Bearded dragons are captivating reptiles that have found their way into the hearts and homes of many. Native to the arid Australian deserts, these active, curious reptiles require a carefully balanced diet to thrive. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Providing a variety of nutrient-rich insects ensures they receive the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health. This guide explores the best insect options for a staple in your bearded dragon's diet.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons start life as insectivores, requiring a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. As they mature into juveniles, their diet gradually transitions to omnivorous, incorporating more plant matter. By adulthood, insects should make up only about 20% of their diet, with the remaining 80% consisting of vegetables and fruits. This transition is important to prevent obesity and other health issues associated with high-fat diets.
A well-balanced diet for a bearded dragon typically consists of 80% plants and 20% insects for adults, while juveniles may require a diet that is 50-80% insects and 20-50% plants. The total weight of a bearded dragon's daily food should be about 5% of its body weight. For example, a juvenile weighing around 150 grams could be fed 7.5 grams of insects, whereas an adult at 450 grams may only need 22.5 grams of insects. These are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary.
Top Insect Choices for Bearded Dragons
When selecting insects for your bearded dragon, it's essential to consider their nutritional value, ease of digestion, and the stimulation they provide for natural hunting behaviors. Variety is key, as no single insect can provide all the necessary nutrients.
Here are some of the best insect options for bearded dragons:
Read also: Essential Diet for Young Beardies
1. Crickets: The Versatile Staple
Crickets are one of the most popular choices among bearded dragon enthusiasts. These insects are a powerhouse of protein and can be easily gut-loaded to boost their nutritional content even further. Crickets encourage natural hunting behaviors, making them a popular choice. The beauty of crickets lies in their availability and affordability.
While crickets are incredibly nutritious, it's essential to rotate them with other insects to provide a balanced diet that keeps your pet happy and healthy. Although they can sometimes create noise and escape their enclosures, the nutritional benefits outweigh these slight inconveniences. If stored properly, they provide a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal for your dragon. Vita-Bug crickets are a superior option because they are fed a nutrient-dense diet throughout their lifecycle, resulting in higher levels of vitamins A and E, and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6.
2. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL): The Calcium Champion
Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are a revolution in the world of bearded dragon dining. They boast an exceptional calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, making them one of the premier choices for preventing metabolic bone disease in captive dragons. Unlike some insects that require dusting with calcium powder, BSFL often require no additional supplementation due to their naturally rich nutrient profile. For younger beardies, the calcium content supports crucial bone development, while for adults, it helps maintain structural health and vitality.
Interestingly, BSFL do not have an exoskeleton as tough as mealworms, making them easier for dragons to digest. Their small size means they can be a perfect starter feeder insect for hatchlings, introducing them to the varied textures and flavors that they'll continue to enjoy. Incorporating BSFL into a diversified diet can ensure your dragon's meals are both enjoyable and balanced.
3. Dubia Roaches: The Protein-Packed Favorite
Dubia roaches have carved out a niche as a favored bearded dragon food, embodying a nutritional profile that many other feeder insects aspire to. Known for their high protein and low-fat content, Dubia roaches are perfect for regular feeding. Their balanced nutrient composition aids in muscle development and energy supply without the unwanted side effects of high-fat consumption. They offer quieter and less odorous alternatives to crickets, making them an optimal choice for owners seeking tranquility at home.
Read also: Diet and Supplements for Bearded Dragons
Furthermore, Dubia roaches have evolved as a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious pet owners. Their breeding and sustenance require fewer resources compared to other live feeders, and they do not pose an infestation risk if they escape. Their softer exoskeleton makes them easier to digest than mealworms, and they can be fed at any life stage due to their incomplete metamorphosis (they don’t have a worm-like larval stage). With their reliability and ease of care, Dubia roaches should unquestionably be a mainstay in your bearded dragon’s diet.
4. Silkworms: The Soft and Nutritious Delicacy
Silkworms, with their silky smooth texture, offer a delightful culinary experience for bearded dragons. These worms are incredibly nutrient-rich, harboring high levels of protein and essential amino acids that contribute to muscle development and health. Their soft bodies make them easy to ingest, especially for juvenile dragons or those with dental problems. Silkworms also have a palatable taste, which might appeal to dragon owners attempting to transition their pet's diet or encourage eating in finicky feeders.
Unlike some treats, silkworms can provide sustained energy without the associated risk of excess fat intake. Incorporating silkworms into your dragon's diet can support healthy digestion due to their moderate moisture content. This positions them as an ideal choice for occasional feeding that your dragon will undoubtedly savor.
5. Phoenix Worms: The Calcium-Rich Delight
Praised for their calcium content, Phoenix Worms have fortified their position in the world of bearded dragon nutrition. These small, wriggly delights are a potent choice for dietary supplementation, packing a calcium punch that supports the skeletal structure and wards off metabolic imbalances. Young and adult dragons alike benefit from the nutritional density of these worms, making them a staple insect that every beardie should experience.
