What do Bearded Dragons Eat? Diet & Feeding Guide

 

If you are thinking about getting a bearded dragon, or you have recently welcomed one into your home, one of the first questions you’ll have is: what do bearded dragons eat?

A healthy diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your bearded dragon active, healthy and living a long life. Unlike some reptiles, bearded dragons aren’t exclusively herbivores or carnivores. They’re omnivores, meaning they need a balanced mix of insects, vegetables and occasional fruit.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what bearded dragons should eat at every stage of life, which foods to avoid and practical feeding tips to help your pet thrive.

 

What do Bearded Dragons Eat?

A balanced bearded dragon diet consists of:

·       Live insects

·       Leafy greens

·       Vegetables

·       Small amounts of fruit

·       Calcium and vitamin supplements

Please see our Bearded Dragon Food Selection for our full offering for this type of reptile.

The exact balance of food changes as your dragon grows.

 

Baby Bearded Dragons (0-2 months)

Baby bearded dragons need plenty of protein to support rapid growth. A typical diet should consist of live insects.

Suitable insects include:

·       Crickets

·       Dubia roaches

·       Locusts

·       Black soldier fly larvae

Feed babies live insects 2 times a day and let them eat as many as they can within a 10-15 minute time frame.

 

Young Bearded Dragons (2-6 months)

Young bearded dragons still need plenty of protein to support their growth. A typical diet should consist of live insects.

Suitable insects include:

·       Crickets

·       Dubia roaches

·       Locusts

·       Black soldier fly larvae

Feed babies live insects once a day and let them eat as many as they can within a 10-15 minute time frame.

 

Juvenile Bearded Dragons (6-12 months)

As your dragon matures, gradually increase the amount of plant based food. Aim for:

·       50-60% insects

·       40-50% vegetables

Offering fresh greens everyday encourages healthy eating habits before adulthood.

 

Adult Bearded Dragons (12+ months)

Adult bearded dragons require less protein and more plant matter. Their diet should consist of approximately:

·       70-80% vegetables and leafy greens

·       20-30% insects

Most adults only need insects a few times each week, whilst fresh vegetables should be available to them daily.

 

Best Vegetables for Bearded Dragons

Leafy greens should form the foundation of your dragon’s plant based diet.

Some of the best options include:

·       Collard greens

·       Spring greens

·       Mustard greens

·       Dandelion leaves

·       Rocket (arugula)

·       Endive

·       Butternut squash

·       Courgette

·       Bell peppers

Make sure to rotate vegetables regularly to provide a variety of nutrients.

 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Fruit?

Yes, but only as an occasional treat. Fruit contains natural sugars that can contribute to obesity and digestive issues if fed too often.

Suitable fruits include:

·       Blueberries

·       Strawberries

·       Mango

·       Apple (without seeds)

·       Pear

·       Papaya

·       Melon

Fruit should make up no more than 10% of the overall diet.

 

Best Live Insects

Live Insects provide essential protein and mental stimulation. Popular feeder insects include:

·       Cockroaches

·       Crickets

·       Locusts

·       Silkworms

·       Occasional Mealworms (for older dragons only)

Always feed your pet insects that are appropriately sized, generally no larger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes.

 

Foods Bearded Dragons Should Never Eat

Some foods can be harmful or even toxic. Avoid feeding:

·       Avocado

·       Rhubarb

·       Fireflies

·       Wild-caught insects (due to pesticides and parasites)

·       Onion

·       Garlic

·       Chocolate

·       Processes human foods

·       Citrus fruits in large quantities

It’s also best to avoid iceberg lettuce, as it contains very little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.

 

Do Bearded Dragons Need Calcium?

Yes. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and helps prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), one of the most common health problems seen in captive reptiles.

Dust live insects with a Calcium Supplement several times per week. Many owners also use a Multivitamin Supplement once or twice weekly, depending on their reptile vet’s recommendations.

Proper UVB Lighting is equally important, as bearded dragons need UVB exposure to absorb calcium effectively.

 

How Often Should You Feed a Bearded Dragon?

Feeding frequency depends on age, as detailed in this table.

Age	Feeding Schedule
Baby	2 meals daily
Young	1 meal daily
Juvenile	1-2 meals daily
Adult	Vegetables daily, insects 2-3 times per week

 

Always ensure that you provide fresh, clean drinking water and remove uneaten insects after feeding.

 

Common Feeding Mistakes

Many new owners unintentionally make small mistakes that can affect their pet’s health, such as:

·       Feeding too much fruit

·       Not providing enough leafy greens

·       Offering insects that are too large

·       Forgetting calcium supplementation

·       Feeding wild insects

·       Not replacing UVB bulbs regularly

·       Overfeeding adult dragons

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can bearded dragons eat lettuce?

Most lettuce varieties have little nutritional value. Dark leafy greens, such as collard greens or spring greens, are much better choices.

 

Can bearded dragons eat mealworms? 

Adult bearded dragons can eat mealworms occasionally, but they shouldn’t be a staple food because of their tough outer shell and relatively high fat content.

 

Can bearded dragons eat carrots?

Yes. Carrots can be offered in small amounts as part of a varied diet. Finely grate or chop them before serving.

 

Can bearded dragons eat spinach?

Spinach is safe in moderation, but it shouldn’t be fed regularly as it can bind calcium, reducing its absorption.

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding what bearded dragons eat is key to raising a healthy and happy reptile. By providing the right balance of live insects, nutritious vegetables, occasional fruit and regular calcium supplementation, you’ll help your bearded dragon stay active for years to come.

At Viperia, we’re passionate about helping reptile owners provide the very best care for their pets. Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced reptile keeper, choosing high quality live food, supplements and reptile suppliers makes all the difference to your pet’s health and wellbeing. Please get in contact with us if you have any further questions, we are happy to help!