Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that feed on a variety of different food items. Raw foods that bearded dragons can safely eat include dark leafy greens, certain fruits, worms, insects, and other small animals.
When selecting produce, choose only organic or pesticide-free items.
Dark leafy greens such as dandelion leaves, collards, mustard greens, and turnip greens are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Fruits such as raspberries, apples, blueberries, tropical fruits like mango and papaya, and vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and sweet potatoes can also be offered.
In regards to protein, bearded dragons should be fed an appropriate variety of small insects and worms. This includes safe items such as mealworms, earthworms, crickets, waxworms, and roaches. Bearded dragons may also enjoy small feeder fish or feeder mice or rats as occasional treats but these should not make up the majority of their diet.
Raw foods should be provided to bearded dragons in moderation. All foods should be washed thoroughly before feeding, and any leftovers should be removed from the enclosure promptly. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your bearded dragon’s diet.
Do bearded dragons eat raw chicken?
No, bearded dragons should not eat raw chicken. Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella. Such bacteria can make bearded dragons very ill and can potentially be fatal. Bearded dragons can be fed a wide variety of food, but it is important to stick to specially formulated reptile diets, fresh veggies and fruits, and, occasionally, mealworms or other feeder insects.
Many pet stores sell food specifically made for bearded dragons. It is also important to provide your bearded dragon with calcium or multi-vitamin supplements.
Can Beardies eat raw egg?
Beardies can generally eat raw egg, as long as they are healthy and well-fed with their regular diet. When introducing raw egg into your Beardie’s diet, it’s best to do so gradually, as an unhealthy or overweight Beardie may have more trouble digesting it.
It is important to take into consideration the risk of salmonella, so the eggs should be properly prepared and the shell should be thoroughly washed before the egg is given to the Beardie. The egg whites contain enzyme inhibitors, which can worsen existing metabolic bone disease, so it is important to separate the whites from the yolks, and only give the Beardie the yolks.
The egg can be given boiled, scrambled, or even fed live. Raw egg is generally beneficial for Beardies, as it is a great source of protein, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.
It especially helps to boost reproductive health, as it is a source of important vitamins for egg production. However, even with the health benefits, it is important to not give a Beardie too much egg, as it could lead to weight gain.
Feeding your Beardie too much egg in general could also lead to health issues such as fatty liver disease and an impacted digestive tract. The best way to use eggs in your Beardie’s diet is to feed them in moderation as a supplement to an overall balanced diet.
What do bearded dragons eat when they get bigger?
As bearded dragons grow, their diet should change to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients to remain healthy. Adult bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they need both animals and plants as part of their diet.
A well-rounded diet will include live insects (such as crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms), larger frozen insects (like large grasshoppers, dubia roaches, and superworms), and a variety of fresh vegetables and greens.
Vegetables and greens are an important part of the bearded dragon diet, as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Good vegetables and greens for bearded dragons should include kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, bell peppers, squash, and carrots.
Fruits should only be given as occasional treats and not as a large part of the diet. It is important to remember that changes to a bearded dragon’s diet should happen gradually as they get bigger in order to give their digestive system time to adjust.
Do bearded dragons need protein every day?
Yes, bearded dragons need protein every day as part of their diet. Protein in the form of insects such as crickets and mealworms can provide them with the necessary nutrients they need to stay healthy and active.
Protein should make up approximately 20-35% of their total daily diet. It is important to ensure that bearded dragons are provided with a balanced and varied diet, including plenty of insects as a protein source, as well as plant-based food such as fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, adult bearded dragons should not be fed more than two to three insects per day, as overfeeding can cause obesity and related health issues. Lastly, make sure that all insect prey is appropriately sized for the individual dragon, as this will help to ensure maximum nutrition intake.
How much cucumber should I give my bearded dragon?
When it comes to providing your bearded dragon with cucumbers, you want to make sure to only feed them small pieces at a time. Feeding too many cucumbers can lead to health complications, as too much cucumber can cause digestive problems.
Generally, it’s best to give your bearded dragon no more than one to two teaspoons per day, which should be roughly one to two cubes of cucumber roughly the size of the end of your little finger. However, your reptile’s overall diet should be based around a wide variety of calcium-rich, nutritious fruits and vegetables including collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, yellow squash, bell peppers, carrots, and occasional pieces of mango, strawberries, and papaya.
It’s also important to note that cucumbers should not make up the main portion of your bearded dragon’s diet – in fact, cucumbers should only be an occasional treat. As cucumbers do not offer a significant amount of nutrition for your beardie, it’s best to limit them to just a few times a week as a special treat.
It’s also important to wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your reptile, and make sure the cucumber pieces are cut up into small pieces to prevent choking.