Top 10 Foods Your Bearded Dragon Will Love – Plus Surprising Treats!

When I first brought my bearded dragon home, I was overwhelmed by the long list of “dos and don’ts” for their diet. I wanted to ensure my little scaly friend thrived, but what I discovered went beyond the basics.

From crunchy favorites to unexpected treats that had my dragon practically dancing in their tank, these top 10 foods are a must-know for every owner.

Before We Talk Food: The Non-Negotiables

The best diet in the world won’t save a dragon in a poorly set-up tank. Before you perfect their menu, make sure you have these basics covered:

Essential Requirements:

Proper Enclosure:

• Baby (0-6 months): 20-40 gallons minimum
• Juvenile (6-12 months): 40-75 gallons minimum
• Adult (12+ months): 75-120 gallons minimum

See enclosure requirements

UVB Lighting (CRITICAL):
Without proper UVB, your dragon can’t metabolize calcium from food—which means even a perfect diet leads to metabolic bone disease.

• T5 HO tube bulb (10.0 or 12%)
• Mounted INSIDE enclosure
• Replaced every 6-12 months
• 12-14 hours daily

See UVB requirements

Correct Temperatures:
Wrong temperatures = poor digestion = malnourished dragon (even with perfect food)

• Basking spot: 95-110°F (varies by age)
• Warm side: 85-90°F
• Cool side: 75-80°F

See heating guide

Supplements (Non-Optional):
Even with perfect food, bearded dragons need supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease.

• Calcium powder (without D3): Daily for babies, 4-5x weekly for adults
• Calcium with D3: 2-3x per week
• Multivitamin: 1x per week

See complete supplement schedule

Bottom line: Food is just one piece of the puzzle. Get the setup right first.

Complete Care Checklist

Age-Appropriate Feeding Ratios (Critical)

The “top 10 foods” list below works for all ages, but the RATIOS change dramatically:

Baby Bearded Dragons (0-6 months):

• 80% insects, 20% vegetables
• Feed insects 3-5 times daily
• Offer vegetables daily (even if ignored)
• Dust insects with calcium every feeding

Get the full scoop on Bearded Dragon—check out this must-read article! Why Your Bearded Dragon Isn’t Eating (And What You Can Do About It)

Juvenile Bearded Dragons (6-12 months):

• 50% insects, 50% vegetables
• Feed insects 2-3 times daily
• Daily vegetable salads
• Calcium with most feedings

Adult Bearded Dragons (12+ months):

• 20% insects, 80% vegetables
• Feed insects 3-4 times per week
• Daily vegetable salads
• Calcium 4-5 times weekly

Why this matters: Feeding an adult dragon like a baby causes obesity and liver disease. Feeding a baby like an adult causes stunted growth.

See complete feeding guide by age

Top 10 Foods For Bearded Dragon

Feeding a bearded dragon is an adventure. Mine’s a picky eater, so I’ve learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t.

Let me save you some trouble with this list of top foods your scaly buddy will love!

Food	Frequency	Key Benefit
Collard Greens	Daily	High in calcium.
Dubia Roaches	2–3 times weekly	Excellent protein source.
Mustard Greens	Daily	Nutrient-rich green.
Butternut Squash	1–2 times weekly	Vitamin A boost.
Blueberries	Occasionally	Fun, antioxidant-rich snack.
Hornworms	Occasionally	Hydrating protein treat.
Turnip Greens	Daily	High calcium, low oxalate.
Papaya	Occasionally	Sweet and hydrating treat.
Crickets	2–3 times weekly	Protein for active dragons.
Cactus Pads	Weekly	Hydration and fiber source.

Important note: All insects should be dusted with calcium powder before feeding. All vegetables should be fresh and chopped to appropriate size.

See our supplement recommendations for the exact products we recommend.

Foods to NEVER Feed Your Bearded Dragon

Just as important as knowing what TO feed is knowing what NOT to feed:

Toxic Foods (Can Kill):

• Avocado (toxic)
• Rhubarb (toxic)
• Fireflies/lightning bugs (deadly toxic—one firefly can kill)
• Wild-caught insects (pesticide risk)
• Citrus fruits (too acidic)

Foods That Cause Problems:

• Iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value, causes diarrhea)
• Spinach (binds calcium—causes metabolic bone disease)
• Beet greens (high oxalates—blocks calcium)
• Cabbage (goitrogens—thyroid issues)
• Onions and garlic (toxic)

Insects to Avoid:

• Wild-caught bugs (pesticides)
• Lightning bugs (deadly)
• Box elder bugs (toxic)
• Insects from bait shops (parasites)

When in doubt, don’t feed it. Stick to the proven safe foods list.

See complete food safety guide

1. Collard Greens

Why It’s Great:

• Rich in calcium, which prevents metabolic bone disease.
• A staple leafy green that’s easy to find in stores.

How to Feed:

• Chop into small pieces.
• Serve fresh and raw, mixed with other greens for variety.

Tips:
✅ Use as a daily food source.
❌ Don’t serve only collard greens—mix things up!

