What to Feed Your Bearded Dragon?

Feeding your bearded dragon the right diet is the key to ensuring its long-term health and happiness. These reptiles are omnivores, which means they need a mix of insects (protein) and plant-based food (vegetables, greens, and fruits). A well-balanced diet promotes strong bones, boosts immunity, and prevents many common health issues. Let’s break down each food group and its importance in a bearded dragon’s diet.

1. Vegetables and Leafy Greens

Vegetables and greens form the bulk of an adult bearded dragon’s diet, contributing essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals, especially calcium, which supports bone development and overall health. The best leafy greens to include are collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and dandelion greens. These are nutrient-dense and low in oxalates, which is important because high-oxalate veggies (like spinach) can block calcium absorption and lead to health issues like metabolic bone disease.

You can also offer a variety of vegetables like zucchini, squash, bell peppers, carrots, and green beans to make meals colorful and nutritious. All vegetables should be chopped into bite-sized pieces to make it easy for your bearded dragon to chew and digest. Avoid lettuce, especially iceberg lettuce, as it has very low nutritional value and can cause digestive issues due to its high water content. Wash all veggies thoroughly to remove any traces of pesticides or chemicals.

3. Fruits as Occasional Treats

Fruits are tasty and rich in vitamins, but because they are high in natural sugars, they should only be given as occasional treats, not daily. Bearded dragons enjoy fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, mango, papaya, apples (without seeds), and bananas. These fruits are especially rich in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system.

While fruits add variety and nutrients to your dragon’s diet, too much sugar can cause obesity and digestive issues, so they should only be fed once or twice a week in small quantities. Always remove seeds or pits from fruits like apples and cherries, as these can be toxic. Also, cut fruit into small, manageable pieces to avoid choking. Rotate different fruits to provide a broader range of nutrients and to keep your bearded dragon interested in its meals.

3. Protein Sources: Insects

Insects are a major part of a bearded dragon’s diet, especially during their early growth phase. Young dragons need more protein to support their fast development, while adults can thrive on less. Crickets are one of the most popular and affordable insect options. They're high in protein and fiber, but they must be gut-loaded (fed nutritious greens and grains) at least 24 hours before being fed to your dragon to increase their nutritional value. Another excellent choice is Dubia roaches, which are easy to digest, high in protein, low in fat, and don’t chirp or jump like crickets.

Worms such as mealworms and superworms can be fed occasionally, but they are high in fat, which makes them more suitable as treats rather than staples. Hornworms and silkworms are great options, especially for hydration, as they’re moisture-rich and easy to digest. Occasionally, you can also offer other insects like grasshoppers, waxworms (high in fat), and even certain beetles. Just make sure all insects are safe, pesticide-free, and appropriately sized — never wider than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes, to avoid choking hazards.

4. Supplements for Health Support

Even with a varied diet, supplements are essential to ensure your bearded dragon gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Calcium is the most important supplement, as it helps build strong bones and prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). You should dust insects with a calcium powder without vitamin D3 around 4–5 times a week. If your dragon doesn’t get much exposure to UVB light, then use calcium with vitamin D3 once or twice a week to help with calcium absorption.

Besides calcium, a multivitamin supplement should be given once a week. This helps fill any nutritional gaps and supports overall wellness. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by the supplement brand and consult your vet if you're unsure. Over-supplementation can also be harmful, so balance is key.

5. Hydration and Water Intake

Despite being desert reptiles, bearded dragons still need proper hydration to stay healthy. Dehydration can lead to issues like dry skin, lethargy, and poor digestion. Always provide a clean, shallow water dish in the enclosure and change the water daily. Some dragons may not drink directly from the dish, so it’s helpful to lightly mist their enclosure or offer a shallow bath once or twice a week to keep them hydrated.

Dragons may also benefit from drinking water droplets from a misted surface or being offered water from a dropper or syringe. Worms like hornworms and silkworms are also good for hydration due to their high moisture content. Keeping your bearded dragon hydrated is especially important during shedding or in warmer months when they may lose more moisture.

6. Feeding Schedule and Best Practices

The feeding frequency and proportion of insects to vegetables change as your dragon ages. Baby dragons (0–6 months) require more protein and should be fed insects 2–3 times a day, along with small amounts of veggies. As they grow into juveniles (6–12 months), you can feed them twice a day, with a more balanced ratio of veggies and protein.

For adult dragons (12+ months), feeding once a day or every other day is usually enough, with vegetables making up 70–80% of their diet and insects around 20–30%. It’s important not to overfeed, especially fatty insects like superworms and waxworms. Monitor your dragon's body weight and adjust feeding quantities as needed. Remove any uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to keep the enclosure clean and prevent spoilage.

A balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy and long life for your bearded dragon. By offering a variety of insects, fresh vegetables, leafy greens, and occasional fruits, along with the right supplements and hydration methods, you ensure your pet gets everything it needs. Keep an eye on feeding habits, adjust the diet as your dragon matures, and consult with a reptile veterinarian if any health concerns arise. With consistent care and good nutrition, your bearded dragon will stay active, happy, and healthy for many years.

At Promeal, we know how important it is to give your pets a healthy and varied diet. That’s why we create high-quality, natural pet food to keep them happy and healthy.

Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.

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