{"id":171,"date":"2021-10-28T09:20:48","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T09:20:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/?p=171"},"modified":"2023-07-02T22:42:47","modified_gmt":"2023-07-02T22:42:47","slug":"best-insects-for-bearded-dragons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/best-insects-for-bearded-dragons\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Insects For Bearded Dragons [Must Read]"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>While it may not seem appetizing to us, Bearded Dragons love eating live food, such as insects. Not only are insects tasty to Beardies, but they\u2019re nutritious as well. For example, insects are a staple in a Bearded Dragon\u2019s diet, especially when they\u2019re a baby and juvenile. Insects contain many nutrients to help Bearded Dragons grow and develop.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-A-Bearded-Dragon-pogona-Sp-E-412949071.jpg\" alt=\"Best Insects For Bearded Dragons\" class=\"wp-image-534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-A-Bearded-Dragon-pogona-Sp-E-412949071.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-A-Bearded-Dragon-pogona-Sp-E-412949071-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-A-Bearded-Dragon-pogona-Sp-E-412949071-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>So, that\u2019s what we\u2019ll discuss in this article. After a brief overview of the Bearded Dragon, we\u2019ll share the nutritional benefits of feeding Beardies insects. In addition, we\u2019ll explain the best staple insects for Bearded Dragons and what insects are best for Bearded Dragons.\u00a0Finally, we\u2019ll share some tips for preparing and feeding lizards these insects.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li ><a href=\"#strong-should-bearded-dragons-eat-insects-strong\">Should Bearded Dragons Eat Insects?<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#strong-important-nutrition-in-insects-for-bearded-dragons-strong\">Important Nutrition In Insects For Bearded Dragons<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-what-insects-can-bearded-dragons-eat-strong\">What Insects Can Bearded Dragons Eat?<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#strong-what-insects-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat-strong\">What Insects Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-what-insects-should-bearded-dragons-never-eat-strong\">What Insects Should Bearded Dragons Never Eat?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-10-best-insects-for-bearded-dragons-strong\">10 Best Insects For Bearded Dragons<\/a><ul><li ><a href=\"#strong-crickets-strong\">Crickets<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#dubia-roaches\">Dubia Roaches<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#goliath-worms-hornworms\">Goliath Worms (Hornworms)<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#waxworms\">Waxworms<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#superworms\">Superworms<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#mealworms\">Mealworms<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#black-soldier-fly-larvae\">Black Soldier Fly Larvae<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#butterworms\">Butterworms<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#silkworms\">Silkworms<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#earthworms\">Earthworms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-best-insects-for-baby-bearded-dragons-strong\">Best Insects For Baby Bearded Dragons<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-how-many-insects-should-a-bearded-dragon-eat-strong\">How Many Insects Should A Bearded Dragon Eat?<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-how-to-prepare-bearded-dragon-insects-strong\">How To Prepare Bearded Dragon Insects<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-tips-for-feeding-insects-to-your-bearded-dragon-strong\">Tips For Feeding Insects To Your Bearded Dragon<\/a><\/li><li ><a href=\"#strong-conclusion-strong\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1674312956652\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong>What Is A Bearded Dragon?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>A Bearded Dragon is a type of lizard that anyone would be proud to have as a pet. Beardies are friendly, social, and can bond with their owners. Beardies are a fun companion where you can cuddle with them, play with them, and even watch TV. This reptile initially came from Australia and was brought over to the United States in the early 1990s. They\u2019re used to warmer climates, which is why they need certain lamps for their terrariums.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>For instance, during the day, Beardies need their terrarium to be between 75 and 85 degrees F. They\u2019ll also need a basking spot with a UV light that\u2019s between 95 and 100 degrees F. At night, the tank can be cooler, with temperatures between 68 and 74 degrees F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this kind of care, your Beardie has a lifespan of about 10-15 years and can grow as long as 24 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Part of their care is a healthy, well-balanced diet. Beardies need certain nutrients to help them grow and develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of those nutrients come from feeding them live food, such as insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-should-bearded-dragons-eat-insects-strong\"><strong>Should Bearded Dragons Eat Insects?