What foods can my bearded dragon eat? Is lettuce, banana, or berries safe?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on January 29th, 2018

  Her diet is not nutritionally balanced. An adult beardie (12 months and older) should be eating mostly fresh greens and vegetables, about 75-80% of the diet with the remainder comprised of protein (crickets, dubia roaches, etc). For juveniles, the percentages are reversed. All food should be appropriately sized to make eating easier. The rule of thumb is to offer no greens or prey that is bigger than the space between the eyes. A multivitamin and a calcium supplement are also critical to good health. A bearded dragon also need appropriate temperature and UVB lighting. There should be a cool side, warm side and a basking area. The UVB light should be unobstructed and no more than 14-16 inches from th3e surface of the tank. You can find specifics for diet and environment here: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1796&aid=2730 The gagging may be diet related or not. The black beard is a sign of stress. These symptoms could be nutritional, environmental or medical in cause. Ideally, she should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. For now, correct any environmental or nutritional parameters if necessary. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes daily. This will provide warmth and hydration. If there are constipation issues, a gentle abdominal massage (front to back) during the soak may stimulate defecation. If the behavior persists or worsens, a physical exam with a vet would be strongly recommended. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites.

  

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on May 13th, 2018

  A young bearded dragon, under 1 year old, should be fed daily. Fed a variety of appropriately sized prey including crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and Phoenix worms. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. This can be done by feeding a high protein baby cereal or tropical fish flakes. Dust all prey with a multivitamin. Dust all prey, except phoenix worms, with a calcium supplement. Feed as many as he will eat in 10-15 minutes. Offer fresh greens and vegetables as well. Be sure they are diced small enough to eat easily. You can review care information at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

  

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on June 3rd, 2017

  Yes, these can be fed to a bearded dragon. All prey should be appropriately sized, no bigger than the space between your beardie's eyes. Prey should also be gut loaded for 24 hours prior to offering and dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement. The frequency of dusting depends on age. Some plant matter should also be offered. It should make up about 20% of the diet. Green beans, collard greens, escarole, squash, carrots, mustard greens, cantelope, raspberries and mango are just a few veggies and fruit that can be fed.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful