This usually comes in the form of a calcium dusting powder that coats bearded dragon food, to ensure they ingest enough of it. Bearded dragons are not hard to feed, as these renowned lizards are … Bell Pepper. While it also doesn’t come with a top to sprinkle with, scooping a portion into another container and shaking the food in with it helps a lot with coverage and you can just put the leftover powder back. The diet of your bearded dragon must include vegetables, meat, fruit, and greens.Meanwhile, you must take note that you need to decrease the amount of meat you give as they get older.Additionally, too much meat can make your dragon obese. Generally, veterinarians recommend that 2-3 times per week, you LIGHTLY sprinkle food offered to bearded dragons with a calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) not containing vitamin D 3, and an additional 2-3 times a week, you LIGHTLY sprinkle food with a calcium powder containing vitamin D 3. That’s just our personal preference though! Copyright BeardedDragonGuidance.com 2019. Bearded dragon calcium powder is quite straightforward and easy to use. Orca. In the wild, this species heavily uses UVB rays from the sun to fulfill this requirement. But after that, the information gets hard to find. But what is the right supplement for your pet? Sprinkle food with calcium with vitamin D3 supplement powder until food is lightly coated (You may need to stir around a bit to thoroughly mix in the powder). Bearded Dragon Food - Pellets, Insects, & Vegetable Foods One of the most popular reptile pets due to their docility and easy companionship, bearded dragons also have one of the most simple diets among commonly kept reptiles. Step 1 – Add the insects to a shaker. If you give them too much and they end up absorbing too much vitamin d3 they can develop issues with their bones from an excess of calcium build up. Made by Natural Zones, this is a calcium and probiotics powdered formulation that has a mixture of several antioxidants and carotenoids designed for bearded dragons. Im Jonathan, the guy behind Bearded Dragon Guidance. Liquid calcium or calcium carbonate powder is always good to add. They might develop tail rot as well. Here are Top 10 Bearded Dragon Calcium Powder we've found so far. Some of them include other elements, but it is recommended to do your research and talk to your vet to see what exactly is right for your pet. Without vitamin D3, the calcium won’t do much (for better or worse). Like any pet, they will have nutritional specifications in order to optimize their health and wellness. Green Beans. Feeding bearded dragons can seem complicated, however by following the easy guidelines below you will be able to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy. However, as with any pet, learning about the foods a bearded dragon should be fed for a nutritious AND healthy diet is FUNDAMENTAL to their long term health.. Luckily, regardless of whether you’ve adopted an 8 week old baby bearded dragon … There are plenty of bone and structural issues that can occur as well. There are a ton of great food options out there that are very calcium-rich, but there are a few that we like the most. The powder is also incredibly fine, making it perfect for dusting your beardie’s food. Another means to give your bearded dragon calcium is to provide bone meal tablets (small or crushed) or powder (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Bearded Dragon Food . Enter your email address below for a chance to win a, The 3 Most Common Mistakes That Decrease Your Bearded Dragon's Lifespan. Bearded dragons will also need a calcium powder sprinkled on their food twice a week. Me and my little guy are best buds! What Vegetables to Feed a Baby Bearded Dragon? It is the right option to give food to your pet at any time when you are gone. For a baby, you’ll want to dust their food about four to five times a week whereas an adult can survive with just a dusting every other day. Step 2 – Add the required dosage of calcium powder to … You can also do something called “gut loading” which involves you feeding insects (like crickets) a very calcium-rich diet, and even including some calcium supplements as well. Amount – 8 ounces. by garrusdragon » Fri Mar 15, 2013 7:45 pm [TOPIC AUTO-LOCKED DUE TO INACTIVITY] Hi, my bearded dragon - who has a very early stage of MBD and cannot stand on his back legs - refuses to eat anything dusted in calcium. Cut the banana into pieces small enough for your bearded dragon. It’s not made from anything like oyster shells or other substances that can affect your bearded dragon over time. Bearded Dragon Guidance is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Bearded Dragon Guidance is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Various food items for Beardies, Geckos, Carnivores, Omnivores, Herbivores and Bugs! Others will insist that powdered calcium is not bioavailable and … You can also include commercial food. Because the powder is fine it can last on live feeder insects without killing them for about a day, ensuring your buddy’s food is fresh as can be. Adult: 18 months +. … The sub-adult bearded dragon diet should consist of crickets once or twice daily, however, greens should be given more often. Key features Here’s how to dust insects with calcium powder ready for your Bearded Dragon to eat. Why they need it, what happens if you give them too much, and the best sources of calcium are things that many new owners can’t answer. You’ll want a mix of each in order to maximize the health of these animals since they get their calcium from a variety in the wild. If you’re certain there’s something that needs to be addressed, improve it slowly. For bearded dragons, since their natural habitat