Looking for the best protein for bearded dragons?
Are you sitting on the fence with all the confusion caused by internet tiff manifesting themselves as the “best protein for bearded dragons”?
Well! You’re in luck. I have a method to this madness.
Today, I’m not only telling you the best 5 proteins for bearded dragons – I’m also comparing them side by side with their pros and cons. This will give you a clear picture of which one you should pick.
Plus, I’ll also answer some of the burning questions owners have about feeding proteins to their pets.
But we will cross the bridge when we come to it.
First and foremost, let me change a common mistake we all make.
It is impossible to choose the right protein for your bearded dragon without knowing what you need and why you need it.
To take care of it, I will educate you on the types of protein sources available and what good are they for your bearded dragon.
Enough with the teasing!
Let’s dive in!
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Dilber. Read more about our knowledge control process here.
Contents
Why is Protein Necessary for Bearded Dragons?
“Proteins are the building blocks of life.”
Does this ring any bell?
We learned about proteins at school in a science book under the heading “Food and nutrition”.
To your surprise, it is pretty much the same for bearded dragons as well.
Proteins are made up of amino acid chains. These are important building blocks for bearded dragons, particularly when developing muscles, antibodies, and enzymes.
Bearded dragons grow with every blink for the first 12 months of their life. This phase is like a foundation on which their entire life is to be constructed.
Their overall weight, size, strength, and lifespan is at stake in this single decision.
Therefore, choosing the right protein can be a life-shaping decision since it constitutes not just for the present but also the later stages of the bearded dragon’s life.
With that being said, take a chill pill!
I am here to help you decide the best protein for your bearded dragon.
Sources of Protein for Bearded Dragons
These natives of the arid and semi-arid deserts of Australia have always ridden the struggle bus when it comes to finding food for themselves.
The bright side of the story is that this has developed a soft spot for a range of available foods in them.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous. They accept plants and animals and are specifically fond of insects.
However, a common notion is that there is only a single form of protein for bearded dragons.
That is an erroneous assumption.
As a matter of fact, there are three sources of proteins for bearded dragons that should be at your fingertips when it comes to feeding them. Let’s have a look at them:
Animal Protein
Animal Protein is, without a doubt, the most important protein for bearded dragons. There are different animal protein sources such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. You need to provide the source that is best for your pet. For bearded dragons, insects are the best source of animal protein which comes under the category of meat.
This all-in-one source of protein ensures that bearded dragons get hold of all necessary 20-amino acids. The hot favorite feeder insects are waxworms, mealworms, an d butter worms.
These 20 different types of amino acids are necessary for the formation of proteins in bearded dragons. The amino acids are arranged in different sequences to form a certain protein. So, the absence of any single amino acid can inhibit the formation of protein.
It is to note that since this protein can’t be produced naturally by bearded dragons, it must be supplemented in their diet accordingly.
Plant Protein
Plant protein is a fine and dandy choice for a protein supplement.
The difference between plant and animal protein sources is that animal sources contain all the essential amino acids necessary for the formation of protein while plant source lack some amino acids.
Animal protein sources may be harmful to some animals, in such cases plant proteins play an important role in strengthening the immune systems and musculature.
After all, vegetables, fruits, and grass will be a welcome change for your beardie after having feeder insects for a while.
Canned Protein
Canned protein is the perfect option if your bearded dragon is a picky eater. Not to forget about senior bearded dragons who are fed up with the same taste.
Canned proteins may include both animal protein and plant protein. You can choose the type of animal protein or plant protein that your bearded dragon love to consume. However, it is necessary to buy canned protein from a trustable store.
Canned products contain all necessary supplements with a palatable and natural flavor. The high meat content of these products is rich with proteins while other ingredients provide for calcium and other essential supplements.
Best Protein for Bearded Dragons
All that said, never forget to consider the age of your bearded dragon before ordering any protein-rich source.
Inappropriate intake of protein for senior bearded dragons can result in making them chunky and slow.
But don’t you worry! We have taken care of every aspect while structuring this list of 5 best proteins for bearded dragons.
Ready?
Get set
GO!
Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Grasshoppers
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Minimum Protein 68%
If I had to choose one protein source for my bearded dragon, it would be Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Grasshoppers.
It won’t be an overstatement to say that Fluker seems to be able to hear bearded dragons out loud.
For starters, grasshoppers are like candy for bearded dragons.
Rich in amino acids, this natural prey is perfect for taking care of all the essential amino acids needed for your pet.
Another key thing to remember is the fact that live grasshoppers brought up by farms are not available.
To fill up this space, Fluker produced a substitute by freezing grasshoppers safely and naturally.
Not to mention the diversification this brings to the pet’s diet.
Diversifying the diet is the easiest trick to fulfill your pet’s nutritional requirements and mitigate the chances of developing serious conditions in the future.
And of course, who doesn’t like a change of taste.
Now get this… This product is by far the RICHEST in terms of protein content with a staggering figure of 68% (minimum). Is it not what you came here looking for in the first place?
However, if your bearded dragon is old, you might need to use it in combination with other products to limit the intake of protein. Zilla Reptile Munchies will go hand in hand with Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Grasshoppers.
And did I mention how it will save you from the mess and expense of live grasshoppers?
Well, the list of benefits seems to be never-ending, so let’s put the lid on it.
Remember to feed 2-3 grasshoppers to make it a meal and split it in bits if that’s what your bearded dragon prefers. After all, the size of grasshoppers is big and much the same.
| PROS | CONS |
| Richest in protein | Must be used in combination with other nutrients |
| Safe and natural | |
| Palatable | |
| Easy to get | |
| Cheap |
Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
56% Protein
Let’s say you are looking for something that gets you a lot of bang for your bucks.
Congrats! You’ve found your match.
Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food is indeed the perfect treat for your pet.
This one is in fact, a broader version of Fluker’s Freeze-Dried Grasshoppers. The union of three different types of feeder insects is none less than a dream come true for your bearded dragon.
The perfect blend of crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers constitutes proteins and covers up for other important supplements like fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Keep in mind that the freezing process of the insects does not take away the essence of the nutrients by any means. It is just as good as a freshly caught feeder insect. Your bearded dragon will agree to this.
At this price point, you will not find a product adding this much diversity to your pet’s diet. A natural source of protein with all essential amino acids is perfect to satisfy the nutritional requirements of your pet.
Adding a cherry on the top, bearded dragons will enjoy their favorite wildlife insects without putting up a fight. No matter what, it is always wholesome to get your favorite food served on your desk.
But what about the quality of the product?
The good news is that Fluker’s Bearded Dragon Medley Treat Food passes this test with flying colors. The large-sized feeder insects have full bodies and are fresh enough to impress the picky eaters as well.
With that being said, brace your bearded dragon to take a hike of a mouth-watering experience leaving the belly asking for more.
To make the most out of the situation, use them with vegetables like Watercress, Dandelion greens, okra, and squash to balance the protein intake and add further variety to the meal.
| PROS | CONS |
| Comprises of natural feeder insects | May contain unequal proportions of three feeder insects. |
| The trio of most favorite insects for bearded dragons | |
| Rich in protein (56% minimum) | |
| Easy to get |
Fluker’s Buffet Blend Juvenile Bearded Dragon Formula
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crude Protein not less than 32%
Are you wondering why the third in the list is again a product by Fluker?
It’s because they know what your bearded dragon is crying out loud. Now call it magic or extensive research, but no matter whatsoever, Fluker is definitely ahead of the curve in producing food products for bearded dragons.
This product is no less than the above two.
Such a cheap price-tag may raise questions in your head about the credibility and quality of the product. But to your surprise, it is currently one of the best combos in the market to provide essential amino acids and vitamins.
I mean, everything you want from a protein product, Fluker’s Buffet Blend Formula has it.
But what makes it different from other protein products?
Well, until now, we have seen the blend of insect feeders to produce a protein-rich source for bearded dragons. The downside of this strategy was for elderly pets who shouldn’t ingest this much protein.
Fluker accepted this challenge, like always, and added nutritionally-balanced pellets in this product to make up for other supplements as well.