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely, Bearded Dragons should eat insects. Insects are a huge staple of their diet and nutrient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, baby Bearded Dragons need to eat at least 70 to 75% of insects as part of their diet. As they grow older, you can feed fewer insects to your lizard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you should never stop feeding insects to your Beardie. A Bearded Dragon insect diet adds a lot to their growth and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-important-nutrition-in-insects-for-bearded-dragons-strong\"><strong>Important Nutrition In Insects For Bearded Dragons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Insects provide certain nutrients that Bearded Dragons don\u2019t get from vegetables or fruits. For instance, live food contains protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it might seem gross to us, feeding live insects are important nutritionally and developmentally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canned insects do not have as many nutrients in them as live food. In addition, you can gut-load live insects to add more nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, gut loading is when you feed insects, veggies, and supplements that you want your Bearded Dragon to eat. This may be extra calcium, vitamin D, or anything else they lack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, live food mimics the wild for your Bearded Dragon. They\u2019ll have fun \u201chunting\u201d and \u201ccatching\u201d their food, which is great for their mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-what-insects-can-bearded-dragons-eat-strong\"><strong>What Insects Can Bearded Dragons Eat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe it or not, there are a good amount of live insects for Bearded Dragons to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what insects do Bearded Dragons eat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Black Soldier Fly Larvae<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Butterworms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cockroaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crickets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dubia Roaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earthworms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locusts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Redworms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Superworms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-what-insects-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat-strong\"><strong>What Insects Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat.jpg\" alt=\"what can baby bearded dragons eat\" class=\"wp-image-701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/what-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Baby Beardies can eat insects as well. In fact, about 70 to 75% of their diet should be live food. But what are the best insects for juvenile Bearded Dragons?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can safely eat the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Butterworms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fruit Flies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Locusts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pinhead Crickets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Redworms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spiders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wax Worms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black Soldier Fly Larvae<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dubia Roaches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, they can eat most of what adult Beardies can eat. However, they need to be smaller insects. If your Beardie is a baby or a juvenile, make sure the bug is smaller than your lizard\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/what-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"4973\">Read more about a baby Bearded Dragon\u2019s diet here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-what-insects-should-bearded-dragons-never-eat-strong\"><strong>What Insects Should Bearded Dragons Never Eat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, there are some insects that Bearded Dragons should never eat. It might be because these insects have low nutritional value for them, or they\u2019re toxic and not easy to digest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be wary of the insects listed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Fireflies (and other glowing bugs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elderbugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venomous insects (such as bees, wasps, or scorpions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wild insects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caterpillars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Butterflies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ladybugs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of these insects can make your Beardie extremely sick, possibly resulting in death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a quick look at what insects are safe or not, look at the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Safe For Baby Bearded Dragons<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Safe For Adult Bearded Dragons<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Not Safe For Bearded Dragons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Butterworms<\/td><td>Butterworms<\/td><td>Fireflies (and other glowing bugs)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fruit flies<\/td><td>Cockroaches<\/td><td>Elderbugs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Locusts<\/td><td>Locusts<\/td><td>Venomous insects (such as bees, wasps, or scorpions)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pinhead crickets<\/td><td>Crickets<\/td><td>Caterpillars<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Redworms<\/td><td>Redworms<\/td><td>Butterflies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spiders<\/td><td>Mealworms<\/td><td>Ladybugs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dubia Roaches<\/td><td>Dubia Roaches<\/td><td>Wild insects<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wax worms<\/td><td>Superworms<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Black soldier fly larvae<\/td><td>Black soldier fly larvae<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, we\u2019ve compiled a list of some of the best feeder insects for Bearded Dragons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch this video:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bearded Dragon Feeders | with LizardGuru\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jB3TAaQw4IY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-10-best-insects-for-bearded-dragons-strong\"><strong>10 Best Insects For Bearded Dragons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But what kind of insects do <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/how-long-can-a-bearded-dragon-go-without-eating\/\" data-lasso-id=\"4974\">Bearded Dragons eat<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can feed your Bearded Dragon many different insects or bugs. Some are great to provide daily, while others should only be a treat once in a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Worms can be an excellent nutritional source for Beardies, even though they\u2019re not considered insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless, here are some of the best insects to feed Bearded Dragons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-crickets-strong\"><strong>Crickets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-166445060.jpg\" alt=\"bearded dragons eating cricket\" class=\"wp-image-824\" width=\"796\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-166445060.