Cricket Feeding Guide for Bearded Dragons | Full Diet Guide

March 28, 2026

Feeding crickets to a bearded dragon is one of the most common ways to provide protein, especially for younger dragons. However, feeding the correct amount, size, and frequency is essential for proper growth and long-term health.

This guide breaks down how to feed crickets to your bearded dragon at every life stage.

Quick rule: Juvenile bearded dragons need frequent insect feeding, while adults require more greens and fewer insects.

Why Crickets Are Commonly Used

Crickets are widely used for bearded dragons because they are:

easy to source
acceptable nutrition
stimulating due to movement

However, they are not always the easiest feeder to maintain long term.

For a full breakdown of their advantages and drawbacks, see: Feeding Live Crickets Pros and Cons

Feeding by Age

Hatchlings (0–3 months)

feed 2–3 times per day
offer small crickets only
allow them to eat as many as they want within 5–10 minutes

At this stage, protein is critical for rapid growth and development.

Juveniles (3–12 months)

feed once per day
increase cricket size gradually
begin introducing more vegetables

Growth is still fast, but diet should start becoming more balanced.

Adults (12+ months)

feed insects 2–3 times per week
focus more on leafy greens
reduce overall cricket quantity

Adult bearded dragons require less protein and more plant-based nutrition. Too many insects and they can become overweight quickly.

Choosing the Right Cricket Size

Feeding the correct size cricket makes life easier and safer for your reptile.

crickets should be no wider than the space between the dragon’s eyes

Feeding oversized crickets can lead to choking or digestion issues, as well as just being a struggle for your dragon to get down!

For growth and sizing information, see: How Fast Do Crickets Grow

Always match feeder size to your dragon’s current size

How Many Crickets Per Feed

It's really hard to give a one-size-fits-all rule. Some people go off time, for example (let them eat as many as they want in 5-10mins). However, we've found some dragons you could let eat as many as they wanted for 5 mins and they'd eat slowly. Others would engulf every one in the first 30 seconds.

You should really just get a feel for your dragons needs, watch their body language, and body condition, and adjust accordingly.

Below is what you can use as a rough guide, however there is no set rule, use your judgement and/or the advice of a Veterinary professional.

Hatchlings - as much as they want
3-12 months - 15-20 crickets per feed, but more frequent feeds
Adults - 15-20 crickets per feed, but less frequent feeds

Adjust the size of the cricket with your dragons growth.

For general feeding frequencies, see: How Many Crickets to Feed Your Reptile

Always adjust based on your dragon’s appetite and body condition.

Balancing Crickets With Greens

Bearded dragons require a balanced diet of insects and plant matter.

young dragons: mostly insects
adults: mostly greens

Common greens include leafy vegetables such as bok choy, rocket, chinese cabbage, and more.

A balanced diet supports long-term health and prevents nutritional deficiencies. Don't forget to feed calcium powder with your insects and consider a multivitamin.