Bearded dragons are omnivorous, so they should have a balanced diet between plant matter and animal protein, like crickets and worms. As for vegetables, the best vegetables for bearded dragons include collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, kale, endive, carrot tops, shredded carrots, parsley, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, and pumpkin.
If giving bell peppers, remove the white bits inside the pepper as they can be hard to digest. Be careful not to overfeed them vegetables, as consuming large amounts of leafy greens can make them sick.
Also, keep in mind that some vegetables are higher in oxalates, like spinach and carrots, meaning it’s best to feed them in moderation. When it comes to fruits, stick with mango, papaya, apples, pears, blueberries, raspberries, melons, and bananas.
Lastly, try offering some cooked beans and grains like quinoa, barley, and lentils. All these vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals for a bearded dragon’s diet.
What is a bearded dragon’s favorite vegetable?
Bearded dragons have a diet that is mostly plant-based. They enjoy eating a variety of fruits and vegetables such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, and escarole. In addition, they enjoy a variety of squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
They also love munching on bell peppers, snap peas, and okra. In general, they enjoy virtually any vegetable that is dark green and leafy. Bearded dragons should always have access to a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Insects should also be provided as a treat on occasion to provide additional protein.
Do bearded dragons need to eat everyday?
Yes, bearded dragons need to eat every day in order to stay healthy and active. Depending on the age of the dragon, they should be fed a variety of fresh vegetables, dark leafy greens, fruits, insects, and commercial bearded dragon foods.
In general, adult bearded dragons should be fed every day, while hatchlings should be fed twice a day. The amount of food will vary depending on the size and age of the dragon, but should be monitored regularly to ensure the dragon is healthy and receiving a balanced diet.
What should I not feed my bearded dragon?
It is important to remember that bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning that they eat a diet of both plants and meat. You should not feed your bearded dragon anything that is high in phosphorus, calcium or fat.
It is best to avoid feeding your dragon any type of wild caught insects, as they may contain parasites or other unwanted bacteria. Some foods to avoid include kale, iceberg lettuce, corn, spinach, and brussel sprouts.
These vegetables are considered to be too high in calcium and/or phosphorus. Other foods that should be avoided include citrus fruits, fatty meats, and processed foods. Sugary snacks, such as ice cream, cake and candy, should be avoided as they are unhealthy and will not provide your dragon with the necessary nutrition.
All insects and prey items should be as small as possible and gut-loaded with a quality commerical product. Some better options to feed your bearded dragon include dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, escarole, turnip greens, endive, mustard greens, and hornyhead worms.
To supplement the bearded dragon’s diet, you can offer foods such as cricket, superworms, silkworms, mealworms, roaches, etc.
Can I feed my bearded dragon vegetables everyday?
Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon vegetables every day. Vegetables should make up about 50-70% of their diet. Common vegetables for bearded dragons include bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, corn, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
However, you should be aware that some vegetables contain high amounts of oxalates or goitrogens, which can interfere with the absorption of certain minerals, so it’s important to vary the vegetables you provide as part of your bearded dragon’s diet.
For example, you should only provide corn occasionally, and should avoid spinach, beet greens, and Swiss chard altogether. It is also important to remember to provide your bearded dragon with some form of insect protein, such as crickets, mealworms, or roaches, as insect protein makes up the other part of their diet.
Finally, you should also provide a vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure that your bearded dragon gets the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Can bearded dragons eat too much vegetables?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat too much vegetables. In general, it is recommended that vegetables make up no more than 30 percent of your dragon’s diet. A diet consisting of too many vegetables can lead to obesity and gastric problems such as diarrhea and regurgitation.
It can also lead to nutritional deficiencies such as calcium deficiency and metabolic bone disease (MBD). Too much vegetable can also lead to Vit A toxicity, which can impair the immune system and lead to other health problems.
It is best to provide a balanced diet to your dragon with a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
How much vegetables should bearded dragons eat a day?
Bearded dragons should eat a varied diet of mainly vegetables supplemented with a small quantity of protein. An adult bearded dragon should have about a third of their diet consist of leafy greens and vegetables, with the remainder being a combination of insects, flowers, and/or fruit.
In terms of exact quantities, an adult bearded dragon should consume about one to two cups of vegetables every day. For juveniles, the portion size should be much smaller and tailored according to their size.
You should also switch up the types of vegetables your dragon eats, while making sure they include at least one source of calcium and one source of vitamin A. Some great vegetables to feed them include collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, romaine lettuce, endive, escarole, kale, chard, radicchio, parsley, cilantro, alfalfa, sweet potatoes, winter squash, apples, strawberries, bell peppers, and more.
When in doubt, consult a veterinarian to be sure you’re offering your bearded dragon a balanced and nutritious diet.