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-166445060-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-166445060-768x515.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For:<\/strong> Daily feeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in protein and calcium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to buy from pet stores and affordable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It can be fed to your Beardie at every life stage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When feeding crickets to your Beardie, take into account your lizard\u2019s age. For example, baby Beardies should eat young crickets since they have a softer exoskeleton. This is easier for them to digest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As your Beardie gets older, you\u2019ll want to feed them fewer crickets each day since they won\u2019t need to eat as many insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep an eye on your Bearded Dragon when eating crickets to ensure they eat them well. Also, never leave leftover crickets in your lizard\u2019s enclosure. Any uneaten insects should be removed after 10-15 minutes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dubia-roaches\">Dubia Roaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Daily feeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in protein, low in fat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to keep and are quiet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They breed easily giving you more food for your Beardie<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Adult Bearded Dragons can eat three to five dubia roaches per day. On the other hand, baby Beardies can eat anywhere between 25 and 50 per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can sprinkle some supplement powder over the roaches when adding them to your Beardie\u2019s dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can feed gut-loaded dubia roaches to your Bearded Dragon. This means you can provide your roaches with veggies that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Then, when your lizard eats the roaches, they\u2019ll get the same vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"goliath-worms-hornworms\">Goliath Worms (Hornworms)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Feeding a couple of times per week<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in calcium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low in fat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good source of water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Baby Bearded Dragons can eat goliath worms daily. However, as they grow older, adults should only eat these worms about three times per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This worm does have some nutritional value for Beardies, but they\u2019re high in water content. If your lizard is dehydrated, that\u2019s great. However, too much water can cause overhydration and dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, goliath worms grow quickly within a couple of days. They can easily grow bigger than your baby Beardie, so you\u2019ll have to feed this worm to your lizard fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"waxworms\">Waxworms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For:<\/strong> Occasional treat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Easy to buy and affordable from pet stores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to keep in proper storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High in protein<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While waxworms can be fed daily to your adult Bearded Dragon, it\u2019s best to save this worm as an occasional treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, waxworms are high in fat, which can cause obesity issues for your Beadie. Otherwise, your lizard will surely enjoy this treat and gain some protein and water content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"superworms\">Superworms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Occasional treat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in protein<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High in water content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fun for your Bearded Dragon to chase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It might seem strange that a benefit of this worm is that your Beardie will have fun chasing it. You can place superworms in a shallow bowl where they can\u2019t escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can place them in the terrarium where they\u2019ll roam, and your Beardie will need to \u201ccatch\u201d its food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only is it a good snack for your Bearded Dragon, but they\u2019ll enjoy the mental stimulation of hunting it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, superworms are high in fat. So, you can feed this daily along with other staple insects, but it might be best to feed it as an occasional snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mealworms\">Mealworms<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"661\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-Many-Mealworms-To-Feed-A-Bearded-Dragon-2.jpg\" alt=\"How Many Mealworms To Feed A Bearded Dragon\" class=\"wp-image-577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-Many-Mealworms-To-Feed-A-Bearded-Dragon-2.jpg 661w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/How-Many-Mealworms-To-Feed-A-Bearded-Dragon-2-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Weekly feeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in protein and fiber<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to buy and