Bearded Dragon Food

Bearded dragon is commonly found in the dry and arid regions of the Australian continent. When it senses threat by an enemy, it puffs out its skin in the throat part, resembling the beard of humans. This self defense mechanism gives it the name, bearded dragon lizard. This lizard can grow to a length of 16 to 22 inches from head to tail. It weighs approximately 15 to 20 pounds. These lizards make good pets, because they are friendly and calm and kids also love them. They also eat a variety of foods and have limited requirements.

At home, bearded dragons can be kept in the aquarium. The size of the aquarium for an adult must be 50 to 60 gallons, whereas for young dragons it can be 10 to 15 gallon. You can add plants like dracaena and hibiscus in its enclosure. This lizard requires heat for proper digestion, so you will have to provide your pet lizard with a supplemental source of heat. For this habitat, accessories like incandescent lights, heating pad and infrared heat emitters are available in the market. A shallow pool of water in the cage is also important. Lack of proper heat and light can lead to sickness and the lizard will also not be able to eat properly. So make sure you take appropriate measures for the habitat.

What Do They Eat?

Being an omnivore, the diet contains variety of vegetables, fruits, and insects. But the quantity and size of meals matters a lot. Remember that the size or quantity - vegetables, fruits, and insects should not be larger than the space between its eyes. Large-sized meals can prove fatal for the little ones.

Insects

In the beginning, a young bearded dragon should be fed with insects. Make sure that the insects are not caught by the help of pesticides, it can harm the health of the lizard. Fireflies should be strictly eradicated from the list. Most common health problem seen is calcium deficiency. So you can coat some of the insects with a calcium supplement. Feeding the insects with healthy food before giving it to the dragon is also a good idea. Given below is a list of insects, which can form an important part of the list.

• Cricket: Cricket is the most popular and staple diet. The movements of a live cricket can help the lizard to eat well, as it loves things which move.
• Locusts: Locusts are larger than crickets, and are more nutritious too.
• Waxworms : Waxworms are high in fat content, hence should be given in less quantity. It should not be given everyday, but it is good for undernourished bearded dragons.
• Mealworms : Mealworms are not as nutritious as crickets and locusts, but can be given occasionally. Exoskeleton of mealworms can be hard to digest, hence avoid giving mealworms daily.
• Feeding earthworms and cockroaches occasionally is also nutritious.

Vegetables

Apart from insects, some other foods are vegetables and fruits. To satisfy its nutritional requirements, feeding it with green leafy vegetables is extremely essential. Ideally, at least 20 percent of the diet should consist of vegetables. Shred the leafy greens, and dice the vegetables finely, keeping the quantity of the food in mind.

• Green leafy vegetables : Include green leafy vegetables like mustard greens, parsley, turnip greens, spring greens, dandelion greens, collard greens, carrot tops and alfalfa pellets.
• Other Vegetables: You can include other vegetables like zucchini, okra, grated carrots,squash, peas, corn, bell peppers and sweet potato.
• Some Vegetables to Avoid : Vegetables like rhubarb and broccoli can be fatal for the bearded dragon, hence should be completely avoided. Also avoid lettuce by all means. Spinach in large amounts can reduce the calcium absorption by the body, which can lead to bone disease in the animal. So avoid it or give it in very less quantity.

Fruits

Many types of food can be included in the diet, but it should be included in very less quantity. Fruits should be shred and properly diced. Include fruits like apples, kiwi, grapes, dates, figs, tomatoes, papaya, melons, raspberries, peaches, and plums. Avoid bananas, as their high phosphorus content can affect calcium absorption.

Apart from these foods, make sure you provide it with a shallow bowl of water. To maintain the proper health of the bearded dragon, make sure the bright light coming from UV/heat or mercury vapor bulbs is appropriate. You can also let it outside in an outdoor basking enclosure, because the natural UV light can also aid calcium absorption, which will help to keep it fit and healthy.