Bearded Dragons Food: With Colored Food Charts

In a survey by researchers Barboza et al (2022) almost 50% of bearded dragon owners were not feeding sufficient plant material to adults. Pet owners under 18 years old were more likely to feed too many insects, particularly larvae. This could be a high risk factor in obesity and hepatic lipidosis.

Key Takeaways

  • Providing a diet tailored to bearded dragons is essential for their health in captivity.
  • A mix of insects, vegetables, and fruits constitutes a balanced diet for bearded dragons.
  • It’s important to know which foods are harmful to avoid feeding them to your dragon.

Bearded Dragons Food: Food Types

The bearded dragons safe food lists are in the categories:

  • Greens
  • Vegetables
  • Flowers
  • Arthropods (insects)
  • Fruit
  • Commerical diets for bearded dragons
Bearded Dragon Food Chart Colored and Meal Planner

Bearded Dragons Food: Greens

A mainstay of bearded dragons food are the greens. Greens for bearded dragons are an essential and make up the bulk of the diet.

Aim to comprise the bulk of your bearded dragon’s diet with primarily dark, leafy greens. Add smaller amounts of mixer vegetation, again using variety rather than the same thing often. Rare mixers can be included at times in small amounts.

legend for frequency of feeding foods to bearded dragons
Food ItemFrequencyC:PCalcium (Ca) (mg)Phosphorus (P) (mg)Total dietary fibre (g)Moisture (Water) (g)Protein (g)Total sugars (g)
Arugula (rocket) US databearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently3.1:1160521.691.72.582.05
Alfalfa sproutsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.5:132701.992.823.990.18
Artichoke heartfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food34.4:1441.285.484.943.270.99
Asian Greens (Pak choi)feed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.8:110537195.321.51.18
Asian Greens Bok choyfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food3.0:183282.494.82.50.6
Asian Greens Chinese Flowering Cabbagefeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.8:170402.894.21.30.8
Asian greens Gai choyfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food4.6:1130281.893.82.30.7
Basilbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently2.4:1220913.391.62.60.0
Bean sprouts greenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.3:110301.393.43.11.0
Beet Greensfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.9:1117413.791.022.20.5
Cabbage redbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently1.2:135303.488.12.22.7
Cabbage whitebearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently0.8:132402.490.81.32.8
Cabbage, commonbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently2.0:147232.392.521.21
Cabbage, Savoybearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently0.8:135423.19122.27
Carrot topsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Celery topsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Chicory leavesbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently2.1:1100474921.70.7
Clover (data based on dry matter analysis)*bearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently4.2:1
Collard greens freshbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently9.3:123225489.623.020.46
Collard greens frozenbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently7.4:1201273.689.532.69
Coriander Cilantro leavesbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently1.4:167482.892.212.130.87
Dandelion greens & flowersbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently2.8:1187663.585.62.70.71
Endive – Escarolebearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently1.9:152283.193.791.250.25
Grass Kentucky Bluegrassfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.0:10.10.18.1
Grass Bermudafeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.4:10.530.2225.9
Grape leavesrarely feed to bearded dragons4.0:1363911173.325.66.3
Hibiscus leavesrarely feed to bearded dragons2.7:1
Kale frozenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food4.7:113629291.122.66
Kalefeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.6:1150923.684.044.282.26
Lemongrassfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.6:16510170.61.8
Lettuce Boston & Bibbfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.1:135331.195.631.350.94
Lettuce redfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.2:133280.995.641.330.48
Lettuce, Cos or Romainefeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.1:133302.194.611.231.19
Microgreensfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Mint freshfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food4.5:1210477.284.23.10.9
Mulberry leavesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2:1
Mustard greensbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently2.0:1115583.290.72.861.32
Nasturtium leavesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Parsleybearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently1.3:1120945.086.23.91.0
Rocket (arugula) Australiabearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently3.4:1214632.491.83.30.3
Spinachrarely feed to bearded dragons2.0:199492.291.42.860.42
Squash Pumpkin leavesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.4:13910492.883.15
Sweet potato leavesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.0:178815.386.812.49
Swiss Chard (silverbeet)rarely feed to bearded dragons1.1:151461.692.661.81.1
Thymefeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food3.8:14051061465.115.56
Turnip greensbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently4.5:1190423.289.671.50.81
Watercressbearded dragon foods that can be fed frequently2.0:1120600.595.112.30.2
Bearded dragon greens and their nutritional value.

