Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both insects and plants. But the ratio changes dramatically as they grow — a baby eats mostly insects, while an adult eats mostly vegetables. Feeding the wrong ratio is one of the most common causes of health problems in pet dragons.
This guide covers exactly what bearded dragons eat at every age, the best staple foods, what to feed as a treat, and the foods you should never offer.
The Age-Based Diet Ratio
| Age | Insects | Vegetables & greens | Feeding schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0–4 months) | 70–80% | 20–30% | 2–3x daily |
| Juvenile (4–12 months) | 60–70% | 30–40% | 1–2x daily |
| Adult (12+ months) | 20–30% | 70–80% | Insects every other day; greens daily |
The switch happens gradually — around 12 months, your dragon’s diet should have flipped from mostly-insect to mostly-plant.
Best Staple Insects (feed regularly)
| Insect | Why it’s good |
|---|---|
| Dubia roaches | The gold-standard staple: high protein, easy to keep |
| Crickets | Good staple, widely available |
| Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) | Naturally high in calcium |
| Silkworms | Nutritious and soft-bodied |
| Hornworms | Great for hydration, low fat |
The insect-size rule: never feed an insect longer than the space between your dragon’s eyes. Bigger than that can cause choking or impaction.
Treat-Only Insects (feed sparingly)
- Mealworms / superworms — hard outer shell (chitin), harder to digest; not a staple.
- Waxworms — very high in fat; occasional treat only.
Daily Greens & Vegetables
Dark leafy greens should make up most of the plant portion. Good daily staples include:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Turnip greens
- Endive / escarole
- Butternut squash
- Bell pepper
- Snap peas
Feed in moderation (limit): spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and beet greens — they’re high in oxalates, which bind calcium.
Occasional Fruit (10% or less, as a treat)
Fruit is high in sugar and should only be a small, occasional treat:
- Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
- Mango, papaya
- Apple (no seeds)
Foods to NEVER Feed
| Food | Why it’s dangerous |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Toxic to reptiles |
| Onions, garlic, chives | Toxic |
| Iceberg lettuce | No nutrition; can cause diarrhea |
| Rhubarb | Toxic (high oxalic acid) |
| Wild-caught insects | May carry pesticides or parasites |
| Fireflies | Fatal — contain a toxic compound |
Gut-Loading and Dusting
- Gut-loading: feed your insects nutritious food (fresh veg, commercial gut-load) 24 hours before offering them to your dragon. You are what your insects eat.
- Dusting: lightly coat insects with a calcium supplement before feeding (see our supplement guide for the schedule).
Fresh Water
Always provide a shallow dish of clean water. Some dragons rarely drink from a dish, so also:
- Mist their greens lightly with water.
- Offer a shallow soak 1–2 times a week.
Feeding Tips for Picky Eaters
- Offer greens first thing in the morning when your dragon is hungriest.
- Add a little movement — wiggle the greens or mix in a few insects to trigger the feeding response.
- Vary the menu; dragons can get bored of the same food daily.
- If your dragon suddenly stops eating, check the temperature first — too-cold temps are the #1 cause of appetite loss.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general education and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your bearded dragon shows signs of illness, contact a qualified reptile veterinarian.
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