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Bearded Dragon Food Pyramid


The pyramid is a guide to feed your bearded dragons. You do not have to follow the schedule exactly (see special considerations). It is based off of research on the macronutrient and calcium requirements of various types of reptiles outlined in the Merck Veterinary Manual as well as individual scientific studies about wild bearded dragons' diets. This pyramid is also based off of what experienced bearded dragon breeders have found to work for their animals.

The bearded dragon food pyramid is designed to be a user-friendly guide. The foods on the bottom are the most important, however all the food groups are necessary for a healthy bearded dragon. The key on the right side describes how many times to feed this food group per a week. When the pyramid level is broken in half, you can choose either food group. The larger the section, the more important it is.
Bearded Dragon Food Pyramid

Introduction:

This guide is made to combat the incomplete knowledge of bearded dragon nutrition. Many new owners are confused about what to feed their pets while experienced owners are looking for the best diet possible.

It is amazing to think that this animal has been so successfully kept in captivity for many years, but up until 2015 no major studies on stomach contents had been conducted. Luckily, Oonincx et al. (2015) has been published and used to create this article. 

There is no such thing as a complete guide to bearded dragon nutrition because there is no realistic way for the in-home keeper to formulate a total diet. It is conventional wisdom that variety is the key to combat an incomplete diet, but that isn’t always the case. For example, almost all the foods a bearded dragon is fed will be deficient in calcium and iodine. This is simply a product of commercial agriculture raising plants and insects so that they grow as cost effectively as possible.

This guide will get you as close as possible to a complete diet without expensive scientific testing. The most important thing in any animal’s diet is feeding appropriate foods in appropriate ratios in order to get the correct balance of protein fat and carbohydrates. It will also help you understand other nutrients how to get them too.
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Key Food Groups:
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Greens:

This is by far the most important part of a bearded dragon’s diet, especially in a mature animal. Oonincx et al. (2015) found that plant material was over 50% of the stomach content of bearded dragons. The study did not analyze the nature of this plant material, but it is safe to say that greens are extremely healthy and likely closest to what a bearded dragon would consume in the wild. 

Greens should be feed every day. Greens generally can be divided into four categories, staple, occasional rare and never foods. To make a green an every day green, it must be rich in nutrients like calcium, low in phosphorus and low in anti-nutrients like oxalates and goitrogens. Occasional greens are rich in nutrients, but contain too high a level of oxalates or goitrogens to be fed every day.  Rare greens have very high oxalates and goitrogens. They should be avoided. Never greens have high phosphorus, low calcium and sometimes have high oxalates.

Staple greens are escarole, endive, alfalfa and dandelion greens.

Occasional greens are bok choy, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, watercress

Rare greens are kale, dark lettuces, parsley, swiss chard, spinach

Never greens are iceburg lettuce, cabbage

Insects:

Insects are the protein source for bearded dragons. 42% of the stomach volume of wild bearded dragons was composed of insects, and 61% of the stomach content by weight was composed of insects in the Oonincx et al. (2015) study. These were primarily termites. 

Most commercially raised insects are deficient in several nutrients, including calcium, thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin A and vitamin E. Since bearded dragons get a large amount of their nutrients from the plant portion of their diet it is less essential to dust or gut load insects than with a reptile that exclusively eats insects. However, it is a good idea to gut load rather than dust. This is because gut loading is much more effective.  Gut loading for bearded dragons should focus on calcium, as they can get most of the other nutrients that insects lack from the plant portion of their diet. The insects fed should also be low in fat content.

Ideal insects include crickets, roaches, hornworms and soldier fly larva (reptiworms). Insects that should be fed more sparingly due to their fat content include mealworms , superworms and waxworms.

Check out the nutritional analysis of some common feeder insects.

Vegetables:

This is the part of a bearded dragon’s diet that will bring in a diversity of nutrients and a ton of beta-carotene. Good vegetables are often bright in color and not too high in oxalates and phosphorus. Sometimes the healthiest foods are also the strangest, such as prickly pear leafs and hibiscus flowers.

Some of the best vegetables include acorn squash, butternut squash, bell peppers, prickly pear leafs, hibiscus, common button mushroom, okra, and pumpkin.

Other good vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrot, green beans, snap peas, tomato, yellow squash and cucumber.

Check out the nutritional analysis of vegetables.

Vitamin/Mineral Supplement:

Liberally sprinkle a vitamin supplement on the bearded dragon's food. A vitamin and mineral supplement is essential when feeding a home made diet to ensure no nutrients are missing, however there is quite a variety of supplements on the market. When looking for a supplement to a healthy bearded dragon diet, as outlined here, there are a few key nutrients one should consider. Most greens, fruits and vegetables are low in magnesium, iron and iodine. Make sure your supplement provides these nutrients as well as ample amounts of B vitamins. Often iodide is provided using kelp as an ingredient. Additionally, vitamin A should be provided in a beta-carotene form. The average healthy bearded dragon diet will provide more than enough vitamin A, and supplementing it in a retinol form can cause overdose. When offered as beta-carotene, a bearded dragon’s body can process out the excess vitamin it does not need.