Bearded Dragons Food: Vegetables

Bearded dragons food includes an abundance of vegetables.

Aim to comprise the bulk of your bearded dragon’s diet with primarily dark, leafy greens followed by vegetables. Add smaller amounts of mixer vegetables, again using diversity rather than the same thing often.

legend for frequency of feeding foods to bearded dragons
Food ItemFrequencyC:PCalcium (Ca) (mg)Phosphorus (P) (mg)Total dietary fibre (g)Moisture (Water) (g)Protein (g)Total sugars (g)
Asparagusfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.3:111432.292.82.51.4
Beansfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.4:145322.891.81.82.6
Bell peppers Capsicum Greenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.2:16261.594.40.92.5
Bell peppers Capsicum Redfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.2:17311.193.01.14.4
Broccolinifeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.6:139612.592.23.22.3
Carrot fresh gratedfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.8:126313.488.50.66.2
Cauliflowerfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.5:122442.092.11.91.9
Corn kernels frozenrarely feed to bearded dragons0.0:13712.576.03.03.0
Corn sweet white freshfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.0:12892.775.963.223.22
Cucumber peeledfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.7:114210.796.730.591.38
Lentils, boiledrarely feed to bearded dragons0.2:115664.174.47.30.5
Okrararely feed to bearded dragons1.3:182633.788.33.11.4
Parsnipfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.5:136714.979.531.24.8
Peasfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.2:1251085.178.865.425.67
Prickly pear cactus padsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Squash (pumpkins) many varietiesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Squash Butternut rawfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.5:14833286.4112.2
Squash, Queensland Blue peeledfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.0:141212.783.82.04.9
Sweet potato boiled peeledfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.8:128342.777.126
Sweet potato shreddedfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.6:13047377.281.574.18
Tomatorarely feed to bearded dragons0.4:110241.294.50.882.63
Vegetable mix frozenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.4:12559482.083.332.8
Zucchinifeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.5:116341.094.12.21.1
Vegetables for bearded dragons with nutrient data.

Bearded Dragons Food: Flowers

Flowers can make a great addition to a bearded dragons food. Although it is difficult to get data on flowers vets such as Dr Boyer (2021) and the NC State Veterinary Hospital recommend adding flowers to the diet of reptiles.

Food ItemFrequency
Basil flowersfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Carnationsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Coriander flowersfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Geranium flowersfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Hibiscus flowersfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Nasturtium flowersfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Pansiesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Petuniasfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Rose petalsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Squash Pumpkin flowersfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Guavafeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Kiwi fruit goldfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Kiwi fruit greenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Mangofeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Melon balls frozenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Melon Rockmelon Honey dewfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Melon Watermelonfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Mulberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Nectarinefeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Papayafeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Peachfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Pearsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Pineapplefeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Plumfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Prickly pear cactus fruitsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Prunesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Raspberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Strawberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Strawberries frozenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food
Flowers bearded dragon can eat.

Interestingly the color of the flower can also make a difference in the nutritional content. Research on carnations by Zhou et al (2023) found that of the 4 colors of carnations they tested for antioxidants and anticancer activities the purple carnations lead the pack. It turns out that purple carnations are especially rich in compounds. These compounds not only add a burst of color but also contribute to their ability to fend off harmful invaders, like cancer cells.

While purple carnations top the chart with their health benefits, other colors like green, yellow, and white aren’t far behind. Each color has its own set of nutritional value. For example, yellow flowers might have different types of beneficial compounds, contributing to a well-rounded diet for your bearded dragon.

To take advantage of the spectrum of nutrients flowers offer, try different colors.

