How much is an 80-20 ratio?

[ScatterBrain]

I've heard from everyone that you should feed non-adult beardies 80 percent insects and 20 percent veggies, but how much exactly is that?

For example, for every 20 reptiworms, should you feed your bearded dragon one small leaf/slice? I'm just confused by that whole thing I guess...

 

[kingofnobbys]

I've heard from everyone that you should feed non-adult beardies 80 percent insects and 20 percent veggies, but how much exactly is that?

For example, for every 20 reptiworms, should you feed your bearded dragon one small leaf/slice? I'm just confused by that whole thing I guess...

I wouldn't obscess about exact qualities.

Give the juvenile as many suitable sized gutloaded and dusted bugs as it wants a couple of times a day and offer good quality greens and veg / salad afterwards. The beardie will eat what it needs if it likes veg and greens (many juveniles have no interest in the greens / veg - just keep on offering it so they are familiar with it.)

 

[ScatterBrain]

The beardie will eat what it needs if it likes veg and greens (many juveniles have no interest in the greens / veg - just keep on offering it so they are familiar with it.)

Really? That's weird, because my juvenile loves his veggies more than his insects. He'd eat an entire truckload of em if I didn't stop him, lol.

 

[AHBD]

Hi there.....that number was put out there years ago and like a lot of things with no actual basis , it has been spread around as if it's an all inclusive feeding method. Then the reverse is recommended for adults, equally baseless to a point. It's true that babies need more protein but veggies can and should be offered any time of day. My babies all grew up eating greens from the time they were hatchlings , some continued to eat a lot of greens as well as insects, some became more picky and actually ate a bit less of the greens/veggies.

But like was mentioned you want to be sure the baby gets plenty of insects, but don't worry about holding back veggies at any point in their life, my dragons all grew properly and had veggies every day from about 2 -3 weeks of age on. It's a real plus if your dragon eats veggies, they are loaded with nutrients.

 

[CooperDragon]

I agree, it's just a general guide. Young dragons need lots of protein so they should have lots of bugs available. Older dragons are healthier on a diet that is mostly (a wide variety of) veges. There is a transition somewhere between these times that varies depending on your dragon. I make salad available for all dragons while offering daily bugs to young dragons and bug meals every few days (with some snacks in between) for adults. I don't actually count anything. The 80/20 is just an estimate and rough guide when describing it.