Their minimal fat content ensures that they do not interfere with your dragon's appetite for greens. This is essential, as maintaining an appropriate balance between protein-laden insects and fresh vegetables supports overall dietary health. Additionally, the tasteful attractiveness of Phoenix Worms means even the fussiest eaters may find them appetizing, securing a place in their regular menu rotation.
Read also: Diet Chart for Baby Beardies
6. Hornworms: The Hydration Hero
The hornworm is the larval (caterpillar) stage of the sphinx moth, Manduca sexta. Captive-bred hornworms are a good source of hydration. The research indicates that hornworms are high in protein, with crude protein levels of 71% to 72%, making them a good source of protein. However, they are low in protein and should be used as an occasional treat to add variety and enrichment to your lizard’s diet.
7. Mealworms: The Occasional Treat
Mealworms are often viewed as the go-to treat for many bearded dragon caretakers. However, due to their higher fat content, mealworms should be fed sparingly. They are a great option when trying to entice a picky eater or provide a little treat. While their tough exoskeleton offers some resistance to digestion, moderate feeding can be the key. When incorporated into a mix of other insects, they can add much-needed variety to keep your dragon engaged with their food. Mealworms (for adults only!): This is a popular snack for an adult bearded dragon (e.g., five or six a day), but never give a mealworm to a younger beardie.
8. Superworms: The Large and Fatty Indulgence
Superworms are touted as the bearded dragon's idea of a large, tasty morsel. Their size and wriggly movement often attract the hungry gazes of larger dragons, making feeding time an exciting experience. However, due to their high-fat content, these insects should be offered with caution. Superworms are best used as an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple to avoid unnecessary weight gain in your dragon. Superworms contain approximately 17-20% protein, making them an excellent source for supporting muscle development and energy needs, especially for juvenile and subadult bearded dragons (6-18 months old).
To diversify your dragon's diet, consider balancing the indulgence of superworms with leaner options like Dubia roaches or BSFL. This balance can help sustain your dragon’s interest in the food while ensuring they receive varied nutritional benefits.
9. Waxworms: The High-Fat Dessert
Waxworms function as the bearded dragon's equivalent of a rich dessert. These little critters have a dangerously high-fat content, meaning they exist to be consumed sparingly. While they can assist in weight gain when necessary, it is essential to regulate their place within the feeding schedule. Typically, waxworms are reserved for recovery periods when a dragon is ailing or displaying low energy levels. Waxworms have a high Vitamin E content at 509 IU/kg DM, the highest among the studied invertebrates (Barker et al, 1998).
Despite their fatty nature, their delightfully soft texture makes them irresistible to many dragons, tempting even the pickiest palates. Thus, using them as a reward or treat event can strengthen your bond with your pet while keeping feeding time fun and engaging.
10. Other Insect Options
While the insects listed above are the most common and readily available, there are other options to consider for adding variety to your bearded dragon's diet. These include:
- Earthworms: Not as popular as other worms, these crawlers offer calcium and moisture to your pet. Red wigglers have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 0.71:1, which is relatively good compared to other invertebrates. Some earthworms like the red wrigglers can produce an unpleasant taste when stressed, so it’s best to soak them in water before feeding.
- Fruit Flies: Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have a high protein content at 75.3% and a low fat content of 9.7% whereas the fruit fly Drosophila hydei have a slightly lower protein content at 62.4% but a higher fat content of 18.8%. Both species offer good protein sources. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is 0.19:1 for fruit fly D. melanogaster and 0.27:1 for D. Fruit flies, especially D. melanogaster, are good for young bearded dragons due to their small size and high protein content.
- Termites: Termites have a crude protein content of 63.5%, making them a good source of protein for insectivorous reptiles.
- Harvester ants: Harvester ants have a high protein content of 73.6% and their fat content is relatively low at 8.4%. Harvester ants have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 0.64:1.
- Cowpea weevil beetles: Cowpea weevil beetles have a low crude protein at 58.2%. Due to their high fat content, cowpea weevil beetles should only be used occasionally as a high-energy treat.
The Importance of Gut-Loading and Dusting
To maximize the nutritional benefits of feeder insects, it's crucial to gut-load them and dust them with supplements.
Gut-Loading
Gut-loading involves feeding insects nutrient-dense meals just before they are consumed by your reptile, optimizing the nutritional value for your bearded dragon rather than the insect itself. This includes feeding multivitamins, calcium and the right diet. It is important not to overdo nutritional values which can easily occur when using supplements. For example, adding too much calcium can interfere with the uptake of other minerals, potentially causing a deficiency in essential trace minerals.
Gut-loading should last between 24 to 72 hours. Separate feeder insects 24 hours before feeding and place them in a substrate enriched with calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Remember to gut load any insects your dragon eats - meaning ideally, you'll feed your insects what you're not feeding your dragon that week so your pet gets the nutritional variety and value of whatever the insect has eaten.
