The 5 Best Foods For Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons Reptiles & Amphibians May 12, 2022
Written by | Updated Feb 18, 2024
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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
Fluker's Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food

1. Fluker's Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food

Runner Up
Zilla Reptile Food Munchies Omnivore Mix With Calcium

2. Zilla Reptile Food Munchies Omnivore Mix With Calcium

Best Bearded Dragon Dry Food
T-Rex Bearded Dragon Food Gourmet Blend

3. T-Rex Bearded Dragon Food Gourmet Blend

Best For Juvenile Bearded Dragon
TradeKing Natural Dried Crickets

4. TradeKing Natural Dried Crickets

Best Budget
Fluker's Buffet Blend Adult Bearded Dragon Formula

5. Fluker's Buffet Blend Adult Bearded Dragon Formula

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

Product Info

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

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 56%
Crude Fat: 15%
Crude Fiber: 9%
Moisture: 9%
Ash: 6.5%

Dry Matter Basis

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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

Product Info

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

Guaranteed Analysis

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Crude Protein: 17%
Crude Fat: 6%
Crude Fiber: 6%
Moisture: 10%

Dry Matter Basis

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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

Product Info

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

Guaranteed Analysis

loader
Crude Protein: 18.8%
Crude Fat: 5.8%
Crude Fiber: 7.7%
Moisture: 13%
Ash: 5.1%

Dry Matter Basis

loader
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

Product Info

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

Guaranteed Analysis

loader
Crude Protein: 59%
Crude Fat: 14.5%
Crude Fiber: 6.5%
Moisture: 8%
Ash: 5.7%

Dry Matter Basis

loader
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

Product Info

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

Guaranteed Analysis

loader
Crude Protein: 29%
Crude Fat: 6%
Crude Fiber: 5.5%
Moisture: 9.5%
Ash: 8.5%

Dry Matter Basis

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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!

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Kate Barrington is avid pet lover and adoring owner of three cats and one dog, her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. She has been writing about pet care and pet products since 2010
2 Comments
  1. Thaissu

    Hi, thank you for your recommendations, I am having a hard time finding live food for my beardie locally and had so many bad experiences with online orders lately that I am having to feed him mostly dry food and veggies, what do you think? how long could I go just feeding him dry crickets, mealworms and veggies? thank you

    • Kate Barrington

      Hi Thaissu! Adult bearded dragons should eat mostly veggies and other fresh food anyway, so dried insects should be fine if your beardie will eat them! Just make sure you're providing a variety of foods to balance his nutrition.

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