What to Feed a Bearded Dragon: Insects, Greens, and the Calcium Rule
Staple Insects
Dubia roaches are the gold standard. Crickets are a solid second. Avoid waxworms and superworms as staples — they're high in fat. Gut-load all insects 24-48 hours before offering using collard greens, dandelion greens, squash, and commercial gut-load products.
Calcium Dusting: Every Single Feeding
Dust every insect feeding with plain calcium powder. Without it, metabolic bone disease develops silently.
Safe Greens
- Collard greens — high calcium, easy to find
- Mustard greens — nutritious and usually well accepted
- Dandelion greens — excellent calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
- Turnip greens — consistent staple
Avoid spinach (binds calcium), avocado (toxic), and fireflies (fatally toxic).
Hydration
Most bearded dragons don't drink reliably from standing water. Lightly mist their greens before offering, and give a warm 10-15 minute soak 2-3 times per week.
