Science Based Diet Guides
Short on Time?
Two Ways To Read:
What Should I Feed My Baby Bearded Dragon?
A Simple Guide for Beginners
The Key Points of a Healthy Baby Bearded Dragon Diet
- Diversity is king:This is the most important point on this list. In their natural ecosystems, bearded dragons eat an extremely varied diet. Replicating this diet in captivity ensures your pet gets the nutrients it needs to be healthy, avoid illnesses, and live an enriched life. You should be feeding your dragon AT LEAST 3 different types of insects regularly.1
- Diet should be made up of primarily insects with occasional greens: Baby bearded dragons need high amounts of protein to fuel their rapid growth. This means roughly 90% insects and 10% greens. This can be a little hard to quantify, so stick around to the end for our recommended feeding schedule if you need some more help.
- Babies should be fed regularly: Twice a day is the standard. While more work, feeding your pet smaller meals more often helps replicate their natural environments, and provides steady nourishment for your hungry pet.2 3
- Live and fresh food is important: Don’t go for canned options, they simply don’t have the nutritional value of a well cared for feeder insect.4
Creating a Feeding Schedule
Let’s build a feeding schedule with the following in mind:
- Your dragon’s diet should contain AT LEAST 3 different types of insects7
- The bulk of your pet’s insect requirements should be met by low fat, high in protein choices. We recommend: Dubia Roaches, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), and hornworms.7
- The reminder of your pet’s insect requirements can be filled in with other options to provide the complete nutritional requirements. We love: superworms and mealworms.7
- As explained, greens are less important for babies, but select a few options for greens, vegetables, and fruit that are easily accessible for you.
- Your baby dragon should eat insects everyday, some experts recommend two or more smaller feeding sessions.8
- Your baby dragon should be offered greens at least once a day
A sample feeding schedule for your baby bearded dragon:
What Should I Feed My Baby Bearded Dragon?
A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Welcoming a baby bearded dragon into your home is both extremely exciting and daunting. You’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe your mind is racing with questions like: What should I feed my new baby bearded dragon? How important is diet? Are some insects better for my dragon than others?
The Obvious: Diet Is Critical For Pet Health
Caring for a bearded dragon is extremely rewarding, but it’s not always easy. You will need to take careful care of your pet. As a responsible pet owner, you have an obligation to feed your pet a healthy diet. That’s why we’re so glad to you’re here. Let’s get started.
Some Studies estimate:
What this post covers:
- What insects are best for baby bearded dragons
- How often you should feed your baby bearded dragon
- A suggested feeding schedule
- An easy system for feeding your new pet
The Key Points of a Healthy Baby Bearded Dragon Diet
- Diversity is king:This is the most important point on this list. In their natural ecosystems, bearded dragons eat an extremely varied diet. Replicating this diet in captivity ensures your pet gets the nutrients it needs to be healthy, avoid illnesses, and live an enriched life. You should be feeding your dragon AT LEAST 3 different types of insects regularly.1
- Diet should be made up of primarily insects with occasional greens: Baby bearded dragons need high amounts of protein to fuel their rapid growth. This means roughly 90% insects and 10% greens. This can be a little hard to quantify, so stick around to the end for our recommended feeding schedule if you need some more help.
- Babies should be fed regularly: Twice a day is the standard. While more work, feeding your pet smaller meals more often helps replicate their natural environments, and provides steady nourishment for your hungry pet.2 3
- Live and fresh food is important: Don’t go for canned options, they simply don’t have the nutritional value of a well cared for feeder insect.4
Want to get the perfect diet delivered?
Sign up for our Baby Bearded Dragon Subscription and you’ll receive the following:
- A perfectly curated diet built by our experts
- A weekly food delivery containing 4+ insect types
- A healthy reptile without the extra work
Food Choices for Your Baby Bearded Dragon
Insect Options
- Dubia Roaches: An excellent and versatile feeder due to their exceptional nutritional make up
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL): High in calcium, this is another excellent addition to any bearded dragons diet.
- Crickets: Frankly, we don’t love crickets. They stink, are loud, and can bite your pet (not kidding). But any list would be incomplete without them. We don’t recommend them for the above reasons, but they are a proven staple of the reptile world.
- Hornworms: High in water content, they are an excellent addition (in moderation) to a good diet
- Superworms: While you need to be careful with moderation, their high fat content provides ample energy to developing babies.
- Mealworms: With a similar nutritional content to superworms, they are sometimes avoided for baby dragons due to their hard exoskeleton. In moderation, they are an appropriate addition.
