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.
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. |
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!
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!
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.
About Author
Hello, I’m Muntaseer Rahman, the owner of AcuarioPets.com. I’m passionate about aquarium pets like shrimps, snails, crabs, and crayfish. I’ve created this website to share my expertise and help you provide better care for these amazing pets.
Disclaimer
This site is owned and operated by Muntaseer Rahman. AcuarioPets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.