Alternative protein sources?

[Gryphex]

So, my beardie was recently diagnosed with gout. Based on my research and comments made by the vet and people on this site, what's mainly contributing to her swelling is the uric acid that's she's not able to appropriately filter out of her food. Until I realized this was a problem, I'd been giving her dubias for protein.

After some trial and error with her diet, I've moved away from the dubias since each time she eats them, I notice that she swells up noticeably, so I want to move away from them and replace them entirely with something else with little to no uric acid.

I've heard good things about alfalfa meal, but I'm having trouble finding it. If I find alfalfa pellets, could I just grind them up and use them in that way? Or are there other options for good sources of protein? I know bugs are the best way to go, but I don't want to see her swell up anymore.

She's about 14 months old, so you guys know.

 

[CooperDragon]

At 14 months I would move her to a primarily vegetarian diet, especially if protein is giving her problems. You may want to offer dark cherry extract to help flush out the uric acid. An Allopurinol prescription may be a good idea as well. Reducing her protein intake should make a big difference though and they really don't need a whole lot of protein as adults. I offer my adult dragon a bug meal once or twice per week. If you can get her interested in a nice variety of salad items then she can run on that for the most part with bug meals mixed in maybe every week or so. If her weight remains stable doing that, I think that's probably a good way to go.

 

[Gryphex]

I have been giving her dark cherry extract, but combined with the bugs, I don't think it helps her get rid of the uric acid. I'm just concerned about removing protein from her diet completely.

As for the salad, I've been introducing her to new things, like arugula and dandilion greens, but she hasn't been very hungry as of late. Then again, she's also gravid, so I figure that'll affect her appetite.

 

[CooperDragon]

It may take a little while to transition her over. If she's gravid you'll want to try offering items that are calcium rich such as collard greens.