Imagine holding a tiny, scaly friend, a dragon in miniature, looking up at you with expectant eyes. What’s the most important thing you can give your bearded dragon to keep it healthy and happy? It’s their food, of course! But choosing the right insects can feel like a jungle of options, and getting it wrong can lead to a grumpy dragon or worse.
Many new bearded dragon owners feel overwhelmed. They worry about giving their pet the wrong kind of bug, or not enough of the right kind. They want their bearded dragon to thrive, to have bright colors and plenty of energy, but the world of feeder insects can be confusing. What’s safe? What’s nutritious? These are the questions that keep owners up at night.
By reading on, you’ll discover the secrets to feeding your bearded dragon like a pro. We’ll break down the best insect choices, explain why they’re so good for your scaly companion, and even touch on how to prepare them safely. Get ready to unlock the key to a happy, healthy bearded dragon, one delicious bug at a time!
Our Top 5 Insect For Bearded Dragon Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Insect For Bearded Dragon Detailed Reviews
1. Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food
Rating: 9.2/10
Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food is a fantastic way to give your bearded dragon a nutritious and tasty meal. This 3.2-ounce container is packed with good stuff your scaly friend will love!
What We Like:
- It’s packed with vitamins and minerals that are super important for your bearded dragon’s health.
- The formula includes essential proteins and fats, which are like fuel for your pet.
- You get a yummy mix of mealworms, grasshoppers, and crickets.
- These bugs are freeze-dried, which locks in their flavor and all the good nutrients.
- It’s a super easy way to feed your bearded dragon natural prey without the mess and hassle of live insects.
- Just store it in a cool, dry spot to keep it fresh and tasty for your pet.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some bearded dragons can be picky, so not all of them might enjoy every type of insect in the mix.
- While it’s a treat, it’s not meant to be the main part of their diet.
Overall, Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food is a convenient and nutritious option for rewarding your bearded dragon. It’s a great way to add variety and essential nutrients to their diet.
2. Live Hornworms 24-30+ Counts Per Cup – Super Variety Meal Worms and Live Insects Reptile Treat for Bearded Dragons
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a nutritious and exciting treat for your reptile? These Live Hornworms come in a convenient cup with 24-30+ count, offering a super variety of live insects. They are specially designed as a reptile treat for bearded dragons, chameleons, geckos, and other reptile friends. Plus, they’re great for birds too!
What We Like:
- These hornworms are a unique blend of yellow food and silkworm chow. This mix gives your pet food that is as good for them as silkworms.
- They are packed with nutrients to give your pet a better meal than regular mealworms or superworms.
- The hornworms are easy to feed because they are already prepared in cups with 24-30+ count. This makes it simple to give your pet the tasty treat they crave.
- Hornworms have more calcium than other live insects. This makes them a top choice for bearded dragons, chameleons, and geckos who need extra calcium.
- Feeding your reptiles these hornworms makes sure they get all the important things they need to be healthy and grow strong.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions “Super Variety Meal Worms” in the title, but the product itself is Live Hornworms. This could be confusing for some buyers.
- While the description highlights the nutritional benefits, it doesn’t specify the exact nutritional breakdown (e.g., protein, fat, calcium percentages) which some reptile owners might look for.
Overall, these Live Hornworms are a fantastic way to boost your reptile’s diet. They provide excellent nutrition and are a sure hit with many pets.
3. Dried Grasshoppers Reptile Food All Natural – High Protein Dried Insects Treats for Bearded Dragons Turtles Geckos Lizards Hedgehogs Chameleon Birds（3.5 OZ）
Rating: 9.0/10
Fuel your reptile or bird’s health with this all-natural, high-protein Dried Grasshoppers Reptile Food. These tasty treats are packed with the good stuff your scaly or feathered friends need to thrive.
What We Like:
- These grasshoppers are super fresh and healthy. They use a special freeze-drying method to keep them that way, so your pet gets natural flavor and good nutrition.
