Feeding bearded dragons to be their best

Feeding bearded dragons to be their best


Bearded dragons, those endearing lizards from Australia, are popular pets. Like all captive reptiles, they count on us for everything — including a proper diet.

Beardies are omnivores — that is, they eat both plant- and animal-based foods. Up to 90 percent of the plant portion should be veggies since fruits are less nutritious. Dark, leafy greens and orange, red or yellow veggies are great, but count out nutrient-poor items like iceberg lettuce or celery. Spinach, kale and related foods can be given but sparingly since they interfere with absorption of certain nutrients.

A wide array of pre-fed or calcium-dusted insects can meet a beardie’s animal protein needs. Fireflies are an exception since they’re toxic to bearded dragons.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is important, too, but get dosing details from your veterinarian first.

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