Yes, bearded can eat fish! Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat both plant and animal-based foods. Bearded dragons commonly eat insects like crickets and worms, but they can also eat fish.
In the wild, bearded dragons take full advantage of the fish, frogs, and crustaceans around them. However, it is important to note that if you are feeding fish to your bearded dragon, it is best to stick to smaller species, like sardines, because they are easier to swallow.
If you feed fish to your bearded dragon, make sure the fish has been previously cooked or frozen, as raw fish can contain parasites or bacteria that could make your dragon sick. It is also important to ensure that there are no small bones left in the fish that could injure or block your dragon’s digestion.
Lastly, it is vital to provide a balanced diet, which means if your bearded dragon regularly eats fish, also give them other sources of protein, like insects, to ensure they get all the nutrients their bodies need.
What type of fish can bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons are primarily carnivores, so they typically eat insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches. However, some bearded dragons can be trained to eat a few different types of fish.
Smaller varieties of commercial fish such as earthworms, waxworms, and brine shrimp are often suitable for bearded dragons. Some bearded dragons may even enjoy the occasional small feeder fish like guppies or minnows.
It’s important to remember that any live fish should not be a regular part of a bearded dragon’s diet, as too much fish could result in malnutrition. If you do decide to offer your bearded dragon the occasional piece of fresh fish, make sure it is thoroughly cooked.
Raw fish can contain bacteria that can make your dragon very ill.
Can I feed fish to my bearded dragon?
No, you should not feed fish to your bearded dragon. Feeding your dragon fish can be dangerous to their health since the diet of a bearded dragon is mainly composed of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Fish do not contain the necessary nutrition that a bearded dragon requires and can lead to your dragon becoming malnourished, leading to serious health conditions such as metabolic bone disease. Fish can also contain parasites and bacteria, which can be introduced to your dragon’s system, lead to antibiotic-resistant infections, as well as other major health conditions such as septicemia.
In addition, a bearded dragon’s digestive system is not adapted to digesting fish, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and regurgitation. As a result, it is not recommended to feed your dragon any type of fish.
What should I not feed my bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, but they should not be given human food as they do not have the same digestive systems as we do. Foods that should be avoided or given in moderation include processed, sugary, and fatty foods.
They should also never be given avocado, chocolate, or caffeine, as these can be toxic to them. Some vegetables and fruits that should be avoided include spinach, cabbage, onions, fruit seeds, and tomato leaves.
Other foods that should be avoided include any insect with a hard shell, like crickets and beetles. Finally, never give your bearded dragon wild insects as these could be unsafe or may have pesticides that could harm your pet.
What human food can I feed my lizard?
It is important to provide your lizard with a nutritious, varied diet for optimal health. A healthy diet for your lizard should be comprised of insects and other proteins as a base. This could include crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, mealworms, superworms, earthworms, waxworms, pinky mice, and other reptile-safe insects.
In addition to these meat-based proteins, you can also supplement with some fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables that are safe to feed your lizard include collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, alfalfa sprouts, mango, apples, pumpkin, winter squash, strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, melon, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
It is recommended to stay away from any food items that contain extra sugar, fats, and carbohydrates. Finally, it is important to avoid feeding your lizard food items intended for other pets, such as dog or cat food, as this will not provide your lizard with the nutrition it needs to stay healthy.
How long can a bearded dragon go without eating?
Bearded dragon owners should provide a healthy diet for their pet that consists mostly of live food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables. However, it is normal for them to go without food for several days at a time.
As long as they are otherwise healthy and eating regularly, they can typically go up to two weeks without food. During this time, they will rely on their fat reserves for energy. If they do not eat for too long, however, they can become malnourished and unable to digest their food properly.
As such, it is important to monitor their weight and general health to make sure they do not become too thin. If a dragon won’t eat, it is important to speak to a vet and determine the underlying cause.
If the dragon is younger than 12 months old, it may require more frequent meals and should not go longer than a few days without eating.