- They’re loaded with protein and important amino acids. This helps reptiles and birds grow strong and gives them lots of energy.
- The food is also full of vitamins and minerals. This boosts your pet’s immune system and keeps their bones and joints healthy.
- Pets really seem to love the taste and crunchy texture. It’s easy for them to digest and absorb, making mealtime exciting.
- These dried grasshoppers are easy to store and carry. Your pet can have a healthy snack wherever you go.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are great for many pets, it’s always a good idea to check if grasshoppers are suitable for your specific pet’s diet and needs.
This dried grasshopper food offers a nutritious and appealing option for your pets. It’s a convenient way to provide them with essential nutrients for a healthy life.
4. 100 Extra Small Live Dubia Roaches in Container Live Reptile Food for Bearded Dragons Turtles Lizards Frogs & Toads Feeder Insects
Rating: 9.2/10
Feeding your scaly or amphibious friends just got easier and healthier with these 100 Extra Small Live Dubia Roaches. These tiny powerhouses are designed to be a nutritious and exciting meal for a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including bearded dragons, turtles, lizards, frogs, and toads. They’re a great way to keep your pets happy and healthy.
What We Like:
- Nutrient-Rich: These roaches are fantastic for “gut loading,” meaning they soak up nutrients you feed them. This makes them a super healthy meal for your pets, packed with vitamins.
- Long-Lasting Food Source: Unlike some other feeder insects, Dubia roaches live a good long time. This means you always have a reliable supply of nutritious food for your pets.
- Excites Natural Instincts: Their movement is just right to get your reptiles excited to hunt. It’s a fun way to see your pets act on their natural hunting behaviors.
- Quiet and Odor-Free: You won’t have to worry about noisy crickets or bad smells. These roaches are quiet and don’t have an odor, making your home more peaceful.
- Easy to Digest: Dubia roaches are easy on your pet’s stomach. They’re also low in fat and high in protein and calcium, offering a well-balanced diet.
- Perfect Size: The “extra small” size, 3/8″ and below, is ideal for smaller reptiles and young animals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Shipping Restrictions: Sales are not allowed in Florida, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico due to local laws.
- Summer Shipping Caution: If temperatures are above 85°F, it’s recommended to have your package held at the post office to ensure the roaches arrive safely.
Overall, these live Dubia roaches are an excellent choice for reptile owners seeking a nutritious, easy-to-manage, and engaging food source for their pets. They offer a healthy and stimulating mealtime experience.
5. Mazuri
Rating: 8.9/10
Keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy starts with the right food. The Mazuri Bearded Dragon Food – Insect Portion is designed to give your scaly friend a balanced diet. This 8-ounce bag provides essential nutrients that insectivorous reptiles need. It’s a key part of a complete feeding plan for your pet.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are good for your dragon’s overall health.
- The food also contains Vitamin E. This vitamin helps support a strong immune system.
- It is specially made for reptiles that eat insects. This means it meets their unique dietary needs.
- You don’t have to worry about artificial flavors. The food is made with natural ingredients.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bag might run out quickly for owners with multiple or larger bearded dragons.
- While it’s an insect portion, you still need to supplement with live insects. This adds an extra step to feeding.
This Mazuri food offers great benefits for your bearded dragon’s nutrition. It’s a reliable option for pet owners who want the best for their reptiles.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Feeding Your Bearded Dragon Right
Choosing the Best Insects for Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are amazing pets! They are popular because they are friendly and interesting to watch. A big part of keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy is feeding them the right food. Insects are a very important part of their diet. This guide will help you pick the best insects to give your scaly friend.
Key Features to Look For in Bearded Dragon Food Insects
Nutritional Value
The most important thing is that the insects are good for your dragon. Different insects have different amounts of protein, calcium, and other vitamins. You want insects that are high in protein, which helps your dragon grow strong. They also need calcium for healthy bones.
