A proper bearded dragon diet is crucial to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy, and active life. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant-based foods (vegetables and fruits) and animal-based foods (insects and protein). A balanced diet that provides the right amount of nutrients is essential to prevent common health issues like metabolic bone disease (MBD), obesity, or digestive problems.

In this article, we’ll explore what to feed your bearded dragon, how often to feed them, and tips on maintaining a healthy and varied diet.

Key Components of a Bearded Dragon Diet

A well-balanced bearded dragon diet consists of three primary components: insects (protein), vegetables (fiber and vitamins), and fruits (treats). Each component plays an important role in your pet’s overall health, so it’s essential to provide a variety of food sources.

1. Protein Sources: Insects and Bugs

Insects are the primary source of protein for bearded dragons, especially for younger or growing dragons. Protein is crucial for muscle development and overall health. Adult dragons can still benefit from insects, but as they age, they need fewer insects and more plant-based foods.

Recommended Insects for Bearded Dragons

• Crickets: One of the most common and nutritious options for your bearded dragon diet. They are high in protein and easy to find at pet stores.
• Dubia Roaches: These are excellent sources of protein and are easier to digest than other insects. They are also less likely to escape from the enclosure.
• Superworms: A great option, but should be fed sparingly due to their high fat content. Use these as an occasional treat.
• Mealworms: They can be fed but should be used in moderation as they are high in fat and have a tough exoskeleton that can be hard to digest.
• Waxworms: These are high in fat and should only be given occasionally as a treat.
• Black Soldier Fly Larvae: These are an excellent source of calcium and protein.

Important: Make sure that the insects are gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) before offering them to your dragon. This ensures that your pet gets the most nutritional value from them. You can also dust insects with calcium powder before feeding, especially for growing dragons.

Feeding Frequency for Insects

• Young Bearded Dragons (under 6 months): Feed them insects 2–3 times a day. They need more protein to support their growth.
• Adult Bearded Dragons: Feed them insects 3–4 times a week. As they grow older, they need more vegetables than protein.

2. Vegetables: Fiber and Essential Nutrients

Vegetables are an important part of your bearded dragon’s diet and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall health. These veggies help maintain a healthy digestive system, prevent obesity, and contribute to vitamin A and calcium intake.

Recommended Vegetables for Bearded Dragons

• Collard Greens: A nutritious green that provides calcium, vitamins, and fiber.
• Mustard Greens: High in calcium and low in oxalates, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
• Turnip Greens: Rich in calcium and vitamins, great for a healthy dragon diet.
• Dandelion Greens: These are rich in vitamins A and K, as well as calcium.
• Kale: Kale can be offered but should be fed in moderation due to its high oxalate content, which can bind calcium and prevent its absorption.
• Swiss Chard: Offers a good balance of nutrients but also contains oxalates, so use sparingly.
• Butternut Squash: A great source of vitamin A, perfect for your dragon’s diet.
• Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, these make a colorful and nutritious addition.
• Cucumber: While not very nutrient-dense, cucumbers can be given for hydration due to their high water content.
• Zucchini: Another good option for hydration and vitamins.

Avoid Feeding These Vegetables

• Iceberg Lettuce: It offers little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.
• Spinach: Contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption.
• Potato: Avoid as they can be toxic when raw.

Feeding Frequency for Vegetables

• Young Bearded Dragons: Offer fresh veggies daily as part of their diet.
• Adult Bearded Dragons: Provide a mix of fresh veggies daily. They should eat more vegetables than insects, with vegetables making up about 70-80% of their diet.

3. Fruits: Healthy Treats for Bearded Dragons

Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content, but they can make a great treat for your bearded dragon. Fruits provide extra vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.

Recommended Fruits for Bearded Dragons

• Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Blueberries: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, but should be given occasionally.
• Mango: A good source of vitamins A and C, great as a treat.
• Peaches: Contain vitamins A and C, perfect for hydration.
• Apples: A favorite for many bearded dragons; just remove the seeds before feeding.
• Grapes: Can be given in small amounts as a special treat.
• Papaya: Contains lots of vitamins and is easy for your dragon to digest.

Important: Always remove seeds or pits from fruits, as they can be a choking hazard.

Feeding Frequency for Fruits

• Offer fruits 2–3 times a week in small amounts as a treat. Keep in mind that too much sugar from fruits can lead to obesity.

4. Supplements for Bearded Dragons

In addition to offering a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits, bearded dragons also require calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to stay healthy. These supplements are especially important for young dragons and those who may not be receiving enough from their diet alone.

Calcium Supplementation

• Use calcium powder to dust your bearded dragon’s insects or vegetables a few times a week, especially for growing dragons. This ensures that they get enough calcium to support healthy bone growth and prevent metabolic bone disease.

Vitamin D3

• Vitamin D3 is important for calcium absorption. If your dragon gets proper UVB lighting, it may not need a separate vitamin D3 supplement. However, if your pet is kept indoors without proper UVB exposure, you may need to offer a supplement as well.

5. Hydration

Providing fresh, clean water is essential to your bearded dragon’s diet. Bearded dragons don't often drink from standing water in the wild, but they will lap up water droplets, so it's important to mist the enclosure occasionally.

• Water Dish: Always have a shallow dish of water available. Change the water daily.
• Misting: Lightly mist the vegetables and the enclosure to encourage your dragon to drink.

6. Foods to Avoid

While there are many nutritious foods for bearded dragons, some foods should be avoided entirely to prevent health issues:

• Insects caught in the wild: These may contain parasites or pesticides.
• Lettuce (except Romaine in small quantities): Low in nutrients and can cause diarrhea.
• Tomatoes: While not toxic, they contain too much acidity and should be avoided.
• Onions and Garlic: Both are toxic to bearded dragons and can cause severe health problems.
• Avocado: Highly toxic to bearded dragons and can lead to death.

Conclusion

A well-balanced bearded dragon diet is key to keeping your pet happy and healthy. Providing a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits will give your dragon the nutrients it needs to thrive. Remember to supplement with calcium and vitamin D3, and provide fresh water regularly. With the right diet, your bearded dragon will have a long, healthy life and become a beloved companion for years to come.