Bearded Dragon Diet: What Can They Eat? (Complete Guide 2026)
Are you a new bearded dragon owner wondering what to put in your pet's bowl? Or perhaps you're looking to optimize their health in 2026 with the latest nutritional standards? Providing a balanced Bearded Dragon Diet is the single most important factor in ensuring your scaly friend lives a long, happy life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what bearded dragons can eat, what to avoid, and the secret ratio for different life stages.
The Basics of a Balanced Bearded Dragon Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both animals (insects) and plants (vegetables and fruits). However, the ratio changes as they grow.
Diet by Age:
Baby Dragons (0-5 months): 80% Insects / 20% Greens.
Juvenile Dragons (5-18 months): 50% Insects / 50% Greens.
Adult Dragons (18+ months): 20% Insects / 80% Greens.
1. Best Insects for Protein (Live Feeders)
Insects are crucial for growth and muscle maintenance. Always ensure your insects are "gut-loaded" (fed nutritious food before being given to your dragon).
Dubia Roaches: The gold standard. High in protein and easy to digest.
Crickets: A popular and affordable choice, though they can be harder to keep alive.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (NutriGrubs): Naturally high in calcium.
Hornworms: Great for hydration but should be given as a treat due to high fat.
2. Best Vegetables and Leafy Greens
Vegetables should make up the bulk of an adult Bearded Dragon Diet.
| Daily Staples | Occasional Treats |
| Collard Greens | Bell Peppers |
| Mustard Greens | Carrots |
| Turnip Greens | Squash (Butternut/Acorn) |
| Escarole | Sweet Potato (Cooked) |
Pro Tip: Avoid iceberg lettuce. It consists mostly of water and has zero nutritional value for your dragon.
3. Safe Fruits to Offer
Fruit should be treated like "dessert"—only 5% to 10% of their total diet due to high sugar content.
Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Papaya (Great for calcium!)
Apples (Remove seeds and skin)
4. Toxic Foods: What to NEVER Feed
To keep your pet safe, avoid these dangerous foods:
Avocado: Highly toxic to bearded dragons.
Rhubarb: Contains high levels of oxalic acid which is fatal.
Fireflies (Lightning Bugs): Even one can be deadly.
Spinach & Beet Greens: These bind calcium and prevent absorption (MBD risk).
Citrus Fruits: Too acidic for their digestive tract.
5. Supplements: Calcium and Vitamins
Even with a perfect diet, captive bearded dragons need supplements to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Calcium Powder (with D3): Dust their food 3-5 times a week for babies, and 2-3 times for adults.
Multivitamins: Once a week to ensure all micronutrient needs are met.
Summary for 2026
A healthy Bearded Dragon Diet is all about variety. In 2026, reptile experts emphasize rotating greens and insects to ensure your pet receives a wide range of vitamins. Always provide fresh, de-chlorinated water and clean the food bowl daily.
Are you struggling to get your dragon to eat their greens? Check out our next post for "Secret Tips to Train Your Dragon to Love Salad!"