Are you having issues finding the best bearded dragon food?
I’ve gathered ten suitable options to help alleviate your difficulty.
Let’s see what option will ensure your beardie enjoys their next meal!
Start with a quick peek at my top five favorites, then keep reading for all the glorious details!
RELATED: Can Bearded Dragons Have Strawberries?
Best Bearded Dragon Food Top Picks at a Glance
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Winner: Zilla Reptile Omnivore Munchies Dry Mix
- Best Canned Wet Food Option: Jurassidiet Easidragon Bearded Dragon Food
- Best Companion Treat Option: Rep-Cal SRP00815 Adult Bearded Dragon Pet Food
- Best Large Quantity Treat Option: Nature Zone Bites For Bearded Dragons
- Best All Insect Choice: Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food
Check the table below for a side-by-side comparison of our favorites!
10 Best Bearded Dragon Foods (Complete Reviews)
1. Winner: Zilla Reptile Omnivore Munchies Dry Mix
Zilla’s Reptile Omnivore Munchies Dry Mix will meet bearded dragon diet requirements.
This dry mix contains various insects and veggies for bearded dragons to keep them the happiest.
Owners are quite fond of this option, too, with its simple preparation process.
It ends up being a practical choice for both owners and beardies.
Physical Attributes
- Resealable package
- Natural ingredients
- Dehydrated dry mix
- Mix made up of insects and vegetables
Measurements
- 4 ounces
Benefits & Drawbacks Quick Summary
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to store | More expensive than most options |
| Simple preparation (just add water) | Some customers complain that the new formula isn’t as appetizing |
| Resealable package to keep freshness | Shipping caused food to crumble for a few customers |
| Suitable for all ages | |
| No refrigeration required |
Benefits
The resealable packaging makes storing this food much more manageable than other choices. Plus, it doesn’t require refrigeration, which means valuable fridge storage isn’t being used.
Preparing bearded dragon food doesn’t get much easier than this option, either. Its dehydrated formula only needs a simple addition of water to be ready for your beardie.
It also shouldn’t have any issues remaining fresh for a long time with its resealable packing. As a result, it offers more convenience than expected for these food products.
Lastly, beardies of all ages and breeds can enjoy this dry best bearded dragon food mix. Zilla did a solid job cultivating a formula that’s usable for any bearded dragon owner.
Drawbacks
But it shouldn’t be too shocking to learn this option is a bit more expensive than others. Owners will need to determine whether its convenience and features are worth its high price tag.
How it Compares to Others and Why
This food’s convenience level when it comes to storage and preparation is super valuable. It makes keeping your beardie on a healthy diet much easier and less time-consuming.
Expert Tips
- Wash out the bowl each feeding as it can dry up real quick.
- Nutritious, dehydrated ingredients that are quick and convenient - no refrigeration required!
- Easy to prepare by simply rehydrating in water
- Convenient, resealable package
- Provides nutrition from a variety of natural ingredients
- Ideal for bearded dragons, water dragons, tegus and box turtles
2. Best Canned Wet Food Option: Jurassidiet Easidragon Bearded Dragon Food
The Jurassidiet Easidragon Bearded Dragon Food is a canned wet food option.
It contains dragonfly larvae that most beardies seem to love and enjoy.
Owners simply just need to take it out from the can and offer it.
From there, your beardie will take over and down this nutritious treat.
Physical Attributes
- Dragonfly Larve
- Soft, moist texture
- Wet canned food type
- Roasted before sealed and packaged
Measurements
- 1.44 ounces (2.75 x 2.75 x 1.12”)
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Suitable as sole diet or treat | Requires fridge storage |
| Effective live prey alternative | Some beardies simply won’t eat it |
| No preparation | The insects are very large, so not ideal for small or baby beardies |
| Last two to three weeks in the fridge | |
| Doesn’t produce a foul odor |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This canned food’s ability to work as both a treat and sole diet staple is a standout attribute. It provides a little more versatility and owner-friendliness than other options.
Expert Tips
- “Offer this with live food to get your pet to try it at first.”
