Bearded Dragon Food: Complete Feeding Guide

Named for their spiky beards, bearded dragons have been growing in popularity as pets in the United States over the past two decades. These Australian natives tend to be social and display a lot of personality. While they can make wonderful pets, bearded dragons have complex nutritional needs. Understanding their diet isn't complicated once you know the basics. By keeping a bearded dragon food list handy and following a few simple rules, you can help your pet live a healthy and active life.

Bearded dragon food list

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they need to eat different kinds of plants and animal or insect proteins to meet their nutritional needs.

While not all inclusive, below is a list of bearded dragon food options. Keep in mind, however, that some of these foods should only be offered in small amounts. Don't be intimidated by the size of the list-we'll break down each major category and explain precisely how you can serve up just the right food for your bearded dragon.

• Alfalfa sprouts
• Asparagus
• Beetles
• Bell peppers
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Butter worms
• CalciWorms
• Crickets
• Cucumber
• Dandelion leaves, Earthworms
• Endive
• Green beans
• Green cabbage
• Hibiscus
• Hornworms
• Kale
• Mealworms
• Mustard greens
• Okra
• Parsnip
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Roaches
• Silkworms
• Squash
• Superworms
• Sweet potato
• Turnip greens
• Watercress
• Waxworms

Insects and invertebrates for bearded dragons

Your pet needs protein-especially as a juvenile-and this will typically come from live insects and invertebrates. Gut-loaded and/or calcium- and vitamin-dusted insects and invertebrates should account for 70 percent of your juvenile bearded dragon's diet. A variety of them will be needed to ensure a well-balanced diet. Note that when they reach adulthood, your bearded dragon's nutritional needs will flip, with vegetables now making up 75 percent of their diet and insects and invertebrates coming in at 25 percent. Never feed your bearded dragon insects that you find in and around your home or yard, as the pesticides they may have come in contact with may be toxic to your pet. Instead, purchase them from your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center or on petco.com.

Crickets

Crickets are the most popular insect choice for pet parents, and they are readily available at most pet stores. However, they can be noisy and might be able to escape depending on the type of bearded dragon enclosure you have.

• Crickets sold at Petco are not just ordinary crickets. Vita-Bugs crickets are raised on a feed that has been proven to maintain increased vitamin and nutrient levels throughout their growing process.

Vita-Bugs crickets, sold in both bulk and carry-out containers, have high nutritional content and are enhanced with vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Roaches

Roaches are very high in protein (up to 28%), which can make them a great choice for an adult bearded dragon diet. Since smaller roaches often burrow in the substrate, consider placing them in a feeder dish. This makes them more readily available to eat since they cannot easily climb smooth surfaces. They are typically easy to keep as they don't jump, fly, or make much noise.

Mealworms

Behind that exoskeleton is a great source of vitamins A and E, in addition to fatty acids and essential proteins, making mealworms a great bearded dragon food. They are quiet and can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator to prevent them from morphing. They cannot fly or jump out of the habitat.

CalciWorms

CalciWorms are among bearded dragons' favorite foods. They are low in fat and rich in calcium, with a natural balance of calcium and phosphorus that helps prevent metabolic bone disease. They are a good option for gravid (pregnant) females and females who have just laid eggs. CalciWorms are very wiggly, so they tend to entice finicky eaters.

Bearded dragons absorb a lot of their required nutrition from the insects they eat. To help keep your bearded dragon in good health, you can feed live insects that have been fed a special lifelong diet to increase the nutritional value of their tissue, like Vita-Bugs. Some pet parents use a method known as gut loading to help improve the nutritional value of the insects they feed their bearded dragons.

This process involves feeding a nutritious diet to your insects a day before giving them to your bearded dragon. This way, the insects' stomachs will be loaded with lots of wholesome vitamins and minerals for your lizard. The specific foods you use for gut loading will depend on which insects you intend to use as bearded dragon food.