Calcium Supplement:

Gut load all insects with calcium and liberally dust on other foods. A calcium supplement should be purchased separately from a vitamin and mineral supplement. This is because calcium needs to be supplemented in a much higher level than any other mineral. Most foods for bearded dragons are deficient in calcium and calcium is required more than any other mineral in reptiles. Also be sure that you have proper UVB lighting. Without UVB, bearded dragons cannot have enough vitamin D in their system to process the calcium they are eating. Supplementing calcium is useless without UVB lights as dietary vitamin D is not absorbed by most reptiles.

Fruit:

Fruit is a less essential part of the bearded dragon diet. Not only do they eat less fruit than vegetables in the wild, almost all fruit you can buy in the store is heavily domesticated and has little relation to the nutritional content of its wild relatives. Fruit should be used as a flavor enhancer more than a nutritional component of the food, but is great to feed in moderation.

Some healthy fruits include berries, cantelope, dates, figs, guava, kiwi, mango, oranges, papaya and pineapple.

Sources:

Oonincx, Dennis G. A. B., Jeroen P. Van Leeuwen, W. H. Hendriks, and A. F. B. van der Poel. The Diet of Free-Roaming Australian Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Zoo Biology. 34(3) (2015).

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Special Considerations:
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These dietary guidelines are designed for an average, healthy, bearded dragon. As with anything, if your reptiles are ill you need to consult a veterinarian for advice. That being said, there are some normal dietary considerations that apply to many bearded dragons. If your bearded dragon is sick, please check out our diagnostics page.

Brumation:

Similar to hibernation, many reptiles go through a dormant cycle in the wintertime. Assuming your husbandry is correct, this is perfectly normal. Their appetites will decrease so they many not need to be fed as much or as often. The most important thing is to ensure that they remain hydrated during this time. Bearded dragons get most of their water from their food and may not drink well from a bowl. Misting the glass wall for them to drink up “dew” when they are active is one common tactic to ensure hydration.

Obesity:

Many captive animals of all kinds suffer from obesity. The best thing you can do for an obese bearded dragon is feed only lean insect species and cut fruit out of the diet. Obesity is deadly. It can cause liver failure and many other issues. Supplementing with a very small amount of omega 3 fish oil is also wise to prevent liver disease in obese animals.

Juveniles and Breeding Females:

Young bearded dragons are growing fast and need more protein and calcium than older bearded dragons. It is wise to increase the amount of insects offered to them. Fatty insects are also a good source of energy for young animals. Make sure all insects fed are gut loaded with calcium. This also applies to females developing eggs, known as gravid females. 

Anorexia:

Not eating is a common occurrence with many pet reptiles. Usually the issue is with the temperature of the enclosure, or another husbandry problem. Ensure that your tank is up to standards and visit a veterinarian. In the mean time, water is the most important nutrient for bearded dragons. Make sure your animal does not become dehydrated. Also remember that eating any food is better than eating no food. Even if all your bearded dragon will eat is iceberg lettuce, this is better than not eating anything at all. Work on getting them to eat healthy foods, but again, unhealthy food is better than no food. For tips and tricks to get your animal to eat see our "appetite stimulation" page. 
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Key Nutrients:
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There are many key nutrients in a bearded dragon’s diet. Calcium is a particularly important nutrient that many beginner keepers do not offer enough of.  It is imperative to supplement your bearded dragon with calcium and provide proper UVB lighting.

The key nutrients are listed in alphabetical order.

Anthocyanin
Definition-natural plant flavonoid pigments that appear blue or purple
Function-a weak antioxidant that enhances color
Foods-acai, eggplant, blood orange, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry,
purple grapes

Beta-carotene
Definition-a red-orange pigment in plants that can be converted by some animals to vitamin A
Function-A vitamin A supplement for omnivores and herbivores that cannot be overdosed as well as an antioxidant that enhances color
Foods-carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach

Calcium
Definition-an abundant chemical element that essential for life
Function-building blocks for bones and teeth and an essential element for cell physiology
Foods-calcium carbonate supplement, prickly pear leafs, collard greens, oranges, soldier fly larva, mustard greens, bell peppers

Carbohydrates
Definition-a biological molecule made of chemically linked sugars. Carbohydrates include, sugars, starch and fiber.
Function-simple energy source for animals
Foods-almost all foods, especially plants

Copper
Definition-a chemical element that is an essential mineral
Function-Copper has many functions, including collagen formation, enzyme cofactors, incorporating iron into red blood cells and generation of energy from carbohydrates. It is usually abundant in foods for bearded dragons and inhibits zinc uptake, so copper intake needs to be limited.
Foods-spinach, turnip greens. asparagus, beans, nuts, kale, mushroom, pumpkin

Fats (lipids)
Definition-a biological molecule that is found in plants and animals
Function- a dense energy source and an energy storage method
Foods-waxworms, superworms, mealworms, nuts, seeds

Fiber - Click Here for More Information
Definition-a type of complex carbohydrate in plants that cannot be digested
Function-Fibers add bulk to the stool and are digested by gut bacteria in bearded dragons into essential fatty acids.
Foods- all vegetables and fruit

