It is important to ensure that your Bearded Dragon is getting enough vegetables and greens in its diet. Most owners should aim to feed their dragons 80-90% vegetables. Greens should be offered daily and can be left in the enclosure all day, being replaced every 24 hours or when they show signs of wilting. Young dragons will eat more often than adults due to their need for extra energy while they grow, and should be fed twice a day.
There are many vegetables that Bearded Dragons can eat safely and these should make up a large portion of their diet. To ensure variety, you should rotate and mix the vegetables you offer daily.
If your dragon is not eating vegetables, this could be due to them overconsuming insects, too many supplements, or possibly being sick or in pain.
What You'll Learn
How Often Do Bearded Dragons Need Vegetables
Feeding Recommendations
When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, the general consensus is that 75-80% of their diet should be vegetables. For juvenile dragons, this should be supplemented with insects once a day. A daily salad of dark, leafy greens and other veggies is recommended for adults, while young bearded dragons should receive a mix of vegetables and insects twice daily.
That said, the frequency and quantity of vegetables in your dragon’s diet may vary depending on a few factors.
Factors That Affect Frequency
When it comes to feeding a bearded dragon, there are a few factors that can affect how often vegetables are needed.
Age is one of the most important factors as young dragons need more food, and this should include more insects than vegetables.
The size of the bearded dragon can also have an effect on the amount and frequency of feeding. Larger bearded dragons require more food than smaller ones.
Environmental factors, such as temperature, will also affect how much energy your pet needs. If the temperature is too cold, a bearded dragon may need more food to keep up with their energy requirements.
Finally, the activity level of your pet can influence how often they need to eat. Active dragons may need more frequent meals than those that are less active.
Vegetables in a Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Vegetables should make up the majority of a bearded dragon’s diet, with fruits and insects making up only 10-20%. A variety of vegetables are important to the health of bearded dragons, including leafy greens such as collard greens, dandelion greens, and kale. Other vegetables such as acorn squash, butternut squash, sweet potatoes and peppers can also be given.
The Best Veggies for Bearded Dragons
When it comes to the best vegetables for bearded dragons, the main criteria should be high levels of calcium and low phosphorus. Cactus pads and chicory are two great options with a calcium-phosphorus ratio of 2.3:1 and 2.1:1, respectively.
Other popular choices include carrot tops, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and dandelion greens. These leafy greens provide high levels of calcium as well as other essential nutrients.
Variety and Rotation of Vegetables
It’s important to provide variety and rotation of vegetables in your bearded dragon’s diet since they need a good mix of vitamins and minerals. Rotating vegetables every few weeks can make sure that your bearded dragon is receiving the essential nutrients it needs.
Dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens are great sources of vitamins and minerals. You can also give your dragon occasional fruits like papaya and mango as treats. It’s important not to overfeed them fruits though, as it can cause digestive issues.
Risks of Overfeeding Veggies
There are quite a few risks associated with overfeeding veggies to bearded dragons. Excess consumption of veggies can lead to issues like lethargy, lack of appetite, and bloating in bearded dragons.
Lethargy
Too many veggies can lead to a buildup of carbohydrates and sugar, which can cause your dragon to become sluggish.
Lack of Appetite
If you’re feeding too many vegetables too often, a lack of appetite can occur as the bearded dragon does not have enough time to digest its food between feedings.
Bloating
Bloating is another common symptom of overfeeding vegetables to a bearded dragon. When your dragon overindulges on veggies, their stomach can become bloated and uncomfortable, which will cause them to lose their appetite. Some other signs of bloating may include sluggishness and decreased activity levels.
Why Won’t My Bearded Dragon Eat Veggies?
Bearded dragons may not like the taste of certain vegetables or fruits if they have been offered them in the past. Some bearded dragons can also become so accustomed to eating crickets, roaches, wax worms, and other insect prey that they no longer want vegetables or fruit. There are several reasons a bearded dragon may refuse veggies. We will cover the most common ones below.
Overconsumption of Bugs
Bearded dragons have a natural inclination to eat insects, but this can sometimes lead to overconsumption. While bugs should make up around 15% of their diet, too much can lead to problems like lethargy and lack of appetite. If you think your bearded dragon is overconsuming insects, try decreasing their insect portions and increasing their vegetable portions.
Too Many Supplements
Another reason why a bearded dragon won’t eat vegetables is that they may be getting too many supplements. Too much calcium and vitamins in the diet can make vegetables unappetizing and cause bloating and lethargy.
It is important to monitor your dragon’s supplement intake and be sure to feed veggies daily. When introducing new foods, start with small portions and slowly increase the amount as your beardie get used to it.
Sick or in Pain
If your bearded dragon is not eating their veggies, it could be because they are sick or in pain. Bearded dragons won’t eat vegetables if they aren’t feeling well. If you think your pet is ill, it’s important to take them to a vet to get checked out.
It is also important to keep a close eye on their behavior and eating habits. If your bearded dragon seems lethargic or has a lack of appetite, it’s possible that something may be wrong. If your beardie seems bloated after eating, this could also be a sign of a health issue.
Key Points
- The best diet for a bearded dragon includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and feeder insects.
- Vegetables should make up 25% of the diet for young dragons and 75% for adults.
- To ensure your dragon gets enough vegetables, feed them daily and rotate the type of veggies they are eating.
- Be sure to not overfeed your dragon with veggies as this can cause lethargy, lack of appetite, and bloating.
- If your bearded dragon is not eating vegetables, there could be a few different factors at play such as overconsumption of bugs, too many supplements, or they may be sick or in pain.
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
