Bearded dragons (or “beardies” as they are affectionately known) can have a varied diet with plenty of healthy options. While some fruits and vegetables may be enjoyed more than others, overall, they can eat a wide variety of foods.
When it comes to asparagus, this vegetable is generally considered safe for beardies to eat. In fact, it is an excellent source of important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Asparagus also contains prebiotics, which are beneficial to gut health.
However, asparagus does contain oxalates, which can decrease the absorption of certain minerals and should be fed in moderation. It should be a part of a well-rounded diet and offered no more than 1-2 times a week.
When offering asparagus for the first time, start with just a few spears and observe to check for any digestive issues. As always, thoroughly wash or steam the asparagus before offering it to your beardie.
With a balanced diet and some fresh veggies, both you and your beardie can enjoy this nutritious asparagus treat.
Is asparagus OK for bearded dragons?
Yes, asparagus is generally considered to be OK for bearded dragons, but it should not be the primary component of their diet. It is recommended that bearded dragons have a varied diet that includes various vegetables and fruits, as well as high-quality insect protein.
Asparagus can be offered as an occasional treat in small portions for bearded dragons, particularly younger ones. However, it is important to note that asparagus can be high in oxalates, so it should not be offered too often.
In addition, the fiber content is relatively high compared to other vegetables, so an excessive intake can inhibit their ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. Asparagus should always be washed and cut into small pieces to make it easier for toddlers with bad eyesight to eat.
It’s also important to use asparagus without chemical or pesticide residues.
What foods are toxic to bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons may not be able to eat certain human foods, as they can be toxic. The major toxins to avoid include avocado, chocolate, caffeine, garlic, onions, apple seeds and rhubarb leaves.
Avocado is one of the worse for bearded dragons, as it can cause intestinal blockages, which is a life-threatening issue. Chocolate, which contains a compound called methylxanthine that is poisonous to reptiles, can potentially cause seizures, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing.
Other items such as garlic and onions can damage the blood cells and cause respiratory and anemia issues.
Apple seeds and rhubarb leaves also have toxic substances that are highly toxic to various reptiles, including bearded dragons. Apple seeds contain cyanide, while rhubarb leaves have an acid that can cause red blood cell destruction.
It is important to avoid feeding these foods to a bearded dragon. If these items are accidentally ingested, it is important to contact a vet as soon as possible.
What is the healthiest vegetable for bearded dragons?
The Bearded Dragon is an omnivorous reptile, meaning that it eats both plants and animals. As such, the healthiest vegetable for a Bearded Dragon depends on its individual needs. A wide variety of vegetables can be beneficial for Bearded Dragons, including dark leafy greens such as kale and collards, squash, bell peppers, and carrots.
Additionally, providing fruits high in Vitamin A, such as mango and papaya, can be beneficial to your dragon’s health.
As a general rule, the veggies should make up around 20-35% of the dragon’s diet. For best results, vegetables should be lightly cooked and then diced into small pieces. This will make them easier to digest and allow them to get all the nutrition they need.
A variety of vegetables is important, as that will allow your dragon to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals they require. As always, make sure to consult a veterinary nutritionist or a qualified reptile veterinarian if you have any questions about what is best for your dragon.
What vegetables can bearded dragons eat all the time?
Bearded dragons can eat a wide variety of vegetables, and the variety changes depending on the age of the dragon. Generally, young dragons should have a higher proportion of vegetables to protein such as dark leafy greens, squash, bell peppers, and carrots.
As bearded dragons reach adult size, their diets should consist of approximately 80% plant-based foods including collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, escarole, endive, carrots, squash, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes.
Some other vegetables that bearded dragons can eat include okra, Brussels sprouts, and sugar snap peas. If you are feeding whole vegetables, make sure to cut them into small pieces so that they can easily fit into their mouths.
Additionally, offer cuttlebones in their enclosure as they are rich in minerals and provide a good source of calcium. All vegetables should be properly washed before offering them to your dragon.
What should I feed my bearded dragon every day?
It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a variety of nutritious food items on a daily basis to ensure they receive the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy lifestyle. Generally, it is best to feed your bearded dragon a combination of insects, dark leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.
Insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms should make up the bulk of their diet. For the greens, many nutritionists recommend dark leafy greens such as mustard greens, collard greens, and dandelion greens as well as other vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots, and squash.
Fruits such as apples, mango, and papaya can also be offered as occasional treats. Make sure to dust all food items with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement to ensure your bearded dragon gets the vitamins and minerals required.
It is also important to avoid feeding your bearded dragon foods that are high in oxalates and phosphorus such as spinach, broccoli, and cabbage. Avoid feeding them foods such as avocado, chocolate, and any type of processed food.
Lastly, it is essential to provide your bearded dragon with access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Do bearded dragons need live food every day?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they need a balanced diet that includes both plants and animals. Generally speaking, they should be offered a varied diet that includes live foods, such as crickets and mealworms, as well as fresh fruits and veggies.
Live food should be offered daily, but in moderation — no more than 10-15 insects per day. If a bearded dragon’s overall diet consists mostly of live food, such as insects, there is a potential for health issues from a lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
To ensure a balanced diet, provide fresh fruits and vegetables twice per day, and live food on alternating days. Another option is to include some commercially-made diets which are formulated to meet the dietary needs of reptiles.