Bearded Dragons Food: Fruit, Occasional Treats

In human nutrition, fruits are seen as healthy and we associate this also being good for animals. However, zoo research advises against feeding animals commercially cultivated fruits designed for human tastes. They differ significantly in nutrient composition from wild fruits, containing higher sugar and lower fiber. (Clauss & Hatt, 2011)

Offering fruits to bearded dragons has been associated with tripling their chances of developing dental issues. Research conducted by Mott et al (2020) suggests that fruits might be the primary dietary cause of dental problems in bearded dragons and recommends excluding fruits from their diets.

Additionally, diets rich in sugar, including regular intake of fruits, may lead to health complications in these animals, such as metabolic bone disease.

Fruits for bearded dragons can be an occasional treat, they shouldn’t make up a regular part of the diet. However, some guidelines suggest that keeping fruit to less than 5% of the diet might be acceptable.

When feeding fruit to reptiles, several nutritional factors should be considered to ensure their health and well-being:

  1. Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: Fruits often have an inverse ratio of what bearded dragons need, with higher phosphorus than calcium, which can lead to calcium deficiencies and health problems.
  2. Sugar to Fiber Ratio: Reptiles, especially those not naturally frugivorous, can have difficulty processing high amounts of sugar, which is common in many fruits. A high sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Fiber, on the other hand, aids in digestion. Therefore, fruits with a lower sugar to fiber ratio are preferable, though still in moderation.
  3. Overall Sugar Content: High sugar content in fruits can lead to health issues such as obesity and dental problems. It’s essential to choose fruits with lower sugar levels and to feed them sparingly as part of a balanced diet.
  4. Acidity: Some fruits are highly acidic, which can upset a reptile’s stomach or lead to dental issues. Bearded dragons food should be low in acidity and high in calcium.

Bearded dragons food can include the following fruits as mixers less than 5% of the diet or occassionally:

legend for frequency of feeding foods to bearded dragons
Food ItemFrequencyC:PCalcium (Ca) (mg)Phosphorus (P) (mg)Total dietary fibre (g)Moisture (Water) (g)Protein (g)Total sugars (g)
Apple Gala with skinrarely feed to bearded dragons0.6:17112.385.760.2510.37
Apple Granny Smith with skinrarely feed to bearded dragons0.4:15122.885.460.449.59
Apricots freshrarely feed to bearded dragons0.6:11323286.351.49.24
Bananas Cavendish peeledrarely feed to bearded dragons0.2:15212.276.21.412.8
Blueberries freshrarely feed to bearded dragons0.5:16122.484.210.749.96
Blueberries frozen unsweetenedfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.7:18112.786.590.428.45
Cranberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.6:18134.687.130.394.04
Figs fresh peeledfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.7:138143.385.91.48.1
Grapes greenrarely feed to bearded dragons0.4:110260.881.80.815.2
Grapes red globerarely feed to bearded dragons0.5:110193.580.70.916.3
Guavafeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.5:118405.480.82.558.92
Kiwi fruit goldrarely feed to bearded dragons0.7:12029283.221.2310.98
Kiwi fruit greenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.0:13434383.071.148.99
Mangorarely feed to bearded dragons0.8:111141.683.460.8213.66
Melon balls frozenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.8:110120.790.260.84
Melon Rockmelon Honey dewfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.5:17141.091.20.54.7
Melon Watermelonfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.4:15140.491.60.67.0
Mulberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food1.0:139381.787.681.448.1
Nectarinerarely feed to bearded dragons0.2:16261.787.591.067.89
Papayafeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.0:120101.788.060.477.82
Peachrarely feed to bearded dragons0.3:16201.588.870.918.39
Pearsrarely feed to bearded dragons0.8:19123.183.960.369.75
Pineapplerarely feed to bearded dragons0.2:110549010.388.420.277.66
Plumrarely feed to bearded dragons0.4:16161.487.230.79.92
Prickly pear cactus fruitsfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food2.3:156243.687.550.731.02
Prunesrarely feed to bearded dragons0.9:152587.837.12.331.0
Raspberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.9:125296.585.751.24.42
Strawberriesfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.7:11624290.950.674.89
Strawberries frozenfeed as a mixer for bearded dragons food0.9:121242.592.10.73.8
Fruits bearded dragon can eat with nutritional data.

Bearded Dragons Food: Arthropods (Insects)

Bearded dragons food includes a wide variety of arthropods. 

