As a pet owner, understanding your bearded dragon’s diet is essential for its health and well-being. Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they require a mix of plant-based foods and animal proteins. When feeding your pet, you may wonder, "Can bearded dragons eat mice?" 

While it’s possible to offer small, appropriately-sized rodents, it’s not recommended as a regular part of their diet due to the potential health risks. Mice can be too fatty and might cause digestive issues if given too often. Instead, focus on providing a well-rounded diet of vegetables, fruits, and insect protein to keep your dragon thriving.

Vegetables and Greens

The base of your bearded dragon's diet should consist of fresh, leafy greens and vegetables. These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, all essential for digestive health. Good choices include:

• Collard greens

• Mustard greens

• Dandelion greens

• Turnip greens

• Bok choy

You can also offer other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and squash. Be sure to chop them into manageable pieces to make it easier for your pet to eat and avoid any choking hazards.

Fruits

Fruits should be given sparingly, as they are high in sugar, which can lead to obesity and other health issues. A few times a week, you can offer fruits such as:

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Papaya

• Mango

• Melon

Make sure to remove any seeds or pits from the fruit, as these can be harmful to your bearded dragon.

Insects and Protein

Insects are an essential part of your bearded dragon's diet, especially when they are young and growing. They require more animal protein for proper development. Suitable insects include:

• Crickets

• Dubia roaches

• Mealworms (in moderation)

• Superworms (in moderation)

• Hornworms (highly nutritious)

Bearded dragons can also eat small, well-cut pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or even eggs. However, avoid feeding them insects that are too large or wild-caught, as they may carry parasites or pesticides.

Supplements and Calcium

To ensure that your bearded dragon gets all the necessary nutrients, you’ll need to provide supplements. Dust the insects and vegetables with a calcium supplement, especially for young dragons and females. A good multivitamin supplement should be provided once a week to make sure your dragon gets enough of the essential nutrients it can't obtain from food alone.

Foods to Avoid

Some foods can be harmful to bearded dragons, so it’s essential to know what to avoid. These include:

• Iceberg lettuce (which has little nutritional value)

• Spinach (can bind calcium)

• Avocados (toxic to reptiles)

• Onions and garlic (which can cause digestive issues)

Conclusion

Feeding your bearded dragon a balanced and varied diet is the key to ensuring its long-term health. While it may seem tempting to offer mice as a treat, stick to safer and more appropriate food choices like vegetables, fruits, and insects. With the right nutrition, your bearded dragon can live a long, healthy life as a happy companion.

Source: https://alinereptiles.com/can-bearded-dragons-eat-mice/