Bearded dragons require a suitable diet of animal protein to aid in their development and cellular metabolism. 80% insects and 20% green vegetables should make up the diet of a 4-month-old bearded dragon, which should be fed three times per day. For their development to be strong and healthy, young, bearded dragons at this stage require protein. Due to their rapid growth at this age, it is extremely important that you consult a veterinarian right away if your young, bearded dragon isn’t feeding frequently.

Because they go through a process called bromination in the winter that reduces their activity level, adult bearded dragons can survive up to two months without feeding. However, a young, bearded dragon has to feed three times per day.

Adult bearded dragons should consume 30 to 40% insects, 40 to 50% vegetables, and 10 to 20% fruits as part of their diet. Dietary components like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals should address the bearded dragon’s bodily needs. It’s important to understand the nutritional content of fruits before feeding them to pets. High phosphorus can inhibit calcium absorption and lead to metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, hence the fruit should have high calcium and low phosphorus content.

Age	Diet ratio	Feeding frequency
0 – 4 months	80% insects and 20% vegetables.	3-4 times feeding per day
4 – 12 months	70% insects and 30% vegetables.	2-3 times feeding per day.
12 – 18 months	70% insects, 20 – 25 % vegetables, and 5 – 10% fruits.	1-2 times feeding per day.
18+ months	30 – 40% insects, 40 – 50% vegetables, and 10 – 20% fruits.	1 time feeding per day or rotation (weekly).

Bearded Dragon Diet by Age

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat

Adult bearded dragons should consume 30 to 40% insects, 40 to 50% vegetables, and 10 to 20% fruits as part of their diet.

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Bugs to avoid

As a source of protein and numerous other nutrients, insects, and bugs are a favorite food of bearded dragons. However, bearded dragons cannot safely consume all insects and bugs as some may be toxic. When bearded dragon consumes poisonous bugs, they secrete toxins, which can be lethal. One of the insects that bearded dragons should stay away from is lightning bugs.

Bearded dragons can die from exposure to lighting bugs because they contain a poison called lucibufagins, which is poisonous to the bearded dragons’ cardiac muscles. The following are some bugs that bearded dragons shouldn’t eat:

Fireflies
Butterflies
Ladybugs
Box elder bugs
Wild caught bugs
Caterpillars
Venomous insects
Wild tomato hornworms

What vegetables do bearded dragons eat?

Bearded dragons can and should have healthy vegetables within their diet to keep their digestive systems active and healthy. However, some veggies have excessive amounts of fiber and water, both of which can be harmful when heavily consumed. The key is choosing the right type of vegetables that can promote correct digestive health without negatively impacting Below is a list of healthy vegetables that bearded dragons can consume.

Vegetables bearded dragons can eat:

Carrots
Cabbage
Collard greens
Kale
Dandelion greens
Broccoli
Beet greens
Alfalfa hay
Kale
Parsley
Pumpkins
Yellow squash
Mustard greens
Bell peppers
Yams
Asparagus
Acorn squash
Parsnip
Watercress
Savory
Green beans

What fruits can bearded dragons eat?

Fruits make meals more palatable and provide bearded dragons access to minerals. Fruits should, however, be offered as treats or should make up 10% to 20% of an adult bearded dragon’s diet. They include sugar, which when levels become too high, can harm bearded dragons’ health.

It is important to consider the calcium-phosphorus ratio when choosing fruits.

The ideal calcium-phosphorus ratio for bearded dragons is 2:1 or 1:1. Because phosphorus prevents calcium from being absorbed from the intestine and causes calcium deficiency in bearded dragons.

The following fruits are good for bearded dragons to eat.

Apricots
Berries
Apples
Cherries
Grapes
Mangoes
Figs
Dates
Pears
Watermelon
Peaches
Pineapple

Bearded Dragon Guide

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

Bearded Dragon Names

How often do bearded dragons eat?

The frequency of feeding is crucial for young, bearded dragons. They need nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to ensure healthy growth when they are in the growing stage. The bearded dragon’s growth might be slowed down by an improper food and feeding schedule.

Feeding times by age:

0 – 4 months: fed 3-4 times per day
4 – 12 months: fed 2-3 times per day
12 – 18 months: fed 1 – 2 times per day
18+ months: fed 1 time per day

What do baby bearded Dragons Eat?

Baby bearded dragons require a sufficient amount of protein to promote the healthy growth of muscles and tissues. Insects should make up 70–80% of a young bearded dragon’s diet, with vegetables making up 20–30%. Baby beardies’ healthy growth is maintained when a protein supply and greens are combined in the right proportion.

A baby bearded dragon needs to be fed insects three times per day. Calcium, vitamins, and minerals are also present in insects and vegetables as young beardies are more prone to calcium deficiency and metabolic bone disease. Therefore, the right calcium source aids in the prevention of skeletal disorders and abnormal bone growth.

Insects should make up 70-80% of a young bearded dragon’s diet

Dr. Dilber Hussain

What should you never feed your beardie?

You should always check the calcium-phosphorus ratio, oxalates, sugar, fiber, and water content of any food you give a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons’ bones can be damaged by foods that are high in phosphorus and lack calcium. Oxalates-containing vegetables and greens are also harmful to bearded dragons.

In the body of the bearded dragon, oxalates react with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which blocks calcium absorption. Foods with excessive amounts of fiber and water are also detrimental to bearded dragon health. Constipation, diarrhea, and digestive upset can result from consuming too much fiber and water.

Foods you should NEVER feed your bearded dragon:

Onions
Mushrooms
Leeks
Garlic
Rhubarb
Avocados
Wild caught insects
Fireflies
Citrus fruits
Beet tops
Spinach

What about vitamins and minerals?

Bearded dragons’ bodies do not produce the essential vitamins and minerals and could be supplemented. These micronutrients are crucial for supporting healthy body functions. The skeletal system and bone formation depend on calcium and vitamin D3. Vitamin C strengthens the bearded dragon’s immune system and aids in the defense against foreign pathogens.

How much water?

Bearded dragons obtain water through their skin, food, and direct drinking. An adult bearded dragon requires 5 to 10 ml of water each day. Water is essential to keep bearded dragons healthy and hydrated. Dehydration can impair the body’s metabolic reactions as well as the skin and digestive systems.

New Pet Owner Summary: What to feed your Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are omnivores and can consume insects, vegetables, and a small amount of fruit
Their diet will change with age
Young bearded dragons need more insects & protein; fully-grown bearded dragons require more vegetables
Not all insects are safe – fireflies & wild-caught insects should be avoided
How long do bearded dragons live?

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AIW Veterinary Council

AIW Veterinary Council is a group of certified veterinarians or animal health professionals. We strive to publish information with diverse opinions and multiple citations. All content through the AIW Veterinary Council is either written or reviewed by professionals including but not limited to the people below. Dr. Dilber Hussain is a veterinarian, who studied veterinary medicine at the Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. After completing the degree, he worked as a veterinary surgeon in different vet surgeries and clinics in Pakistan. He is also working for Animal Welfare and Animal Rights in Pakistan. Besides this, he is giving lectures, some of them at the University of animal sciences, Lahore, and publishing articles about pet health, nutrition, diseases, and animal welfare issues. As an expert and animal rights activist, he often has to be at a court of justice to support lawsuits regarding animal welfare.

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