Vegetables for bearded dragons

Bearded dragons need nutrients from vegetables to maintain good health. Vegetables will make up the majority (75 percent) of your adult bearded dragon's food. To help prevent impaction, always cut vegetables into pieces no larger than the space between your bearded dragon's eyes.

Some of the best vegetables for bearded dragons are dark and leafy greens like collard and mustard greens; romaine, Boston, and red leaf lettuce; and fresh alfalfa sprouts and dandelion leaves. These should make up the largest portion of your pet's plant-based diet. Squash, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers are also great for bearded dragons but should be offered in moderation.

Fruits to feed bearded dragons

Consider fruits as desserts or special treats for bearded dragons. Although tasty, fruit is high in sugar and often deficient in the nutrients bearded dragons need to stay healthy. You can mix a few small pieces of fruit into their food a few times a week or drop a bit in their habitat from time to time as a tasty treat. Some of the best fruits to feed your bearded dragon include apples, bananas, seedless watermelon, grapes, blueberries, and raspberries. Remember to cut them into pieces no larger than the space between their eyes.

Supplements for bearded dragons

There are certain vitamins and minerals that pet beardies need but that they may not get enough of through diet alone. You'll need to supplement their food to ensure they maintain good health.

Calcium and vitamin D3 help your bearded dragon maintain strong bones and help prevent metabolic bone disease. Similar to many humans, reptiles also need a multivitamin. The easiest way to give your pet the supplements they need is to buy calcium, D3, or calcium with D3 and a multivitamin at your neighborhood Petco. The supplements come in a powder form and should be dusted on insects and plant matter before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Ask your veterinarian how frequently each needs to be administered to your pet for their current age/life stage.

Food group ratios

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your bearded dragon and allowing them to thrive. They will need to consume a variety of foods as well as vitamin and mineral supplements. Inadequate nutrition in a reptile's diet can lead to various illnesses. A good guide to follow for adult bearded dragons is to feed them 75 percent vegetables and 25 percent insects and invertebrates.

For a juvenile bearded dragon diet, this ratio flips. Feed them 70 percent insects and invertebrates and 30 percent vegetables.

As a reminder, fruits are treats for bearded dragons-not their primary food source.

Juvenile bearded dragon diet

The components of a juvenile and baby bearded dragon's diet are mostly the same as that of an adult, but the ratio of protein to veggies is much different. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons need much more protein than adults to fuel their growth.

How often and how much to feed baby and juvenile bearded dragons

Baby and juvenile bearded dragons have a very different feeding schedule than adults. Baby bearded dragons need to eat a lot and often. If your pet has just hatched, you can feed them as many insects and invertebrates as they can eat within 10 to 15 minutes three times a day. Also provide fresh vegetables daily so they can graze between insect meals. As they approach 6 months of age, your bearded dragon may start eating more vegetables on their own, and you can slowly reduce the frequency at which you provide insects and invertebrates.

Bearded dragons reach adulthood at around 12+ months of age. At this time, you can gradually adjust your bearded dragon food ratio to adult portions.

How often and how much to feed adult bearded dragons

Adult bearded dragons should be fed fresh vegetables daily and insects and invertebrates every other day to every two days. Fruit can be offered in small quantities two to three days a week. It can sometimes be difficult to determine how much food to give your pet, as their appetite typically depends on their size, activity level, and the calorie content of their food.

You can be less strict with the amount of vegetables for bearded dragons. Make sure to remove vegetables from the habitat before they start to wilt or rot and spread bacteria.

Keep in mind that bearded dragons tend to have big appetites and will typically eat as much as you let them. Obesity, a common problem among bearded dragons, can lead to heart disease and joint issues. Consult your veterinarian if you aren't sure how much to feed your bearded dragon or are concerned about their weight.

What not to feed your bearded dragon

It may seem like bearded dragons can eat anything and everything, but there are many types of foods that aren't good for your beardie-and some can even be lethal.

