A bearded dragon can go 3-7 days without eating with no ill effects. However, there are a few factors that influence how long bearded dragons should go between feedings. Younger bearded dragons need more nutrients, so they have to eat more often than adults. Pregnant or lactating females may need more food because of pregnancy/nursing.
What You'll Learn
Understanding a Bearded Dragon’s Nutritional Needs
Before we look into how long a bearded dragon can go without food, it’s essential to understand their nutritional needs. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they require both plant-based and animal-based foods in their diet.
In nature, bearded dragons eat a lot of different things, like bugs, fruits and veggies. Crickets, mealworms, wax worms, superworms, and roaches are some of the insects they like. And for greens, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and turnip greens are some of their favorites. Plus, they like bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
How Long Can a Bearded Dragon Go Without Eating?
Now that we know what bearded dragons typically eat, let’s talk about the main point of this article…how long can they go without eating?
It’s not advised for bearded dragons to go without eating for more than two weeks because their bodies need to be replenished with nutrients regularly. If they don’t get enough food, it can cause health issues such as malnutrition, weight loss and even organ failure.
In some instances, adult bearded dragons can go two months without food, since they can enter a state of brumation, which is the same as hibernation in other animals. When they’re in this state, their metabolism slows so they don’t need to eat much.
Signs of Malnutrition in Bearded Dragons
Don’t let your adult bearded dragon go without food for more than two weeks. If it does, be on the lookout for signs of malnutrition.
Reduced activity, weight loss, dry skin, and a lack of appetite are some of the most common signs of malnutrition in bearded dragons. It’s essential to get veterinary care right away if you notice any of these symptoms, as malnutrition can be dangerous.
Tips for Feeding a Bearded Dragon
Now that we’ve gone over how long a bearded dragon can go without food, let’s discuss how to make sure your pet is always well-fed. Here’s a few ideas:
- Make sure your bearded dragon has a healthy diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
- Feed your bearded dragon in a different container so they don’t accidentally eat the substrate.
- Make sure your bearded dragon gets the right size of prey.
- If your bearded dragon isn’t eating, give them different foods and see which they like best.
- Keep an eye on your bearded dragon’s weight to make sure they’re getting the right amount of food.
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