provides certain nutrients, you need to replicate those things in their terrarium at home. And on the surface, they all look pretty much the same. Always consult a veterinarian for bearded dragon concerns. Bearded dragons are wonderful pets, but they do have some specific needs that as a new pet owner you need to pay attention to. It stressed me out trying to find everything. Instead, keep it simple. This calcium powder is great because it’s one of the best mixtures in terms of impurities. If you own a bearded dragon you probably know that calcium is extremely important for their health. Watermelon is a summertime favorite for so many as it is a refreshing and sweet fruit…, You need to keep a serious eye on the nutritional diet of your bearded dragon. Begin offering dusted feeder insects, greens, and salad when your beardie is young. Over the years, we’ve heard…, Picking between the best types of pet lizards can seem overwhelming at first. On the remaining two days, dust your bearded dragon’s food with the multivitamin. Blackberries and figs are also tasty treats that have plenty of calcium in them as well. This process is often called “dusting” among owners, so if you see that mentioned in a forum or on social media you’ll know what’s being talked about. Their size, age, and the amount of UVB light in their terrarium will make the type, frequency, and amount of calcium they’ll need to be dusted on their food. It’s important to note that each of these should not be used on their own. For bearded dragons, since their natural habitat provides certain nutrients, you need to replicate those things in their terrarium at home. What Greens Can a Baby Bearded Dragon Eat? There are several fruits, plants and vegetables that are healthy and safe for bearded dragons’ consumption, however, some favorites include, collard greens, squash, seedless watermelon, bell peppers, and mustard greens. Outside of the calcium already provided in the foods naturally, you can give your bearded dragon calcium by: Dusting food (insects and vegetation), Gut loading, or; Bone meal. Find everything you need in one place. Liquid B complex is a water soluble vitamin that is for good nervous system health. Expert Tip: You might also see other issues arise like seizures and constipation. Start … Then, simply feed the insects to your bearded dragon. Adults shouldn’t exceed three dustings a week. You can space out how many meals are coated in this calcium powder depending on how much calcium your bearded dragon needs. When they are this age, a juvenile bearded dragon’s diet should consist of 50% insects and 50% vegetation. Most veterinarians will likely recommend to sprinkle bearded dragon calcium powder over the food that you are offering your dragon. Fluker's 76052 Buffet Blend Juvenile Bearded Dragon Veggie Variety Diet, 5oz This is another great calcium powder for bearded dragons that we really like. Please see our disclosure to learn more. Unlike baby bearded dragons whose diet is 80% feeder insects and 20% veggies, you need to reduce the amounts of feeder insects to 60% and increase vegetable and greens to 40%. Beardies who lack proper calcium in their diet are at risk of developing Metabolic Bone Disease which can severely affect their growth and development and even cause disfigurement or death. Moringa powder consists of: -9 times the Protein of Yogurg. We know tons of owners who swear by this powder, and we’ve had great success with it as well. There is also a range of prepared insect and vegetable diets that can be used when livefoods or salad might not be available. Calcium: Twice a week, dust your bearded dragon’s live food with a calcium supplement (ask a PetSmart associate for details). The mixture is extremely fine which makes it easier to digest. This product is phosphorous free and enriched with d3 to ensure absorption and healthy bones. Celery. Studies also show that the moringa leaves possess not only antiviral activity, but also antitumor and anticancer properties, due in part to the compound Niaziminin. One of the most common ways this occurs is with a suboptimal light and habitat combination. This is because vitamin D3 is necessary in order for your bearded dragon to absorb the calcium. This will allow your bearded dragon to digest it more efficiently, and reduce the risk of any GI issues that lumpy powders can cause. If your bearded dragon is doing fine so far (aka not exhibiting any of the symptoms we mentioned above) then don’t rush out and change everything. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. ... Calcium Powder For A Bearded Dragon. Their supplement has great value, being inexpensive and easy to get. Serve to your bearded dragon immediately. It could also be caused by medicine if your bearded dragon is taking any. A beardie that doesn’t get enough of this will suffer (which no one wants). Cut the banana into pieces small enough for your bearded dragon. This is why it’s so important to take the calcium factor seriously when keeping a bearded dragon as a pet. This species can’t get all their calcium from supplementation alone! Your pet will need different levels of calcium depending on a couple of different factors. Add chopped food into a clean food bowl. The following few tips should assist you in making feeding your bearded dragon safer and easier. According to VCA Animal Hospital, veterinarians usually recommend that, 2-3 times per week, you lightly sprinkle your bearded dragon’s food with a calcium powder that does not contain vitamin D3, and an additional 2-3 times per week, you lightly sprinkle their food with a separate calcium powder that does contain vitamin D3. Bearded dragons will also need a calcium powder sprinkled on their food twice a week. It plays a huge