are affordable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to maintain and keep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Mealworms are popular with Bearded Dragons. However, they can only be fed once or twice per week to adult Beardies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, mealworms have a tough outer shell that\u2019s difficult for babies and juveniles to digest. Even as adults, mealworms could cause gut impaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, mealworms have a higher phosphorous to calcium ratio, the opposite of what they need. However, this worm will be fun to give your Beardie as an occasional treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/how-many-mealworms-to-feed-a-bearded-dragon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"4975\">Read more about bearded dragons and mealworms here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"black-soldier-fly-larvae\">Black Soldier Fly Larvae<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Daily feeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in calcium and protein<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to care for and maintain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good for baby, juvenile, and adult Bearded Dragons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as calciworms, this insect is small, slow, and easy to care for. Your Beardie will be able to eat this with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, since they are so small, adults will want to eat many of these. Black soldier fly larvae are so rich in calcium that they can even be used as a supplement in addition to other staple food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"butterworms\">Butterworms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Occasional treat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in calcium and protein<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to purchase and affordable at pet stores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Makes a great supplement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to the black soldier fly larvae, butterworms are a great source of calcium and protein for adult Bearded Dragons. In addition, butterworms are bigger, so your Beardie will be more enticed to eat them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, these worms are high in fat, so they should be fed sparingly or as an occasional treat. Since it\u2019s high in calcium, you can also use butterworms to supplement with other insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"silkworms\">Silkworms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For:<\/strong> Daily feeding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Easy for Bearded Dragons to digest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High in protein and calcium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low in fat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can find silkworms, they may be expensive to buy at the pet store. However, they are a great source of nutrients for your Bearded Dragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, thanks to their soft bodies, silkworms are easy for your Beardie to digest. So you can safely place these worms in your Bearded Dragon\u2019s habitat and know your lizard is getting a tasty treat that\u2019s healthy for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"earthworms\">Earthworms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best For: <\/strong>Occasional treat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best Parts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High in calcium and water content<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Affordable from pet stores and reputable bait shops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good source of protein<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Earthworms aren\u2019t usually a popular option. However, these are part of the insects Bearded Dragons can eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These worms are nutritious but should only be given as an occasional treat since it won\u2019t give your Beardie all the nutrients they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before feeding Earthworms to your lizard, be sure to wash them. Whether you get them from a pet store or a bait shop, you\u2019ll want to wash any pesticides off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you buy earthworms from a bait shop, ask if they dye the worms before buying. If they do, then purchase the earthworms elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-best-insects-for-baby-bearded-dragons-strong\"><strong>Best Insects For Baby Bearded Dragons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though insects are super nutritious for Beardies and babies need more live food than vegetation as part of their diet, some insects aren\u2019t safe for baby Bearded Dragons to eat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, baby Bearded Dragons can eat small crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These insects are small enough for baby Beardies to eat and digest safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-how-many-insects-should-a-bearded-dragon-eat-strong\"><strong>How Many Insects Should A Bearded Dragon Eat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter what age your Bearded Dragon is, they should be fed as many insects as they can consume within 10-15 minutes of each feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, depending on the age of your Beardie, they may eat more insects or less. For example, baby <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/how-to-raise-bearded-dragons\/\" data-lasso-id=\"4976\">Bearded Dragons and juvenile Beardies<\/a> need more insects as part of their diet than vegetation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you can count on your baby Bearded Dragon eating up to 60 insects per day. Of course, this is spread between three to five meals per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, an adult Bearded Dragon may eat up to 30 or 40 insects per day between their meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-how-to-prepare-bearded-dragon-insects-strong\"><strong>How To Prepare Bearded Dragon Insects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Preparing insects for your Bearded Dragon to eat will depend on the type of live food