What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? A Complete UK Feeding Guide 🦎🥗

So, you’ve got your bearded dragon settled in, the vivarium is set up, and now comes the big question: what on earth do I feed this little guy?

It’s one of the most important parts of bearded dragon care, and getting it right is the key to a long, happy, and healthy life for your scaly friend. These amazing reptiles are omnivores, which means they love a good mix of plant-based goodness and tasty insects . The exact balance changes as they grow, and that’s where this guide comes in.

Think of this as your friendly, go-to menu for keeping your beardie’s tummy full and their tail wagging (well, as much as a tail can wag).

The Simple Menu: What’s on the Plate?

A bearded dragon’s diet can be broken down into three main categories:

• Insects (Protein): The wiggly, crunchy stuff they love to chase.

• Vegetables & Greens: The healthy, leafy foundation of their meals.

• Fruit: The sweet, occasional treat.

The secret to a long and healthy life for your beardie isn’t just what you feed them, but how much and how often. Let’s get into the details.

🍽️ The Age-Appropriate Diet: Babies vs. Adults

This is the single most important rule: a baby bearded dragon eats very differently from an adult. They have different nutritional needs to support their rapid growth, and their diet reflects that.

🐣 For Baby and Juvenile Bearded Dragons (Under 18 Months)

Think of these guys as growing teenagers. They need a lot of protein to build their bones and bodies. Around 70-80% of their diet should be live insects, with the rest being vegetables and greens .

Feeding Schedule: Young dragons are hungry! They should be fed 2 to 3 times a day, with as many appropriately-sized insects as they can eat in a 10-15 minute period .

🦎 For Adult Bearded Dragons for sale uk  (Over 18 Months)

The tables have turned! Adult dragons are more like us—they need a healthy, balanced diet with less fat and more fibre. For adults, about 70-80% of their diet should be plant-based, with only 20-30% being insects .

Feeding Schedule: You can slow down the pace quite a bit. Adults can be fed once a day or even every other day . The bulk of their meal should be a big, fresh salad.

🐛 The Bug Menu: What Insects Can They Eat?

Your bearded dragon’s inner predator needs to be satisfied! Here are the best, most nutritious insects to offer:

The Golden Rule of Insects:

• Gut-Loading is a Must! This is a fancy term for feeding the insects a nutrient-rich diet for 24-48 hours before you offer them to your dragon . This effectively turns the insect into a tiny, healthy vitamin-packed meal.

• Dusting is Essential! Bearded dragons are prone to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), which is caused by a lack of calcium. You must dust their insects with a calcium supplement (with Vitamin D3) at almost every feeding. A multivitamin supplement should also be used a couple of times a week .

• Size Matters: A good rule of thumb is to never feed an insect that is longer than the space between your dragon’s eyes . If it’s too big, it can cause impaction.

🥗 The Salad Bar: Best Vegetables and Greens

Leafy greens and vegetables should be the foundation of your adult dragon’s diet and a healthy part of a juvenile’s. Offer a variety of these every day:

• The A-List (Base of the Diet):

  • Collard Greens

  • Mustard Greens

  • Turnip Greens

  • Dandelion Greens

  • Kale (in moderation)

  • Bok Choy

  • Escarole

  • Endive

• The B-List (Add for Variety):

  • Butternut Squash

  • Zucchini

  • Sweet Potato

  • Bell Peppers

  • Shredded Carrots (in moderation)

  • Broccoli

Important Note on Greens: Some greens like spinach, Swiss chard, and beet greens should be fed only occasionally. They contain oxalates that can bind to calcium, preventing your dragon from absorbing it .

Foods to Avoid Completely 🚫

• Lettuce (especially Iceberg): It’s basically just water and has almost no nutritional value .

• Avocado: Highly toxic to bearded dragons .

• Wild-Caught Insects: These can carry parasites and pesticides .

• Fireflies: Extremely toxic and can be fatal .

• Dog or Cat Food: Not formulated for reptiles and will cause health problems .

🍓 The Dessert Menu: Fruit as a Treat

Fruit is like candy for bearded dragons. They love it, but it’s packed with sugar and should be a rare treat, making up no more than 5% of their overall diet . Think of it as a weekly or even less frequent snack.

Safe fruits in small amounts:

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Melon

• Mango

• Papaya

• Banana (in tiny amounts)

• Figs (high in calcium)

A quick note on fruit: Remove any uneaten fruit from their enclosure to prevent it from spoiling and attracting flies.

💧 Don’t Forget the Water!

Even though they come from the desert, bearded dragons still need fresh water. Always provide a shallow bowl of clean water in their enclosure. They might not drink from it often, but it should always be available. You’ll often see them soak in it too, which can help with hydration and shedding .

Building a Healthy Feeding Routine

Here’s a simple checklist to keep your dragon healthy and happy:

1. Prepare a fresh salad of dark, leafy greens and chopped vegetables every day.

2. Gut-load your insects for at least 24 hours before feeding.

3. Dust the insects with a calcium supplement (with D3) before every feeding.

4. Offer the insects to your dragon, one by one, using feeding tongs.

5. Top their salad with a sprinkle of a reptile multivitamin once or twice a week.

6. Remove any uneaten food (especially insects and fruit) from the enclosure after a few hours.

FAQs: Quick Answers to Your Burning Questions ❓

Q: How often do I feed my bearded dragon?
A: Juveniles need to be fed 2-3 times a day with insects. Adults can be fed once a day, mostly vegetables, and may be fine with eating every other day .

Q: Can bearded dragons eat bananas?
A: Yes, but only as a rare treat. Bananas are high in sugar and should be given in very small amounts .

Q: Can they eat kale?
A: Yes, kale is safe, but due to its goitrogen content (which can affect the thyroid), it’s best to rotate it with other greens like collard and mustard greens .

Q: Can bearded dragons eat apples?
A: Yes, they can eat apples, but they should be peeled, chopped into tiny pieces, and offered as an occasional treat .

The Bottom Line 🎯

Feeding your bearded dragon doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is variety, age-appropriate portions, and essential supplementation. By offering a colourful mix of nutritious greens, crunchy gut-loaded insects, and the occasional fruity treat, you’re setting your beardie up for a long and vibrant life.

Need a little more help or looking for the perfect healthy dragon to start your journey? We’re a husband-and-wife team here in the UK, and we’re passionate about helping you give your new friend the best start. Feel free to check out our available dragons or get in touch if you have any questions—we’re here to help!