Did you know the average juvenile bearded dragon can consume up to 50 crickets in a single day? As a pet owner, it’s imperative you understand the ins and outs of bearded dragon feeding, their voracious appetites, and specific nutritional needs. That’s where our Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide comes into play.
Are you providing your bearded dragon with the balanced diet it requires for a healthy, active life? This guide is here to ensure that you do, covering everything from how often to feed your pet to the exact amount it needs.
Understanding The Bearded Dragon Diet
Let’s talk about the bearded dragon diet. Variety is key when it comes to their meals.
In the wild, these creatures are omnivores. They munch on a mix of plants, fruits, and insects. The same variety should be mirrored in their domestic diet.
The primary component of their diet is insects, which they rely on for proteins. Crickets, mealworms, and roaches are favorites.
Notably, roaches provide essential proteins and are easy to digest. You can try dubia roaches if youre looking for a high-quality supplier for your pet snacks.
Other food for bearded dragons also includes fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens like kale and fruits like apples should form a good part of their diet.
A balanced bearded dragon food plate would consist of 75% vegetables and 25% insects for adults. Younger dragons require a higher protein intake, so a 50/50 split works better for them.
Feeding Frequency: How Often Should Bearded Dragons Eat?
Feeding frequency, or when to feed a bearded dragon, varies with age. Young bearded dragons grow rapidly, needing more food, and thus should eat more frequently. Offer them food two to three times per day.
As they grow into adolescence, their feeding frequency drops to once a day. They start requiring more vegetables than insects in their diet at this stage.
Adult bearded dragons eat even less often. Feeding them every other day is recommended. Their diet now leans heavily towards vegetables, with insects being a treat given once or twice a week.
Feeding Quantity: How Much Should Bearded Dragons Eat?
Determining the right quantity when feeding a bearded dragon also depends on age. For young ones, offer as many insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period. Don’t leave uneaten insects in their cage, as these can become a nuisance.
Adolescent dragons eat fewer insects. A rule of thumb is to provide insects that are no larger than the space between their eyes. Provide fresh vegetables daily, but remove any uneaten food at the end of the day.
For adults, a cup of vegetables every other day with a handful of insects once a week is a general guide. It’s key to watch their weight and adjust feeding accordingly.
Wrapping Up: Your Essential Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide
Feeding your bearded dragon doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. With our bearded dragon feeding guide, you can now provide a balanced, varied diet that promotes good health and longevity for your pet. But remember, your learning doesn’t stop here.
Dive deeper into understanding your bearded dragon’s unique needs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further advice. Take a look at our other Pet and Reptile articles today to stay up to date on your hungry little friends!
