A bearded dragon can sometimes be stressed, constipated, or dehydrated, making it lose its appetite and look pale. In this case, it is best to consider force-feeding your bearded dragon to restore its usual health, especially its appetite. So, how do you force feed a bearded dragon?

Below is a ten-step procedure on how to force feed a bearded dragon:

1. Clean the feeding syringe to prevent introducing harmful microbes to our pet’s health.

2. Create a puree of a dragon’s diet, which includes worms, fruits, vegetables, and some supplements such as liquified vitamins.

3. Fill the syringe with a puree of the dragon’s diet so that you will not strain to force feed it when it opens its mouth.

4. Use your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure to the sides of the bearded dragon’s mouth to force it to open.

5. Slide your fingers from the nose about two to three centimeters back to apply pressure between the upper and lower jaws.

6. Once the bearded dragon opens its mouth, slide it into the syringe. This process should be quick enough before your pet closes its mouth.

7. Put the syringe in position, then slowly push the depressor to allow time for your pet to swallow.

8. Feed your bearded dragon one tablespoon of the puree at a time to prevent choking and overfeeding, as it can lead to more significant problems.

9. Once you notice your bearded dragon looking pale and dehydrated, you can submerge it in warm water to absorb more water and hydrate its body.

10. Also, if your pet’s condition does not improve, have a veterinary checkup for further medication.

How to Open a Bearded Dragon’s Mouth

Opening a bearded dragon’s mouth is simple when following the procedure. All you have to do is place your left hand over his head and gently apply pressure to the sides of his mouth using your thumb and index finger.

Additionally, apply pressure to the jaws to keep their mouths open. Use the right hand to put the syringe in position and gently press down to release the puree or medication.

Is It OK to Force Feed a Bearded Dragon?

Yes. It is okay to force feed a bearded dragon, especially when ill or malnourished. Nevertheless, force-feeding a bearded dragon needs approval from a veterinarian to avoid injuring the throat and increasing its stress.

Furthermore, force-feeding your pet should be done gently, giving it ample time to swallow its food without throwing it up. Nonetheless, it is best to avoid force-feeding your pet, especially when you do not know how to do it properly.

Why Do I Have to Force Feed My Bearded Dragon?

Here are three reasons why you have to force feed your bearded dragon:  

1. Illness

If your bearded dragon is ill and malnourished, it will probably not eat its food due to reduced appetite and lethargy. Mostly, when it has oral infections and digestive problems, it is likely not to eat to avoid feeling the pain. When this is the case, you can have a vet guide you on feeding your pet and administering the prescribed medication correctly.

2. Injury

Injuries in bearded dragons cause a lot of pain, making your pets uncomfortable. These can be internal or external injuries, depending on the factors that caused the injury. It is best to carefully monitor your pet’s activity, especially when it reduces its regular activity. Force-feeding can help maintain its health and sustain its injuries.

3. Stress

Stress causes your pet to become anxious and sometimes depressed. Stress is fatal as it changes your bearded dragon negatively, such as through lack of appetite, dehydration, and malnourishment. Sudden changes in the environment can cause this stress, such as the introduction of another pet, the loss of its partner, etc. In this case, you can force-feed your pet using the right procedure to prevent starvation, which may cause later death.

What to Feed a Malnourished Bearded Dragon

A malnourished bearded dragon is a dragon that lacks essential nutrients and minerals, hence looking pale and emaciated. It is vital to feed the following diets to correct malnourishment in a bearded dragon:

1. Insects

Insects offer the best proteins and iron for your bearded dragons. You can give them super worms and dubia roaches to provide the best proteins in proper quantities. They also find insects yummy, which will attract them to their feeders.

2. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Also, leafy vegetables are the best you can offer, as the color and crunchiness make them appealing for your pet to nibble.

Offer moderate proportions of fruits like apples, mangoes, peaches, squash, and strawberries. Fruits and vegetables are the best food to feed a bearded dragon that won’t eat, as they increase appetite.

3. Treats

Since bearded dragons are picky eaters, consider giving them treats to entice them to eat their meals. However, ensure the treats you offer them are healthy, containing the right balance of vitamins, fats, proteins, calcium, and minerals.

4. Balance Diet

A well-balanced diet for your bearded dragon is essential to getting enough nutrients and mineral salts. Also, increase the frequency of the feeding session to ensure that your pet’s body is getting enough of the feed. If your pet does not want to eat, you can use a syringe to feed a bearded dragon.

How Many Hornworms to Feed Bearded Dragon

Feeding your bearded dragon five to six hornworms three times a week is best. Hornworms are the best protein source for your pet.

Nonetheless, ensure to provide it in moderation to prevent obesity and deprivation of other essential nutrients and minerals from other diets like vegetables and fruits.

Bearded dragons only eat when hand-fed hornworms, especially when they have a decreased appetite.

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