- Dragonfly Larvae For Bearded Dragons
- Can Be Used As A Sole Diet Or As A Complementary Treat
- Not Freeze Dried, Our Unique Packaging Process Means Nutrients And Moisture Are Locked In The Can, Ensuring A Soft And Moist Treat Every Time
- Easy Alternative To Feeding Live Prey
- All Jurassipet Easidiets Will Last For Up To Three Weeks After Opening If Kept Covered In The Refrigerator
3. Best Companion Treat Option: Rep-Cal SRP00815 Adult Bearded Dragon Pet Food
Pellet bearded dragon food doesn’t get much better than Rep-Cal’s SRP00815 Adult Bearded Dragon Pet Food.
Its impressive levels of minerals and vitamins will help keep your dragon healthy and happy.
Their adorable price doesn’t hurt matters, either.
Buyers get a lot of bang for their buck with these supplementary treats.
Physical Attributes
- Two buying options (1-pack or 2-pack)
- Pellet food
- For adult bearded dragons
- Contains optimal levels of vitamins and minerals
- Vibrant colors
Measurements
- 8 ounces
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| No additional food supplements necessary | Only a companion treat |
| Affordable price | Some beardies won’t eat pellet food |
| A solid source of minerals and vitamins | Artificial coloring |
| Requires little preparation | |
| A perfect companion to leafy greens and insects |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Their vibrant colors and excellent nutritional value makes these pellets are solid companion treat. Placing them on top of a beardie’s salad could help entice even the pickiest eaters.
Expert Tips
- Sprinkle them on greens to entice a picky beardie
- Adult Bearded Dragon Food
- Fortified With Optimal Levels Of Vitamins And Minerals Like Calcium And Vitamin D3 So No Other Food Supplements Are Required
- Because Bearded Dragons Are Sometimes Wary Of New Foods, Make All Food Changes Gradually And Monitor Your Lizard'S Weight, Condition And Food Intake
- Available In 8-Ounce
4. Best Adult Pellet Food Option: Zoo Med Gourmet Bearded Dragon Food
The Zoo Med Gourmet Bearded Dragon Food is an ideal adult pellet food option.
It contains a nice mixture of blueberries, veggies, and mealworms.
As a result, it’ll provide a beardie with all the proper vitamins and minerals.
Physical Attributes
- Adult pellet food formula
- A mixture of mealworms, blueberries, and veggies
- Fitted with essential minerals and vitamins
- Made in the USA
Measurements
- Two available sizes (8 ounces or 15 ounces)
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| No preservatives or artificial colors | Some beardies aren’t fans |
| Provides a complete, balanced diet | Pricey for small container |
| A solid mixture of appealing foods | |
| Enticing colors | |
| Fast shipping |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Its ability to provide a balanced, nutritious diet gives it a leg up on most pellet options. The food’s attractive colors without needing artificial additives are another nice touch.
Expert Tips
- If your bearded isn’t a fan, feed it to their live insects.
- Natural food with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Contains Blueberries, Mealworms, and dried Rose flower petals that an adult bearded dragon would naturally eat.
- Fortified with other vegetables like Lima beans, Escarole, Endive, and Dandelion greens.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives added.
- Made in the USA.
5. Best Multi-Purpose Option: TradeKing Natural Dried Crickets
Many beardies prefer crickets over any other type of food.
TradeKing’s Natural Dried Crickets allows owners to meet this liking without needing live ones.
Moreover, these aren’t only for beardie dragons.
Other reptiles and amphibians like geckos, iguanas, turtles, fish, and frogs also love them.
Physical Attributes
- Natural dried crickets
- Freeze-dried
- Resealable bag
- Feed a diet of vegetable matter, fruit, and greens before the drying process
Measurements
- 8 ounces
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| 100% whole crickets | Bad odor |
| Gut-loaded with nutrition | Some beardies won’t eat freeze-dried food |
| No preservatives or additives | |
| Last longer than other similar products |
How it Compares to Others and Why
These dried crickets offer a simple way of feeding your beardie crunchy insects. Plus, they’re usable with other pets, making them very helpful in multi-pet homes.