- Waxworms: High in fat, they are ok occasionally, but we think there’s better options to choose from.
- Discord Roaches: For those of you in Florida (where dubia roaches are not allowed), the discord roach is a great choice as a replacement.
Plant Matter Options: Greens, Vegetables and Fruits
- Greens: Good greens are rich in nutrients like calcium, low in phosphorus, here are our favorites: alfalfa, dandelion, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, dark lettuces, romaine, and spinach. Switch things up as often as you can!
- Vegetables: A key addition for nutrients. We love finely chopped carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
- Fruits: Should be fed sparingly, less than 10% of the plant matter in your beardies diet. Great choices are strawberries, apples, and mango.
Foods to avoid When Feeding Your Bearded Dragon:
- Avoid feeding your dragon insects caught in the wild. As their source is unknown, they could contain pesticides or parasites.
- Avoid feeding iceberg/light colored lettuce, as it offers little to no nutritional value
Creating a Feeding Schedule
- Your dragon’s diet should contain AT LEAST 3 different types of insects7
- The bulk of your pet’s insect requirements should be met by low fat, high in protein choices. We recommend: Dubia Roaches, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), and hornworms.7
- The reminder of your pet’s insect requirements can be filled in with other options to provide the complete nutritional requirements. We love: superworms and mealworms.7
- As explained, greens are less important for babies, but select a few options for greens, vegetables, and fruit that are easily accessible for you.
- Your baby dragon should eat insects everyday, some experts recommend two or more smaller feeding sessions.8
- Your baby dragon should be offered greens at least once a day
How do I know how much to feed my baby bearded dragon?
Every dragon is different. Some will have voracious appetites, while others not so much. What’s important in the early part of your bearded dragon’s life is ensuring they have access to the nutrients they need to develop properly.
The scientific literature suggests a baby bearded dragon (between 0-3 months in age weighing less than 30 grams) needs around 1 calorie a day.
Now, some industry ‘experts’ will claim this isn’t enough. These guys just want you to open your wallet and buy as many feeders as you can from them. Here at HerpCare, your pet’s health is our priority. We’ve done careful research and a great deal of science backed worked to arrive at these values. If you want to see for yourself, you can follow our research here.
Now, here’s what this means. For reference one calorie a day is:
- Around 15 small dubia roaches
- Around 12 medium sized BSFL
- Around 1 small sized hornworm
It’s important to note that these are estimates. All bearded dragons are different, and feeder insects come in different sizes/nutritional value depending on the source. Most experts agree during the neonate (baby) and juvenile stages, overfeeding is likely better than underfeeding.7 Your focus should be proving sufficient quantity and quality in the form of diversity.
A sample feeding schedule for your baby bearded dragon:
An Easy Solution For Feeding Your Baby Bearded Dragon the Perfect Diet
Time for our shameless plug. If you’re short on free time or want to keep your pet healthy without a ton of extra work, we’ve got you covered. Check out our weekly baby bearded dragon food subscription. Each week you’ll receive a carefully curated package full of high quality and diverse feeder insects. No need to worry about quantity, or what insect types to buy, just feed your dragon everything in your delivery. Reptile care made simple.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Always pay attention to your dragon’s behavior, weight, and overall health. If they seem disinterested in certain foods or show signs of distress, consider consulting a vet. Regular weigh-ins can also help track their growth and health.
The Importance of Hydration
- While bearded dragons obtain much of their hydration from their food, they still require water.
- A shallow water dish should always be available. Make sure it’s shallow to prevent drowning.
- Misting your dragon occasionally can also assist with hydration and help during shedding periods.
Best Wishes!
Raising a healthy baby bearded dragon involves understanding their dietary needs and making adjustments as they grow. This guide serves as a starting point. Whether you decide to do it yourself, or with the help of our experts here at HerpCare, your dragon’s health and happiness are well worth the effort!
Other Resources
Citations
Oonincx, D., Van Leeuwen, J. P., Hendriks, W., & Van Der Poel, A. (2015). The diet of free-roaming Australian Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Zoo Biology, 34(3), 271–277. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21209
Feeding Bearded Dragons | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bearded-dragons-feeding
Raiti, P. (2012). Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 22(3), 117. https://doi.org/10.5818/1529-9651-22.3.117
Nijboer, J. (2023, July 19). Nutrition in reptiles. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-exotic-and-zoo-animals/nutrition-in-reptiles
Bearded Dragon Food Pyramid. (n.d.). Complete Critter. https://www.completecritter.com/bearded-dragon.html
Young, C. (2023). Conversation with Center For Snake Conservation.
