Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile known for their unique appearance and docile nature. These lizards are native to Australia and are omnivorous, meaning they eat both insects and plant matter. While they are primarily insectivores, they are also known to eat fruits, vegetables, and even small animals in the wild.
One question that often arises among bearded dragon owners is whether or not their pet will eat other lizards. While bearded dragons are not known to hunt and eat other lizards in captivity, they may do so in the wild. This is because bearded dragons are opportunistic feeders that will eat whatever prey is available to them.
It is important to note that feeding your bearded dragon other lizards is not recommended. This is because lizards may carry diseases or parasites that can be harmful to your pet. Additionally, feeding your bearded dragon wild-caught prey can introduce harmful pesticides or other toxins into their diet. Therefore, it is best to stick to a diet of commercially-raised insects and fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Lizards?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of lizards, including green anoles, blue-tailed lizards, and Texas horned lizards. These lizards are a good source of protein and other nutrients for bearded dragons. However, it is important to note that not all lizards are suitable for bearded dragons to eat. Some lizards, such as Gila monsters and Komodo dragons, are not safe for bearded dragons to consume.
When feeding bearded dragons lizards, it is important to make sure that the lizards are captive-bred and not wild-caught. Wild-caught lizards may carry parasites or diseases that could harm the bearded dragon.
Risk of Feeding Lizards to Bearded Dragons
While bearded dragons are known to eat a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables, some owners may be tempted to feed them wild lizards as well. However, this practice can be risky and potentially harmful to the bearded dragon’s health.
Wild lizards can carry parasites, deadly diseases, and even certain pesticides or poisons. Additionally, wild beardies often take risks when hunting large prey, which commonly results in them sustaining injuries in the ensuing struggle. These health risks can be transferred to the bearded dragon if they consume the wild lizard.
Another concern is the size of the prey. Bearded dragons are known to have a preference for smaller prey, and consuming larger prey can lead to impaction. Impaction occurs when the bearded dragon is unable to digest the prey properly, leading to a blockage in their digestive system. This can be a serious condition and may require veterinary attention.
It is important to note that not all lizards are safe for bearded dragons to consume. For example, some species of lizards may be toxic to bearded dragons and can cause serious harm or even death. Therefore, it is best to stick to a diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables that are safe and nutritious for the bearded dragon.
Types of lizards Beaded Dragons can eat
Bearded dragons are omnivorous and can eat a variety of plant and animal-based foods. When it comes to other lizards, bearded dragons can eat smaller species as part of their diet. However, it is important to note that not all lizards are suitable for bearded dragons to eat. Some lizards may have different pH levels in their digestive system, which can lead to health problems for bearded dragons.
Some examples of lizards that are good for bearded dragons to eat include frilled-necked lizards, leopard geckos, and skinks. These lizards are smaller in size and have similar digestive systems to bearded dragons. They can provide a good source of protein for bearded dragons.
On the other hand, there are lizards that should be avoided when feeding bearded dragons. Iguanas and chameleons, for example, have different pH levels in their digestive systems than bearded dragons. This can lead to digestive issues and health problems for bearded dragons if they consume these lizards.
It is important to note that while bearded dragons can eat other lizards, it should not be the sole source of their diet. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, bearded dragons require a balanced diet of both plant and animal-based foods. Insects, such as crickets and mealworms, can also provide a good source of protein for bearded dragons.
Lizards to Avoid Feeding Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are omnivorous and opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat almost anything that moves and fits in their mouth. However, not all prey items are suitable for their diet and some can be harmful or even lethal to them. Here are some types of lizards you should avoid feeding bearded dragons:
Geckos:
While some species of geckos are similar in size to bearded dragons, they have different dietary needs and can carry parasites or diseases that can harm bearded dragons.
Chameleons:
Chameleons have a very different diet than bearded dragons and require a specific type of lighting and humidity to thrive. Feeding chameleons to bearded dragons can lead to digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies.
Monitor Lizards:
Monitor lizards are much larger than bearded dragons and can be aggressive towards them. Moreover, monitor lizards have a high-fat content and low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which can cause metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons if fed regularly.
It’s important to note that even if a lizard species is not toxic or harmful to bearded dragons, it may not provide the right balance of nutrients and vitamins they need to stay healthy. Therefore, it’s best to stick to a varied diet of insects, fruits, vegetables, and occasional small rodents or reptile eggs, as recommended by a veterinarian or a reputable source.
| Lizard | Reason to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Monitor lizards | Too large and can cause digestive issues |
| Chameleons | Can contain parasites and are not a natural food source for bearded dragons |
| Iguanas | Too large and can cause digestive issues |
How to Feed Lizards to Bearded Dragons
Preparing Lizards for Bearded Dragons
When feeding lizards to bearded dragons, it is important to ensure that the lizards are prepared properly to avoid any potential health issues. First and foremost, it is recommended to feed your bearded dragon lizards that are bred specifically for consumption, as wild-caught lizards may contain parasites or diseases that can be harmful to your pet.
