Quote Originally Posted by Beardedragon View Post
Both were introduced to pellets while still on live prey. Then slowly taking them off. If I can remember right, on the back it says that pellets can be used as the only source of food, claiming that they have every thing that they need. Both dragons had new MVB bulbs, and were handled daily. They were ALWAYS in their " Dark " Stage, and again seemed to not grow nearly as well as my other dragons. One was started at a few months of age, and the other as a sub adult who seemed to hardly grow while on them. Again, this is just with two dragons, but I think the best way to raise dragons is with insects, and pellets just as a treat in their salads. If people do decide to feed pellets, offer dusted insects daily as well, along with their salad.
Dragons are not cheap to raise, anyone who properly owns one knows that well. I get asked alot about pellets and that is why I tried them, because people seem to think that it is a cheaper way to raise them.
I am curious if you remember the Bearded Dragon forums from 10ish years ago. If so do you remember Tom and Jackie Vandiver? I think many people in the midwest will remember this very nice couple from show displays and their website. Large, healthy, and colorful dragons. All raised on Rep-Cal juvenile pellets...no insects. You probably know the benifit of not feeding hatchlings crickets as you went to silk worms. The same can be applied to pellets. There are benifits. It is NOT about being cheap.

I was not a huge operation by any means. But I did have several groups and at times was getting 80 babies well started. Feeding 80 babies by hand is in no way cheap I'll tell you that. Time=money. I did not have a pet store, nor a business. These were my pets and I raised them because I did presentations for schools and scouts and felt they were a great reptile pet due to the docile nature. Sharing the lizardlove

What I do wish to refute is that pellets can not make a good "main" portion of a healthy Bearded Dragons diet. This is simply not true. I know this from raising healthy, vibrant, tame Bearded Dragons. The OP asked how to introduce it, I dont feel adding it to the food is the best way for the reasons I posted. I wanted to give the OP some good methods for her question as well as dispell any misconceptions about pellets.

If you try changing the diet to Pellet Food, just try one of the methods I used. It really does work and if they take to it...unless the formula has changed, if you have the correct set up, you will have big healthy dragons.