What bearded dragons eat and how often, changes with age. Adult bearded dragons eat less frequently than babies and juvenile. As adults, they no longer need protein to grow, just what they need to get through their biological stages. Adults slow down and become less active than their younger counterparts.
Research on the bearded dragons shows us that with maturity comes a significant dietary shift. As they transition from the fervent insect hunting of their youth, adults begin to incorporate plant material into their diet, marking the onset of becoming omnivores. This dietary expansion reflects a broader adaptation to their evolving physiological and energetic needs, allowing them to thrive in a wider range of environmental niches.
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One of the greatest risks to long-term health is therefore overfeeding, particularly overfeeding of insects, and an unbalanced diet containing too much live food and not enough fibre, calcium, vitamins and minerals…
(Baines, 2017)
What Bearded Dragons Eat
1. How Often do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Adult bearded dragons do not need to eat every day, they can eat once a day to every other day (Stahl and Donoghue, 2010; NC State Veterinary Hospital) to as little as 2-4 times a week (Brown, 2012).
A gravid female will require more protein to help her through producing eggs. However, a bearded dragon during shedding may refuse to eat or eat very little for a short period. Certainly, during brumation, the need for an adult bearded dragon to eat becomes very little to none.
Baby bearded dragons eat 2 to 3 times a day due to their high activity level and protein needs.
Juvenile bearded dragons can be fed 2 times a day (Brown, 2012; Stahl and Donoghue, 2010). By the time the juvenile bearded dragon reaches 6 months old it can be fed 5-7 times a week (Brown, 2012).
…based on age of the respondent, owners younger than 18 yr of age were more likely to offer too many insects, mainly larval insects, and not enough plant material.
Barboza et al, 2022
2. How Much do Bearded Dragons Eat?
A common way of controlling how much a baby bearded dragon is fed is by limiting feeding to 10 minutes periods. Once the time is up, they should be moved out of the feeding container and back into their enclosure. Vegetation can be left in the enclosure while it is unspoiled.
The downfall with this measure is that it is difficult to gauge exactly how much is being eaten.
Adult bearded dragons can eat approximately 5% of their ideal body weight, give or take a tad. However, as we discussed in previous sections, it does depend on what is happening for them at the time.
It’s widely recognized that reptiles have significantly lower energy needs compared to mammals, with their requirements being roughly 10% of those of mammals (De Voe, 2014). This fundamental difference often leads us, as humans that we understand—who are naturally high-energy consumers—to unintentionally overfeed our reptiles.
…avoid over-feeding on insects in adulthood, as high fat, high protein diets affect liver and kidneys and can shorten life.
Baines (2017)
Obesity in bearded dragons is a major cause of death. Understanding their lower metabolic rate can help in providing a diet that meets their energy needs without overfeeding. There is more on obesity in the post, is my bearded dragon fat?.
Providing smaller frequent meals on feeding day, rather than one bulk meal, may work well for many insectivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous lizards in their active times of the year (de Voe, 2014). Take caution that this does not lead to the temptation to feed a greater quantity.
3. How Big Can the Food Be for Bearded Dragons?
The size of food for the juvenile bearded dragon diet should be 1/2 its mouth width and no longer than its heads length (Ewert et al, 2004).
Sexual maturity is attained by 18–24 months of age; however, this can be expedited in captivity by maximizing nutrition and husbandry.
(Raiti, 2012)
4. What do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Adult bearded dragons tend to feed on more readily available and easy to catch invertebrates like ants whereas a young bearded dragon can even catch speedy grasshoppers and flying insects (Wotherspoon and Burgin, 2016). More in post on the diet of wild bearded dragons in the post ()
Here is a list of insects that bearded dragons eat. For a more on types of insects and their nutritional value see the post best insects for bearded dragons.
- Ants
- Beetles
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae
- Black solider fly larvae
- Cockroaches
- Cockroaches
- Crickets
- Fruit flies
- Hornworms
- Mealworms
- Silkworms
- Slaters (woodlice)
- Superworms
Brown crickets are ideal, they must not be longer than the distance between the hatchling’s eyes (2nd instar; “2 weeks old”, 6-8mm.)
Baines (2017)
Here is a list of foods that bearded dragons eat. For the complete list of foods and food chart that gives you a breakdown on the nutrients each offers check out the article on Bearded Dragons Food with Printable Food Chart.
- Bananas
- Basil
- Carrot
- Clover
- Collard Greens
- Dandelion
- Kiwi fruit
- Mulberry leaves
- Mustard Greens
5. What Bearded Dragons Eat by Age
What bearded dragons eat changes during their life. Juvenile bearded dragons grow rapidly and at this age their diet will be predominantly insects (around 60-70%). As they move towards adulthood the ratio of plant to insect matter leans towards more plant matter. This change in diet reflects their natural dietary progression and maintaining that in captivity helps prevent obesity and nutritional imbalances.
