The number of meals a bearded dragon should eat a day depends on the age of the dragon. Juvenile bearded dragons (under 1 year old) should be fed a variety of insects such as crickets, waxworms, silkworms, and roaches.
Juveniles should be fed about once a day and should be provided with enough insects that they can eat for 15–20 minutes. Adult bearded dragons (over 1 year old) should be fed twice a day with 1/3 of their diet being fresh vegetables, such as shredded carrots and collard greens, and 2/3 consisting of insects such as dubia roaches, crickets, and locusts.
Adults should have enough food available that they can eat for 15–20 minutes, with the amount of food offered being adjusted as needed based on body weight, size, and overall health and activity level.
Table of Contents
How often and what should I feed my bearded dragon?
Bearded Dragons should be fed a varied diet daily, composed of leafy greens, vegetables, and insects. Juveniles should be given approximately 15-20 small insects such as crickets, Dubia roaches, Phoenix worms, and/or Mealworms three times per day, while adults can be given 10-12 larger insects twice daily.
Interspersed with the insects they should receive a variety of plant matter such as dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and/or grated carrot and squash. Vegetables should make up about 25-35% of their diet.
Leafy greens should be offered daily; dark leafy greens should be given a few times a week. Variety is essential to ensure adequate nutrition. As bearded dragons approach adulthood, the amount of insects should decrease, and the amount of vegetables should increase.
Occasional treats such as cooked egg, small amounts of cooked meat, waxworms, and/or minced fruits can also be offered. A vitamin and calcium supplement should be offered 2-3 times per week. As a general rule, feed as much as your bearded dragon will eat in a 10-15 minute period.
Overfeeding and malnutrition can cause serious health issues, so it is important to monitor their food intake and health.
What are the times to feed a bearded dragon?
The best times to feed a bearded dragon depend on the specific dietary needs of your individual pet, as their nutritional requirements vary significantly depending on their age, gender, and overall health.
Generally, adult bearded dragons should be fed every two days while juveniles (up to 8 months in age) should be fed every day. Bearded dragons should be offered food in the morning, between 8–10am when they are more active, and at night, between 6–8pm when they are more likely to eat.
To ensure a balanced diet, feed them a variety of dark leafy greens, vegetables, and insects. For variety and to meet their nutritional needs, you may also want to consider a commercial bearded dragon diet or vitamin supplement.
Additionally, a UVB light should be provided during the day to help the bearded dragon absorb essential vitamins, and don’t forget to offer fresh, clean drinking water.
Do bearded dragons need salad everyday?
No, bearded dragons do not need to eat salad everyday in order for them to stay healthy. In fact, their diet should consist largely of protein, with only occasional plant matter. Bearded dragons’ main diet should be insects and nutritionally-fortified meals, such as Commercial Bearded Dragon Diets.
Salad should be given to them periodically, and it should always be paired with other vegetables and fruits to ensure nutritional balance. When giving them salad, avoid adding any type of dressing, salt, or sugar.
Furthermore, certain vegetables and fruits, such as onions and grapes, should never be fed to them as they can be toxic. Last but not least, live insects should also be frequently given to them as a source of protein and an enjoyable play activity.
How long can bearded dragons go without food?
Most healthy adult bearded dragons can go for quite a long time without food, although the exact amount of time depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, an adult bearded dragon can go up to two weeks without food, although some sources suggest up to three weeks or even slightly longer.
That said, it shouldn’t be an extended habit as long-term fasting can lead to malnutrition and other health issues. Additionally, just because they can go without food doesn’t mean they should, especially since they require wholesome nutrition in order to live a healthy life.
Ultimately, typical adult bearded dragons should be eating at least once every 2-3 days and should not be fasting or starving themselves for any length of time.
Can you overfeed a bearded dragon?
Yes, you can overfeed a bearded dragon. Like with any pet, it is important to feed them a healthy, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and size. Too much food can have negative effects on your dragon, including obesity, digestive problems, and shortening their lifespan.
Signs of overfeeding can include weight gain, watery stools, and a decreased appetite. If your dragon is overfed, you should adjust their diet and ensure they are getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins.
Provide them with food that is no larger than their head and avoid overfeeding them with treats and insects. You should also provide them with a variety of shades of fruits and vegetables, as well as live insects that can provide them with the essential vitamins that they need.
Pay attention to their eating habits, make sure they are not overeating, and monitor their weight to ensure they are healthy and fit.
Can bearded dragons skip meals?
Yes, bearded dragons can skip meals. However, it is recommended that they are fed appropriate meals regularly to ensure they get adequate nutrition. Skipping meals can sometimes be a sign that something is wrong with your pet, such as a health issue or environmental stress, so it’s important to monitor this behavior and contact a veterinarian if changes occur.
Bearded dragons should typically be fed a balanced diet of insect protein, along with smaller amounts of fruits and vegetables. Young bearded dragons can usually be fed daily, while adults should be fed every other day.
If a bearded dragon skips a meal as an adult, that’s not cause for alarm, but make sure to monitor their behavior and overall health. A lack of appetite or sudden change in behavior could be a sign of a problem.