you feed them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, you\u2019ll want to store the insects safely. You don\u2019t want to feed your Beardie bugs that have died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some will be fine kept in a plastic container, while others, such as dubia roaches, will be fine in empty egg cartons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, you can feed the insects as they are or sprinkle supplement powder on them. For instance, if your Beardie needs some extra calcium or vitamin D, you can sprinkle a little powder on the insects, and your lizard will get the supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, there are some insects you\u2019ll need to feed to keep alive longer. For example, worms can be fed various vegetation. Not only will this keep them alive, but it\u2019ll also give them some vitamins and minerals that will pass onto your Bearded Dragon when they eat the bug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-tips-for-feeding-insects-to-your-bearded-dragon-strong\"><strong>Tips For Feeding Insects To Your Bearded Dragon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-The-Owner-Feeds-The-Lizard-Wit-388156831.jpg\" alt=\"feeding bearded dragon using tweezers\" class=\"wp-image-825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-The-Owner-Feeds-The-Lizard-Wit-388156831.jpg 800w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-The-Owner-Feeds-The-Lizard-Wit-388156831-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-The-Owner-Feeds-The-Lizard-Wit-388156831-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It sounds like it might be a difficult task to feed your Beardie live food. However, there are a few different ways you can feed insects to your Bearded Dragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One way is to give it to them one by one and by hand. Or, better yet, use tweezers so your Bearded Dragon doesn\u2019t accidentally bite your finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a baby Beardie at home, this is a great method to ensure they\u2019re getting the food they need. In addition, no matter the age, it\u2019s also a bonding moment between you and your lizard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way is to pour the insects straight into the terrarium. Be sure the tank is completely closed so that no bugs can jump out, such as the crickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Bearded Dragon can then go on a \u201chunt\u201d and catch its food. It\u2019s a great way to get them moving within their habitat and gives them good mental stimulation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you\u2019ll want to monitor it in case there are any insects your Beardie missed. After 10-15 minutes, remove any insects that hadn\u2019t been eaten. This could be because your Bearded Dragon missed them, or maybe they\u2019re full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, you can have a feeding dish such as a shallow bowl or plate for your Beardie. A bowl will keep the insects inside, and your lizard can munch on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A plate, on the other hand, will keep them contained long enough for your Beardie or eat them. Or the insects may roam, and your lizard can chase after them if they feel inclined to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strong-conclusion-strong\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/how-long-do-bearded-dragons-live\/\" data-lasso-id=\"4977\">live insects can Bearded Dragons<\/a> eat? More types than you\u2019d think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Insects are an important part of your Beardie\u2019s diet. However, if you\u2019re unsure of which insects might be the best option for your lizard, then talk to your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otherwise, your Bearded Dragons will undoubtedly love the challenge of catching their food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also read about the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/fruits-for-bearded-dragons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"4978\">best fruits for bearded dragons<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/what-can-baby-bearded-dragons-eat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"4979\">baby bearded dragon&#8217;s diet<\/a>, or exactly&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/what-not-to-feed-bearded-dragons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"4980\">what not to feed bearded dragons<\/a>. Or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/bearded-dragons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-lasso-id=\"4981\">learn more about Bearded Dragons here.<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Full guide to the best insects to feed bearded dragons including what insects bearded dragons can eat and how many. Everything you need to keep beardie happy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":534,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":6,"label":"Bearded Dragons"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/bigstock-A-Bearded-Dragon-pogona-Sp-E-412949071.jpg",800,533,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Frank Kane","author_link":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/author\/frank-kane\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":6,"name":"Bearded Dragons","slug":"bearded-dragons","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":6,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Bearded Dragon Care and Health: Tips and advice on how to keep your bearded dragon healthy, including information on diet, habitat setup, hygiene, and common health concerns.","parent":0,"count":40,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":6,"category_count":40,"category_description":"Bearded Dragon Care and Health: Tips and advice on how to keep your bearded dragon healthy, including information on diet, habitat setup, hygiene, and common health concerns.","cat_name":"Bearded Dragons","category_nicename":"bearded-dragons","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=171"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5237,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171\/revisions\/5237"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/534"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allourcreatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}