Food for Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are medium-sized Australian lizards known for their habit of puffing out their throats when excited or angry. There are actually a number of different species called by the same common name, but the inland bearded dragon is most frequently seen in the pet trade. All species are omnivorous and active during the day. In captivity, they can eat a variety of foods.

  1. Meat

    • Animal food sources are important for bearded dragons, especially when young. According to Doctors Foster and Smith, juvenile lizards eat about 80 percent animal foods and 20 percent plants. Older bearded dragons may eat more plant matter--as much as 85 percent, according to the Long Island Herpetological Society. Meat sources can include earthworms, wax worms, mealworms, small crickets, captive-bred cockroaches and occasional chopped meat or pre-killed pinky mice. Prey should be appropriate in size for the lizard, since too-large food may cause intestinal blockage in smaller dragons.

    Vegetables

    • Bearded dragons enjoy leafy greens and vegetables. Escarole, bok choy, collards, kale, and Swiss chard are all appropriate greens. Dandelion greens and parsley may be fed if from a pesticide-free source. Greens like beet and spinach should be offered only occasionally, due to their tendency to bind calcium. Owners should avoid iceberg lettuce, which has little nutritional value. Broccoli, okra, zucchini and other squashes, grated carrots, sweet potatoes and similar vegetables are also good for bearded dragons.

    Fruit

    • Bearded dragons may also eat fruit. Melons, berries, dates, grapes, figs, apples and many other wet fruits are appropriate. Cut fruit into small pieces and remove any seeds, including berry seeds, as they may cause intestinal problems if swallowed. Juicy fruits and vegetables provide these lizards with hydration, as they rarely drink from a bowl.

    Supplements

    • Calcium and vitamin supplementation can help keep pet bearded dragons in good condition. One easy way to offer supplements is by coating feeder insects in calcium powder before offering them to a lizard. These insects may also be fed specific foods or vitamin pastes to increase their nutritional value. Owners should avoid supplements high in vitamin A, since these lizards are susceptible to vitamin A toxicity. Supplements containing beta carotene provide the correct levels of vitamin A without the danger of poisoning.