I have compiled a list of questions that are asked a lot on search engines and provided short answers to them. Some questions require a more detailed answer and links are thus provided that will lead to the full article with more detailed information.
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded Dragons are omnivorous and eat both plants and meat (Insects). Baby bearded dragons should have protein on a daily basis, but as they get older, they eat more vegetables and greens than insects. There are quite a few foods that are staples and can be fed daily. For a detailed list, read more about the Bearded Dragon Diet
Can you over-feed a bearded dragon?
Yes, when it comes to Protein. No, when it comes to greens. Sadly, many dragons eat way too much protein (insects), especially when it comes to worms. This leads to gaining too much weight and also contributes to many illnesses. Please visit the Bearded Dragon Diet page to learn the correct feeding habits for your dragon.
How often do you need to feed a bearded dragon?
Adult bearded dragons eat once a day, juveniles 2-3 times a day, and babies 4 times a day. Sick dragons that are on critical care or other foods that are not solid should eat 3 times a day unless told otherwise by a vet.
What is the best insect to feed a bearded dragon?
The best insect to feed a bearded dragon is silkworms and Dubia roaches, but since dubia roaches are illegal in some countries, the best substitute would be Hornworms. Just make sure to feed the correct size.
How much should I feed my bearded dragon?
A bearded dragon should be fed as much as it can eat in 5 to 8 minutes. Some dragons will stop when they have had enough; these dragons can be fed until they are full and do not want anymore.
Can bearded dragons eat fruit?
Yes, but only as a treat. Fruits contain sugar that is not good for them if fed continuously. Fruits must be fresh and organic is even better if available. Always cut in small pieces.
Are carrots good for bearded dragons?
No. It should only be fed occasionally because it contains a lot of vitamin A which can cause Vit A toxicity. Butternut squash that is finely chopped or grated is a better option.
Can bearded dragons eat avocados?
NO! Avocado is harmful and poisonous to bearded dragons. AVOID AT ALL TIMES.
Can bearded dragons eat apples?
Yes. Apples can be fed occasionally as a treat. Peel, remove seeds, and chop or shred finely.
Can bearded dragons eat bananas?
Yes, but I do not recommend giving it often as it is high in phosphorus which is bad for calcium absorption. Rather give mango or papaya as a treat.
Can bearded dragons eat bell peppers?
Yes, can be fed occasionally. Great taste and color enhancer for salads. (especially the red one). Discard the core and chop it finely.
Can bearded dragons eat blueberries?
Yes. It can be fed occasionally as it contains oxalates. Rinse well and cut in half before feeding.
Can bearded dragons eat broccoli?
Yes, but not recommended as it is high in oxalates and goitrogens that can make your beardie ill!
Can bearded dragons eat butternut squash?
Yes, excellent staple veggie that is high in fiber. Peel and discard the core, chop finely or shred.
Can bearded dragons eat cabbage?
Yes, but only occasionally and not recommended. Mustard and dandelion greens are a much better option.
Can bearded dragons eat celery?
Yes, they can eat the stalk and leaves occasionally because it is rich in fiber. Rinse well and chop finely.
Can bearded dragons eat chives?
No! Part of the onion family and should be avoided at all times. In addition, it contains a lot of phosphorus and is high in vitamin A.
Can bearded dragons eat cilantro?
Yes, it can be fed occasionally. Rinse well before serving.
Can bearded dragons eat corn?
Yes, but not highly recommended as the nutritional value has not yet been found 100% safe for bearded dragons. Rather feed something from the long list of bearded dragon foods that they can eat.
Can bearded dragons eat cucumbers?
Yes, but it is not recommended as it holds no nutritional value for bearded dragons. Good for dehydrated dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat dandelions?
Yes, it is an excellent staple that can be fed daily. Both the leaves and flowers can be fed. Be cautious tho to feeding wild dandelions as it may contain pesticides!
Can bearded dragons eat green beans?
Yes and should be fed occasionally. Rinse well and chop finely.
Do bearded dragons eat grapes?
Yes, but should only be fed occasionally as a treat because it is high in oxalates and water. Rinse well, remove seeds, and cut into smaller pieces.
Can bearded dragons eat kale?
Yes, but rarely as it is very high in goitrogens. Rather feed mustard greens.
Can bearded dragons eat kiwi?
Yes, but not recommended as it is high in vitamin C and oxalates. Rather feed apple or papaya.
Can bearded dragons eat lettuce?
