Bearded Dragon Feeding Calculator – Chart and Schedule

Bearded dragons, those adorable miniature dinosaurs, can be fantastic companions. But hey, just like any other pet, they’ve got specific needs, especially when it comes to chowing down.

Lucky for you, you’ve stumbled upon the holy grail: the Bearded Dragon Feeding Calculator. Time to ensure your dragon dines like royalty!

Bearded Dragon Feeding Calculator

Feeding Schedule For a Bearded Dragon

Alright, first things first, let’s talk schedules. These critters are creatures of habit. Imagine if you got your morning coffee at a different time every day – chaos, right? Same goes for your beardie buddy.

• Breakfast Time: Start the day off right with some greens and a bit of protein. Think of it as their version of avocado toast, but with more insects.
• Lunch Hour: Midday munchies call for more veggies and perhaps a few more bugs. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
• Dinner Delight: Last meal of the day! Load up on those leafy greens, and maybe throw in a treat to keep things interesting.

Age	Feeding Frequency	Feeding Recommendation
Juvenile (<12 months old)	3-4 times weekly	Decrease insect intake, introduce more greens
Adult (> 12 months old)	2-3 times weekly (or less)	Reduce insect intake, monitor weight

Remember, moderation is key. Don’t go overboard – even dragons can’t resist the allure of a good buffet.

Good Food To Feed Your Bearded Dragon

Now, onto the good stuff – literally. Here’s what you should be piling onto your dragon’s plate:

• Leafy Greens: Kale, collard greens, and mustard greens – the holy trinity of dragon dining. Packed with nutrients and fiber, these leafy wonders are a must.
• Veggies Galore: Mix it up with carrots, bell peppers, and squash. It’s like a veggie medley party in their bowl.
• Protein Power: Crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms – oh my! Keep those muscles strong with a healthy dose of protein.
• Fruit Frenzy: Treat your dragon to the occasional fruit slice – just keep it in check. Too much sugar isn’t good for anyone, not even our scaly friends.

Variety is key here. Think of it as a dragon-sized charcuterie board – the more options, the merrier!

What Not To Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon Feeding Summary

Alright, listen up – there are some definite no-nos when it comes to dragon dining:

• Greasy Goodness: Say no to fatty foods like avocado and cheese. Your dragon’s waistline will thank you.
• Citrus Sabotage: Oranges, lemons, and limes might be tasty to us, but they’re a big no-no for dragons. Too acidic for their delicate tummies.
• Toxic Treats: Steer clear of anything toxic, like rhubarb or avocado pits. It’s a one-way ticket to a dragon disaster.
• Processed Junk: Just like you’d avoid fast food every day (well, most days), keep processed foods out of your dragon’s diet. Stick to the good stuff – they’ll thank you for it.

Food Type	Description
Greens	Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, kale, Swiss chard, bok choy, watercress, beet greens, escarole, chicory, endive, arugula, cilantro, parsley, basil, and spinach (in moderation).
Vegetables	Bell peppers (green, red, yellow), carrots, squash (butternut, acorn, yellow), sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, snap peas, zucchini, cucumber, okra, parsnips, and occasionally broccoli and cauliflower (in moderation). Avoid feeding iceberg lettuce and onions.
Fruits	Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, mango, papaya, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew), kiwi, apples (without seeds), pears, grapes (seedless), figs, and occasionally bananas and oranges (in moderation).
Insects	Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms (not as a staple, as they can be high in chitin), superworms (not for juveniles), black soldier fly larvae (calcium-rich), silkworms, hornworms, butterworms, and occasional waxworms (as treats). Avoid feeding insects caught in the wild due to potential pesticide exposure.
Supplements	Calcium powder (with D3 for juveniles, without D3 for adults), multivitamin powder (once or twice a week), and occasional probiotics. Dust insects with calcium powder before feeding.
Treats	Occasional treats include small amounts of fruits (e.g., berries, melons) and vegetables (e.g., carrots, squash) as rewards or to entice picky eaters. Avoid offering sugary or fatty treats.
Precautions	Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish. Avoid feeding large amounts of oxalate-rich greens (e.g., spinach) as they can bind calcium. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent spoilage and potential health issues. Monitor for signs of overeating or dietary imbalances.

Citations:

• How Often Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
• What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?