Bearded dragons typically eat twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This depends on the size and age of the bearded dragon. For juvenile dragons (ages 4-24 months), you should feed them small mealworms, crickets, small amounts of finely chopped fruits and vegetables, gut-loaded insects, and calcium-rich feeder insects twice a day in the morning and evening.
Adult dragons (ages two and up) can eat fewer meals per day, around three to four times a week. A good rule of thumb is to feed your adult dragon twice in the morning and once in the evening. Feeding times should remain consistent.
Table of Contents
What is the feeding schedule for a bearded dragon?
The feeding schedule for a bearded dragon varies depending on the age of the dragon. Generally, baby and juvenile bearded dragons should be fed daily, while adult dragons should be fed every other day.
The type of food you feed your bearded dragon should also vary depending on their age.
Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should be fed a combination of insects, such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and silkworms. These can be given in small portions once daily. In addition, babies and juveniles should also have small amounts of leafy greens and vegetables every day.
A baby or juvenile bearded dragon can also have a few live insects in their enclosure for them to hunt and eat.
Adult bearded dragons should have a higher proportion of vegetables and greens in their diet. Adult bearded dragons should be given mixed greens, such as dandelion greens, mustard greens, and collard greens, as well as vegetables such as squash, carrots, and bell peppers.
As with babies and juveniles, adult bearded dragons can still occasionally eat small amounts of insects, such as crickets and mealworms, but they should not be the main food source.
The size and type of food offered to a bearded dragon should be based on the size of the dragon. It is important to vary their diet, as too much of any one food can be unhealthy and lead to nutritional deficiencies.
In addition, foods should be dusted with a calcium supplement at least twice a week in order to provide enough calcium to support strong bones and muscles.
It is also important to ensure that a bearded dragon is getting enough UVB light. UVB is necessary for the metabolism of calcium, which is essential for the health and growth of a bearded dragon.
How much does a bearded dragon eat a day?
On average, a bearded dragon should be fed a variety of vegetables and fruits, and some proteins such as small insects, at least once a day. During the first year of life, juvenile dragons should be fed up to three times a day.
The quantity of food that a bearded dragon eats depends on its size, age, and activity level. As a guideline, a juvenile dragon should eat as much as they can in 15 minutes. An adult dragon should eat no more than the quantity of food that can fit within its head.
For reptiles, food quantity is not as important as food variety. Make sure to include both plant-based and animal-based proteins in their diet. Plant-based proteins can be anything from spinach and kale to sweet potatoes and carrots.
Animal-based proteins can include crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. In addition, some reptile owners feed their bearded dragons pinkie mice or live fish occasionally as treats.
For optimal health and development, it is important to provide a variety of fresh and nutritious foods for your bearded dragon and give them a balanced diet.
Do bearded dragons need live food every day?
Bearded dragons do not need to eat live food every day. In fact, when given a varied diet, live food should only account for 20-30% of their diet. A good diet for a
bearded dragon should consist of a variety of live food and a variety of prepared foods. Live food can consist of mealworms, locusts, crickets, waxworms, and other
insects. Prepared food can include collard greens, endive, mustard greens, turnip greens, parsley, and other leafy greens. You can also feed commercial pellet-based
foods, including dark, leafy greens and vegetables. Vitamin and calcium supplements should also be sprinkled on their food. Live food should always be dusted with a
calcium or vitamin supplement prior to being offered to the bearded dragon. It is also important to make sure that live insects are not larger than the distance
between the bearded dragon’s eyes as they may cause indigestion or other serious health issues.
Can you over feed a bearded dragon?
Yes, it is possible to overfeed a bearded dragon. Too much food can lead to severe health problems like a Vitamin A deficiency, metabolic bone disease, and even organ failure. If a bearded dragon is overfed, it can be difficult to reverse the consequences, so it’s important that owners take extra care not to feed their bearded dragon too much.
Bearded dragons are inefficient eaters and have an instinct to eat as much as possible. This is why it’s important for owners to be mindful not to overfeed them. The right amount and type of food must be determined based on the age and size of the bearded dragon.
