The 5 Best Foods For Bearded Dragons

The 5 Best Foods For Bearded Dragons

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Bearded dragons have become increasingly popular as pets, but many people still misunderstand them. They have sharp claws and a body seemingly covered in spikes, though those spikes in reality are surprisingly soft.

Bearded dragons are actually very calm and friendly pets when properly cared for. Part of caring for a bearded dragon as a pet is providing for its nutritional needs.

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Foods For Bearded Dragons

Overall Best 1. Fluker's Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food View on Amazon Read Review	Runner Up 2. Zilla Reptile Food Munchies Omnivore Mix With Calcium View on Amazon Read Review	Best Bearded Dragon Dry Food 3. T-Rex Bearded Dragon Food Gourmet Blend View on Amazon Read Review	Best For Juvenile Bearded Dragon 4. TradeKing Natural Dried Crickets View on Amazon Read Review	Best Budget 5. Fluker's Buffet Blend Adult Bearded Dragon Formula View on Amazon Read Review
Type Dried insects	Type Dried mix	Type Dried mix	Type Dried insects	Type Dried mix
Amount 1.8 ounces	Amount 4 ounces	Amount 4 ounces	Amount 8 ounces	Amount $2.9 ounces
Key Ingredients Mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers	Key Ingredients Veggies, crickets, mealworms	Key Ingredients Fruits, veggies, insects	Key Ingredients Crickets	Key Ingredients Mealworms, crickets, veggies

What To Look For In Food For Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are omnivores which means that they consume both plant- and animal-based foods. In the wild, bearded dragons feed primarily on insects, eating everything from live earthworms and crickets to cockroaches and hornworms.

In captivity, however, bearded dragons are able to accept freeze-dried or dehydrated versions of these insects.

Commercially prepared bearded dragon foods are easy to feed, and they keep longer than live insects. Even if you choose to feed your bearded dragon commercial foods, you should still supplement its diet with live foods and fresh fruits and veggies. The variety also helps to ensure adequate water intake, since a good deal of the normal water intake for a bearded dragon is obtained through the food.

Check out our guide to the best worms for bearded dragons to learn more about feeding your bearded dragon live foods or keep reading to learn about the best commercially prepared foods for bearded dragons.

Here are some important things to look for in bearded dragon food:

• Real ingredients. The best commercial foods for bearded dragons are freeze-dried or dehydrated insects – there is no need for additives that don’t provide added nutrition.
• Trustworthy brand. The best brands to buy bearded dragon food from are brands specializing in reptile products. Do some research on the brand before buying if you’re not sure.
• No artificial additives. Artificial colors and flavors have no place in a good bearded dragon food. You want something that is only made with real, whole-food ingredients.
• Nutritionally balanced. When it comes to commercial bearded dragon foods, you can find freeze-dried insects as well as pellets. Pellets tend to be nutritionally balanced but are less interesting for bearded dragons, so try to offer a blend of foods.

Our Top Picks For The Best Foods For Bearded Dragons

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a bearded dragon food, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 5 picks for the best bearded dragon foods.

Overall Best

1.

Fluker's Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Dried insects
• Amount: 1.8 ounces
• Key Ingredients: Mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 56%

Crude Fat: 15%

Crude Fiber: 9%

Moisture: 9%

Ash: 6.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 61.54%

Fat: 16.48%

Fiber: 9.89%

Carbs: 4.95%

Pros

• Only real insects as the ingredients
• Three insects – crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers
• Carefully freeze-dried to preserve nutrition

Cons

• Some bearded dragons don’t like dried insects
• May contain more mealworms than other worms
• Requires additional vitamin and calcium supplementation

If you’re looking for a simple, trustworthy product your bearded dragon will love, try this Fluker’s Medley Treat for Bearded Dragons. It features three different types of freeze-dried insects – mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers – that are carefully dried to preserve their nutritional integrity.

This bearded dragon food gives your pet the nutritional benefit of live foods without you having to deal with the hassle. You can also use it as a tasty treat to add variety to your bearded dragon’s diet.

Runner Up

2.

Zilla Reptile Food Munchies Omnivore Mix With Calcium

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Dried mix
• Amount: 4 ounces
• Key Ingredients: Veggies, crickets, mealworms

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 17%

Crude Fat: 6%

Crude Fiber: 6%

Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 18.89%

Fat: 6.67%

Fiber: 6.67%

Carbs: 67.78%

Pros

• Dehydrated ingredients to preserve nutrition
• Rich blend of fruits, veggies, and insects
• Easy to prepare, can be rehydrated in water

Cons

• Some bearded dragons don’t accept dried foods
• May not be nutritionally balanced in each bite

Dehydrated insects are a great bearded dragon food, but if you’re looking for something a little more balanced in terms of nutrition, this might be a good option. Made with a rich blend of dried fruits and veggies, this blend also contains dried insects, so your bearded dragon gets the protein, fat, and essential nutrients it needs. Simply rehydrate the food in water and serve.