Do not feed your bearded dragon:

• Avocado
• Celery
• Dead bugs
• Eggplant
• Elder bugs
• Fireflies and any bug that glows
• Garlic
• Iceberg lettuce, as it has little nutritional value
• Lemons
• Limes
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Oranges
• Spiders
• Any wild bug or plant found around the home or yard as they could be exposed to pesticides or insecticides

How to keep track of it all

Wouldn't it be nice if you could open a pre-made bag of bearded dragon food as you can with dog or cat food? While there are several options of pre-formulated, commercial bearded dragon diets available, adding fresh foods to your dragon's diet is beneficial, even if it can seem a little challenging at first. How do you keep track of it all?

A simple option is to create a feeding schedule for your pet. It may be a good idea to include the complete bearded dragon food list as part of your schedule so you know what's available to your pet.

You can create your schedule using a physical calendar book, an online calendar, or even a calendar app. Once you've chosen your preferred medium, make a meal plan for each day or every other day. The beauty of a feeding schedule is that-at a glance-you can see if you are feeding your bearded dragon too much of one food and need to mix things up a bit. You can also use your feeding schedule to create your shopping and food preparation list.

How to prepare food for bearded dragons

Chop fruits and vegetables into small pieces so your beardie can eat them without issue. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons will require even smaller fruit and veggie bits. A good rule for sizing food pieces is that a portion of food should be no larger than the space between your bearded dragon's eyes.

Where to find food for bearded dragons

Now that you're ready to provide a wonderful home for your lizard, it's time to find your pet some tasty bearded dragon food. You can pick up wholesome fruits and veggies at your local grocery store. You'll need to go to your local pet store-like Petco-to purchase live insects and invertebrates or a commercially available diet for your beardie. At Petco, you can also find the supplement powders you need to maintain your pet's health and wellness and other bearded dragon solutions like bedding and habitats.

Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide by Age

Use this table as your at-a-glance reference for how often to feed your bearded dragon and what ratio of insects to vegetables to offer at each life stage. Portion sizes and frequency shift dramatically as your pet grows — getting this right is one of the most important things you can do for his long-term health. Always consult your veterinarian if you're unsure whether your bearded dragon is eating the right amount for his size and condition.

Piece-size rule: Cut all vegetables, greens and fruit into pieces no larger than the space between your bearded dragon's eyes to help prevent impaction.

Supplement reminder: Dust insects and plant matter with calcium, vitamin D3 and a reptile multivitamin powder before every feeding. Ask your veterinarian how frequently each supplement should be given for your pet's specific life stage.

Source insects responsibly: Never feed your bearded dragon insects caught in or around your home — pesticide exposure can be toxic. Purchase feeder insects from a Petco Pet Care Center or petco.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed my bearded dragon? Feeding frequency depends entirely on age. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons (under 12 months) should be fed two to three times daily, with insects offered for 10–15 minutes per session. Adult bearded dragons (18+ months) typically do well with one feeding per day or every other day, with a fresh salad of leafy greens available daily. Always check with your veterinarian to confirm the right schedule for your individual pet.

What percentage of a bearded dragon's diet should be insects vs. vegetables? The ratio flips as your bearded dragon grows. Juveniles need roughly 70% insects and invertebrates and 30% vegetables to fuel rapid growth. Adults need approximately 25% insects and 75% vegetables and leafy greens. Fruits should be treated as an occasional treat — a few small pieces two to three times per week at most — because they are high in sugar and low in the nutrients bearded dragons need most.

What vegetables are best for bearded dragons? Dark, leafy greens are the foundation of a good adult bearded dragon diet. Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion leaves, turnip greens and romaine lettuce are among the most nutritious choices. Squash, bell peppers and sweet potatoes are also beneficial but should be offered in moderation. Avoid iceberg lettuce, which has very little nutritional value. Always chop vegetables into pieces no larger than the space between your dragon's eyes.

