Bearded dragons are amazing pets, loved for their chill vibe and unique look. If you’re a new bearded dragon owner in the USA or thinking about getting one, knowing what to feed them is key to keeping them healthy and happy.
A bearded dragon diet includes 70-80% veggies like collard greens, kale, and butternut squash, plus 20-30% insects like crickets and dubia roaches. Offer occasional fruits like blueberries and apples.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about feeding your bearded dragon, from what foods are safe to how often to feed them.
Why a Balanced Diet Matters for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they munch on insects, leaves, and sometimes small fruits.
As pets, they need a diet that mimics their natural eating habits to stay strong and avoid health problems like metabolic bone disease or obesity. A good diet keeps their energy up, supports growth, and helps them live a long life—up to 10-15 years with proper care!
For baby bearded dragons (under 6 months), the diet leans heavily on protein from insects to support growth. Adult bearded dragons need more veggies to stay healthy. Let’s dive into the details of what to feed them.
Best Foods for Your Bearded Dragon
Here’s a simple breakdown of what makes up a balanced bearded dragon diet:
1. Live Insects (Protein Powerhouse)
Insects are a big part of a bearded dragon’s diet, especially for younger ones. They provide protein and energy. Here are the best insects to feed your bearded dragon:
- Crickets: Affordable and widely available at pet stores like Petco or PetSmart. They’re a great staple for baby and adult dragons.
- Dubia Roaches: Nutritious and easy to digest. Many owners in the USA prefer them because they’re less noisy than crickets.
- Mealworms: Good for occasional feeding, but not as a main food since they’re harder to digest.
- Phoenix Worms: High in calcium, perfect for growing dragons.
- Silkworms: A healthy treat, but they can be pricey and harder to find.
Tip: Always “gut-load” insects before feeding them to your dragon. This means feeding the insects nutritious foods (like carrots or oats) 24 hours before so your dragon gets extra nutrients. Avoid wild-caught insects—they might carry pesticides or parasites.
2. Fresh Vegetables (The Green Stuff)
Veggies should make up a big part of an adult bearded dragon’s diet—around 70-80% for adults and 20-30% for babies. Here are some safe, nutrient-rich veggies:
- Collard Greens: Packed with calcium and vitamins, a top choice.
- Kale: Great in moderation, but don’t overdo it due to high oxalates.
- Dandelion Greens: Easy to find and loved by bearded dragons.
- Squash: Butternut or acorn squash are safe and nutritious.
- Carrots (shredded): Add some color and beta-carotene to their diet.
Chop veggies into small pieces to make them easy to eat. Wash them thoroughly to remove pesticides, especially if you’re buying from a grocery store like Walmart or Kroger.
3. Fruits (A Sweet Treat)
Fruits should only be a small part of the diet—think of them as a treat (about 5-10% of the diet). Safe fruits include:
- Blueberries: Full of antioxidants, but feed sparingly.
- Apples (peeled): Remove seeds and cut into tiny pieces.
- Mango: A sweet, occasional treat.
- Strawberries: Loved by many dragons, but only once or twice a week.
Avoid citrus fruits like oranges or lemons, as they’re too acidic for bearded dragons.
4. Supplements (The Extra Boost)
Bearded dragons need supplements to stay healthy, especially for calcium and vitamins. Here’s what you need:
- Calcium Powder: Dust insects with calcium powder (without D3) 4-5 times a week for babies and 2-3 times for adults. Brands like Rep-Cal are popular in the USA.
- Multivitamin Powder: Use a reptile multivitamin once or twice a week to cover other nutrients.
- Vitamin D3: If your dragon doesn’t get enough UVB light (more on that later), use a calcium supplement with D3 sparingly.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle supplements lightly on insects or veggies. Too much can harm your dragon.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods are dangerous for bearded dragons. Keep these off the menu:
- Avocado: Toxic and can cause serious health issues.
- Rhubarb: High in oxalates, which can lead to kidney problems.
- Spinach: Okay in tiny amounts, but too much binds calcium and can cause deficiencies.
- Fireflies: Extremely toxic and can be fatal.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Low in nutrients and can cause diarrhea.
When in doubt, check with a vet or a trusted resource like the Bearded Dragon Care Sheet from Reptiles Magazine.
Feeding Schedule for Bearded Dragons
How often and how much you feed depends on your bearded dragon’s age:
- Babies (0-6 months): Feed 3-4 times a day, offering as many insects as they can eat in 10-15 minutes (usually 20-50 crickets or roaches). Add a small serving of chopped veggies daily.