role in their ability to grow and maintain bone health over time. Once your bearded dragon reaches adulthood, most veterinarians recommend a diet that is closer to 50% insects and 50% plant-based foods3. Any shaker will work, however, you can get a specially designed cricket shaker for dusting insects. We carry a large selection and the top brands like N/A, Fluker's, and more. Calcium is necessary for bone development, neurological processes, and a variety of other bodily functions. (And Tops), 63 Stunning Ball Python Morphs (Our Favorite Types), Highly bioavailable source of calcium carbonate, Made for reptiles that require vitamin D3 to assimilate calcium, Recommended for reptiles that are kept indoors, Promotes healthy bones and vital bodily functions, Provides the necessary calcium for strong bones, Made from high-quality and natural materials. Assuming you have too much of both, there are other serious issues that can arise in your bearded dragon. When you combine that with any other calcium-related efforts, you could end up with an overdose. Let’s say you have one of the best cages for bearded dragons and a high-quality light. The Full Guide, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries? Natura Zone Herp Pro Supplements for Bearded Dragon. Discuss topics of food for your beardies here. Bearded Dragons will enjoy the flavorful Dandelion Greens and other nutritional plants that make up this new food, especially when mixed with Zoo Meds Can O Mini Crickets and Can O Mini Mealies. This is something we think about a lot, and are constantly testing. **We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links. It is recommended with this product to get something you can use to sprinkle it with, as there isn’t a shaker top. Ready? Try to provide a mix of these instead of just one or two (variety is important when it comes to diet). Formulating their diet can be overwhelming. It has the quality of a more expensive powder, in a cheap package. Take a look at your enclosure, lighting, and diet to see if there’s anything that can be improved. From feeders to vegetables to supplements and more… answering the question “What do bearded dragons eat?” can be tricky for new owners. Supplements: For juveniles: calcium with vitamin D3 (4-5x/week), multivitamin (1x/week) For adults: calcium with vitamin D3 (2-3x/week), multivitamin (2x/month) Fruits: berries, bananas, melons at least once a week. Habitat. Bearded Dragon Diet Supplements: Bearded dragons have an increased need for calcium versus phosphorus in their diet. Bearded Dragon Diet, Food, & Nutrition A bearded dragon's diet is vital to keeping him or her healthy and active. If your dragon already has UVB lighting, they can absorb too much d3 if they are getting it through their light and their food. Unlike other minerals such as phosphorus, calcium is not something your bearded dragon will receive enough of from their diet. Vegetables: Veggies should make up 25% of a young beardie’s diet and half of an adult’s. This is why you’ll see these talked about in tandem throughout this article. Mustard Greens. Key Ingredients … The worth thing you can do is overcompensate and fix a problem that didn’t exist in the first place! While some of this can come from a proper diet (see out complete nutrition guide here! There have been reports of some lumps here and there, so we always like to grind it up a little bit more just to be safe. This product is phosphorous free and extremely cheap. ... Won't eat calcium. You might see deformities begin to develop (especially if your bearded dragon is still growing). … Bearded dragons can’t metabolize calcium without vitamin D3. A great deal that will keep your beardie healthy and strong. Add the chopped banana pieces on top. FREE shipping on orders $49+ and the BEST customer service! Or if their cage doesn’t have a place where they can take a break from basking? Food And Diet. If you’re trying to increase the amount of calcium your bearded dragon gets, there are a number of ways you can accomplish this. One of the most effective ways to quickly increase the calcium your bearded dragon gets is through supplementation. You need to sprinkle this powder in their food, including veggies, live foods, or prepared foods. This usually comes in the form of a calcium dusting powder that coats bearded dragon food, to ensure they ingest enough of it. It’s mentioned on care sheets, forums, and in pet stores all the time. This is a powder that we recommend giving a little extra love before using it. Chicken baby food is good to add protein once you have been feeding a dragon for a couple of days and is accepting food well. They need both in order to function! -10 times the Vitamin A of Carrots. It’s also very affordable, so you can easily fit it into your existing care strategy without it disrupting your budget too much. That why it’s important to get the best UVB light for your bearded dragon possible (and set it up properly). Are Vitamins and Supplements Even Important. Find everything you need in one place. It is capable of monitoring the level of food and water as needed by the bearded dragon. We also ask other owners what they’re using to see what everyone likes! Bearded dragon calcium powder is quite straightforward and easy to use. FREE shipping on orders $49+ and the BEST customer service! Because of this, we feel confident recommending the following two bearded dragon calcium powders. Each of them has vitamin D3 included (something that not all powders have) because it’s just a more straightforward and sensible way to approach supplementation. Add the chopped banana pieces on top. Simply revisit the recommended setup guidelines in order to ensure you have everything positioned properly. It’s