Young bearded dragons food can include insects that will encourage activity, prey that moves around a little fast. This is also great for adult bearded dragons however they tend to prefer slower prey.

Insects are a great source of protein, essential amino acids, trace minerals and fibre. Larval insects are generally high in fat except silkworms and hornworms.

Feeder insects should be gut loaded, fed nutrient-rich foods, as this enhances their nutritional content as bearded dragons food.

Arthropods (Insects) Bearded Dragons Eat Table: Mixers

Less than 50% of the insects fed should be larval insects (Boyer, 2021) due to their high fat content.

Arthropods (insects) to offer include:

Ants & termites
Beetles: Dung beetles (Christmas beetles), mealworm beetles
Black soldier fly larvae
Butterworms
Cockroaches
Crickets
Earthworms
Flies & larvae
Fruit flies
Grasshoppers
Hornworms
Katydids
Locusts
Mealworms & giant mealworms
Moths
Silkworms
Slaters (woodlice, sowbugs, pillbugs)
Slugs
Snails
Spiders
Superworms
Waxworms
Weevils
Bearded dragons insects food list.

Bearded Dragons Food: Commercial Diets

Stahl and Donoghue (2010) suggest that a significant portion of a bearded dragon’s diet, ranging from 60 to 75%, could be comprised of commercially prepared foods. However, others recommend no more than 50% (West Toowoomba Veterinary Surgery).

When adding commercial diets into the bearded dragons meal plan, reduce vitamin and mineral supplements since the commercial diets have these added. Look for a commercial diet that has a guaranted analysis based on dry matter of its product (Boyer, 2021).

Australian Vegetation as Part of Bearded Dragons Food

For Australians or those with access to Australian plants, some natural vegetation can be incorporated into the bearded dragons diet. To diversify the diet and mimic natural habitats, Simpson (2015) recommends including native Australian vegetation such as:

  • Eremophilas sp
  • Hemiandra pungens
  • Croweas
  • Correas
  • Grevilleas

These native plants could provide a more natural and enriching dietary component for captive bearded dragons food, promoting overall health and well-being.

Other Australian plants known to be naturally included in the wild bearded dragons food through studies of gut content are:

  • Austral Bugle (Hajuga australis)
  • Gahnia sp
  • Glycine spp
  • Karngaroo grass (Themeda austalis)
  • Xanthosia spp

What Bearded Dragons Shouldn’t Eat

There are specific insects that should be strictly excluded from bearded dragons food which include:

FoodDescription
Animal productsSeafood and poultry are not suitable for bearded dragons due to their inability to digest these foods properly.
Avocado leaves (and fruit)Avocado contains persin, which is toxic to many pets, including bearded dragons.
ChivesSimilar to onions and garlic, can be toxic and cause digestive issues.
Citrus fruitsHigh acidity can upset the digestive system and lead to long-term health issues including:
-Lemons
-Limes
-Oranges
-Grapefruits
-Tangerines
-Pomelos
-Citrons
-Clementines
-Key limes
-Ugli fruit (a type of tangelo)
Dairy productsBearded dragons cannot eat dairy products, they cannot digest the lactose.
High fat foods can disrupt the metabolism of calcium, essential for bone health.
Eggplant leavesEggplant, being a member of the nightshade family like tomatoes and potatoes, also has leaves that contain solanine.
Garlic greensSimilar to onions, garlic and its greens contain compounds that can be harmful to bearded dragons.
Iceberg lettuceAlthough not toxic, iceberg lettuce is discouraged as it offers very little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea due to its high water content.
LeeksCan cause digestive issues and potentially lead to blood abnormalities.
Onion greensOnions and their green parts can be toxic to bearded dragons, potentially leading to digestive issues and blood abnormalities.
Potato leavesThe leaves of the potato plant contain solanine, a toxin that is harmful to bearded dragons.
ShallotsContains compounds that can be harmful, similar to onions and garlic.
Tomato leavesTomato plants, particularly their leaves, contain solanine and other toxic alkaloids that can be harmful.
Wild MushroomsPotential toxicity; specific varieties can be poisonous. Bearded dragons natural diet does not typically include fungi, and the calcium to phorphorus ratio is poor. For example:
-button mushrooms have 5mg calcium and 93mg of phorphorus being a ratio of 0.1:1; and
-portabello mushrooms have a calcium content of just 3mg with 87mg of phosphorus at a ratio of 0.0:1.
InsectsBoxelder bugs (lygaeid bugs)
Fireflies (Photinus spp)
Monarch butterflies (Donaus plexippus)
Queen butterflies (D. gillipus)
Lady Beetles (particularly Harmonia axyridis)
Insects that are known to have venom, as they can pose serious health risks.
Deceased insects may no longer possess nutritional value and might harbor bacteria.
Undernourished insects (not fed or not fed gut loading diet).
Foods bearded dragons should not eat.

