-Diet and Nutrition

🦎 Introduction
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are omnivorous reptiles that require a well-balanced diet to thrive. Their nutritional needs change with age, so feeding routines should be adjusted accordingly. This guide outlines optimal feeding practices, appropriate foods, supplementation, and common dietary concerns.
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🥬 Safe Vegetables & Greens
Daily Staples (High Calcium, Low Oxalates):
• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Dandelion greens
• Turnip greens
• Endive
• Escarole
• Squash (butternut, acorn)
Occasional Additions:
• Kale (moderate oxalates)
• Carrots (high vitamin A)
• Swiss Chard
• Bok Choy
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Parsnips
• Green beans
Fruits (Occasional Treats – 5% of diet):
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Papaya
• Mango
• Apples (peeled)
• Melon
⚠️ Avoid spinach, iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, avocado, and onions.
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🪳 Insects & Protein
Best Options:
• Dubia roaches – High in protein, low in fat; See our Dubia Roach Chow Recipe and Feeding Schedule here.
• Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) – Calcium-rich, no need for dusting
• Silkworms – Highly nutritious, soft-bodied
• Crickets – Readily available, gut-load before feeding
• Hornworms – Great hydration source (treat)
• Mealworms/superworms – High fat & chitin; occasional only for adults
🦗 Feeder Insect Tips:
• Healthy feeder insects = healthy bearded dragons. Always gut-load insects 24–48 hours before feeding.
• Avoid wild-caught bugs—may carry parasites or pesticides.
• Feed appropriate size (no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes).
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💊 Supplementation
Calcium with D3:
• 4–5x/week for juveniles
• 2–3x/week for adults
Calcium without D3:
• Use when dragons receive UVB exposure naturally or from quality bulbs.
Multivitamin:
• 1–2x/week (check for proper vitamin A levels; beta-carotene preferred)
⚠️ Over-supplementation can cause toxicity. Balance is key.
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💧 Hydration & Water
• Mist greens to provide moisture.
• Soak juveniles 2–3x/week; adults weekly or as needed.
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🔥 Feeding Environment
• Feed in a separate enclosure if needed to reduce substrate ingestion, especially for juveniles.
• Remove uneaten live feeders to prevent biting or stress.
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🚫 Foods to Avoid
• Fireflies (toxic)
• Wild insects
• Processed human food
• Citrus fruits (acidic)
• High-fat meats or dairy products
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💡 Pro Tips for Success
• Rotate greens and insects to ensure a variety of nutrients.
• Observe poop and appetite for signs of over/underfeeding.
• Monitor weight and growth, especially in juveniles.
• Keep detailed feeding logs for breeders or dragons with health issues.
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🧪 Breeder & Recovery Diet Tips
• Breeding Females: Add protein, calcium-rich insects, bee pollen, and calcium daily during egg production.
• Sick or Lethargic Dragons: Use slurry blends with pumpkin, squash, bee pollen, spirulina, and BSFL.
• Post-Brumation: Reintroduce insects slowly, starting with hydration and easy-to-digest foods.
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📌 Final Thoughts
A balanced, varied diet is essential for your bearded dragon’s health and longevity. Pay attention to behavior, weight, and energy levels, and always consult a reptile vet if concerns arise.

Diet & Nutrition Disclaimer
The dietary recommendations provided on this website reflect feeding practices that have worked well for our bearded dragons. We strive to offer balanced, research-based suggestions; however, individual dragons may have different nutritional needs or sensitivities.
This information is not intended to replace professional veterinary guidance. Always consult with a qualified reptile veterinarian before making significant changes to your dragon’s diet, especially if health concerns are present.