Best Bearded Dragon Dry Food

3.

T-Rex Bearded Dragon Food Gourmet Blend

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Dried mix
• Amount: 4 ounces
• Key Ingredients: Fruits, veggies, insects

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 18.8%

Crude Fat: 5.8%

Crude Fiber: 7.7%

Moisture: 13%

Ash: 5.1%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 21.61%

Fat: 6.67%

Fiber: 8.85%

Carbs: 57.01%

Pros

• Premium greens, veggies, and insects
• All-natural ingredients, no preservatives
• Can be rehydrated with water for serving

Cons

• Somewhat more expensive than similar products
• Some bearded dragons don’t accept dry foods
• Requires additional calcium and vitamin supplementation

Another dried blend for bearded dragons, this option is a little higher quality but also a tad bit more expensive. It contains high levels of protein as well as premium greens and veggies to deliver balanced nutrition. This product is safely made in the USA and can easily be rehydrated in water.

Best For Juvenile Bearded Dragon

4.

TradeKing Natural Dried Crickets

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Dried insects
• Amount: 8 ounces
• Key Ingredients: Crickets

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 59%

Crude Fat: 14.5%

Crude Fiber: 6.5%

Moisture: 8%

Ash: 5.7%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 64.13%

Fat: 15.76%

Fiber: 7.07%

Carbs: 6.85%

Pros

• 100% whole dried crickets
• No artificial additives or preservatives
• Gut-loaded prior to drying for nutrition

Cons

• More expensive than some brands
• Not acceptable as a sole source of food
• No vitamin information provided

Crickets are many a bearded dragon’s favorite food but keeping live crickets can be a hassle. If you want to give your bearded dragon its favorite treat without the work, try these dried crickets. They are completely free from artificial additives and provide a rich source of natural protein. Plus, they are gut-loaded before drying to give your bearded dragon an added boost of nutrition.

Best Budget

5.

Fluker's Buffet Blend Adult Bearded Dragon Formula

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Type: Dried mix
• Amount: $2.9 ounces
• Key Ingredients: Mealworms, crickets, veggies

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 29%

Crude Fat: 6%

Crude Fiber: 5.5%

Moisture: 9.5%

Ash: 8.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 32.04%

Fat: 6.63%

Fiber: 6.08%

Carbs: 45.86%

Pros

• Nutritionally balanced pellets
• Unique texture appeals to bearded dragons
• Mixed with freeze-dried insects

Cons

• Contains a long list of ingredients
• Some bearded dragons dislike pellets
• May still require calcium and vitamin supplementation

If you’re looking for a bearded dragon food that is nutritionally balanced, this is an affordable option. It features vitamin-fortified pellets with dried insects to ensure that your pet gets the nutrients it needs. The pellets themselves have a unique texture shown to be more appealing to bearded dragons and they are very easy to feed.

Tips For Feeding A Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are not difficult to feed, but you should know that their nutritional needs change as they develop from a baby into an adult. Because young bearded dragons are still growing, they require a higher concentration of protein in their diet and they will eat as many insects as you give them. Adult bearded dragons eat less and often have a preference for leafy greens over insects.

Here are some simple tips for feeding a bearded dragon properly:

• Feed your baby bearded dragon 80% insects and 20% greens, keeping in mind that some bearded dragons will like greens more than others.
• Around 6 months of age, your bearded dragon should start accepting more fresh vegetables – start keeping small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables in the tank daily.
• As your bearded dragon reaches adulthood, its dietary preferences may shift to a higher concentration of vegetables than insects – keep plenty of fresh fruits and veggies in the tank and offer insects once a day or every other day.
• When feeding insects, offer your bearded dragon as many as it will eat within a 15-minute time period and collect any uneaten insects after that period of time.
• Before feeding your bearded dragon insects, they should be fed a healthy diet of vegetable matter and they should be dusted in a reptile nutrient powder.

Every bearded dragon is unique, and your pet’s dietary preferences will change over time. Stick to the guidelines provided above but pay attention to your bearded dragon’s intake so you can make adjustments to the diet as needed.

Final Remarks

Bearded dragons make wonderful pets, but they do require a specific diet in order to remain happy and healthy. Take what you’ve learned here about feeding a pet bearded dragon and put it to use. If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a bearded dragon food, try out one of the top 5 best bearded dragon foods we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!