Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

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The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

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Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by Lillian Dodd

Do bearded dragons need live food? In the wild, the vast majority of their diet is composed of insects and other small invertebrates. Bearded dragons are opportunistic feeders and will typically eat anything that they can catch and fit in their mouths.

While live food is not strictly necessary for bearded dragons, many owners choose to include it as part of their pet’s diet. There are a number of advantages to offering live insects, such as the fact that they may be more nutritious than their counterparts that have been pre-killed.

Nutritional Comparison of Live vs. Pre-Killed Insects

Live insects are generally more nutritious than pre-killed ones, retaining a higher content of vital nutrients. When insects are pre-killed, certain vitamins, like vitamin A and B, diminish rapidly.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

You Might Also Like:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Kiwi?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mango?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Parsley?

The fresh state of live insects also ensures a higher protein content, essential for a bearded dragon’s development and overall health.

Additionally, live prey provides healthy fats that support energy needs and promote proper growth in juvenile dragons.

Another Interesting Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Some people also believe that live food is more natural for bearded dragons and closer to what they would eat in the wild. Additionally, many reptiles enjoy the hunt and chase associated with catching their own food.

Feed Live Food

Despite any concerns you may have about it being cruel to feed live food, your bearded dragon will benefit from this approach in several ways. First, live insects will be significantly more nutritious than pre-killed ones. This is because many of the important nutrients are lost during the pre-killing process.

Second, in addition to a wider variety of nutritious insects being offered, your bearded dragon will gain valuable hunting skills as they learn to stalk and catch their prey. Finally, there are a number of different insects and other small invertebrates that you can offer your pet as live food, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of different tastes and textures.

Overall, while feeding live insects may feel like an inconvenience or even cruel to some owners, it is definitely worthwhile when you consider all the potential benefits for your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. The act of hunting live food offers significant behavioral benefits for bearded dragons. Engaging in this natural behavior provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, mimicking the activities they would experience in the wild. This interactive feeding method allows your dragon to exhibit natural hunting instincts, promoting better mental health and activity levels, thus ensuring a well-rounded captive life.

Safety Considerations for Feeding Live Food

Feeding live food necessitates some precautions to ensure the safety and health of bearded dragons. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides or harmful pathogens.

Only use insects from reliable suppliers to minimize risks. Ensure insects are appropriately sized and those too large can pose a choking hazard.

Regularly clean feeder containers to prevent bacterial growth and ensure hygiene.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in The Wild?

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling lizards that are native to Australia. It is important to mimic their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure optimal health. Crickets should make up the majority of their diet, with other insects being offered as occasional treats.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat in Captivity?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. They get their name from the spines that run down their neck and back, which resemble a beard. These lizards can grow to be up to 2 feet long and live for up to 15 years in captivity.

In the wild, bearded dragons are omnivores. In captivity, a common staple of their diet is crickets. However, bearded dragons need a varied diet that consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables to stay healthy. Offering a varied diet is crucial in preventing nutritional imbalances in bearded dragons. While crickets and mealworms can form a substantial portion of their meals, diversity is key. Including other insects such as dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae can introduce different nutrients and enrich your pet’s diet. This variety not only provides a comprehensive nutrient profile but also maintains your dragon’s interest in their meals, reducing the likelihood of dietary boredom.

Insects can make up between 50-75% of their diet in captivity. Commonly fed insects include crickets and mealworms. Bearded dragons also like to eat hornworms, king worms, and wax worms.

Fruits and vegetables can make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily. Bearded dragons will typically eat dark leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. They also enjoy carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and green beans.

How to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. To feed a Bearded Dragon, you’ll need to give them a diet of both fruits and vegetables, as well as insects like crickets. The amount of each type of food that should be offered each day depends on the age, weight, and size of your Bearded Dragon.

Younger dragons need to be fed more often than adults since they’re growing quite fast. If you plan on breeding your Bearded Dragons in the future, it’s important to use a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement that provides calcium. This is especially important for females during egg incubation.

To ensure your Bearded Dragon is getting enough food, you should offer them at least 2-3 insects per day. For fruits and vegetables, a good rule of thumb is to offer them as much as they can eat in a 10-minute period.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Feeding

The environmental conditions in a bearded dragon’s habitat directly influence their eating habits. A consistent temperature range of 95-110°F is recommended for basking areas, helping to stimulate appetite and digestion.

Humidity should be maintained at 30-40% to mimic natural desert conditions, aiding metabolic processes.

Proper heating and humidity promote active feeding behavior and support overall well-being.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Not Eating

If your bearded dragon is not eating, there are a few things you can do to try and get them back on track.

