Bearded dragonWhat can a bearded dragon eat?
17 foods checked against vets’ sources: what’s fine, what only now and then, and what never.
Every day
In the morning. When young, about 65% insects and 35% greens; when grown (over 30 cm, about 12 in), about 40% insects and 60% greens. Insects no bigger than its mouth, that is, no longer than the space between its eyes; for adults 3–4 times a week. Mixed leafy greens (dandelion, arugula, watercress), very little fruit, no spinach. Remove leftovers every day.
No food matches: if it isn’t on the list, ask your vet before giving it.
Never
Dog and cat foodNo
It's made for other animals: don't feed it to bearded dragons.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
FirefliesNo
They're toxic to bearded dragons.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Insects caught outdoorsNo
They may carry insecticides.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
SpinachNo
They stop calcium being absorbed.
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
Only now and then, a little
Bearded dragon pellets and dried foodA little
Not as the only food: on their own they unbalance the diet and can dehydrate.
How much: Only as an extra, never on their own.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Cabbage and kaleA little
In large amounts they can affect hormones: only now and then, rotated with other greens.
How much: Now and then.
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, melon, papaya, banana)A little
Only a small part: fruit is sweet and isn't its main food.
How much: 2-5% of the diet.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
WaxwormsA little
They're fatty: only occasionally.
How much: Occasionally.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Fine
Calcium powderYes
Insects should be dusted with calcium (daily) and with vitamins and minerals (weekly).
How much: Calcium on insects daily, vitamins once a week (ARAV); don't overdo it.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Calciworms (black soldier fly larvae)Yes
The RSPCA includes calciworms among the insects to feed.
How much: Young dragons about 65% insects and 35% greens, two meals a day; adults over 30 cm about 40% insects and 60% greens (RSPCA). Insects no bigger than the mouth.
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
Crickets and locustsYes
They're the staple live insects; feed them well first (gut loading) and dust them with vitamins and minerals.
How much: Young dragons about 65% insects and 35% greens, two meals a day; adults over 30 cm about 40% insects and 60% greens (RSPCA). Insects no bigger than the mouth.
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
Dandelion, clover and plantainYes
The leaves of these wild plants are safe greens, picked where no weedkillers are used.
How much: Leafy greens every day: for adults, 70-80% of the plant part according to the ARAV.
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
Grated carrot, broccoli, peas and beansYes
They're among the vegetables you can give, as a small part of the diet.
How much: At most 20% of the diet, together with other non-leafy vegetables.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Roaches, superworms and hornwormsYes
They're among the suitable live insects, in the right size.
How much: Young dragons about 65% insects and 35% greens, two meals a day; adults over 30 cm about 40% insects and 60% greens (RSPCA). Insects no bigger than the mouth.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Rocket, cress/watercress and chicoryYes
They're among the safe leafy greens to give daily, with variety.
How much: Leafy greens every day: for adults, 70-80% of the plant part according to the ARAV.
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
Romaine lettuceYes
It's one of the leafy greens in a dragon's salad, along with others.
How much: Leafy greens every day: for adults, 70-80% of the plant part according to the ARAV.
Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care
Squash and courgette (zucchini)Yes
Fine, grated or chopped.
How much: Non-leafy vegetables at most 20% of the diet (ARAV).
Source: RSPCA: Bearded dragon care
When to call the vet Emergency: who to call
What other pets can eat
Rabbit Guinea pig Hamster Pet rat Ferret Canary Budgies Cockatiel Lovebirds Tortoise Red-eared slider Leopard gecko Goldfish Betta fish Dogs and cats: can my pet eat it?
Sources
- RSPCA: Bearded dragon care (checked on October 14, 2026)
- Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV): Bearded dragon care (checked on October 14, 2026)