On average, a bearded dragon should be given one or two feedings per day and should only be given as much food as they can eat in a 2-3 minute period. It’s also important to give balanced meals that include a variety of proteins, like crickets and mealworms, along with vegetables like kale, collard greens, squash, and apples.
Fresh fruit should only be offered in limited quantities, as too much sugar can lead to health problems.
How much should you feed a full grown bearded dragon?
Feeding a full grown bearded dragon is dependent on the age, size, and activity level of the dragon, but generally, you should provide a full grown dragon with a diet of 50% vegetables and greens, 25% proteins, and 25% insects.
A good way to judge the amount of food to provide is by offering your dragon food equivalent to what can fit in the palm of their owner’s hand twice a day. This should be offered in equal proportions throughout the day, rather than all at once.
Also, asking one’s veterinarian or a reptile specialist is an excellent idea. They can provide you with specific instructions based on the size of your dragon. Bearded dragons also require a variety of insects and vegetables in their diet.
Some examples of fruits, vegetables, and insects to feed your bearded dragon include grasshoppers, mealworms, collard greens, mustard greens, squash, and carrots.
Water should also be offered to them in a shallow dish, as they also need to submerge themselves and also need hydration as part of their diet. Providing a source of natural ultraviolet light is also paramount, as this helps with digestion, growth, and appetite.
Additionally, have appropriate temps and create a safe habitat. Keeping these basic needs of your bearded dragon in mind is the best way to ensure their health, growth, and longevity.
Can I feed my bearded dragon dead crickets?
No, you cannot feed your bearded dragon dead crickets. Dead crickets can harbor bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to your dragon, potentially causing illness. Additionally, dead crickets are not going to provide any nutrition for your dragon, so it is important to only feed them live crickets so they can get the nutrition they need.
A healthy diet for bearded dragons includes live insects like crickets, mealworms, and waxworms, as well as fruits and vegetables.
How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?
Bearded dragons should typically be fed every day, and they should always have access to food. However, they can go up to two weeks without food in some circumstances such as a long-distance journey or during brumation.
When a dragon goes a long period of time without eating, their body will begin to use fat stores for energy. A lack of food for extended periods can lead to health problems, so it’s important to make sure your dragon always has access to food.
If you’re away for an extended period, you’ll need to arrange for someone to make sure your dragon is properly taken care of and fed. Doing so will ensure your dragon’s health and long life.
Is it normal for a bearded dragon to not eat for a day?
Yes, it is normal for a bearded dragon to not eat for a day. Bearded dragons have different appetites, and it is perfectly normal for them to go a day or two without eating. Some bearded dragons may also go through periods of decreased appetite or not eating for a few days at a time.
This could be due to a variety of factors, such as stress or changes in the surroundings. It is also important to note that during the winter months, many bearded dragons will naturally go through a brumation period where they may slow down their activity and eat little or nothing for several weeks.
As long as your bearded dragon is still drinking water and active, there is no need for concern if it does not eat for a day or two. However, if your bearded dragon has been not eating for more than a week, it could be an indication of something more serious and it is important to take it to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Why is my bearded dragon active but not eating?
Your bearded dragon might not be eating because they could be ill, stressed, or have just gone off their food. It’s important to inspect your dragon for any illnesses, as these can quickly spread, and to make sure that their environment is suitable for them.
Check that their enclosure is the correct temperature for them and that it has plenty of places for them to bask and hide. If there are any changes that you think could be stressing them out, such as rearranging their cage, loud noises or visitors, this could also be the cause.
In addition to inspecting your dragon and their environment, it’s important to make sure that they’re getting the right nutrition. If they’re not eating their typical diet, offer them a variety of foods to see if they’re interested in any new ones, as a lack of interest in their usual food could be a sign that their diet needs to be varied.
If possible, take them to the vet for a check-up to make sure that everything is ok. Ultimately, if your bearded dragon is active but not eating for more than a few days, it’s important to speak to an expert and look into further treatment.