- Juveniles (6-12 months): Feed twice a day with a mix of 50% insects and 50% veggies.
- Adults (12+ months): Feed once a day, with 70-80% veggies and 20-30% insects. Offer insects 3-4 times a week.
Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish, though bearded dragons often get hydration from their food. You can also mist their veggies lightly to boost water intake.
Setting Up the Right Environment for Digestion
A proper diet won’t do much if your bearded dragon’s habitat isn’t set up correctly. Digestion relies on heat and light:
- UVB Lighting: Bearded dragons need UVB light to produce vitamin D3, which helps absorb calcium. Use a high-quality UVB bulb like the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0, available at most USA pet stores. Replace it every 6-12 months.
- Basking Spot: Keep a basking area at 95-105°F for babies and 90-95°F for adults. Use a digital thermometer to check temps.
- Cool Side: The other side of the tank should be 75-85°F to let them cool off.
Without proper UVB and heat, your dragon might not digest food properly, leading to health issues.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
New bearded dragon owners often make these mistakes:
- Overfeeding Insects: Too many insects for adults can lead to obesity. Stick to the 70-30 veggie-to-insect ratio for grown dragons.
- Skipping Supplements: Without calcium and vitamins, your dragon could develop metabolic bone disease, which weakens their bones.
- Feeding Large Insects: Insects should be smaller than the space between your dragon’s eyes to prevent choking.
- Not Varying the Diet: Feeding the same food daily can bore your dragon and lead to nutrient deficiencies. Mix it up!
Where to Buy Food in the USA
Finding food for your bearded dragon is easy in the USA. Here are some options:
- Pet Stores: Petco, PetSmart, and local reptile shops sell crickets, roaches, and worms. They also carry calcium and vitamin supplements.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Chewy.com or DubiaRoaches.com deliver live insects and reptile supplies to your door.
- Grocery Stores: Buy fresh veggies and fruits from stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or your local supermarket. Look for organic options to avoid pesticides.
Sample Weekly Diet Plan
Here’s a simple 7-day diet plan for an adult bearded dragon:
- Monday: Collard greens, shredded carrots, dusted crickets (15-20).
- Tuesday: Kale, butternut squash, blueberries (small portion).
- Wednesday: Dandelion greens, dubia roaches (10-15) with calcium.
- Thursday: Mustard greens, shredded zucchini, mango chunks.
- Friday: Collard greens, crickets (15-20) with multivitamin.
- Saturday: Bell peppers, dandelion greens, no insects.
- Sunday: Squash, strawberries, dubia roaches (10-15) with calcium.
Adjust portions based on your dragon’s size and appetite. Babies need more frequent insect feedings.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your bearded dragon the right diet is all about balance—mixing live insects, fresh veggies, and occasional fruits with the right supplements. By following this guide, you can keep your bearded dragon healthy, active, and happy. Always monitor their weight, energy, and poop (it should be firm and regular) to catch any issues early. If you’re ever unsure, talk to a reptile vet or check trusted resources like the Bearded Dragon Forum or Reptile Magazine.
FAQs
What is the best diet for a bearded dragon?
The best diet for bearded dragons includes live insects like crickets, dubia roaches, plus fresh veggies like collard greens, and occasional fruits like blueberries.
Does a bearded dragon need to eat every day?
Yes, bearded dragons should eat daily. Babies need insects 3-4 times a day, while adults eat once daily, mostly veggies with some insects.
What fruit can bearded dragons eat daily?
Bearded dragons shouldn’t eat fruit daily. Offer small amounts of safe fruits like apples, mango, or strawberries 1-2 times a week as treats.
What do bearded dragons like to drink?
Bearded dragons drink water from a shallow dish or misted veggies. They often get hydration from food, so keep fresh water available daily.
How often should I hold my bearded dragon?
Hold your bearded dragon 2-3 times a week for 10-15 minutes. Start slowly, be gentle, and avoid stressing them to build trust.
Will bearded dragons stop eating when full?
Yes, bearded dragons usually stop eating when full. Watch for signs like ignoring food, but monitor portions to prevent overfeeding or obesity.
What is a bearded dragon’s favorite meal?
Bearded dragons love live insects like crickets or dubia roaches and veggies like dandelion greens. Favorites vary, so try different safe foods.
What is the lifespan of a bearded dragon?
With proper care, bearded dragons live 10-15 years. A balanced diet, UVB light, and regular vet checkups help them thrive for years.
Are bananas good for bearded dragons?
Bananas are okay as an occasional treat, not daily. Feed small, ripe pieces once a week to avoid sugar overload or digestive issues.