First, check to make sure that there is food available that they like. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so offering a variety of foods may help them find something they’re interested in.

Bearded dragons may also stop eating if they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Check the temperature and lighting conditions in their habitat, and try to create an environment that is as comfortable as possible for them.

In some cases, your dragon may simply not be hungry at the moment. If this is the case, simply wait a day or two and try again. If your bearded dragon continues to not eat, or if they seem to be losing weight, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Supplements For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat a variety of different types of foods. This includes pinky mice, crickets, and other insects. They also enjoy eating fruits and vegetables. In fact, bearded dragons will consume most of their food fresh or lightly cooked, unless it is a protein source.

For example, it is advised to feed a bearded dragon an occasional insect that has been lightly cooked. This will prevent the possibility of impaction in your bearded dragon’s gut. Bearded dragons are unable to digest some forms of protein, so you should avoid feeding them raw eggs or baby mice.

A lack of calcium can cause your bearded dragon to become weak and have trouble moving. Bearded dragons also require vitamin A to maintain their vision and keep their skin healthy.

Benefits of Gut Loading

Gut loading involves feeding insects nutrient-rich foods 24-48 hours before offering them to your dragon. This practice enriches insects with calcium, vitamins, and needed nutrients.

Providing leafy greens and high-calcium grains for insects ensures bearded dragons receive improved nutritional benefits.

This preparation method is important for maintaining balanced dietary needs and promoting optimal health and longevity.

What To Feed Your Beardies

Bearded dragon live food supplements can greatly increase their ration and ensure you get the most out of your animals. Feed your adult bearded dragon a variety of insects and vegetables. Juvenile bearded dragons (1-3 years old) are best fed a diet of predominantly insects. Adult bearded dragons (3-6 years old) do best on a diet of 10% fruit and 90% insects. Maintaining a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical in preventing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Ideally, this ratio should be around 2:1. Foods high in phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption, leading to deficiencies. Supplementing your dragon’s diet with calcium powder, especially on live insects, ensures they receive adequate amounts to support their skeletal structure and overall health.

Baby bearded dragons (0-1 years old) should be offered a diet of 50% insects and 50% vegetables. Bearded dragon’s diet also comprises a lot of supplements. These include calcium, vitamin D3, and other vitamins and minerals. Gut loading is an essential practice for enhancing the nutritional content of the insects you feed your bearded dragon. By supplying feeder insects like crickets and mealworms with nutrient-rich foods 24 to 48 hours before they are fed to your pet, you can significantly boost the nutrients your dragon receives. The focus should be on calcium-rich greens and fortified grains. This process ensures that the insects are filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D3, which are vital for your dragon’s bone health and overall vitality.

Exotic pet shops are full of bearded dragon supplements that seem to claim they will magically cure all of a beardie’s problems. Bearded dragon’s eyes are very sensitive. So it is important to not use a supplement that irritates the eyes such as vitamin A. Gut-loading insects are the best way to get vitamins and minerals into your bearded dragon.

Dragon Insects: There are a variety of insects you can feed your dragon. Feed live insects whenever possible. Bearded dragons love catching their own food!

Feeding Baby Beardies: When feeding baby beardies, you should give them small insects. These can be crickets, mealworms, or phoenix worms.

The Dragon Eats Vegetables: In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy vegetables.

Wild Insects: You can also supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with wild-caught insects. These include flies, moths, and grasshoppers.

Gut Loading: Gut loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before they are fed to your reptile.

Alternatives to Live Food

Bearded dragon diets can also include high-quality commercial pellets designed to meet nutritional needs. These pellets, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, provide a balanced alternative to live food.

Ensure any pellet feeds are reptile-specific, offering complete nutrition without deficiencies. Monitor your dragon’s interest, as some may prefer the activity of hunting to more sedentary feeding.

Conclusion – Do Bearded Dragons Need Live Food?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they need both plant and animal matter in their diet. In the wild, they would get their animal matter from eating small insects, but in captivity, we can provide them with a variety of different protein sources.

The most common protein source for bearded dragons is live food, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches. They will also eat dead insects, such as silkworms and wax worms, but live food is usually more appealing to them.

In addition to crickets and the other live foods listed above, bearded dragons will also eat some different forms of plant matter. The most common supplement in their diet is calcium powder, which can be added to their water or food.

While live food is beneficial, it’s important to manage portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and digestive problems. Monitoring the amount and frequency of live insect feeding helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent health issues associated with an imbalanced diet. Bearded dragons thrive on consistency and moderation, so adjusting their calorie intake as needed is essential for long-term health.

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