Bearded dragons have a varied diet, but their favorite insect is as locusts. They also like to eat crickets, superworms, Silkworms, Phoenix worms, and roaches. Bearded Dragons should not be fed wild caught insects as these may have unknown species and may contain parasites.
Commercial diets like mealworms can be supplemented with other insects to ensure a varied diet. Additionally, small amounts of dark leafy greens and vegetables such as kale, bell peppers, and squash are also recommended.
Fruits such as mango, figs, and kiwi can also be offered occasionally, but should not be the basis of their diet plan as they are higher in sugar. Lastly, a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement should be added to their food to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
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What is the insect to feed my bearded dragon?
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, insects should be your reptile’s primary source of nutrition. Popular insect options include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, and earthworms. You should choose a variety of different insects to provide a balanced diet.
Make sure that all the insects you feed your dragon are gut-loaded (have recently been fed) with nutrient-rich foods such as sweet potato or carrots. Additionally, insects should be dusted with calcium powder to ensure your dragon receives the calcium it needs.
Offer your dragon an appropriate amount of insects three times a day; any uneaten insects should be removed after 30 minutes as they can carry parasites which could adversely affect your dragon. Insects should be a staple in your dragon’s diet, especially while they are growing.
After they reach adulthood, you can consider introducing some fresh vegetables to their diet as well.
Are crickets or superworms better for bearded dragons?
It depends on personal preference, the age and size of your bearded dragon, and the nutrition needs of your beardie. Crickets are considered the most common feeder insect for bearded dragons, although there are some benefits to using superworms instead.
In general, superworms are larger and bring more nutrition than crickets. They provide extra protein, fat, calcium, and vitamins. On the other hand, they may be more difficult to digest and may cause more issues with indigestion.
They also tend to be higher in fat, leading to obesity if fed in excess.
Overall, if you choose to feed your beardie superworms, it’s important to do so sparingly and keep your beardie active through exercise. For the majority of feedings, crickets should be the main insects fed, as they are more digestible and not as carby as superworms.
Variety is key when it comes to feeding your beardie, so rotating between both of these will ensure that your bearded dragon is getting all the nutrition it needs and staying healthy.
Do I have to feed my bearded dragon live insects?
No, you do not have to feed your bearded dragon live insects. Many bearded dragons are perfectly content with eating pre-packaged freeze-dried or canned insects, such as mealworms or crickets. In fact, it is often recommended to avoid feeding your bearded dragon live insects due to the potential for biting and parasites.
If you do choose to feed your beardie live insects, it is important to do so responsibly. Provide a safe and clean habitat for the bugs, as many of the more common commercial insect sources can have a variety of parasites or diseases.
It is also important to dust the insects with a supplement such as vitamin D3 or calcium so that your bearded dragon is receiving the proper nutrients. Additionally, it is important to monitor the size of the insects you feed, as an overly large insect can injure the bearded dragon.
If you do decide to feed your beardie live insects, it is best to only use them as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet.
What is an alternative to crickets for bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They require a balanced diet of proteins, vegetables, and occasional fruits. Although crickets are the most commonly used food source for bearded dragons, there are several good alternatives which offer a greater variety of nutrition for these beloved pets.
Mealworms are a great alternative to crickets and are very nutritious for bearded dragons. They are high in calcium and protein, and can be offered in dried, freeze-dried, or live forms. They can also be juicy treat for bearded dragons.
Another option for bearded dragons is Phoenix worms, which are high in calcium, protein, and have a high nutritional value. They are also rich in fat and low in fiber, which means they are easy to digest and can be a great source of nutrition for bearded dragons.
Baby and/or adult silkworms can also be offered as an alternative to crickets. They offer an array of vitamins and minerals, and are very easy to digest. They are also a good option for picky eaters.
Finally, consider offering waxworms and other silverfish, like shrimp and earthworms, to bearded dragons as an alternative to crickets. All of these are high in both protein and calcium and can be incorporated into a well-rounded diet for bearded dragons.
Is it OK to feed bearded dragon dead crickets?
No, it is not OK to feed a bearded dragon dead crickets. Although some bearded dragon owners provide their pets with food that has been killed prior to consumption, this practice is not recommended. Dead prey can cause choking, digestive problems, and other health issues.
Bearded dragons that are fed dead prey are also more prone to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Furthermore, feeding a bearded dragon dead crickets can rob them of their natural prey-capturing behaviors.
If possible, live prey should always be used when feeding your bearded dragon.
Can bearded dragons live off just mealworms?
No, a bearded dragons diet should never consist solely of mealworms. Bearded dragons are insectivores, meaning their diet should contain a variety of insects and other meaty sources like crickets, waxworms, and roaches.
Mealworms should be given in moderation and used as a supplemental treat only. A healthy and balanced diet should also include fresh vegetables and some fruit. Vegetables should make up the majority of a bearded dragons diet, with a few pieces of fruit added occasionally.
A varied diet is essential for maintaining health and supporting proper growth and development.
Do bearded dragons need to eat bugs everyday?
No, bearded dragons do not necessarily need to eat bugs every day. Insects should only make up a small portion of their diet, as they require a variety of different foods to remain healthy. In fact, many veterinarians recommend that insect proteins only make up a quarter of their diet.
The insects that are fed to a bearded dragon should always be gut-loaded with nutritious food and be dusted with vital vitamins and minerals that are necessary for their health. These insects should also be no larger than the space between their eyes.
In addition to insects, bearded dragons also need a variety of vegetables, squashes, and fruits every day. These should make up the majority of their diet and should be prepared in a way that meets the nutritional needs of the lizard.
Additionally, owners may choose to supplement bearded dragon diets with pellets and other commercial foods.
Overall, while insects are necessary to provide essential proteins and nutrients to bearded dragons, they should not necessarily be the only thing that they consume on a daily basis. A combination of insects, vegetables, squashes, and fruits should be included in their diet to ensure that they are getting all the nutrition that they need.
Can Beardies eat carrots everyday?
No, Beardies should not eat carrots everyday. Carrots are high in sugar and can contribute to weight gain in reptiles. Too much sugar in a Beardie’s diet can also produce a Vitamin A toxicity, which can cause deformities and serious health issues.
Carrots should be fed in moderation as part of a varied diet and should never exceed more than 10-20% of their total diet. Additionally, the carrot should be cut into small pieces because they are hard to digest and may cause impaction if not chewed properly.
For variety, fresh vegetables and dark greens should be added to a Beardie’s diet. Good options include: dark leafy greens, like kale or collards; squash; green beans; bell peppers; and asparagus. Be sure to remove any inedible parts of the vegetable, like leaves or stems, as Beardies can choke on them.
Along with these vegetables, fruits can be offered as an occasional treat. Dried fruits, like mangos, papayas, and apricots, should be avoided.
