How do I Provide a Balanced Diet for my Bearded Dragon, and Save Money
In the wild bearded dragons will eat a variety of foods including insects, meats, fruits and other plant material, which should be duplicated in captivity as much as possible.
Below is a summary of food items which should be routinely provided to your bearded dragon:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables should form a large part of a bearded dragons diet.
- A meat mix which containers reptile supplement should also be provided. This comprises of low fat meat (i.e. ox heart) and a reptile supplement that has a wide range of nutrients a reptile needs. As this meat mix can be frozen, it is a very cost effective and easy way to feed your bearded dragon. A less natural alternative to meat mix is commercial dragon food pellets.
- Feeder insects such as crickets, cockroaches and mealworms should be given as a treat, once or twice a week.
- Bearded dragons will eat every day if food is provided, however it should be limited to 2-3 days per week with the remaining 4-5 days as fasting days. Feeding can be increased if they become underweight.
Bearded dragons require a good calcium source and if kept indoors also need vitamin D. Dusting foods with vitamin powders which contains these and other vitamins/minerals is beneficial every second feed and with feeder insects.
Check out our Wildlife Hub Care Sheets – Reptile Meat Mix Recipe