Bearded Dragon Feeding Chart by Age
Bearded dragons are omnivores — they eat both insects and plant matter, and the ratio shifts significantly as they grow. Hatchlings and juveniles need a protein-heavy diet to fuel rapid growth. Adults shift toward a predominantly plant-based diet. Getting this balance right at each life stage is one of the most important aspects of bearded dragon care.
Quick Reference Feeding Chart
| Age | Insects | Vegetables/Greens | Insect Frequency | Greens Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0–3 months) | 80% | 20% | 3× daily | Daily (offered) |
| Juvenile (3–6 months) | 70% | 30% | 2× daily | Daily |
| Sub-adult (6–12 months) | 50% | 50% | 1× daily | Daily |
| Adult (12+ months) | 20–30% | 70–80% | Every 2–3 days | Daily |
Quick Rule: The younger the dragon, the more insects it needs. The older the dragon, the more greens it needs. An adult bearded dragon eating primarily insects is at risk of obesity and fatty liver disease.
Best Feeder Insects for Bearded Dragons
- Dubia roaches — excellent protein-to-fat ratio, easy to digest; the top staple feeder for most keepers
- Crickets — widely available, stimulate hunting behavior; gut-load before feeding
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) — high calcium, good variety feeder
- Hornworms — excellent for hydration but should not be the primary feeder because of their high moisture and relatively low protein content
- Waxworms / butterworms — high fat treats only; can cause obesity and feeding strikes if offered too often
Prey size rule: Never feed insects larger than the space between your dragon's eyes. Oversized prey increases the risk of choking, regurgitation, and impaction, especially in young dragons.
Best Vegetables & Greens for Bearded Dragons
Staple greens (feed regularly):
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
- Dandelion greens
- Endive / escarole
Good additions (rotate in):
- Butternut squash
- Acorn squash
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Kale — can be included occasionally as part of a varied diet but shouldn't be the primary green
Avoid or limit:
- Spinach and beet greens — high oxalates that can reduce calcium absorption; best fed sparingly
- Iceberg lettuce — no nutritional value
- Avocado, onion, rhubarb — toxic to bearded dragons
- Citrus fruits — too acidic
Gut-Loading & Supplementation
Gut-load feeder insects 24–48 hours before feeding. A well-fed insect passes its nutrition to your dragon — an empty feeder provides almost none.
- Calcium without D3 — most feedings (if using appropriate UVB)
- Calcium with D3 — 2× per week (if no UVB or inadequate UVB)
- Multivitamin — 1× per week
Appropriate UVB lighting is essential for healthy calcium metabolism and helps prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD). See the Bearded Dragon Care Guide (2026) for full UVB setup guidance.
FAQ
How many crickets should I feed my bearded dragon?
Offer as many appropriately sized insects as your dragon will eat in 10–15 minutes, then remove any uneaten live feeders. Uneaten crickets can stress and bite a resting dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat fruit?
Yes, in small amounts as an occasional treat. Fruits are high in sugar and should not be a regular part of the diet. Good options include blueberries, raspberries, and papaya — offered sparingly.
Why won't my bearded dragon eat vegetables?
Many juveniles prefer insects and ignore greens initially. Keep offering greens daily — most dragons accept them more readily as they mature. Mixing greens with a small amount of squash or bell pepper can help encourage acceptance.
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