Bearded Dragon Feeding Guide

Bearded dragons need both insects and leafy greens and vegetables. The ratio shifts with age: babies eat more insects; adults should get most of their calories from greens, with insects several times a week. For full husbandry context, see our Bearded Dragon Care Guide.

Keep prey no larger than the space between the dragon’s eyes to reduce choking and impaction. Staples: dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Occasional: silkworms, hornworms (moderation), mealworms (sparingly for adults). Waxworms and butterworms are high-fat treats only. Dried insects are not recommended—they lack moisture and full nutrition; use live or freshly killed, gut-loaded insects.

Leafy greens form the base of the plant side. Rotate staples: collard, mustard, dandelion, turnip greens, escarole, endive. Add variety with butternut squash, acorn squash, bell pepper, zucchini. Use spinach and kale sparingly (oxalates/goitrogens); avoid iceberg. Fruit is high in sugar—offer rarely, if at all.

Babies (0–4 months) need more protein and frequent meals. Offer insects 2–3 times per day, as many appropriately sized prey as they will eat in 10–15 minutes per session. Offer fresh greens daily even if they ignore them at first. Dust insects with calcium at almost every feeding; use calcium with D3 if you lack strong T5 UVB, or calcium without D3 if you have proper UVB. Multivitamin 1–2 times per week on insects. See our Lighting & UVB Guide for D3 and basking.

Juveniles (4–18 months): insects once or twice daily (10–15 min per session), greens daily as the main offering; calcium on most insect feedings, multivitamin weekly. Adults (18+ months): fresh salad daily with variety; insects 2–4 times per week depending on body condition—a few dozen per week is often enough. Dust insects with calcium when offered; multivitamin once a week on one insect meal. Cap insect intake to avoid obesity.

Bearded dragons get much of their water from fresh, moist greens and well-hydrated insects. A shallow water bowl is still recommended; misting greens or offering water on a spoon can encourage drinking. For supplementation: with strong T5 UVB (10.0 or 12%), use calcium without D3 on insects; without proper UVB, use calcium with D3. Multivitamin about once a week on one insect feeding. Do not double-dose D3 if your multivitamin already contains it.

Avoid: fireflies (toxic), wild-caught insects (pesticides/parasites), avocado, rhubarb; no dog/cat food or dairy. Do not feed insects larger than the space between the eyes; do not skip greens for adults (obesity and deficiency risks); do not rely on dried insects; avoid overfeeding fatty insects or fruit.