Deczm, M. a. M. D. P. M. (2022, October 27). Diversity is the key to success with reptile diets. DVM 360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/diversity-is-the-key-to-success-with-reptile-diets
Raiti, P. (2012b). Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 22(3), 117. https://doi.org/10.5818/1529-9651-22.3.117
Warwick, C. (n.d.). Reptilian welfare in a biological context. University of Portsmouth.
An Easy Solution For Feeding Your Baby Bearded Dragon the Perfect Diet
Time for our shameless plug. If you’re short on free time or want to keep your pet healthy without a ton of extra work, we’ve got you covered. Check out our weekly baby bearded dragon food subscription. Each week you’ll receive a carefully curated package full of high quality and diverse feeder insects. No need to worry about quantity, or what insect types to buy, just feed your dragon everything in your delivery. Reptile care made simple.
Other Resources
Short on Time?
Two Ways To Read:
What Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?
A Simple Guide for Beginners
The Key Points of a Healthy Bearded Dragon Diet
- Diversity is king: This is the most important point on this list. In their natural ecosystems, bearded dragons eat an extremely varied diet. Replicating this diet in captivity ensures your pet gets the nutrients it needs to be healthy, avoid illnesses, and live an enriched life. You should be feeding your dragon AT LEAST 3 different types of insects regularly.1
- Diet should be made up of both insects and greens: Bearded dragons are omnivorous. This means they naturally consume both plant matter and animal matter (typically insects). Babies tend toward a primarily insect diet (90% insects and 10% plant matter), while adults usually consume 50% insects and 50% plant matter.
- Live and fresh food is important: Don’t go for canned options, they simply don’t have the nutritional value of a well cared for feeder insect.4
Creating a Feeding Schedule
Now that you know what insects you can consider for your bearded dragon, let’s build a feeding schedule with the following in mind:
- Your dragon’s diet should contain AT LEAST 3 different types of insects7
- The bulk of your pet’s insect requirements should be met by low fat, high in protein choices. We recommend: Dubia Roaches, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), and hornworms.7
- The reminder of your pet’s insect requirements can be filled in with other options to provide the complete nutritional requirements. We love: superworms and mealworms.7
- As explained, greens are offered daily, so select a few options for greens, vegetables, and fruit that are easily accessible for you.
- Your dragon should eat insects everyday to every other day depending on their temperament.
Want a Feeding Schedule?
- Based on 10+ sciencetific research papers
- Backed by industry experts
- Best plan for your dragon
- Completely free, just promise you’ll take good care of your pet!
What Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?
A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Experts
Welcoming a bearded dragon into your home is both extremely exciting and daunting. You’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed. Or maybe you’ve had your bearded dragon for a while and you’re ready to take their care to the next level. Your mind might be racing with questions like:
- What should I feed my bearded dragon?
- How important is diet for bearded dragon’s health?
- Are some insects better for my bearded dragon than others?
- What does the ‘perfect’ bearded dragon diet look like?
The Obvious: Diet Is Critical For Pet Health
As a responsible pet owner, you have an obligation to feed your pet a healthy diet. Poor pet diet can cause health issues, and in extreme cases even death. A proper diet, while more effort, will help your pet live the healthy and happy life they deserve.
Some Studies estimate:
Shortcut: Want an Expert Designed Feeding Schedule?
- Based on 10+ sciencetific research papers
- Backed by industry experts
- Best plan for your dragon
- Completely free, just promise you’ll take good care of your pet!
What this post covers:
- What insects are best for bearded dragons
- How often you should feed your bearded dragon
- A suggested feeding schedule
- An easy system for feeding your pet
The Key Points of a Healthy Bearded Dragon Diet
- Diversity is king: This is the most important point on this list. In their natural ecosystems, bearded dragons eat an extremely varied diet. Replicating this diet in captivity ensures your pet gets the nutrients it needs to be healthy, avoid illnesses, and live an enriched life. You should be feeding your dragon AT LEAST 3 different types of insects regularly.1
- Diet should be made up of both insects and greens: Bearded dragons are omnivorous. This means they naturally consume both plant matter and animal matter (typically insects). Babies tend toward a primarily insect diet (90% insects and 10% plant matter), while adults usually consume 50% insects and 50% plant matter.
- Live and fresh food is important: Don’t go for canned options, they simply don’t have the nutritional value of a well cared for feeder insect.4
Make it easy: The perfect diet delivered to your door.