Bearded Dragon Supplements Calcium & Multivitamins

Bearded dragons’ diets benefit from additional vitamins and minerals, much like humans do. A well-maintained feeding schedule should include supplements to support their health:

  • Calcium supplements are crucial for averting metabolic bone disease, a common issue resulting from a lack of calcium. They are a cornerstone of a bearded dragon’s diet.
  • Multivitamins may be necessary for some dragons, and a veterinarian can assist in determining the individual needs of your pet.

Incorporating these supplements is straightforward; they are generally available as powders that can be dusted over the bearded dragon’s meals.

Bear in mind to limit fruit to just 10-20% of their plant intake, avoiding overly acidic options like citrus. Fruits not only offer water content but also bring a variety of vitamins and minerals naturally. It’s also worth noting that other edible flowers can diversify their diet. Remember to serve fruits in small, manageable pieces to facilitate easy eating for your bearded dragon.

Antinutrients in Foods

Compounds such as oxalates, goitrogens and tannins are considered anti nutrients in the bearded dragon diet however, they may also be counteracted by other nutrients.

Dr Boyer (2021) states that oxalates are often of great concern but foods high in oxalates such as spinach can be fed from time to time as part of a good diet. In addition, brasicas do not cause goiters and there is no reason not to feed these foods. In context, all diets should be varied and not focus on a small group of vegetation or arthropods. Anything in excess can harm any species.

With all nutrients and antinutrients data varies significantly from one source to another. Some of the major contributing factors to the variable data are conditions such as season, soil and harvesting practices (Attalla et al, 2014).

Bearded dragons can eat high oxalate foods occassionally without creating any particular health issues.

Why There is so Much Variation in Food Data

By utilising scientific and research data, one can make informed decisions. This article relies on information from international and national food databases and research. However, it is advisable to treat this data as a generalisation rather than absolute truth for your given situation. This is because various national food databases and research studies around the globe offer differing information on food items. Several factors that influence the recorded levels of nutrients and anti-nutrients in each provides are:

  1. Testing methods
  2. Fertilisers used
  3. Soil quality
  4. Time of harvest
  5. Transportation conditions
  6. Leaf age
  7. Cultivar

One example of just how much data can vary is with a study Mason et al (2000) published. A huge variation of oxalate in the same spinach cultivar (Winter Giant) was found with tests by Mason et al (2000) showing 400-600 mg/100 g fresh weight whereas Gontzea and Sutzescu (cited in Mason et al, 2000) came in at double, 700-900 mg/100g.

References

  1. Barboza, T., Abood, S. K., & Beaufrère, H. (2022). Survey of Feeding Practices and Supplement Use in Pet Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) of the United States and CanadaJournal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery.
  2. Boyer, T. H. B., DVM, DABVP (Reptile and Amphibian. (2021, November 3). Reptile and Amphibian Nutrition. LafeberVet.
  3. Clauss, M., & Hatt, J.-M. (2011). Green grocery guide. Zooquaria5.
  4. Mott, R., Pellett, S., & Hedley, J. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors for dental disease in captive Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in the United KingdomJournal of Exotic Pet Medicine36, 1–7.
  5. Zhou, X., Wang, M., Li, H., Ye, S. P., & Tang, W. (2023). Widely targeted metabolomics reveals the antioxidant and anticancer activities of different colors of Dianthus caryophyllusFrontiers in Nutrition10.