Expert Tips
- Use tongs to pick them up to avoid stinky hands
- ✅ STAPLE FOOD - Crickets are a primary food source to reptiles and amphibians. Their high nutrition profile makes them an excellent food source for your bearded dragons, geckos, iguanas, turtles, frogs, fish, and birds.
- ✅ NO MORE ICKY CRICKETS - Live crickets are hard to keep, loud, and contain odor. Our freeze drying process ensures the same nutritional value as a live cricket, but provides easier handling, convenience and a longer shelf life.
- ✅ GUT LOADED - Our crickets are fed a diet of leafy greens, vegetable matter, and fruits. Our cricket diet ensures the nutrients your pets need, but we recommend diet variety and additional calcium supplementation based on your pets needs
- ✅ DELICIOUS - Pets love our dried crickets, but some are picky eaters. Popular strategies include working them slowly into your pets diet, adding movement, and rehydrating in water to make more appealing.
- ✅ BETTER VALUE - 1/2 pound of natural dried crickets in a stand up, resealable bag. At TradeKing, we pride ourselves and giving you the best value for your dollar.
6. Best for Health Purposes: Zilla Reptile Munchies With Calcium
Zilla’s Reptile Munchies with Calcium is a unique option within this marketplace.
They offer a rich blend of insects, veggies, and fruits to provide a balanced diet.
But they also are infused with calcium to help prevent Metabolic Bone Disease.
Talk about a win-win situation!
Physical Attributes
- Dehydrated ingredients
- Blends fruit, veggies, and insects
- Equipped with sufficient calcium levels
- Resealable container
Measurements
- 4 ounces
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Prevents Metabolic Bone Disease | Not suitable for juvenile beardies |
| Easy to prepare | Shipping issues |
| Suitable for multiple reptiles | |
| No refrigeration needed, stays fresh in container |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The calcium aspect is a beneficial and vital piece of what makes this option unique. It has gained a reputation for keeping beardies healthy, which is all any owner wants.
- Nutritious, Dehydrated Ingredients That Are Quick And Convenient - No Refrigeration Required. With Calcium
- Calcium Is Essential To Reptiles For The Prevention Of Metabolic Bone Disease
- Easy To Prepare - Just Rehydrate In Water
- Provides Nutritious Variety From Natural Ingredients In A Convenient, Resealable Package
- Ideal For Herbivorous Reptiles Such As Uromastyx, Iguanas And Tortoises
7. Best Bargain: Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Mealworms Reptile Treats
Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Mealworms Reptile Treats is a cheap, affordable secondary treat for beardies.
These mealworms will provide a nice flavorful addition and keep your pet happy.
Owners only need to ensure they store them in their fridges.
Otherwise, things could soon prove to be very stinky.
Physical Attributes
- Contains freeze-dried mealworms
- Moist and warm texture
- Resealable container
- High protein levels
- Adult bearded dragons only
Measurements
- 1.2 ounces
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to feed and stays fresh | Not ideal for juvenile beardies or baby bearded dragons |
| Lowest price | Only a supplementary treat |
| Beardies love the taste | |
| Suitable for birds, fish, and reptiles |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Affordability is where this extra treat stands out from the rest. It’s a cheap, easy way of dealing with a picky bearded dragon who isn’t fond of their greens.
Expert Tips
- “Store them in the fridge or they will start to stink”
- Your pet receives all of the convenience of a nice, moist meal without the inconvenience of managing live food
- Reclosable 1.2oz. Jar
- Choice of Crickets, Mealworms, Shrimp and Grasshoppers
- Your pet receives all of the convenience of a nice, moist meal without the inconvenience of managing live food.
- Resealble 1.2oz. Jar
- delicate palate
8. Best Premium Choice: T-Rex Bearded Dragon Gourmet Food Blend
The T-Rex Bearded Dragon Gourmet Food Blend is another dried option on our list.
But this one is a bit more high-quality than most similar options.
This distinction comes from its top-shelf, all-natural ingredients.
