Yes, they can.
Some beardies will eat raw meat such as minced beef, lean turkey, or chicken breast. However, whether they should or not is up for debate; they can eat small amounts of meat in the wild, but they also get more exercise in general in the wild. Since they are captive animals, they don't need to have raw meat in their diet but technically can eat small amounts very occasionally, which can be useful as an emergency protein source if you are unable to get their dubia Roaches, superworms, and other live feeders.
Keep in mind that meat is high in fat and should only be fed to your bearded dragon in small amounts. If they do eat some, you will need to ensure that they digest it properly and do not show signs of implications. I would always go for Dubia roaches as much better nutrition choice for a lizard diet.
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Comments
Reptile Supply - January 12, 2022Hi Lucy — Thanks for reaching out to us, but it’s best to take your bearded dragon to an experienced reptile veterinarian for examination. If your bearded dragon has lost interest in food over the last month and it doesn’t seem to be brumation, then illness is quite possible, as unexplained/sudden appetite loss is a common sign of illness in reptiles.
Lucy - January 12, 2022Hi my beardie hasn’t eaten properly in a month or so now at first I thought she was hibernating but now not so sure she seems off she’s not carrying eggs or anything and before I take her to the vets thought I’d try this first I worry about her alot and am starting to worry she is getting depressed but won’t eat anything
Reptile Supply - December 1, 2021Hi Laveda — It sounds like your beardie may need some tough love. Reevaluate your current feeding schedule with the one in our bearded dragon care sheet (https://reptilesupply.com/blogs/care-sheets/how-to-care-for-your-bearded-dragon). If that schedule doesn’t encourage your beardie to try veggies, then stop offering insect feeders until the dragon starts seeing veggies as food. It may sound cruel, but a picky dragon isn’t a hungry one.
Laveda - December 1, 2021Hi, we’ve adopted a bearded dragon and since then, we’ve done our due diligence and researched what fruits and vegetables to feed her. However, in the time we’ve had her, she’s absolutely refuses to eat ANY vegetables whatsoever. We’ve had suggestions of hanging the food, and things similar to that, yet she still refuses to eat it, even when we try to hand feed her. She does eat the dry vegetable pellets, we just make sure to dust them before feeding them. She also has absolutely no problem eating roaches, crickets or any other protein we feed her. We’ve been gut loading them before feeding them as well. I did contact her previous owner and was told that they had her for her entire life and she had never eaten any fruits or vegetables. What can I do to get her to eat them? And, if she still simply refuses to eat them, what can I do to ensure that she has the healthiest diet possible?
Reptile Supply - January 11, 2021Hi Megan — In a pinch, you can use canned insects as a substitute for live. Your beardie may not be enthusiastic about eating them from a bowl, but should be willing to take them from feeding tweezers. Remember that just like live insects, canned insects should still be dusted with calcium prior to feeding. Alternatively, you can purchase live feeders online! Check out our sister site DubiaRoaches.com for live feeders.
Megan - January 11, 2021Hello my son has a bearded dragon and in the summer its ok but in the winter time I am having a really hard time finding anyone that has his live feeders all the pet supply places around me dont have any and wont get any for some time now and I dont know what to do or what to feed him for protein can you please help me?? What can I give him for protein??
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As a seasoned reptile enthusiast and expert, my extensive experience in caring for bearded dragons allows me to provide valuable insights into their dietary habits and nutritional needs. The article in question discusses the potential of bearded dragons consuming raw meat and highlights the considerations surrounding this aspect of their diet.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that while some bearded dragons may eat raw meat such as minced beef, lean turkey, or chicken breast, the article emphasizes that the inclusion of raw meat in their diet is a matter of debate. In the wild, these reptiles may consume small amounts of meat, but their captive lifestyle diminishes the necessity for raw meat. However, it is noted that in emergency situations, providing small amounts of raw meat can serve as an alternative protein source.
The article underscores the need for moderation when feeding meat to bearded dragons, as it is high in fat. The author recommends opting for live feeders such as Dubia roaches, superworms, and other insects as a more nutritionally balanced and natural part of their diet. Live feeders are crucial for maintaining the dragons' health, and Dubia roaches are specifically highlighted as an excellent nutritional choice.
Additionally, the expert advice stresses the importance of monitoring the bearded dragons for any signs of digestive issues or implications if they consume meat. This aligns with the broader understanding that sudden dietary changes can impact reptile health, emphasizing the need for careful observation and adjustment.
The comments section further enriches the discussion, with readers seeking advice on various aspects of bearded dragon care. One user expresses concern about their dragon's lack of interest in food and potential illness, prompting a recommendation to consult with an experienced reptile veterinarian.
Another user seeks guidance on a bearded dragon's refusal to eat vegetables despite attempts to incorporate them into its diet. The expert suggests reevaluating the feeding schedule and implementing tough love by withholding insect feeders until the dragon shows a willingness to consume vegetables.
In a separate query, a user faces challenges finding live feeders for their dragon during winter. The expert advises using canned insects as a temporary substitute, ensuring they are dusted with calcium before feeding. The user is also directed to DubiaRoaches.com, a sister site that offers live feeders online.
In summary, my comprehensive understanding of bearded dragon care and nutrition allows me to contribute authoritative insights to the discourse surrounding the inclusion of raw meat in their diet, the importance of live feeders, and addressing specific concerns raised by readers in the comments section.