Studies show that bearded dragons eat anywhere from 55 to 90% plant matter for the Pogona vitticeps (Inland Bearded Dragon) (Barboza et al., 2022) to 90% plant matter for the Pogona barbata (Eastern Bearded Dragon) (Wotherspoon,2007). The remainder of an adult bearded dragon’s diet is usually made up predominantly of ants, termites and other insects.
In the wild, some Eastern Bearded Dragons have been found to eat vegetation only when they reach snout to vent size of 80-100 mm (3-4 inches) (Wotherspoon, 2007).
How often bearded dragons eat, the types of food and size of food varies by age. The following chart outlines basic how often to feed your bearded dragons and the ratios:
- Neonates (0-2 months): Focus on feeding neonate bearded dragons 2-3 insect meals daily, with greens available (De Vosjoli, 1996). Baby bearded dragons are largely insectivores but some plant matter can be introduced.
- Juveniles (2-4 months): Offer insects 2 times daily and daily greens (De Vosjoli, 1996). Plant matter approximately 40% and the insects 60% (Beardie Vet Article, n/d.).
- Juveniles (5-18 months): Fed once daily to every 2 days in the morning (De Vosjoli, 1996).
- Adults: Grown bearded dragons can eat insects 1-2 times a week and greens 3 times a week (Beardie Vet Article, n/d.).
- Pregnant females: Gravid bearded dragons eat more than non reproductive beardies. Offer approximately 70% plant matter and the insects 30% (Beardie Vet Article, n/d.).
- Adult Males: Adult male bearded dragons can eat more plant matter. Approximately 85% and 15% insects (Beardie Vet Article, n/d.).
6. Bearded Dragons Need Water
Bearded dragons need water on top of what they get from their food. Although much of a baby bearded dragons’ hydration will come from their food. As bearded dragons drink dew, dripping water will attract more attention than a bowl of water. See the article on water for bearded dragons.
Juveniles are very vulnerable to metabolic bone disease more so than adults. Outside of diet and supplementation ensure they get adequate access to properly set up UVB lighting and heating. Take bearded dragons outdoors in the sunlight with no barrier in the way between them and the sun such as glass. Wire cages are suitable and will not prevent UVB.
Juvenile bearded dragons eat active prey which is great for keeping them active and exercised.
7. Bearded Dragons Diet Plan Example
Bearded dragons eat a huge range of foods. Here is an example meal plan for an adult.
| Day | Feed |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Silkworms and ants plus gut loaded crickets dusted with calcium (no Vitamin D or phosphorus. RSPCA SA, n/d). Bok choy, dandelion greens & flowers, rocket, kale, grass, boiled sweet potato, pansies. |
| Day 2 | No feed. |
| Day 3 | Slaters (pill bugs) plus gut loaded crickets and roaches. Dusted with vitamin powder (vitamin supplement required fortnightly). Turnip greens, clover, basil, cabbage, grated carrot, rose petals, frozen mixed veg. |
| Day 4 | No feed. |
| Day 5 | Gut loaded crickets, roaches and mealworms. Collards, clover, carrot tops, common grass, hibiscus flower, frozen mixed veg. |
| Day 6 | No feed. |
| Day 7 | Earthworms, slaters and gut loaded crickets. Kale, pumpkin leaves, mulberry leaves, broccoli leaves, broccoli florets, rose petals. |
Preparing for Meal Time
Meal time preparation starts the day before feeding with gut loading insects. Vegetable and other plant materials can be prepared ahead of time using the bulk food methods in the post “frozen vegetables, prepping meals ahead of time”. Supplements are added to foods just before being eaten.
Bearded dragons eat very small amounts of calcium. Details in the post on calcium for bearded dragons.
| Aspect | Details |
| Diet Basics | Mix of insects & vegetables; avoid a diet solely of dry foods |
| Gut-Loading | Feed insects nutritious food 12-24 hours before feeding |
| Vegetable Prep | Finely chop or grate; lightly cook tough vegetables |
| Supplements | Dust food with calcium and multivitamin supplements |
| Freezing | Freeze suitable foods for convenience |
| Preparation Technique | Wash and chop greens and fruits; lightly cook hard foods but avoid over-softening |
| Dusting Invertebrates | Use a bag for easy adhesion or a shallow bowl for others like mealworms |
1. When to Feed Bearded Dragons
Stahl and Donoghue (2010) recommend bearded dragons be fed to coincide with their basking schedule, ensuring there’s sufficient warmth for digestion. It’s advisable to plan feeding times when temperatures are optimal and allow a buffer period before temperatures decrease for the day.
