Beardie dragons can eat a variety of fresh fruits in addition to their diets of commercial dry and canned products. They can eat apples, pears, bananas, figs, mangoes, kiwis, melons, and grapes, as well as stone fruits such as cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots on occasion.
However, some fruits such as citrus fruits should only be fed occasionally as they can be acidic and cause gastrointestinal upset in Beardies. It is important to wash, peel, and/or boil all fruits prior to feeding as pesticides and bacteria may be present.
Additionally, it is important to cut certain fruits into bite-sized pieces to reduce the risk of choking. As with any food, it is recommended to only feed fruits in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and remove any uneaten portions from the enclosure promptly.
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Can bearded dragons eat fruit everyday?
No, bearded dragons should not eat fruit every day. Fruits should only be a small part of their diet, as they are high in sugar and lack many of the essential vitamins and minerals that a bearded dragon needs to stay healthy.
A diet that consists mainly of fruits can cause health issues such as obesity and diabetes. Instead, your beardie should be eating a variety of other food sources such as vegetables, insects, and occasional supplements.
For vegetables, aim for at least two types per day and offer a variety of colors. Leafy greens like collard and mustard greens, kale, and turnips are all excellent choices. You should also provide your beardie with a variety of live insects every day.
Mealworms, crickets, and waxworms are all suitable options. Lastly, bearded dragons should be offered a vitamin and calcium supplement every few days to ensure they are getting the essential nutrients they need.
How often should I feed my bearded dragon fruit?
Fruit should be fed to your bearded dragon sparingly; generally no more than once or twice a week. The bulk of your dragon’s diet should consist of dark leafy greens, other vegetables and appropriately sized insects, which should be offered every day.
Fruits are high in sugar and should only be given in small amounts and infrequently to prevent health issues associated with a sugary diet. When offering fruits and vegetables, make sure to provide a variety of options to ensure your dragon gets the necessary nutrition.
Additionally, avoid citrus fruits, as they contain citric acid which can be harmful for your lizard.
What are the times to feed a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons should be fed on a regular schedule but the schedule may vary depending on the age of the dragon. Baby dragons should be fed every day, while adult dragons should be fed every other day.
Feeding times in the morning and evening are ideal, so the dragon can digest their food properly and will be more active throughout the day. For baby dragons, the recommended servings are small meals throughout the day.
A good size portion would be about the size of the dragon’s head and it should be eaten within 15 minutes. For adult dragons, each serving should be enough to cover the size of their head and should also be eaten within 15 minutes.
It is important to never leave excess live food in the enclosure as it can cause health problems for the dragon. Additionally, it is recommended to provide a diet rich in greens and fruits, in addition to live food.
Finally, water should always be available for bearded dragons to drink.
Do bearded dragons need daily baths?
Bearded dragons benefit from weekly or biweekly baths, but they do not require a daily bath. Bathing should be done in lukewarm water that is no deeper than the beardie’s chest. Make sure there are no soaps, detergents, or shampoos in the water.
While it may look like your beardie is enjoying a daily bath, too much exposure to water can have negative health effects. Additionally, if your beardie is shedding, soaking them too often can trap moisture in the shed skin and cause bacterial or fungal infections.
For bearded dragons housed outdoors, a shallow dish of warm water may be provided daily for their drinking and bathing pleasure.
What live food is for bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons can be fed a variety of live food items. Popular items that should make up a significant portion of their diet include live insects, such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, and waxworms.
Smaller insects, such as roaches, should be fed in moderation as they can be challenging for bearded dragons to digest. Other live foods to offer occasionally include earthworms, silkworms, superworms, and phoenix worms.
It is important to note that live feeders should be gut-loaded with a quality insect feed and dusted with calcium powder prior to feeding them to your bearded dragon. You may also offer an occasional pinky mouse or hopper mouse as an additional dietary source of protein.
Can Beardies eat cucumber?
Yes, Beardies can eat cucumber, but it should not be a staple food in their diet and should be fed in moderation. Cucumber is a great source of hydration and fiber, as well as being a great replacement for certain crunchy treats that tend to be high in fat, like nuts.
When feeding an adult Beardie cucumber, it should be cut into slices or cubes and be no thicker than one-fourth of an inch. Baby Beardies should be given cucumber that is shaved into thin strips or grated.
Cucumber should always be thoroughly washed and shouldn’t be served raw; it should be lightly steamed or boiled. It’s a great idea to mix cucumber with other vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, apples, potatoes, and grapes.
Cucumber can also be offered as treats, but never more than once a week. Be sure to remove uneaten cucumber to avoid the risk of bacterial growth. As always, fresh drinking water should be provided at all times.
How often can Beardies eat fruit?
Beardies can eat fruit as a part of their diet, but it should not be a major component. The rule of thumb is that fruit should make up no more than 10% of their overall diet and should be limited to no more than once a day.
In order for beardies to get the amount of minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that they need to stay healthy, most of their diet should consist of high-quality vegetables and proteins. Dark, leafy greens and other vegetables should provide the bulk of a beardie’s diet, while proteins can come in the form of insects and occasional servings of eggs, poultry, and lean meats.
Fruit should be offered as a treat and as an additional source of vitamins and minerals, but be careful not to overdo it – too much sugar can lead to health problems down the line. Overall, aim to offer your beardie fresh and nutritious ingredients in moderation to keep them healthy and happy!.