Before feeding the lizards to your bearded dragon, it is important to gut-load them with nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens or commercial gut-load products. This will ensure that the lizards are packed with essential nutrients that your bearded dragon needs for optimal health. Additionally, it is important to dust the lizards with a calcium supplement to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting enough calcium in its diet.
Feeding Lizards to Bearded Dragons
When feeding lizards to your bearded dragon, it is important to ensure that the lizards are an appropriate size for your pet. Bearded dragons can eat lizards that are up to 1/3 of their own body size, but it is recommended to start with smaller lizards and gradually increase the size as your bearded dragon grows.
It is important to supervise your bearded dragon while it is eating lizards to ensure that it is not choking or having difficulty swallowing. If you notice any signs of distress, such as coughing or gagging, remove the lizard immediately and consult with a veterinarian.
Overall, feeding lizards to bearded dragons can be a nutritious and enjoyable addition to their diet when done properly. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the essential nutrients it needs to thrive.
How Bearded Dragons Catch Lizards
Bearded dragons are opportunistic predators that will eat a variety of prey, including lizards. They are fast and agile and can catch their prey with ease. Here are a few ways that bearded dragons catch lizards:
Ambush:
Bearded dragons are excellent at hiding and waiting for their prey to come to them. They will often sit still and blend in with their surroundings, waiting for a lizard to come within range. Once the lizard is within striking distance, the bearded dragon will pounce and grab it with its sharp teeth.
Pursuit:
Bearded dragons are also capable of chasing down their prey. They are fast runners and can quickly close the gap between themselves and a lizard. Once they catch up to the lizard, they will use their powerful jaws to grab it and hold it in place.
When hunting lizards, bearded dragons will often use a combination of these techniques to catch their prey. They are skilled hunters and have adapted to their environment to become efficient predators.
It’s important to note that not all bearded dragons will eat lizards. Some may prefer other types of prey, such as insects or small rodents. Additionally, it’s not recommended to feed your bearded dragon wild-caught lizards, as they may carry diseases or parasites that can harm your pet. Stick to feeding your bearded dragon a balanced diet of commercial food and fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure their health and well-being.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Large Lizards?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that require a balanced diet of insects, fruits, vegetables, and occasionally, small amounts of meat. While they may occasionally eat small lizards in the wild, it is generally not recommended to feed them large lizards in captivity.
The reason for this is that large lizards, such as iguanas and chameleons, have different pH levels in their digestive system compared to bearded dragons. Feeding bearded dragons large lizards can lead to digestive problems and even death. It is important to provide a diet that is suitable for their digestive system and meets their nutritional needs.
It is also important to note that feeding bearded dragons wild-caught lizards is not recommended. Wild-caught lizards may carry parasites or diseases that can be harmful to bearded dragons. It is best to stick to a diet of commercially raised insects and vegetables to ensure that your bearded dragon stays healthy.
While bearded dragons may occasionally eat small lizards in the wild, it is important to provide a diet that is appropriate for their digestive system and meets their nutritional needs. Feeding them large lizards can lead to health problems and should be avoided.
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both insects and greens. In captivity, bearded dragons eat mostly insects, flowers, vegetables, greens, and fruits. According to Lizards101, bearded dragons have a “voracious appetite” and can eat up to 50 crickets in a day.
When it comes to insects, bearded dragons eat a variety of small insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches. They also eat larger insects like superworms and hornworms, but these should be fed in moderation. It’s important to gut-load the insects before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This means feeding the insects a nutritious diet before feeding them to your pet.
Bearded dragons also eat a variety of greens and vegetables. Some of the vegetables that bearded dragons can eat include collard greens, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and dandelion greens. They can also eat vegetables like carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes. Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries can also be given as treats.
It’s important to provide a varied diet for your bearded dragon to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need. According to Reptile.Guide, “A varied diet will help prevent malnourishment and other health problems.”
Key Takeaways
Bearded dragons are omnivorous and their diet consists of insects, fruits, and vegetables. Although they may occasionally eat other lizards, it is not a natural part of their diet and should be avoided.
Feeding bearded dragons wild lizards can lead to health problems and should be prevented. It is important to supervise bearded dragons when they are outside to prevent them from consuming anything they shouldn’t.
When feeding bearded dragons, it is important to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables. Some vegetables that are safe for bearded dragons to consume include acorn squash, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, peas, and sweet potato.
It is also important to ensure that the insects provided to bearded dragons are gut-loaded, meaning they have been fed a nutritious diet before being fed to the dragon. This ensures that the dragon receives proper nutrition from their food.