Do bearded dragons need calcium and vitamin supplements? Yes. Calcium and vitamin D3 are essential for strong bones and help support the prevention of metabolic bone disease, a serious condition seen in reptiles kept under inadequate lighting or fed a poorly balanced diet. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control A reptile-formulated multivitamin is also recommended. Both are available as powders you dust onto insects and plant matter before feeding. Your veterinarian can advise on the correct supplementation schedule for your pet's age and life stage.

Can I feed my bearded dragon insects I catch outside? No. Wild-caught insects — including crickets, beetles and roaches found in your yard or home — may have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals that can be toxic to your bearded dragon. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control Always purchase feeder insects from a reputable source such as a Petco Pet Care Center or petco.com, where insects like Vita-Bugs crickets are raised on nutritionally optimized diets.

What is gut loading, and do I need to do it? Gut loading means feeding your feeder insects a nutritious diet for 24–48 hours before offering them to your bearded dragon, so that the insects' digestive tracts are packed with vitamins and minerals your pet will absorb. It is one of the most effective ways to improve the nutritional value of live feeders. Alternatively, Petco's Vita-Bugs crickets are raised on a lifelong enriched diet, so their nutritional content is already elevated — a convenient option for pet parents who prefer a ready-to-feed solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods are toxic or harmful to bearded dragons? Several common foods can be dangerous for bearded dragons. Avocado, rhubarb, and onions contain compounds that are toxic to reptiles and should never be offered. Fireflies (lightning bugs) are highly toxic — even a single firefly can be fatal. Spinach and beet greens bind calcium and can contribute to metabolic bone disease if fed regularly. Wild-caught insects should always be avoided, as they may carry pesticides or parasites that can harm your pet. When in doubt about a specific food, consult your veterinarian before offering it. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Can bearded dragons eat lettuce? Yes — but choose wisely. Dark, nutrient-dense varieties like romaine, Boston, and red leaf lettuce are good options and can make up a regular part of your adult bearded dragon's plant-based diet. Iceberg lettuce, however, is mostly water and offers very little nutritional value; it can also cause loose stools if fed in large amounts. Stick to darker greens for the most nutritional benefit.

How often should I feed my bearded dragon? Feeding frequency depends on your bearded dragon's life stage. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should be offered as many insects as they can eat in 10–15 minutes, up to three times per day, to fuel rapid growth. Adult bearded dragons typically eat once daily, with their meal consisting of roughly 75% vegetables and 25% insects or invertebrates. Always remove uneaten insects from the habitat after feeding to prevent stress or injury to your pet.

Do bearded dragons need vitamin and calcium supplements? Yes — dietary supplements are essential for bearded dragons kept as pets. Without adequate UVB lighting and a varied diet, most bearded dragons cannot synthesize enough vitamin D3 or absorb sufficient calcium on their own, which puts them at risk for metabolic bone disease. Calcium and D3 powders should be dusted onto insects and vegetables before each feeding. A reptile-specific multivitamin should also be rotated into the supplement schedule. Ask your veterinarian how frequently each supplement should be given based on your pet's age and life stage. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

Can bearded dragons eat fruit every day? Fruit should be treated as an occasional treat, not a daily staple. Most fruits are high in sugar and relatively low in the calcium, protein, and other nutrients bearded dragons need to thrive. Offering small pieces of apple, blueberries, seedless watermelon, or raspberries a few times per week is a reasonable approach. Always cut fruit into pieces no larger than the space between your bearded dragon's eyes to reduce the risk of choking or impaction.

What is gut-loading, and why does it matter? Gut-loading is the practice of feeding your feeder insects a nutritious diet for 24–48 hours before offering them to your bearded dragon. Because bearded dragons absorb a significant portion of their nutrition through the insects they eat, the nutritional quality of those insects directly affects your pet's health. A well-gut-loaded cricket or roach delivers more vitamins, minerals, and protein than one fed a poor diet. Commercially raised insects like Petco's Vita-Bugs are raised on a specially formulated feed designed to maintain elevated vitamin and nutrient levels throughout their life cycle, making them a convenient and reliable option. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.