Bearded Dragon Diet: Captivity Made Easy
What is with domesticated wildlife that's healthy and happy? Any pet owner knows how important it is to provide pets with an environment that mimics its natural habitat to be able to survive and reach reproductive viability.This is the goal of breeders. Anyone who wishes to keep bearded dragons for a pet must do the same, and pay special attention to bearded dragon diet.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous as they can feed both on plants and insects. Under domesticated conditions, the bearded dragon diet can consist of both with a higher proportion of insects when they are still juveniles for more protein. This shifts towards higher ratio of vegetation for food is encouraged with maturity. Leveling both food sources helps in maintaining balance to their needed essential nutrients. If you are having a hard time in balancing the nutritional requirements, you need not worry since there are commercial supplements available for your beardies.
To have a nutritionally balanced diet, fed the beardies with a variety of vegetables like carrot tops, alfalfa, celery, squash, beans and many more. They can also be fed with flowers and fruits. Sources of protein contained in the bearded dragon diet may be from insects, roaches, pinkie rats, small lizards and minced meats. However mealworms should not be given because of their chitin exoskeleton, on the other hand, super worms and wax worms must be given occasionally because of the high fat content. Other insects in the wild are not recommended because of possible pesticide contamination. Big insects are not also advisable because it may cause impaction and death. As a general guide, any insect longer than the width between their two eyes or their mouth endings is too much for them.
Bearded dragons can live for ten or more years. The common cause of death among them are diseases, however, this can be prevented by giving the right food and sunlight. Examples include, bone-related diseases caused by calcium deficiency and egg binding, this when eggs are not formed. Certain food must also be avoided particularly those containing oxalates that hinders effective calcium absorption.
Having wildlife inside a home comes with responsibility. A great way to start is through making sure that your bearded dragon enjoys a healthy diet.