Bearded Dragons are omnivores that, within the wild, eat a mix of bugs and plant matter. As pets, they’re ideally given comparable bugs to these eaten of their pure habitat, in addition to greens and greens. Bugs could also be intestine loaded (fattened up) and dietary supplements could be added to their meals to make sure that they’re given a whole and balanced eating regimen. Beardies can be given some fruits, herbs, and crops as occasional treats. These treats could also be unhealthy when fed in too giant a amount, or they don’t comprise sufficient of sure vitamins for them to securely represent a big portion of the animal’s eating regimen, however are nonetheless secure moderately.
Sage is taken into account a secure deal with to feed Bearded Dragons. It may be given each week or so, nevertheless it shouldn’t make up a big portion of your lizard’s eating regimen.
Learn on for extra info on Bearded Dragons’ diets and whether or not they can safely be given sage as a deal with.
Click on Beneath to Skip Forward:
Bearded Dragon Weight-reduction plan
Within the wild, Bearded Dragons eat a eating regimen consisting primarily of bugs and crops. The precise meals they eat are decided by their habitat and, as pets, we must always goal to intently mimic their wild eating regimen to make sure that they get all of the vitamins and goodness they require. Younger Beardies will eat a eating regimen that primarily consists of bugs however, as they age, it will reverse, so that almost all of an grownup’s eating regimen is made up of plant matter with a small quantity of bugs, by weight, not less than.
With 80% of their eating regimen coming from crops, most of this could encompass greens and another greens. Roughly 5-10% of the plant component of their eating regimen could be made up of fruit and different crops.
Is It Secure to Feed Sage?
Bearded Dragons can eat some herbs, together with sage. Sage will not be poisonous to Beardies and is a secure deal with. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is among the most vital components when designing a eating regimen in your Beardie. General, your Beardie wants between one and a half and two instances as a lot calcium as phosphorus. It is because phosphorus binds to calcium, successfully rendering that portion of the calcium ineffective. An excessive amount of phosphorus, in comparison with calcium consumption, can result in a calcium deficiency which, in flip, could cause brittle bones and even deformities of the limbs.
The goal ratio is 2 elements calcium to 1 half phosphorus. Sage has a ratio of greater than 18:1 so it’s definitely a superb supply of calcium, and could be particularly helpful in case your Beardie will not be getting sufficient calcium from different sources. Nonetheless, an excessive amount of sage could cause abdomen upsets and diarrhea, so we suggest that sage solely be fed each couple of weeks.
What Greens Can I Give My Bearded Dragon?
Greens which are excessive in calcium and comparatively low in phosphorus, in addition to these which are low in oxalates whereas being nutrient dense are the most effective greens. Examples include kale or collard greens, which have a really excessive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio; cactus pads, with a excessive degree of vitamin C and antioxidants; and mustard greens, that are additionally excessive in calcium and supply nutritional vitamins A, C, and Ok.
The FoodData Central web page is a superb place to test the nutrient values of varied meals, utilizing the SR Legacy Meals tab.
Conclusion
Bearded Dragons make fascinating pets. They have a tendency to tolerate dealing with they usually have some uncommon quirks and habits that make them enjoyable to look at and work together with. One of many key facets of guaranteeing your Bearded Dragon pet is wholesome and match is to provide a healthy and balanced diet. This eating regimen will encompass a mix of stay bugs, leafy greens, and greens. You can also incorporate some fruit, herbs, and crops, however these must be given solely as a deal with and fed sparingly.
Sage is among the more healthy herbs you’ll be able to feed by way of its excessive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, however it could possibly trigger abdomen upsets so it shouldn’t type a big a part of their eating regimen.
Featured Picture Credit score: JumpStory