Sign up for our Bearded Dragon Subscription and you’ll receive the following:
- A weekly food delivery containing 4+ insect types
- A perfectly curated diet plan built by our experts
- A healthy reptile without the extra work
Food Choices for Your Bearded Dragon
Insect Options
- Dubia Roaches: An excellent and versatile feeder due to their exceptional nutritional make up
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL): High in calcium, this is another excellent addition to any bearded dragons diet.
- Crickets: Frankly, we don’t love crickets. They stink, are loud, and can bite your pet (not kidding). But any list would be incomplete without them. We don’t recommend them for the above reasons, but they are a proven staple of the reptile world.
- Hornworms: High in water content, they are an excellent addition (in moderation) to a good diet
- Superworms: While you need to be careful with moderation, their high fat content provides ample energy to developing babies and larger adults.
- Mealworms: With a similar nutritional content to superworms, they are sometimes avoided due to their hard exoskeleton. In moderation, they are an appropriate addition.
- Waxworms: High in fat, they are ok occasionally, but we think there’s better options to choose from.
- Discord Roaches: For those of you in Florida (where dubia roaches are not allowed), the discord roach is a great choice as a replacement.
Plant Matter Options: Greens, Vegetables and Fruits
Plant matter is just as critical as the insects you feed your dragon. They obtain a large amount of the needed micro-nutrients from this part of their diet. Adults should be offered greens everyday. We consider there to be three main categories of plant matter you should feed your dragon5:
- Greens: Good greens are rich in nutrients like calcium, low in phosphorus, here are our favorites: alfalfa, dandelion, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, dark lettuces, romaine, and spinach. Switch things up as often as you can!
- Vegetables: A key addition for nutrients. We love finely chopped carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes.
- Fruits: Should be fed sparingly, less than 10% of the plant matter in your beardies diet. Great choices are strawberries, apples, and mango.
Foods to avoid When Feeding Your Bearded Dragon:
- Avoid feeding your dragon insects caught in the wild. As their source is unknown, they could contain pesticides or parasites.
- Avoid feeding iceberg/light colored lettuce, as it offers little to no nutritional value
Creating a Feeding Schedule
Now that you know what insects you can consider for your bearded dragon, let’s build a feeding schedule with the following in mind:
- Your dragon’s diet should contain AT LEAST 3 different types of insects7
- The bulk of your pet’s insect requirements should be met by low fat, high in protein choices. We recommend: Dubia Roaches, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), and hornworms.7
- The reminder of your pet’s insect requirements can be filled in with other options to provide the complete nutritional requirements. We love: superworms and mealworms.7
- As explained, greens are offered daily, so select a few options for greens, vegetables, and fruit that are easily accessible for you.
- Your dragon should eat insects everyday to every other day depending on their temperament.
How much should I feed my bearded dragon a day?
Every dragon is different. Some will have voracious appetites, while others not so much. Lucky for you, we’ve built a Bearded Dragon Feeding Estimation Calculator using the most modern research available in the field.
It’s important to note that reptile obesity is a serious issue. The industry standard for feeding has historically been feeding dragon’s as much as they want. You must recognize that bearded dragon’s are wild animals. Their instinct is to eat all that is available. In captivity, this can quickly lead to obesity, health problems, and death. By using our calculator, you can get a better idea of what your dragon truly needs on a day to day basis.
This tool provides estimates. All bearded dragons are different, and feeder insects come in different sizes/nutritional value depending on the source. Your focus should be proving sufficient quantity and quality in the form of diversity.
Calorie Estimator for Dragons
Enter Dragon Weight (g):
An Easy Solution For Feeding Your Bearded Dragon the Perfect Diet
HerpCare Bearded Dragon Subscription
Time for our shameless plug. If you’re short on free time or want to keep your pet healthy without a ton of extra work, we’ve got you covered. Check out our weekly bearded dragon food subscription. Each week you’ll receive a carefully curated package full of high quality and diverse feeder insects. No need to worry about quantity, or what insect types to buy, just feed your dragon everything in your delivery. Reptile care made simple.
Want a Feeding Schedule Instead?
Get Our Expert Designed Schedule for FREE
- Based on 10+ sciencetific research papers
- Backed by industry experts
- Best plan for your dragon
- Completely free, just promise you’ll take good care of your pet!
Monitoring and Adjustments
Always pay attention to your dragon’s behavior, weight, and overall health. If they seem disinterested in certain foods or show signs of distress, consider consulting a vet. Regular weigh-ins can also help track their growth and health.
The Importance of Hydration
- While bearded dragons obtain much of their hydration from their food, they still require water.
