care and a correct diet will help your dragon grow into a happy and healthy adult. Follow along to learn more!
Protein Power
Healthy bearded dragon food is essential to their health and well-being. Protein should comprise most of their diet and come from various sources, such as insects and leafy green vegetables.
Insects should make up about 25-50% of the diet, and options can include crickets, waxworms, roaches, and phoenix worms. Leafy greens should consist of mustard greens, turnip greens, collard greens, and dandelion greens.
Some fruits and vegetables like bell peppers, squash, and apples can also be offered. The portion size of protein should be the size of their head and should be given in moderation, about twice per week.
Store-bought supplements containing calcium can be offered for extra nutrition and to prevent metabolic bone disease. Following these guidelines allows your bearded dragon to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Veggie Variety
Veggie variety is one of the cornerstones of a healthy bearded dragon diet plan. Dark leafy greens like dandelion, kale, and collard greens should make up the bulk of the diet and can be supplemented with other vegetables.
Variety is critical for providing adequate nutrition, as different vegetables contain different minerals, vitamins, and fiber. A few examples are carrots, squash, pumpkin, peas, peppers, and green beans. Fresh vegetables should be washed thoroughly before serving and then steamed or offered raw.
Bearded dragons should be offered vegetables twice a day or on a rotating schedule, ensuring that there is always something fresh and tasty for them to feed on.
One should avoid starchy veggies like corn or potatoes and avoid providing too much fruit, as it can lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues. If you are looking for additional exotic pet collections, find here additional information.
Feeding Fodder
Feeding Fodder is integral to maintaining a healthy diet for your bearded dragon. The primary fodder for bearded dragons should consist of dark leafy greens and various chopped vegetables. The mix of greens and veggies should be about 70-80% and 20-30% vegetables.
These greens should mainly be collard, turnip, and mustard greens, as well as endive, dandelion, and escarole. Veggies like squash, zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, etc., can also be offered. Fruits should only be fed as a treat, such as canned peaches, apples, grapes, and the occasional worm.
All vegetables and greens should be thoroughly washed before offering, and it is essential to provide various options for type. Be sure to avoid any vegetables high in oxalates, like spinach.
Understanding Bearded Dragon Diet
A healthy bearded dragon diet should include a variety of insects and vegetables, focusing on the right mix of proteins, fiber, and other nutrients. Providing all the necessary elements in appropriate amounts and frequencies is essential to keeping a strong, healthy, and happy bearded dragon.
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