important to read the instructions when setting up their lighting situation. When I first became an owner, there was a lot of information available but it was scattered in bits and pieces around the internet. If you give your bearded dragon a calcium powder enriched with vitamin d3 when they are already getting enough, it can actually cause problems for your beardie. While some are worse than others, none of them are pleasant. These tend to happen in more serious cases. The bearded dragon shedding process is something that all owners need to understand. Favorites include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, zucchini and shredded carrots. Both products are incredibly helpful where Fluker’s comes in a dropper for easy distribution onto food or in water, Zilla’s is a spray that can just be sprayed easily on their live food or their fruits and veggies. Bearded Dragon Diet, Food, & Nutrition A bearded dragon's diet is vital to keeping him or her healthy and active. Nature Zone Bearded Dragon bites are a soft, moist, bite sized gel food that are appetizing and easy.. $40.00 General weakness, lethargic behavior, and constipation are all common signs that your beardie is absorbing too much calcium. Various food items for Beardies, Geckos, Carnivores, Omnivores, Herbivores and Bugs! Expert Tip: If you coat the food in too much powder your bearded dragon might decide not to eat it. Provide them with the necessary light, a good diet, and a little bit of calcium powder. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. While they can receive some of this from the proper lighting, it’s usually not enough (99.9% of the time). Calcium is necessary for bone development, neurological processes, and a variety of other bodily functions. Lethargy and weakness can be a sign of many potential health complications, and it’s no different with a calcium deficiency. But what if the light is too close? While many owners don’t have a problem with this, we tend to avoid it because it feels a little cruel. Carrots. How much calcium a bearded dragon needs, largely depends on the age of the dragon. Happy hunting and best of luck! Butternut Squash. Learn more. Flukers is a trusted beardie brand when it comes to several different products. This guide will teach you the fundamentals of why bearded dragons need calcium, how to provide it to them (with our powder recommendations), the way other factors influence how much they need, and much more! We’ve hinted at each of them at one point or another above, but this section will take a deeper dive into each. Juvenile Bearded Dragon Diet Tips. If things get worse, this will likely swing the other way. There’s a long list of nasty health issues that your bearded dragon can develop if it doesn’t get the necessary amount of calcium. So let’s start with the basics. Fluker’s, Zoo Med, Rep-Cal have juvenile bearded dragon foods.. b). This can lead to an excess amount being created from the lighting situation. So what happens if your bearded dragon doesn’t get enough calcium? Shop Chewy for low prices and the best Reptile Food! You can also introduce other food like super worms, fruits, and commercial bearded dragon food in moderation. Like the product above, the Repta Calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded dragon to absorb the calcium properly. Just be careful to seal it up properly when you’re done as it is vital for maintaining the calcium’s freshness. I really enjoy making these articles for you guys and I can't wait to see how big this site grows. Expert Note: It’s worth pointing out that even though these symptoms can present with a deficiency in calcium too, it’s going to be pretty obvious what the cause is.If you’re actively trying to give your bearded dragon more calcium, it’s probably an overdose. This is obviously a step in the right direction since it’s another effective and natural way for them to get calcium into their system. You might see them twitching or acting very skittish (even when the stimulation is mild). Light is another great way for your bearded dragon to get the necessary amount of calcium. Bearded dragons are not hard to feed, as these renowned lizards are extremely hardy eaters that love devouring a large variety of food items. If calcium isn’t something you haven’t been paying much attention to, it’s likely the opposite. Another reason for green poop would be ingested substrate – such as colored sand, paper, moss etc. Hey guys in today's video I decided to do a feed all my bearded dragons video. This species is considered to be a juvenile when it is between the ages of five and 17 months old. If these animals continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die (although this is less common). They’re already going to get eaten, so why make things worse for them? Important:  BeardedDragonGuidance.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We carry a large selection and the top brands like N/A, Fluker's, and more. Add chopped food into a clean food bowl. A wide range of livefoods and prepared foods for your pet bearded dragon. Always make sure to monitor how much your pet is getting and the frequency of supplementation as like humans, too much can be harmful. Let’s dive in. Reptile Direct is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Food ratio. Shop Chewy for low prices and the best Reptile Bearded Dragon! There are 3 basic supplements that any bearded dragon in captivity needs: calcium, vitamin D, and a good multivitamin. While it isn’t too common for beardies to get hypercalcemia, be sure to monitor what kind of calcium powder you’re giving them so you don’t throw their levels off. Why does your bearded dragon need calcium in the first place? TradeKing Natural Dried Crickets.