Bearded dragons' feeding frequency depends largely on their age:
- Hatchlings (0-6 months old): Should be fed insects 2 to 3 times per day and offered vegetables daily. They require a high-protein diet to support rapid growth
- Juveniles (6-12 months old): Typically fed insects once a day with vegetables daily. The diet shifts to about 70% insects and 30% vegetables during this stage
- Adults (over 12 months old): Generally fed live prey (insects) 2 to 3 times per week, while vegetables and salad greens should be provided daily. Adults may eat insects once a day or as infrequently as 3 times a week, depending on appetite and to avoid obesity. Feeding frequency can be every 24 to 72 hours since adults are no longer growing
Additional notes:
- Adults need mostly vegetables (about 75% of diet) and less protein to maintain healthy weight
- It's important to remove uneaten food daily and provide a calcium supplement dusted on insects 2-3 times per week
- Feeding sessions for insects generally last 10-15 minutes to allow the dragon to eat what it wants without overeating
In summary, young bearded dragons require multiple feedings daily, while adults can be fed once a day or a few times per week for insects, with daily vegetables to maintain health and prevent obesity
