What is a bearded dragon and its diet?
Pogona or what we commonly known as
bearded dragons are a genus of reptiles containing eight lizard species. The name "bearded dragon" refers to the armor of spiny reptilian scales, which include a “beard” of spikes under its chin that puffs up depending on its mood, most often as a result of stress.
Among the most popular pet reptiles the central bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps, is the most common species to have as a pet.
Bearded dragons are omnivores – eating insects and plants. They can eat a wide range of live food such as crickets, mealworms and kingworms; vegetables such as sweet potato and pepper and leafy greens such as kale and parsley. They can also eat fruit. Juvenile dragons should be fed daily, while adults can be offered food every second day.
A common bearded dragon diet are mealworms, waxworms, dubia roaches and crickets. Veggies should make up 20% - 25% of a young bearded dragon's diet and half of an adult’s. Favorites include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, zucchini and shredded carrots. The vegetables and fruits should be shredded into small pieces and mixed together to encourage the Bearded Dragon to eat all that is offered, and not just pick out his favorite foods.
More to read? Here are some references
>
What you will need, before getting a bearded dragon
>
Know more about bearded dragon care FAQ
>
Bearded Dragon Substrates
>
Bearded Dragon Habitat