Goitrogens
Definition-substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormones
Function-These anti-nutrients should be avoided in excess in order to maintain thyroid health of bearded dragons. They are less harmful when proper iodine supplementation is provided.
Foods-cassava, soy, peanuts, strawberries, spinach, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, kale, turnip

Iodine
Definition-a chemical element abundant in the ocean that is an essential mineral
Function-key component of hormones made by the thyroid
Foods-kelp, ocean fish, shrimp, spirulina, scallops, standard table salt

Macronutrient
Definition-  A category of nutrients that makes up the bulk of foods. It includes protein, fat(lipids), carbohydrates and water.
Function-each macronutrient has a different function, but protein, fat(lipids) and carbohydrates can all provide energy. The ratios of these nutrients in a diet is extremely important.
Foods-all foods

Minerals (dietary)
Definition-a chemical element that is required by living organisms other than carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen
Function-builds bones, tissue, catalyzes biological reactions, transports oxygen and many more
Foods-all foods have some mineral content

Oxalates
Definition-a specific organic acid found in plants and animals
Function-binds with calcium to form kidney stones and prevents calcium from being used in the body
Foods-soy, nuts, beans, spinach, swiss chard, beets, collard greens, okra, blueberries, grapes, raspberries

Phytonutrients
Definition-chemicals naturally produced by plants that are not of conventional nutritional value
Function-functions vary but they are usually antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and promote liver health
Foods-plants, especially ones rich in color

Protein - Click Here for More Information
Definition-a biological molecule made of chemically linked amino acids
Function-maintains the structure of the body and excess can be used as an energy source
Foods-all foods have some protein, with insects being especially high as well as a decent amount of protein in nuts, seeds and greens

Phosphorus
Definition- an abundant chemical element that essential for life
Function-enables cell function and builds bones, but is easily consumed in excess in a bearded dragon diet. Excess consumption impairs calcium absorption and can cause muscle disorders.
Foods-asparagus, beans, soy, seeds, cricket, mealworms, mushroom

Vitamins
Definition-A vital organic compound that an organism cannot synthesize on its own. They can be divided into fat soluble and water soluble.
Function-each vitamin has its own function in the body
Foods-all foods

Vitamin A
Definition-a group of related fat-soluble nutrients (carotenoids and retinoids) that are essential for the body.
Function-In bearded dragons carotenoids can be converted to retinoids. Carotenoids come from plants and cannot be overdosed, so they are the safest form of vitamin A for bearded dragons. Vitamin A is needed for immune responses, night vision and many other functions in the body.
Foods-sweet potato, carrots, spinach, kale, dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens, pumpkin, butternut squash, cantaloupe, bell peppers, kelp, spirulina, tomatoes, papaya

Vitamin D
Definition-a fat soluble vitamin derived from UVB light or dietary sources
Function- needed to absorb calcium and other minerals from food
Foods-UVB lighting should be provided for bearded dragons so that they can synthesize vitamin D, numerous studies have indicated that dietary supplementation is not an effective source of vitamin D in diurnal reptiles. 

Vitamin E
Definition-a fat soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant
Function-protects against free radical damage, ageing and heart disease. It is especially crucial in a high fat diet. Most foods high in vitamin E are also high in fat, so a balance is difficult to achieve.
Foods-sunflower seeds, greens. almonds, broccoli
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Science Behind the Pyramid:
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(jargon warning!)

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The proportions of the pyramid are based on macronutrient balancing. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, omnivorous reptiles need a diet of 20-25% protein, 3-6% fat and 20-35% fiber on a dry matter basis.  The stomach contents in the Oonincx et al. (2015) study do suggest a natural diet has a higher protein content of about 45%, however considering the realities of captivity, it is more important to limit protein intake in order to limit excess calories and fat in the diet. 45% is not a requirement, but an observation, while the 20-25% protein recommendation is a protein requirement level. To achieve these macronutrient ratios the pyramid recommends how often to feed a portion of insects, greens, fruits or vegetables. There is a total of 18 portions of these food groups fed each week.

7 greens portions/18 total portions=38.9% greens
4 vegetable portions/18 total portions=22.2% vegetables
1 fruit portion/18 total portions=5.6% fruit
6 insect portions/18 total portions=33.3% insects

The most important macronutrient is protein. The diet aims to achieve a 20-25% dry matter protein content. Greens, vegetables, fruit and insects are typically 20%, 10%, 5% and 50% protein, respectively. Multiplying the % of protein by the proportion of portions gives us:

.389x20% + .222x10% + .056x5% + .333x50%= 26.9% protein

Therefor this food pyramid provides an adequate amount of protein. Using this same method fat and fiber can also be calculated. Greens, vegetables, fruit and insects are typically 2%, 2%, 2% and 18% fat, respectively.  They are typically 25%, 25%,15% and 10% fiber, respectively.

.389x2% + .222x2% + .056x2% + .333x18%= 7.3% fat (goal 3%-6%)

.389x25% + .222x25% + .056x15% + .333x10%= 19.4% fiber (goal 20%-35%)

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      • Fiber
      • Vitamin A
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