Gut-Loading Potential
Gut-loading means feeding the insects nutritious food before you feed them to your dragon. The good stuff from the insects’ food then goes into your dragon! So, look for insects that eat well and can be easily gut-loaded. This means they should be happy to eat fruits, vegetables, and special gut-loading foods.
Size Appropriateness
The size of the insect matters a lot. The insect should be no wider than the space between your dragon’s eyes. If it’s too big, your dragon might have trouble swallowing it or could even choke. Smaller dragons need smaller insects.
Variety
Just like people, bearded dragons need a varied diet. Offering different types of insects keeps them interested and makes sure they get a wider range of nutrients. Don’t just feed them one kind of bug!
Important Materials (What the Insects Eat)
What the insects eat before you feed them to your dragon is really important. This is called gut-loading. You should feed the insects:
- Fresh vegetables: Like dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens) and carrots.
- Fresh fruits: In moderation, like apple or berries.
- Commercial gut-loading foods: These are special foods made just for feeder insects.
- Calcium and vitamin supplements: You’ll dust the insects with these before feeding them to your dragon.
Avoid feeding insects things like fish food or meat scraps. These aren’t good for your dragon.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Proper gut-loading: This is the biggest factor. Well-fed insects are healthy insects.
- Freshness: Always buy insects from a reputable supplier. Old or unhealthy insects can make your dragon sick.
- Appropriate size: Feeding the right size insect prevents choking and ensures your dragon eats it.
- Live insects: Bearded dragons usually prefer live insects. They are more likely to hunt and eat them.
Reducing Quality:
- Poor gut-loading: Insects that haven’t been fed well lack important nutrients.
- Wild-caught insects: These can carry diseases or pesticides that are harmful to your dragon.
- Insects that are too big or too small: This can cause feeding problems.
- Dead insects: Most bearded dragons won’t eat dead insects, and they can grow bacteria.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many bearded dragon owners find that offering a mix of crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms works well. Crickets are a common choice and are readily available. Dubia roaches are highly nutritious and less likely to bite your dragon. Mealworms are a good treat but should be given in moderation due to their fat content and chitin.
For younger, growing dragons, insects like crickets and small dubia roaches are excellent. Adult dragons can handle larger insects. Some owners also like to offer occasional treats like hornworms for hydration and variety.
Remember to always dust your feeder insects with calcium powder (without D3 most days, with D3 a couple of times a week) and a multivitamin (once or twice a week) to ensure your bearded dragon gets all the necessary nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best types of insects to feed my bearded dragon?
A: The best insects are crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae. Mealworms and superworms can be given as occasional treats.
Q: How often should I feed my bearded dragon insects?
A: Younger dragons need insects more often, usually once or twice a day. Adult dragons can be fed insects every other day.
Q: What size insects should I offer?
A: The insect should be no wider than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes.
Q: What does “gut-loading” mean?
A: Gut-loading means feeding the feeder insects nutritious food before you feed them to your bearded dragon. This passes the nutrients on.
Q: Can I feed my bearded dragon insects I find outside?
A: No, it’s not safe. Wild insects can carry pesticides or diseases that can harm your dragon.
Q: Should the insects be alive or dead?
A: Bearded dragons prefer live insects because they can hunt them. Dead insects are usually not eaten and can grow harmful bacteria.
Q: How do I give my bearded dragon vitamins?
A: You dust the feeder insects with calcium powder and a multivitamin supplement right before feeding them to your dragon.
Q: Are mealworms safe for bearded dragons?
A: Mealworms are safe in moderation. They have a hard exoskeleton and are higher in fat, so they should not be a main food source, especially for young dragons.
Q: How do I store feeder insects?
A: Store them in a well-ventilated container with food and water for the insects. Check the supplier’s instructions for best results.
Q: What if my bearded dragon doesn’t eat the insects?
A: Make sure the insects are live and the right size. Try offering a different type of insect or a different way of presenting them, like in a dish.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.