It’s important to make sure the food you feed your dragons is the appropriate size so they don’t choke or have a hard time digesting. Insects should be gut-loaded, or fed a nutrient-rich diet before being fed to your dragon.
Additionally, make sure to offer both insect-based protein and plant-based sources of nutrition. Feeding a variety of foods helps ensure your dragon is getting a balanced diet.
In conclusion, it is fine for bearded dragons to skip meals, but it should not be a regular occurrence. Monitor your dragon’s behavior and appetite to make sure everything is alright with your pet. If you have any concerns or your dragon continues to skip meals, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Should I Feed My bearded dragon once or twice a day?
That depends on a few factors, such as the age of your Bearded Dragon and the type of diet you’re feeding them. Juvenile dragons (up to 1 year of age) should generally be fed once or twice a day with a combination of live insects, vegetables, and occasionally, calcium-rich foods.
There should also be breaks between meals and you should offer the food at the same time of day each time. On the other hand, adult dragons feed less often – about 4-5 times a week with a diet composed mostly of vegetables and occasional insects.
As with juvenile dragons, you should also make sure to take breaks between meals and feed them at the same time each day.
What is the feeding schedule for a bearded dragon?
The feeding schedule for a bearded dragon varies depending on the age of your pet. Generally, hatchlings should be fed twice daily until they are 6 months old. After 6 months, feed them once every day, but typically no more than once every other day.
As an adult, feed them every other day, usually no more than 4-5 times per week, with occasional fasting days.
It’s important to feed your dragon a variety of insects and vegetables in order to ensure a well-balanced diet. For hatchlings and juveniles, offer small insects such as dubia roaches, crickets, mealworms, or waxworms.
For adults, consider larger insects like superworms, phoenix worms, and hornworms to keep variety in their diet. In addition, offer a small amount of vegetables, such as collard greens, mustard greens, and carrots, 1-2 times every week.
Feed your dragon in a shallow dish and remove uneaten food after an hour to prevent over-eating. Be sure to gut-load, or feed, your insects 24 hours before feeding them to your dragon, to ensure your pet is receiving enough nutrition.
Finally, integrate a vitamin and mineral supplement into feedings a few times per week to ensure a healthy diet.
Is it OK if I don’t feed my bearded dragon for one day?
Generally speaking, it may be alright to not feed your bearded dragon for one day. However, it is important to keep in mind that all reptiles have their own needs and preferences, and their dietary needs will vary depending on the individual.
To ensure your pet’s well-being, it is best to develop a routine of consistent, nutritional feeding to meet their dietary needs. If your bearded dragon is young or very active and require more frequent feedings, then you may want to consider providing meals more often than once a day.
Likewise, adult bearded dragons may be able to fast for one day, but it all depends on the individual’s needs. If your bearded dragon is scheduled for certain treatments like fasting, shedding, or medications, then always consult your veterinarian beforehand.
They will help you in determining the proper feeding routine for your pet.
Do Bearded dragons eat until they are full?
Yes, bearded dragons typically eat until they are full. Unlike some animals that can overeat, bearded dragons are able to identify when they are satiated and will stop eating when they are no longer hungry.
It is important to monitor the foods you feed your bearded dragon as some items may not provide enough nutrients and should be limited. Foods like fresh fruit and vegetables should be limited to once a day as they are high in sugar, while staples like insects should be fed every day in moderate amounts.
A good rule of thumb is to provide enough food so that your bearded dragon is full, but not stuffed.
Do bearded dragons stop eating before they shed?
Yes, it is not uncommon for bearded dragons to stop eating before they shed. This is normal and often serves as an indication that they are getting ready to shed. During this time, they may become less active, eat less and drink more water.
They may also develop a dull appearance and become less responsive. The process of shedding for a bearded dragon typically takes a few days and can produce a tremendous amount of old skin. In some cases, it might take a few weeks for a bearded dragon to shed all of their skin.
During the entire shedding process, it is important to provide plenty of humidity and moisture to your pet, in order to assist them with the shedding and to prevent skin damage.
How much should you feed a full grown bearded dragon?
It is important to provide a full grown bearded dragon with an appropriate diet to ensure they are receiving all the necessary nutrients. The ideal diet for a full grown bearded dragon is one that consists of a combination of live insects and veggies.
As a guideline, feeding a full grown bearded dragon about 20 to 25 crickets or other appropriately sized live insects per day is recommended. When it comes to vegetables, it’s best to offer a variety of veggies such as collard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, grated carrots, and even sweet potatoes.
These vegetables should be introduced in small pieces as part of a well-balanced diet, in amounts equivalent to 2-3 tablespoons per day.
Also, a full grown bearded dragon should have access to their supplement of calcium, vitamins and minerals, but the supplement should only be used sparingly. As a general guideline, provide your bearded dragon with a supplement to their diet 1-3 times a week, depending on their individual needs.
Finally, it’s also important to make sure to provide a balanced diet to include proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins, as well as other essential nutrients which may not be found in their everyday food.
Allowing a bearded dragon to graze on a variety of healthy foods will ensure they stay healthy and active!.