Feed bearded dragons in the morning after basking has commenced. Reptiles have a Preferred Optimum Temperature Zone (POTZ) for efficient digestion of food. Inadequate temperatures can hinder their ability to process food effectively, potentially leading to malnutrition.
This means that what bearded dragons eat and how well they will digest it requires the right lightinh and temperatures. Beardies need at least a few hours to start digestion prior to the heat being turned down for the day.
Spreading feedings throughout the ‘heat of the day’ can also promote more activity, as long as the total amount of food for the day does not increase. This approach aids in digestion and can contribute to the overall well-being of the bearded dragon by encouraging natural behaviors and exercise.
2. How Long do you leave Food in Bearded Dragons Enclosure
Vegetables should be removed once they start wilting or are soiled. At a temperature range over 46°F (8°C) some vegetation can start to lose nutritional value such as vitamin C (Domínguez-Perles et al, 2014).
Bugs are best fed in a feeding enclosure or use a large wide mouth plastic jar that the bearded dragon can get its head and part of body into so it can catch the feeders. Letting insects loose in the enclosure can be create issues both with the reptile being a target for the insects (some can bite) or it they could even burrow into backgrounds and accessories.
Dealing with Picky Bearded Dragons
It’s not uncommon for bearded dragons to snub the vegetables. It could simply be the adjustment to increased greens can be challenging for them, perhaps the lighting is interfering with what they see. It could aso be the flavors or the presentation or other reasons. There is a post which covers hacks to get your bearded dragon to eat which more veggies may give you ideas.
A study on young bearded dragons saw that the individuals that were supplied with good UV actually preferred greens.
Beardie Vet Article. (n.d.) quoting Dr Jonathon Howard.
What do Wild Bearded Dragons Eat: Males and Females are Different
The post on what do bearded dragons eat in the wild goes into detail on what has been found in wild beardies stomachs and other research. Here is a little breakdown.
Females bearded dragons that were producing eggs ate a lot of animal matter heavily featuring ants. This reliance on a protein-rich diet is essential for meeting the heightened nutritional needs associated with reproduction. Females need higher levels of protein and fatty acids than males for reproduction purposes.
Male bearded dragons eat more plants. Larger males exhibit a pronounced shift towards herbivory, likely influenced by their reduced protein requirements during non-combative territorial displays in the mating season. This tendency for larger male bearded dragons to eat more plants contrasts sharply with the dietary preferences of females.
None of the plant material in wild bearded dragons stomach was chewed.
…overfeeding on protein and fat-rich insects, which are also low in calcium but high in phosphorus, can result in too fast a growth rate and metabolic disorders, or obesity and the risk of fatty liver disease.
Baines (2017)
References
- Baines, F. (MRCVS). 2017. Your First Bearded Dragon Care Information.
- 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 Canada. Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 32(3), 187–197.
- Beardie Vet Article. (n.d.). Exotics Keeper. Dr Jonathon Howard (Beardie Vet)
- Brown, D. (2012). A guide to– Australian dragons in captivity. ABK Publications.
- De Voe, R. S. (2014). Nutritional Support of Reptile Patients. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 17(2), 249–261.
- Domínguez-Perles, R., Mena, P., García-Viguera, C., & Moreno, D. A. (2014). Brassica Foods as a Dietary Source of Vitamin C: A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 54(8), 1076–1091.
- Ewert, J., Cooper, J. E., Langton, T., Matz, G., Reilly, K., Schwantje, H. (2004) Species specific provisions for Reptiles. Working Party for the Preparation of the Fourth Multilateral Consulation of Parties to the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes (ETS 123).
- Raiti, P. (2012). Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 22(3-4), 117–131.
- RSPCA SA. (n.d.). Bearded Dragon Care Sheet. RSPCA South Australia.
- Stahl, S., & Donoghue, S. (2010). Small animal clinical nutrition: Vol. Chapter 71 (M. S. Hand & L. D. Lewis, Eds.; pp. 1237–1254). Mark Morris Institute.
- Vosjoli, P. D., & Mailloux, R. (2022). Bearded Dragon Manual, 3rd Edition Expert Advice for Keeping and Caring For a Healthy Bearded Dragon (Vol. 7(6), pp. 46–55). Vivarium.
- Wotherspoon, A. D. (2007). Ecology and management of Eastern bearded dragon: Pogona barbata. University of Western Sydney, Richmond
- Wotherspoon, D., & Burgin, S. (2016). Sex and ontogenetic dietary shift in Pogona barbata, the Australian eastern bearded dragon. Australian Journal of Zoology, 64(1), 14.