Yes, but not recommended as it holds no nutritional value as it is mostly water. It can also cause diarrhea. Few leaves can be given to a dehydrated dragon. (Should however not be the only option to hydrate)
Can bearded dragons eat mushrooms?
No. Mushrooms are highly toxic for beardies and should be AVOIDED AT ALL TIMES!
Can bearded dragons eat mangoes?
Yes, they can eat it occasionally as a treat because it is high in vitamin A and sugar. Chop finely.
Can bearded dragons eat oranges?
No. Oranges have a high volume of citric acid and should be avoided at all times! (All citric fruits should not be fed).
Can bearded dragons eat parsley?
Yes, but should be given rarely. Rinse well before it is fed.
Can bearded dragons eat papaya?
Yes. They are a great source of fiber and are also high in Vitamin C and calcium. Good staple fruit. Peel, remove the seeds and chop finely or crush them.
Can bearded dragons eat peaches?
Yes, but only occasionally as it is high in goitrogens. Rinse, peel, remove the pit, and chop finely.
Can bearded dragons eat peas?
No. It has a very high phosphorus-to-calcium ratio and should be avoided at all times!
Can bearded dragons eat pineapple?
No. Pineapple is highly acidic and contains bromelain, an enzyme that digests protein, and thus it is not recommended. Rather feed apple on occasion.
Can bearded dragons eat spinach?
No, because calcium binds with spinach and thus cannot be digested. Should be avoided at all times!
Can bearded dragons eat strawberries?
Yes. It can only be fed occasionally because it is high in phosphorus and oxalates. Rinse well, remove stems, and dice into thin slices.
Can bearded dragons eat sweet potatoes?
Yes, but not recommended as it is high in oxalates and Vitamin A. Rather feed butternut squash instead.
Can bearded dragons eat tomatoes?
Yes, but it is not recommended. It contains citric acid which is not good for them. Red pepper, fed occasionally is a better option.
Can bearded dragons eat watercress?
Yes, but occasionally as it is high in vitamins C and A.
Can bearded dragons eat watermelon?
Yes, can be fed occasionally as a treat. Have little nutrition, but are high in water and good for dehydrated bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons eat zucchini?
Yes, but only occasionally as it is high in phosphorus. Peel and chop finely.
Can bearded dragons eat chicken?
No. You should not feed any kind of meat to your dragon as it can cause kidney damage because of the high protein. In addition, it is recommended to only feed live insects to minimize the bacterial build-up on “dead” meat. Chicken or any kind of meat that was slaughtered will have bacteria that cannot be cooked prior to feeding. Avoid it at all times! (You ever seen a beardie in the wild catch a chicken? Nope)
Can bearded dragons eat fish?
No. You should not feed any kind of meat to your dragon as it can cause kidney damage because of the high protein. In addition, it is recommended to only feed live insects to minimize the bacterial build-up on “dead” meat. Fish or any kind of meat that was slaughtered will have bacteria that cannot be cooked prior to feeding. Avoid it at all times! (Have you ever seen a beardie in the wild catch a fish? Nope)
Can bearded dragons eat grasshoppers?
Yes, but only if you can buy them as feeders, and should only be fed occasionally and gut-loaded before feeding. Do not feed insects caught in the wild as they can have pesticides or parasites that are harmful to beardies.
Can bearded dragons eat hornworms?
Yes, good for a staple protein. Hornworms are a good source of protein, hydrating with great nutritional value. Best feeder for picky eaters and an absolute must-have if you want to treat them.
Can bearded dragons eat mealworms?
Yes, but not recommended because they are low in calcium, and high in phosphorus and fat. In addition, the hard chitin shell is difficult to digest.
Can bearded dragons eat Silkworms?
Yes. Silkworms contain an enzyme called serrapeptase that makes calcium absorption more efficient. Also helps to reduce inflammation and the soft body makes it super easy to digest. It is an excellent protein staple diet. Silkworms are also available as canned food (by Exo-Terra) and it is the best treat on this planet for your beardie. (I promise)
Can bearded dragons eat mice?
No, way too much fat, and research has not yet determined if they are 100% safe to feed. Rather stick with insects.
Can bearded dragons eat spiders?
The simple answer is NO they cannot! Too many species of spider to determine which ones are safe and not. (I actually lost a beardie due to a spider she ate)
Please visit our Diet Page to view the complete Bearded dragon food list or the Supplement Page, if you are unsure about which Vitamins to give your dragon.
Have a question regarding the Bearded Dragon Diet that has not been answered? Please leave a comment and we will get back to you with an answer.
Have a nice day.