- A shallow water dish should always be available. Make sure it’s shallow to prevent drowning.
- Misting your dragon occasionally can also assist with hydration and help during shedding periods.
Best Wishes!
Raising a healthy bearded dragon involves understanding their dietary needs and making adjustments as they grow. This guide serves as a starting point. Whether you decide to do it yourself, or with the help of our experts here at HerpCare, your dragon’s health and happiness are well worth the effort!
Other Resources
Citations
Oonincx, D., Van Leeuwen, J. P., Hendriks, W., & Van Der Poel, A. (2015). The diet of free-roaming Australian Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Zoo Biology, 34(3), 271–277. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21209
Feeding Bearded Dragons | VCA Animal Hospital | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bearded-dragons-feeding
Raiti, P. (2012). Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 22(3), 117. https://doi.org/10.5818/1529-9651-22.3.117
Nijboer, J. (2023, July 19). Nutrition in reptiles. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-exotic-and-zoo-animals/nutrition-in-reptiles
Bearded Dragon Food Pyramid. (n.d.). Complete Critter. https://www.completecritter.com/bearded-dragon.html
Young, C. (2023). Conversation with Center For Snake Conservation.
Deczm, M. a. M. D. P. M. (2022, October 27). Diversity is the key to success with reptile diets. DVM 360. https://www.dvm360.com/view/diversity-is-the-key-to-success-with-reptile-diets
Raiti, P. (2012b). Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 22(3), 117. https://doi.org/10.5818/1529-9651-22.3.117
Warwick, C. (n.d.). Reptilian welfare in a biological context. University of Portsmouth.
Other Resources
Leopard Geckos Diet
Leopard Geckos are typically fairly simple to feed as their diet in the wild is primarily made up of insects. Possible food items include roaches, crickets, waxworms, soldier fly larvae, and mealworms. As the animal matures, small pinkie mice can provide an excellent source of nutrition and should be mixed into their standard diet occasionally (at maximum every two weeks).
When considering feeding frequency, there are a number of factors to consider such as age, time of year, and size of meals. Hatchlings and juveniles can be fed every day. Adults can be fed every two to three days.
If you buy your feeder insects in bulk, make the effort to properly care for them. Hungry insects do not provide the maximum level of nutrition for your pet. Optionally, some experts recommend a reptile multivitamin every other feeding.
As a rule of thumb, food items should not be wider or longer than your gecko’s head although the importance of this is commonly overplayed. Some sources recommend that your Gecko eat in a different container from its standard tank. In practice this is a significant amount of added work. If you use a suitable substrate, this should not be an issue. After all, in the wild, this is not of concern at all.
When feeding your Gecko a pinkie (one day old mouse) be sure that it is completely dethawed. Hold the rodent by the tail using a pair of reptile feeding tongs and dangle it in front of your Gecko. Your Leopard Gecko will strike at the rodent.
Water is just as if not more important than food. Your Gecko should always have a clean water source available in its enclosure in a shallow water dish. Water should be changed regularly (daily) and should the Gecko defecate or otherwise infect its water source, it should be cleaned and replaced as soon as possible. Clean the water dish weekly following our cleaning process. Additionally, be sure to lightly spray the enclosure features with water daily as some geckos prefer to drink water run off.
If your gecko has trouble eating, be sure to follow the above temperature and food guidelines. If the problem persists, bring your pet to a qualified vet.
Crested Gecko Diet
A healthy Crested Gecko will usually eat every 2-3 days. When considering feeding frequency, there are a number of factors to consider such as age, time of year, and size of meals. Some sources recommend using supplements and meal replacement products. You can go this direction if you choose, although we cannot recommend a diet other than one that most closely matches their diet in the wild.
Offer your crested gecko pureed fruits such as raspberries, grapes, melon, bananas and peaches every 2 days. Do not feed your crested gecko citrus fruits. Remove the uneaten food after 24 hours. Then every 3-4 days, offer your crested gecko crickets, dubia roaches, or other various insect varieties such as hornworms and superworms. A balanced diet of fruits and insects is crucial to proper nutrition and health.
Water is just as if not more important than food. Your gecko should always have a clean water source available in its enclosure. Water should be changed regularly (every couple of days) and should the gecko defecate or otherwise infect its water source, it should be cleaned and replaced as soon as possible.
If your gecko doesn’t eat its insects right away, leave the insects in the enclosure overnight. As the species is notcurtal, they actively hunt at night. If they still don’t eat the insects, do not feed them any fruits for a day or two. This should prompt them to eat the live insects. This technique encourages a more balanced diet.