Bearded dragons do not need bugs every day as part of their diet. Adult bearded dragons typically only need a single live insect feeding once a day or once every other day. When providing insects, it’s important to offer a variety of types and make sure that they are gut-loaded.
If you’re unable or unwilling to offer live insects, you can provide your bearded dragon with a gut-loading supplement instead.
What You'll Learn
What is the Recommended Diet for Bearded Dragons?
Before looking at how frequently bearded dragons should be fed bugs, it’s important to understand the basics of their diet.
Bearded dragons are omnivores and require a balanced diet to stay healthy. This diet should consist of both animal and plant material.
For the animal component, it’s best to offer a variety of live invertebrates such as crickets, mealworms, superworms, silkworms and waxworms.
For the plant component, vegetables such as bell peppers, squash, collard greens and dandelion greens should be offered.
Fruits such as apples, melons, and grapes can also be offered in small quantities.
Do Bearded Dragons Need Bugs Everyday?
Now that we’ve established the basics of the bearded dragon diet, let’s answer the question of whether or not they need bugs every day.
The answer is no, bearded dragons do not need bugs every day as part of their diet. In fact, adult bearded dragons typically only need a live insect feeding once a day or once every other day.
The Frequency of Insect Feedings
When it comes to insect feedings, the frequency and amount should be tailored to the individual needs of each bearded dragon.
For example, juvenile bearded dragons may need to be fed more frequently, up to twice per day, while adult bearded dragons can be offered a single insect feeding every other day.
How Much Should Be Offered?
In terms of the amount of insects to offer, it will depend on the size of the bearded dragon. Juvenile bearded dragons should be offered an amount of insects that is roughly the same size as the space between their eyes.
For adult bearded dragons, a good rule of thumb is to offer an amount of insects that is the same size as the space between their eyes or smaller.
The Benefits of Variety
When feeding insects to bearded dragons, it’s important to offer a variety of different types. The reason for this is that each type of insect offers different nutritional benefits.
For example, crickets are high in protein and fat while mealworms are high in calcium and waxworms are high in fat.
Offering a variety of insects will ensure that your bearded dragon is getting all of the essential nutrients that they need.
The Importance of Gut-Loading
In addition to offering a variety of insects, it’s also important to make sure that the insects are “gut-loaded” before feeding them to your bearded dragon.
Gut-loading is the process of feeding the insects a nutritious diet before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This ensures that your beardie is getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals that they need.
The Alternative: Gut-Loading Supplements
If you’re unable or unwilling to provide your bearded dragon with a variety of live insects, there is an alternative. You can provide them with a gut-loading supplement.
These supplements are formulated to provide your bearded dragon with all of the essential vitamins and minerals that they need. They are usually in the form of a powder that can be sprinkled over their food or mixed into a paste.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