It’ll have a beardie eating in luxury.
Physical Attributes
- Premium blend of greens, insects, and veggies
- Dehydrated
- 28 servings
- Made in the USA
- High protein levels
Measurements
- Two size options (4 ounces or .4 ounces)
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| High-quality ingredients & easy prep | More costly than other options |
| Enticing taste and smell | Again, not all beardies like dehydrated food |
| Improves digestion | |
| Delivers balanced nutrition |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The high-quality ingredients and overall food quality separate this option. But, of course, this attribute also means the food has a higher price than most competitors.
- High levels of protein without odor or hassle of feeding live insects
- Premium greens, veggies & insects
- Just add hot water
- Made in the USA
9. Best Large Quantity Treat Option: Nature Zone Bites For Bearded Dragons
Looking for a tasty treat to spice up your beardie’s diet?
Nature Zone’s Bites For Bearded Dragons would offer this benefit in spades.
It provides a taste and amora that bearded dragons seem to love.
But remember, this option is only an extra treat rather than a dietary staple.
Physical Attributes
- Bites food option
- Soft, moist texture
- Resealable container
- Supplemental diet option
Measurements
- 24 ounces
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Mixable with veggies | Dries out fast |
| Appealing smell and ideal texture | Only good as a supplement |
| Provides proteins, carbohydrates, and calcium | |
| No prep needed |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The massive quantity of treats would ensure you won’t need to buy more for a while. But, more importantly, these bites have shown even to entice the more picky beardies.
Expert Tips
- Refrigeration would be ideal
10. Best All Insect Choice: Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food
Our final choice, Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food, combines three of beardie’s favorite insects.
These products throw crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers into a single medley.
It should be an ideal supplementary treat option to help provide them with succulent protein.
Of course, it helps that beardies seem to love this live prey alternative.
Physical Attributes
- All real, natural insect ingredients (grasshoppers, mealworms, and crickets)
- Freeze-dried formula
- Supplementary treat option
- Provides fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins
Measurements
- Two size options (1.8 ounces or 3.2 ounces)
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Effective live prey alternative | Contains more mealworms than the other insects |
| Beardies love the taste | Not a complete balanced meal |
| Natural, high-quality ingredients | |
| Great protein source |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Overall, this option’s simplicity seems to stand out more than anything else. It shouldn’t have any problem intriguing your beardie with its three insect formulas.
Expert Tips
- “Don’t feed these alone as the dry food could constipate the dragon”
How to Choose the Best Bearded Dragon Food
Choosing the best commercial bearded dragon food will come down to several factors. Unfortunately, the process can become overwhelming for people who aren’t too familiar with the marketplace. But I’m going to make things easier by discussing each vital factor at length.
Food Types
As you can imagine, bearded dragon food comes in various types. Here’s a quick rundown on a few to provide a better handle on what one could suit your needs.
Pellets
The first type, pellets, are a nutrient-dense food for dragons who prefer protein over leafy greens. Most manufacturers require these pellets to be soaked in hot water before serving.
But regardless, it remains essential to read the product’s instructions before doing anything. You never know when there might be a few special instructions.
In any case, pellets represent an essential nutritious alternative to live insects and greens.
Bites
Bites offer a little more kick than pellet-based food provides. These options are sweetly scented with a vibrant color that gets a beardie’s attention.
Owners can also expect their nutritional value to be very high. In most cases, these bites are enriched with essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.
But owners tend to be not huge fans as they smell horrible. However, your beardie will love that pungent odor as it’ll dry them wild.
Canned Food
Many owners find keeping live insects and superworms for bearded dragons rather tricky. The main alternative for this process would be investing in canned insects.
These canned options come in a large variety of different bugs. Some notable examples include shrimp, mealworms, caterpillars, snails, and crickets.
Mealworms and crickets tend to be more widely available than the rest. You’ll see them in various sizes to meet the requirements of any bearded dragon.
But I must express caution over feeding larger mealworms to baby bearded dragons. The larger ones should only be for the adult bearded dragons.