You will find out soon that your bearded dragon is under the spell of the attractive texture of these pellets with dried insects.
So if you think that it is taking too much to take care of your pet, we have good news for you. These pellets are good as gold to provide a complete meal while covering up for all the required nutrients for your beardie.
But bear in mind, it shouldn’t be made a routine. Dietary diversity plays a pivotal role in keeping your pet happy and healthy.
| PROS | CONS |
| Pellets contain all important nutrients | Contains a lot of unnatural ingredients |
| The attractive texture of pellets | |
| The pellets contain freeze-dried insects to guarantee crude protein above 32% |
Rep-Cal Maintenance Formula Bearded Dragon Food
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crude Protein min 29%
Not a big fan of freeze-dried feeder insects?
Or maybe your bearded dragon is too young to try products by Fluker?
If so, I think you’ll like Rep-Cal Maintenance Formula Food.
Instead of using freeze-dried insects as a protein source, it uses wheat, corn, vegetable oils, and other calcium supplements to serve the purpose.
Some bearded dragons have no stomach for dried insects.
This is the next best thing in line to solve this problem. It provides valuable amino acids with a guaranteed nutritional analysis stating a minimum of 29% crude protein.
Plus, this diet variation will help control the weight, condition, and food intake of bearded dragons.
And I haven’t got to the best part yet.
Are you worried about the stunted growth of your bearded dragon?
Well, you might have just unlocked the solution to your problem. This product has done the honor to accelerate the growth of many juvenile bearded dragons undergoing sluggish growth. They not only just grew bigger but stronger, healthier, and more active too.
Not to forget that this product is specially formulated for juvenile bearded dragons. They need balanced supplements to foster well. To live up to these expectations, this product contains a lot of poultry and apple, with some vitamin E to help absorbing calcium.
To add a feather in the cap, the tempting scent, and color of these pellets can even draw the attention of picky eaters without any efforts. The fruity scent can easily be mistaken for breakfast cereal even.
And hey, do remember to moisturize these pellets before serving them to your pet. Ideally, soak the pellets in a bowl of water until they are soft. Then drain the excess water and you are good to go.
| PROS | CONS |
| Pellets contain all important nutrients | Pellets are small and round-shaped and can easily disperse everywhere while eating |
| Attractive smell and color of pellets | |
| Promotes growth of young bearded dragons | |
| Substitute for freeze-dried insects |
Zilla Reptile Food Bearded Dragon Fortified, 6.5-Ounce
Last update on 2022-12-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crude Protein min 25%
Whenever in doubt, go for a trusted brand.
Only a few brands are as reputable as Zilla in the reptile products scene.
If you are looking to spice things up a little bit for your bearded dragon, Zilla Reptile Food Bearded Dragon Fortified will probably be your best pick.
The headline of this product is hidden in its price tag. It is the most affordable product with a decent amount of proteins i.e. 25%. However, this doesn’t mean that the quality is compromised by any means.
Again, this is another ideal alternative of freeze-dried insects. Since bearded dragons are omnivorous animals that feed on plants and fruits in the deserts of Australia, this product is formulated with all these things in mind.
To get the most out of each munch, moisten the food and mix it with other foods belonging to the primary diet. A salad will be a good option to start with. Mix it with yellow squash, green beans, and okra, and watch your pet running towards the bowl to have a toothsome meal.
But before I get ahead of myself, make sure to use a small quantity as a trial to see if your beardie has a stomach for it.
| PROS | CONS |
| Pellets contain all important nutrients | Some bearded dragons may not show any interest in eating it |
| Attractive smell of pellets | |
| Promotes growth of young bearded dragons | |
| Substitute for freeze-dried insects | |
| The small size makes it easy to eat for bearded dragons |
Conclusion
We started from learning why protein is necessary for bearded dragons to determining the sources of proteins available to our list of top 5 best proteins for bearded dragons.
I hope that by now, you have found your perfect protein for your pet. If not, then at least you will a clear idea of what you are looking for.
Whatever you will choose, you’ll surely end up having a great product for which your bearded dragon will thank you for the happy years to come.
If you need any help in making your final decision, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll get right back to you!