Dusting
Most feeder insects contain more phosphorus than calcium, which disrupts proper calcium absorption. To metabolize calcium, reptiles also need vitamin D3. This is synthesized in their skin when exposed to UV-B light. Vita-Bugs still benefit from calcium supplementation, including dusting. Smaller insects offer more surface area for the nutrient powder to stick to. The amount of powder that adheres depends on the insect’s surface area and exoskeleton texture. For example, softer-bodied insects hold more powder than harder ones.
Feeding Practices and Considerations
- Insect Size: Insects for bearded dragons should be no larger than the distance between the its eyes. Smaller, easy-to-digest insects reduce the risk of choking and impaction.
- Live Feeding: Feeding arthropods (including insects) should provide an opportunity to active hunting behavior. This in turn improves environmental stimulation and the overall health of the bearded dragon.
- Feeding Stations: A large container or enclosure can be setup for feeding. Insects can be left in the enclosure if not eaten. The insects could be gut-loaded and dusted in place if needed for next feed. In cool or dark environments heating and lighting may need to be added.
- Tongs: Insects for bearded dragons can be offered by tongs in a way that ensures its death before releasing.
- Hygiene: Feeder insects for bearded dragons should be kept in clean containers. Use tubes in the insect housing which can be plastic or cardboard. Some of the insects will hide in the tubes. Cut some egg carton sections into pieces that fit into a zip lock bag or similar. Reptiles are often kept in small spaces which become contaminated quickly and can lead to high bacterial and parasitic loads which the animal is then eating.
- Removal of Unaten Insects: Insects must be removed once feeding is completed or they may create issues in the enclosure including causing harm to the reptile or burrowing into accessories. Crickets, for example, have a history of biting reptiles causing wounds.
- Environmental Conditions: It is important to provide the right environmental conditions for a bearded dragon to digest its food.
- Wild-Caught Insects: Never feed wild-caught insects to your reptile. There are differing opinions from veterinarians and herpetologists about whether to feed wild caught insects to bearded dragons or not. Feeding bearded dragons wild caught non-toxic healthy insects from areas that have not recently been exposed to chemicals means a greater variety can be fed at home. There is often concern about introducing parasites from wild caught insects however, this is not the case. There is great concern from many pet owners over pesticide risks from wild caught insects. Research by Galecki and Sokol (2019) focused on examining edible insects from household farms and pet stores across Central Europe. The study found that edible insects could serve as significant vectors for parasites, some of which are pathogenic to both insects and humans as well as their pets. Galecki and Sokol (2019) also noted some unethical practices which only serve to exacerbate the health issues such as feeding feces from pet shops, dead animals and rotten food.
The Complete Diet: Balancing Insects with Plants
While insects are an important part of a bearded dragon's diet, they should be balanced with a variety of vegetables and fruits. For adult dragons, plants should make up the majority of their diet (80%), while insects should only be a small portion (20%).
Vegetables
Bearded dragons can safely eat many vegetables. Here is a list of the most common staple vegetables they can dine on daily:
- Kale
- Asparagus (Raw)
- Butternut squash
- Yellow squash
- Acorn squash
- Spaghetti squash
- Butterworms
- Celery
- Peeled Cucumber
- Yams (Raw)
- Turnip greens
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Zucchini (Raw)
- Okra (Raw)
- Raddicchio
- Bell Peppers (Raw)
- Cabbage (Raw)
- Artichoke Heart
- Bok choy
- Carrots
- Endive
- Pumpkins
- Parsnips
- Cooked Lentils
- Chicory
Fruits
Fruits should be offered in limited quantities due to their high sugar content. Here are some fruits that are safe for Bearded Dragons to eat on a limited basis:
- Apples
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Apricot
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Cherries
- Chayote
- Figs
- Grapes
- Grapefruit
- Melons
- Plum
- Watermelon
- Guava
- Nectarine
- Prunes
- Raisins
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Mango
Hydration
Bearded dragons obtain most of their moisture through fruits and vegetables, but it’s important to make sure they have water available as well. Always keep a water bowl in your dragon’s cage, but observe whether your dragon actually drinks out of it. Beardies tend to urinate or leave solids in their bowl, so change their water frequently. After each feeding, remove any drowned insects from the bowl as well. If your dragon does not drink from the water bowl, you can spray a mist of water into the cage once or twice a day.
Environmental Factors for Nutrient Absorption
Bearded dragons are ectotherms and control their body heat, and subsequently their metabolism, through their environment. They require heat and UVB lighting to metabolize Vitamin D3 which is essential for their bone health. UVB bulbs should be replaced every 6 months, even if the light itself is still working. UVB levels will deteriorate over time. A digital thermometer and humidity gauge in your dragon’s enclosure is essential. Heat from a heat emitting bulb or ceramic heat emitter (CHE) should be provided in a basking area on the “hot side” of the tank with the ability to retreat to a cooler side. Recommended temperatures vary even among experts. A good place to start is 76°F (24°C) on the cool side to 86°F (30°C) on the warm side, with a basking area ranging from 90°-100°F (32°-37.7°C).