What Do Bearded Dragons Eat? NZ Diet Guide

The quick answer: bearded dragons are omnivores, and the balance of their diet changes as they grow. Babies and juveniles eat mostly live insects with some greens; adults flip to mostly leafy greens and vegetables with fewer insects. Fresh water, the right greens, appropriate insects, and proper lighting (UVB) to use their food are all part of keeping a "beardie" healthy.

Diet by age

• Babies/juveniles (under ~12 months): roughly 70–80% insects, 20–30% greens, fed more often. Growing dragons need lots of protein.
• Adults: roughly 70–80% greens/veg, 20–30% insects. Too many insects in an adult leads to obesity.

Good insects

Gut-loaded (well-fed) feeder insects such as crickets and roaches are staples; others like black soldier fly larvae are useful. Offer insects no wider than the space between the dragon's eyes to avoid choking. Avoid wild-caught insects (pesticides/parasites).

Good greens and veg

Leafy greens are the adult staple — things like dandelion greens, rocket, and other dark leafy greens, plus some vegetables. Offer variety. Avoid or strictly limit spinach and silverbeet (they bind calcium) and anything high in oxalates.

Foods to avoid

• Fireflies/insects that glow (toxic), wild-caught insects, avocado, rhubarb, and most fruit except as an occasional treat.
• Iceberg lettuce (little nutrition, can cause loose stools).

Lighting and supplements (don't skip)

Bearded dragons need proper UVB lighting and basking heat to digest food and use calcium — diet alone isn't enough. Owners typically dust food with calcium and provide vitamins, but the right type and frequency depends on your setup and UVB, so set this up correctly from the start. See how to set up a bearded dragon tank in NZ.

NZ note

Reptiles are not as common in New Zealand and exotic-vet access varies by region — line up a reptile-savvy NZ vet before problems arise, and source captive-bred animals from reputable keepers.

Quick takeaways

• Omnivores: babies eat mostly insects, adults mostly greens.
• Gut-load feeder insects; keep them no wider than the eyes apart.
• Leafy greens for adults; avoid spinach/silverbeet, avocado, rhubarb, fireflies.
• UVB and basking heat are essential to use calcium — diet alone isn't enough.
• Set up correct lighting/supplements from day one and find a reptile-savvy NZ vet.

Shop related categories at PetMall

Looking for reptile food, supplements and habitat gear in New Zealand? Browse the PetMall reptile range for current options and nationwide delivery.

-> Browse Reptile Supplies

Related reading

• How to Set Up a Bearded Dragon Tank NZ
• Reptiles in NZ
• Small pets in NZ

References

• SPCA New Zealand, reptile welfare, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/
• Companion Animals New Zealand, pet care, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.companionanimals.nz/

Important notice

*General diet information for NZ owners. Calcium/vitamin supplementation and any signs of illness should be guided by a reptile-savvy NZ vet — metabolic bone disease from poor diet/UVB is serious.*