How To Introduce Variety into Your Bearded Dragon’s Diet

Bearded dragons thrive on a diverse diet that mimics what they would eat in the wild. If you want to keep your dragon happy, healthy, and active, it’s essential to introduce variety into their meals. 

One of the easiest ways to start is to buy Dubia roaches, which are widely regarded as one of the best feeder insects. They are packed with protein, easy to digest, and offer essential nutrients. Dubia roaches come in various sizes, making them suitable for bearded dragons of all ages. 

Whether you are feeding a juvenile dragon or a fully grown adult, these roaches are a staple feeder insect that provides balanced nutrition.

However, a well-rounded diet for your bearded dragon includes more than just Dubia roaches. In this guide, we’ll explore how to introduce different insects, vegetables, and occasional treats to ensure your pet gets all the nutrients it needs.

Step 1: Rotate Feeder Insects

Feeder insects are the primary protein source for bearded dragons, especially juveniles. While Dubia roaches are excellent, adding variety is key to preventing picky eating habits and nutritional imbalances. Here are some good alternatives:

• Superworms – A great protein source but should be fed in moderation due to their high-fat content.

• Mealworms – Suitable for adult bearded dragons but should not be a primary feeder due to their hard exoskeleton.

• Wax Worms – A high-fat treat, best used occasionally.

• Hornworms – Excellent for hydration and a good source of protein.

• Silkworms – Rich in calcium and protein, great for regular feeding.

• Crickets – Widely available, but they require gut-loading before feeding.

Tip: If your bearded dragon is hesitant to try new insects, mix them with their usual feeder, such as Dubia roaches, to make the transition easier.

Step 2: Introduce a Wide Range of Vegetables

Bearded dragons need a mix of leafy greens and vegetables to maintain a balanced diet. The ideal ratio for adult dragons is 80% plant-based foods and 20% protein, whereas juveniles need more protein.

Here are some vegetables and greens that should be included:

• Staple Greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens.

• Other Vegetables: Bell peppers, Acorn squash, carrots, zucchini, green beans.

• Occasional Treats: Sweet potatoes, cucumbers, peas, and butternut squash.

Avoid spinach, iceberg lettuce, and avocado, as they can cause health issues in bearded dragons.

Step 3: Use Fruits as Treats

Fruits should make up only 10% of a bearded dragon’s diet, but they add variety and are a great way to encourage hydration.

Some safe fruit options include:

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries.

• Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew.

• Other Fruits: Mango, papaya, apple (without seeds), figs.

Fruits should always be given in moderation since they contain natural sugars that can contribute to weight gain if overfed.

Step 4: Hydration Matters

Bearded dragons get most of their hydration from their food, but offering fresh water is still essential. Insects like hornworms provide extra hydration, and misting vegetables can help increase water intake.

Signs of Dehydration: Wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, and lethargy. If you notice these symptoms, ensure your dragon has access to water and increase moisture-rich foods in their diet.

Step 5: Gut-Loading and Supplementing

To maximize the nutritional benefits of feeder insects, always gut-load them before feeding. This means feeding your insects high-quality food 24 hours before they become your dragon’s meal. Top gut-loading foods include:

• Carrots

• Leafy greens

Additionally, calcium and vitamin D3 supplements are crucial to prevent metabolic bone disease. Dust your feeder insects with calcium 5 times a week for juveniles and 3 times a week for adults.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust Diet Based on Age

• Juvenile Bearded Dragons (0-6 months): 70% insects, 30% vegetables.

• Sub-adults (6-12 months): 50% insects, 50% vegetables.

• Adults (12+ months): 20% insects, 80% vegetables.

As your bearded dragon grows, you’ll need to reduce its insect intake and focus more on plant-based nutrition.

Step 7: Encourage Variety with Feeding Techniques

Some dragons can be picky eaters, especially when transitioning to a new diet. Here are some ways to make feeding more interesting:

• Mixing Foods: Combine a favorite food with a new one to encourage tasting.

• Hand-Feeding: Occasionally offering food by hand can help build trust and interest.

• Food Presentation: Chop vegetables into small pieces or offer them in different textures.

• Interactive Feeding: Allow your bearded dragon to “hunt” live feeder insects to stimulate natural instincts.

The Bottom Line 

Providing a varied diet is essential for a healthy and happy bearded dragon. If you’re looking to buy Dubia roaches or explore other feeder options, consider high-quality suppliers, where you can find insects in different sizes and quantities. Remember, variety is key—rotate insects, offer diverse vegetables, and introduce fruits as occasional treats to ensure your bearded dragon gets the best nutrition possible.

By following these steps, your bearded dragon will thrive, stay active, and enjoy mealtime every day!