Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat Salad?

My Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat Greens

Bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters, especially when it comes to eating their vegetables. If your bearded dragon is refusing to eat their salad, don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are a number of reasons why your dragon may be refusing their food, all of which we will go over. Lets go over some possible solutions and care tips for your bearded dragon!

 

Why Won’t My Bearded Dragon Eat Their Salad?

 

 

1. Check Your Bearded Dragon’s Enclosure

Sometimes the problem is as simple as your bearded dragon’s temperatures being off. When a bearded’s temperature is off they will begin refusing food. This is because they are cold-blooded, meaning they cannot properly digest their food without a proper source of heat. During the day, your bearded dragon’s enclosure should have a cool side around 80°F and a hot side around 100°F. They also need a basking spot around 110°F.

 

 

2. Enriching Your Bearded Dragon’s Salad

There are a couple of ways to enrich your bearded dragon’s salad and make it more appealing. One way is to purchase a reptile salad dressing. There are several different brands offering reptile salad dressings that will encourage your bearded dragon to eat. Always make sure to check reviews on a company before buying a new product for your reptile. 

 

Another cheaper alternative is to add some crickets or roaches to their salad. You may have to stun the insects to keep them in the salad. You can do this by putting them into a bag and giving them a good shake before adding them to the salad. Your bearded dragon will lunge for the bugs, and get a mouthful of veggies as well. 

 

3. Create Some Movement

Some bearded dragons simply don’t recognize their vegetables as food. You can encourage them to eat their lettuce by wiggling it. They will associate this movement with a meal and will be more likely to eat their greens. 

 

4. Mix Up Your Bearded Dragon’s Salad

Your bearded may just be bored with their options. Are you trying to feed your dragon a pile of lettuce and carrots every day? Don’t be afraid to switch it up! You may find that your bearded dragon simply prefers to eat kale or bell peppers. I have compiled a list below of the best ingredients to add to your bearded dragon’s salad. There are plenty of options to mix and match so that your dragon doesn’t get bored with their greens! 

 

 

What Can You Feed A Bearded Dragon?

In order to make your bearded dragon a proper salad, you have to know what the best ingredients to put in it are. Always thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables before offering them to your dragon. Here’s your official bearded dragon salad list!

 

Vegetables — These should make up a high percentage of your bearded dragon’s diet, and make an excellent salad mix.

• Broccoli
• Kale
• Parsley
• Collard Greens
• Beet Greens
• Mustard Greens
• Bok Choy
• Bell Pepper
• Watercress
• Dandelion
• Turnip Greens
• Cilantro
• Red or Green Cabbage
• Green Beans

 

 

Fruits — Fruits are lower in minerals, and therefore make a good “dressing” by being sprinkled on top of the main salad. They also make healthy snacks for your bearded dragon.

• Apples
• Pears
• Bananas
• Mango
• Grapes
• Star Fruit
• Peaches

 

Insects — Bearded dragons get their protein from eating a wide array of insects. Just be sure to never feed your bearded any insects from outside, as they may be contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals.

• Crickets
• Dubia Roaches
• Mealworms
• Superworms
• Silkworms
• Earthworms
• Butterworms
• Wax Worms