Bearded Dragons Must Consume Crickets Every Day, Right?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, consuming various insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms. These insects are rich sources of protein essential for their growth and development. For healthy adult bearded dragons, it is recommended to offer them around 10 crickets per day or 20 crickets every other day during a single feeding session. For young dragons under 3 months old, they should be fed crickets up to 5 times a day, allowing them to eat as many as they like in a 5 to 10 minute session. From 3 to 12 months, go down to 2 to 3 feedings per day.

The number of crickets a bearded dragon should eat depends on several factors, such as their age, size, health, and activity level. Baby bearded dragons (three months or less) need a protein-heavy diet, while adult bearded dragons should be fed salad and vegetables daily and fed live prey three to four times per week. By this age, they will be eating only twice daily, using the ratio of veggies to live insects noted above.

Crickets are not necessary at all, but other suitable animal-based protein sources include calcium-dusted crickets, mealworms, and Dubia roaches. Silkworms and hornworms are also nutritious. For full-grown adult bearded dragons, it is recommended to offer approximately 10 crickets per day, or 20 crickets every other day. Adult beardies (over 18 months) should be fed insects two to three times per week, in controlled amounts, and vegetable salads daily. Adjust the feeding frequency to accommodate the more herbivorous diet when they fully mature.

In conclusion, bearded dragons have a more herbivorous diet when they fully mature, so it is important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes crickets, mealworms, and other suitable animal-based protein sources.

Do Bearded Dragons Eat Insects?

Adult bearded dragons typically consume insects once a day, although some can be fed insects just three times a week to prevent obesity. Their dietary needs shift from a protein-heavy diet in youth to a focus on nutrient-rich greens and vegetables as they mature. Common insects for bearded dragons include crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worms, silk worms, and appropriately sized mealworms and superworms. Young bearded dragons require more frequent insect feedings compared to adults.

On average, adult bearded dragons should consume 20-40 insects daily, ideally around 30, along with 60-80 portions of plant-based food. Gradually shifting towards more plant foods after they reach maturity is recommended. Bearded dragons are not picky eaters; they enjoy a variety of foods from insects to vegetables like kale and parsley. It's important to avoid feeding them wild insects, as these can carry diseases and parasites. Always ensure that the insects are gut-loaded to provide optimal nutrition.

Acceptable insect choices include crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae, while live insects should compose about 70% of their diet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, thriving on a diverse range of both plant and animal sources.

Can Bearded Dragons Live Without Crickets?

Bearded dragons can thrive without crickets in their diet, provided they receive a balanced intake of necessary nutrients from other sources. While crickets are a popular and nutritious protein source, they are not indispensable. These omnivorous reptiles require a varied diet that includes a mix of insects such as roaches, mealworms, superworms, butterworms, and locusts, along with vegetables and fruits. It's important to avoid overfeeding high-fat insects to maintain their health.

Alternatives like superworms and hornworms effectively replace crickets, allowing owners to diversify their pets' diets without relying on crickets. Adult bearded dragons can survive without crickets for approximately eight to nine weeks, thanks to their longevity. However, ensuring that at least 30% of their diet consists of insects is crucial for adults, while juveniles need about 50-60% to support their growth. Young dragons should not go without live prey for extended periods, as live insects are essential for their development.

Owners who prefer not to handle crickets can successfully feed their bearded dragons exclusively different insects like butterworms, superworms, and phoenix worms. When crickets are unavailable, alternatives such as roaches, locusts, or various worms can be used without compromising the dragon’s health, as long as the overall diet remains balanced. It is also advised to avoid non-insect foods like chicken baby food unless necessary, such as when the dragon is ill and not eating. By ensuring a diverse and balanced diet, bearded dragons can live healthily without crickets.