Another thing to keep in mind is canned food spoils quickly after opening. So if you notice the contents have become a bit watery, it’s time to throw it away.
Dried Food
Our last option is dried food that contains mixtures of freeze-dried veggies, fruits, and insects. These options are known for their longevity as they can be stored and last months.
Moreover, buyers can expect dried food to come in two types, soft pellets or tasty dried foods. Beardies benefit greatly from them, too, as they’re rich in calcium, minerals, and vitamins.
Check: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Avocados?
Real Ingredients
Every high-quality bearded dragon food will be made from 100% natural, real ingredients. These options will not contain additives, which don’t provide any nutritional value.
It’s the only way to ensure these commercial foods are healthy for your beardie. Otherwise, these subpar foods could cause health and weight issues.
Artificial Preservatives
Artificial flavors and colors are a common sight within bearded dragon food products. Brands use them to provide a bit more incentive for beardies to eat the food.
However, some beardies won’t fall for the tricks and only eat natural, whole-food ingredients. So it’s best to figure out where yours stands before putting money down on any food product.
Top-tier Brand
As with any marketplace, there are top-tier bearded dragon food brands and subpar ones. I’d recommend sticking with companies known for specializing in manufacturing Epistle products.
The best bearded dragon food brand will know what your beardie needs to survive and stay healthy. Reading through each option’s customer reviews should also be a valuable resource.
To help you give your beardie the best foods, purchase our e-book with complete feeding guide:
- Hartley, Alina (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 132 Pages - 07/14/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Bearded Dragon Food FAQs
What food kills bearded dragons?
Garlic, onion, avocado, and eggplant all should be avoided as “they can be toxic even in small amounts.” Don’t let your beardie get a hold of spiders, ticks, or fireflies, either.
What do bearded dragons eat in the wild?
Wild bearded dragons feed on “vegetation including fruit and leaves.” But they’ll also eat any small vertebrates (such as lizards) and invertebrates (beetles and ants) they can catch.
What is a bearded dragon’s favorite vegetable?
Collard greens tend to be one of the most popular vegetables among bearded dragons. It seems every beardie loves to chow down on those leafy greens.
Conclusion
All in all, I hope our discussions on bearded dragon food answered your questions. But if you have a few more, feel free to use our comment section. Thanks for reading!
Final Recommendation
- Nutritious, dehydrated ingredients that are quick and convenient - no refrigeration required!
- Easy to prepare by simply rehydrating in water
- Convenient, resealable package
- Provides nutrition from a variety of natural ingredients
- Ideal for bearded dragons, water dragons, tegus and box turtles
References
- “Bearded Dragons – Diseases.” 2021. Vca_corporate. 2021. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bearded-dragons-diseases.
- Central Bearded Dragon. 2021. “Central Bearded Dragon.” The Australian Museum. 2021. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/reptiles/central-bearded-dragon/.
- “What Are Mealworms?” 2021. Helpsite.com. 2021. https://livinfarms.helpsite.com/articles/20402-what-are-mealworms.
- “What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? Best Food List and Feeding Guide – Everything Reptiles.” 2020a. Everything Reptiles. July 15, 2020. https://www.everythingreptiles.com/what-do-bearded-dragons-eat/#:~:text=Avocado%2C%20garlic%2C%20onion%2C%20and,be%20toxic%20to%20bearded%20dragons..
- “What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? Best Food List and Feeding Guide – Everything Reptiles.” 2020b. Everything Reptiles. July 15, 2020. https://www.everythingreptiles.com/what-do-bearded-dragons-eat/.
How about your beardie, what is his favorite best bearded dragon food? We’d love to hear it in the comment section below!
My name is Ben Roberts, and I absolutely love animals. So, naturally, I love writing about them too! As far as my animals, I have a Pit-bull, a Beagle-lab mix, a Chihuahua, and one old cat. Each one of them provides me with a new adventure every day. And the best part is they’re all best friends. Well, except the cat when he gets a little annoyed.
FIND HIM ON: FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Read his latest ARTICLES
Learn more about Benhere
