Feeder insects are the protein backbone of a bearded dragon’s diet — especially for growing babies and juveniles. But not all insects are equal: some are great staples, and some should only be occasional treats.
This guide covers the best feeder insects for bearded dragons, their nutritional differences, and how to choose.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Insect | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best staple | Dubia roaches | High protein, easy to keep, great nutrition |
| Most available | Crickets | Cheap and easy to find |
| Best calcium | Black soldier fly larvae | Naturally calcium-rich |
| Best for hydration | Hornworms | High moisture, low fat |
Nutrition Comparison
| Insect | Protein | Fat | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubia roaches | High | Moderate | Best all-around staple |
| Crickets | Moderate–high | Low–moderate | Good staple, noisier to keep |
| Black soldier fly larvae | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio |
| Silkworms | High | Low | Soft-bodied, very digestible |
| Hornworms | Moderate | Low | Mostly water; great for hydration |
| Mealworms / superworms | Moderate | Higher | Treat only — hard shell (chitin) |
| Waxworms | Low | Very high | Treat only — very fatty |
Staple Insects (Feed Regularly)
- Dubia roaches: the community favorite. High protein, don’t smell or jump, and easy to breed at home. Buy from reputable suppliers like Dubia.com, Josh’s Frogs, or Fluker’s.
- Crickets: cheap and widely available, but they chirp, smell, and die off faster. Still a perfectly good staple.
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL / “calciworms”): naturally high in calcium, reducing your need to dust as heavily. Great for growing dragons.
- Silkworms and hornworms: excellent variety feeders; hornworms are especially useful for a dehydrated dragon.
Treat-Only Insects
- Mealworms / superworms: their hard exoskeleton (chitin) is harder to digest, so they shouldn’t be a staple. Occasional treat.
- Waxworms: very high fat — think of them as reptile candy. A few occasionally, not regularly.
The Golden Rules of Feeding Insects
- Size matters: never feed an insect longer than the space between your dragon’s eyes — bigger can cause impaction or choking.
- Gut-load: feed the insects nutritious food for 24 hours before offering them, so your dragon gets that nutrition too.
- Dust: lightly coat insects with calcium before feeding.
- Remove uneaten insects (especially crickets) so they don’t nibble on your dragon overnight.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general education and does not replace professional veterinary advice.