Get the full scoop on Bearded Dragon—check out this must-read article! Is Cantaloupe Safe for Your Bearded Dragon?

2. Dubia Roaches

Why It’s Great:

• Packed with protein, especially for growing dragons.
• Easier to digest than crickets.

Feeding Details	Tips
Dust with calcium powder before serving.	✅ Feed live for stimulation.
Feed 3–5 for adult dragons or more for juveniles.	❌ Avoid wild roaches—they carry diseases.

Watching my dragon hunt these is like watching a mini Jurassic Park!

3. Mustard Greens

Why It’s Great:

• High in calcium and low in oxalates.
• A great alternative to collard greens.

How to Feed:

• Chop and serve fresh.
• Pair with other greens like turnip or dandelion greens.

Tips:
✅ Rinse thoroughly before feeding.
❌ Don’t let them dominate the salad—dragons need variety.

4. Butternut Squash

Why It’s Great:

• Packed with Vitamin A for eye and skin health.
• Bright orange color makes it irresistible.

Preparation	Frequency
Peel and dice into small cubes.	Offer 1–2 times per week.
Steam lightly if too tough.

I call this “dragon dessert” because mine devours it like candy!

5. Blueberries

Why It’s Great:

• Loaded with antioxidants.
• Juicy, fun-to-eat treats for dragons.

How to Feed:

• Wash thoroughly.
• Offer 2–3 berries at a time.

Tips:
✅ Use as an occasional snack.
❌ Avoid overfeeding—too much sugar isn’t good.

After blueberries, my dragon always has the cutest messy face.

6. Hornworms

Why It’s Great:

• High in moisture, helping with hydration.
• Great source of protein.

How to Feed:

• Offer live and fresh.
• Feed 1–2 worms as a treat or supplement.

Tips:
✅ Perfect for hot weather or dehydrated dragons.
❌ Too many can upset their stomach.

Hornworms wiggle a lot, and my dragon’s hunting skills go into overdrive!

7. Turnip Greens

Why It’s Great:

• Full of calcium and vitamins.
• A nutritious, low-oxalate option.

How to Serve	Tips
Chop finely and mix with other greens.	✅ Use in daily salads.
Always serve raw.	❌ Don’t overpair with oxalate-rich veggies.

My dragon loves these mixed with collard greens for extra crunch!

8. Papaya

Why It’s Great:

• Sweet and full of hydration.
• Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants.

How to Feed:

• Peel, remove seeds, and dice.
• Serve occasionally as a treat.

Tips:
✅ Use for a tropical twist in their diet.
❌ Don’t feed too often—high sugar content.

Papaya is like vacation food for dragons. Mine acts like it’s a rare treasure!

Hungry for knowledge about Bearded Dragon? We’ve got you covered in this article. You Won’t Believe What Kale Does to Your Bearded Dragon’s Health!

9. Crickets

Why It’s Great:

• A classic protein source that’s widely available.
• Great for younger dragons and active adults.

Feeding Tips	Warnings
Dust with calcium powder before feeding.	❌ Don’t leave uneaten crickets in the tank.
Use as an occasional treat for adults.	❌ Can stress or bite your dragon.

The chase is hilarious—my dragon leaps for them every time!

10. Cactus Pads (Prickly Pear)

Why It’s Great:

• High in water content for hydration.
• Loaded with fiber and nutrients.

How to Feed:

• Remove spines carefully.
• Dice into small, safe pieces.

Tips:
✅ Excellent for hot climates or summer months.
❌ Avoid untreated or spiny pads.

Cactus pads might seem exotic, but my dragon loves the soft texture.

Creating the Perfect Bearded Dragon Salad

A daily salad is one of the best ways to ensure your bearded dragon gets balanced nutrition—but only if you’re also supplementing properly.

Don’t forget: Even perfect salads need calcium powder dusted on top. Without proper supplements, your dragon will develop metabolic bone disease.

The Basic Formula

A healthy bearded dragon salad should follow this ratio:

• 70-80% leafy greens (the foundation)
• 10-20% vegetables (for variety and nutrients)
• 5-10% fruits (occasional treats, 1-2 times per week)

Best Leafy Green Bases

Start every salad with these nutrient-rich greens:

• Collard greens (top choice – high calcium, low oxalates)
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Dandelion greens
• Endive or escarole

Avoid: Iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value), spinach (high oxalates), and kale (use sparingly due to goitrogens)

Vegetables to Add

Chop finely and mix in small amounts:

• Butternut squash (high in vitamin A)
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• Carrots (shredded, not too often)
• Green beans
• Sweet potato (cooked, occasional)
• Snap peas

Fruit Garnish (1-2x Weekly)

Top with small amounts:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries (quartered)
• Mango pieces
• Papaya
• Figs

5 Sample Salad Recipes

1. The Daily Classic

• 2 parts collard greens, chopped
• 1 part mustard greens
• Sprinkle of shredded butternut squash
• Small dice of red bell pepper

2. Vitamin A Boost

• Turnip greens base
• Grated carrot (small amount)
• Diced butternut squash
• 2-3 blueberries

3. Colorful Variety Mix

• Mixed collard and dandelion greens
• Yellow bell pepper strips
• Snap peas, chopped
• Occasional strawberry slice

Expand your understanding of Bearded Dragon—click here to uncover more! Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grapes?