However, supplementing the diet with live food offers many benefits, including providing exercise and mental stimulation, so it should not be completely eliminated.
Do bearded dragons recognize their owners?
Yes, it is possible for bearded dragons to recognize their owners. Many owners report that their dragons seem to identify them when they enter the room. Bearded dragons often become excited when they hear their owner’s voice or see them, displaying behaviors like lifting their heads, wagging their tails, or stretching out their necks to observe their surroundings.
Regular handling and positive interactions with their owners can help create a bond between a bearded dragon and its handler, leading the dragon to recognize their owners and become increasingly comfortable with them.
However, this does not mean all bearded dragons will become bonded to their owners, as each individual lizard’s personality can still be very different. It is important for owners to take the time to build a strong relationship grounded on mutual respect with their bearded dragon in order to achieve a lasting bond between the two.
Can a bearded dragon eat too many vegetables?
Yes, a bearded dragon can eat too many vegetables. While vegetables are great source of nutrition, if they make up more than 40-50% of your dragon’s diet, they can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea and incomplete digestion of food, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Vegetables should also be dusted with a calcium supplement before they are fed, as some contain high levels of oxalates which lock up calcium. This can lead to metabolic bone disease and should be avoided.
Leafy greens should be offered daily but in limited amounts, generally utilizing approximately two cups per dragon two or three times a week. Vegetables should also be alternated in order to ensure a diverse intake of nutrients.
If you believe your dragon is eating too many vegetables, reduce the amount you offer, increase the diversity of the vegetables you feed, and consult with a qualified reptile veterinarian to ensure your dragon is receiving the proper nutrition.
Can Beardies eat carrots everyday?
No, Bearded Dragons should not eat carrots every day. Carrots are a nutritious vegetable that provide some excellent vitamins and minerals for your Bearded Dragon, but it is important to remember that Bearded Dragons are omnivores and need to have a variety that of foods in their diet.
Carrots should be offered sparingly, as a treat, and should not be the primary source of nutrition. Additionally, carrots should be chopped into small pieces to ensure that they are properly digested by your Bearded Dragon.
Since carrots are high in sugar, too many carrots can cause health problems in your Bearded Dragon, such as dental issues or diabetes. It is recommended that carrots should only make up 10-15% of your Bearded Dragon’s diet.
How often should I feed my beardie veggies?
It is recommended to feed your beardie a variety of vegetables as a part of their regular diet every day. Many beardies may be hesitant to try new vegetables but by offering them a wide variety will help them become accustomed to trying a variety of veggies.
It is important to try to offer variety as each vegetable has its own unique benefits to beardie nutrition and health. Vegetables should be offered at least once a day and can be the main meal, or can be supplemented with other feeders such as insects.
It is important to note that bearded dragons should not be overfed on any type of food, as this can lead to obesity, which can be dangerous for reptiles. Bearded dragons should be fed small amounts each feeding, to avoid over eating and help them get used to seeing vegetation as part of their diet.
In addition, it is important to give fresh vegetables each day and any leftovers should be discarded.
Can Beardies have veggies daily?
Yes, Beardies can have some veggies daily as part of their diet. Veggies provide important vitamins and minerals, so it’s important to give your Beardie a variety of veggies to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need.
Some good veggies to feed your Beardie include: dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards; carrots; squash; sweet potato; bell peppers; and green beans. To make sure your Beardie gets all the minerals and vitamins they need, mix up the types of veggies you feed them each day.
For example, one day, you could give them kale, bell peppers, and carrots; the next day, a mix of spinach, squash, and green beans; and then the next day, collards, sweet potato, and carrots. Be sure to cut the veggies into small pieces so they are easier for your Beardie to eat.
How many times a day do bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons typically eat once or twice per day, but their individual meal frequency can vary depending on their age, size, activity level and the type of foods they are consuming. Young bearded dragons tend to eat more frequently, sometimes as often as three times a day, while adults typically eat only once or twice per day.
The amount of food consumed per day should also increase as the dragon grows. A juvenile should consume 3–6 insects each day, while an adult will require 6–10 insects per meal. To ensure the dragon is getting adequate nutrition, it is recommended to supplement their diet with fresh vegetables and some occasional fruits.
Additionally, if providing food with a higher fat content, it should not be offered more than 2-3 times a week.
How long can bearded dragons go without food?
Bearded dragons generally don’t like to go without food, but they can go without food for several weeks in certain scenarios. Most pet owners try to keep their beardie’s fed on a regular 10-15 day schedule.
Furthermore, several factors such as age, size, diet, and environment will determine how long they can go without food.
Juveniles generally require more frequent feedings, with some experts recommending feeding every day or every other day. Adults require a less frequent schedule, with most beardies needing to get fed once every 10-14 days.
Overall, under ideal conditions, a healthy adult beardie can go for 2-3 weeks without food. However, during the summer months or when temperatures exceed 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s recommended that you feed the pet more frequently.
Lastly, bearded dragons in the wild typically consume more prey than their counterparts in captivity, and therefore do not need to be fed as often.