4. Calcium Power Salad

• Collard greens (extra portion)
• Turnip greens
• Small amount butternut squash
• Topped with bee pollen (natural supplement)

5. Weekend Treat Bowl

• Endive and mustard green mix
• Bell pepper variety
• Green beans, chopped
• Topped with mango chunks and raspberries

Feeder Insect Care (Gut-Loading Matters)

Your dragon’s nutrition depends on what the insects eat. Well-fed insects = well-fed dragon.

What is Gut-Loading?

Feeding nutritious food to your insects 24-48 hours before feeding them to your dragon. The nutrition passes through to your pet.

Good gut-load foods:

• Collard greens
• Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Squash
• Commercial gut-load powder

Avoid: Dog food, cat food, fish flakes (wrong nutritional profile)

Where to Buy Quality Feeders

Best sources:

• Reputable online breeders (Rainbow Mealworms, Dubia Roaches, etc.)
• Local reptile stores
• Breed your own (advanced)

Never: Pet store crickets (often sick), wild-caught insects (pesticides)

Feeder Storage

Keep your insects alive and healthy:

• Plastic bin with ventilation holes
• Egg crates for hiding spots
• Fresh vegetables for food and moisture
• Temperature: 70-80°F

See complete insect care guide

Preparation Tips

Size matters: Chop all ingredients smaller than the space between your dragon’s eyes to prevent choking.

Freshness counts: Prepare salads fresh daily. Wilted greens lose nutritional value.

Temperature: Serve at room temperature, never cold from the fridge.

Mixing it up: Rotate your greens and vegetables throughout the week to provide diverse nutrients and prevent boredom.

Calcium dusting: Lightly dust the salad with calcium powder 4-5 times per week for juveniles, 2-3 times for adults.

Storage tip: Use a salad spinner to keep greens fresh longer. Wash once, spin dry, store in fridge. Saves time and reduces waste.

Feeding dish: Use a heavy ceramic bowl that won’t tip. See our feeding accessory recommendations.

Age-Specific Adjustments

Juveniles (under 12 months): They need more protein, so salads should be a smaller portion of their diet (20-30%). Focus on softer greens and finely chopped vegetables.

Adults (12+ months): Salads should make up 70-80% of their diet. They can handle larger pieces and more variety.

Seniors (6+ years): Keep salads easy to digest with softer greens and well-chopped vegetables.

Get the full scoop on Bearded Dragon—check out this must-read article! Can Bearded Dragons Eat Watermelon?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the same greens every single day (leads to nutritional imbalance)
• Too much fruit (causes diarrhea and sugar dependency)
• Pieces too large (choking hazard)
• Forgetting to remove uneaten salad after 1-2 hours (attracts bacteria)

Building the perfect salad takes practice, but once you establish a routine, it becomes second nature. Your bearded dragon will thrive on the variety!

Feed Your Dragon Right—But Get Everything Else Right Too

These top 10 foods and salad recipes will keep your bearded dragon healthy and thriving—but only if the rest of their care is dialed in.

The Complete Picture:

Your dragon needs ALL of these:

1. Proper enclosure (75-120 gallons for adults)
2. T5 HO UVB lighting (without this, they can’t use calcium from food)
3. Correct temperatures (wrong temps = poor digestion)
4. Quality diet (that’s what this post covers)
5. Calcium supplements (even perfect food needs supplementation)
6. Safe substrate (tile, not loose sand)

Complete Setup Checklist:

• [ ] Proper-sized enclosure
• [ ] T5 HO UVB bulb
• [ ] Basking bulb maintaining correct temps
• [ ] Temperature gun
• [ ] Quality feeder insects
• [ ] Fresh vegetables (from this guide)
• [ ] Calcium powder without D3
• [ ] Calcium powder with D3
• [ ] Multivitamin

The Priority Order:

Step 1: Get equipment right (enclosure, UVB, heating)

Step 2: Perfect the diet and supplements (that’s this guide)

Step 3: Monitor and adjust based on your dragon’s health

Remember: Perfect food can’t fix a bad setup. But bad food will ruin a perfect setup. You need BOTH.

Get Your Complete Care Guide

Quick Reference: What to Feed Today

For babies (0-6 months):

• Morning: 20-30 dubia roaches or crickets (dusted with calcium)
• Afternoon: 15-20 more insects (dusted)
• Evening: Small salad (they’ll probably ignore it, offer anyway)

For juveniles (6-12 months):

• Morning: 10-15 insects (dusted with calcium)
• Evening: Large salad + 5-10 insects

For adults (12+ months):

• Daily: Large salad (dusted with calcium 4-5x weekly)
• 3-4x per week: 5-10 insects as treats

See detailed feeding schedules

Now go feed your dragon—the right way.