Frilled Dragons (Chlamydosaurus kingii) are insectivorous reptiles that need a well-balanced, calcium-rich diet to stay healthy. Their diet varies slightly depending on their age, size, and activity level. In this guide, we’ll explore what Frilled Dragons eat in captivity, how often to feed them, and how to ensure proper supplementation for optimal growth and health.
🐛 Natural Diet in the Wild
In their native habitats of Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, Frilled Dragons primarily feed on:
- Insects (grasshoppers, beetles, ants)
- Spiders and other arthropods
- Occasionally small vertebrates (frogs, lizards)
- Some seasonal fruits (rarely)
Captivity diets should replicate these nutritional sources as closely as possible.
🍽️ Recommended Feeder Insects
A healthy insectivore diet relies on variety and quality. All feeder insects must be gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods) and calcium-dusted before feeding.
✅ Best Staple Feeders:
| Feeder | Notes |
|---|---|
| Crickets | High protein, easy to digest |
| Dubia Roaches | Nutrient-dense, low in chitin |
| Silkworms | Soft-bodied, calcium-rich |
| Hornworms | High moisture, good for hydration |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | Naturally high in calcium |
🛑 Avoid or Limit:
| Feeder | Reason |
|---|---|
| Mealworms | High in chitin, may cause impaction |
| Waxworms | Very fatty, use sparingly as treats |
| Wild-caught insects | Risk of parasites and pesticides |
🍎 Can Frilled Dragons Eat Fruit?
Yes, but only in moderation. Frilled Dragons are not true omnivores and may have trouble digesting too much fruit.
- Safe fruits (1–2× per week):
- Papaya, mango, strawberries, blueberries, banana
- Avoid:
- Citrus fruits, grapes, apple seeds (toxicity risk)
Always cut fruits into bite-sized pieces and remove seeds or skins.
🍼 Feeding Schedule by Age
| Age | Frequency | Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchlings (0–3 months) | Daily | As many insects as they’ll eat in 10–15 minutes |
| Juveniles (3–12 months) | Daily | 5–10 insects per feeding |
| Adults (1+ year) | Every other day | 6–8 insects per feeding |
- Offer water droplets via misting daily
- Use feeding tongs for better hygiene and taming
🧂 Supplements: Prevent Metabolic Bone Disease
Frilled Dragons are prone to calcium deficiencies, especially without proper UVB lighting.
🧪 Required Supplements:
- Calcium + D3 powder: 3× per week
- Multivitamin powder: 1× per week
Lightly dust feeder insects just before serving.
⚠️ Signs of Poor Diet or Malnutrition
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Soft jaw or limbs | Calcium or D3 deficiency |
| Lethargy or refusal to eat | Stress, improper temps |
| Constipation or bloating | Overfeeding, impaction risk |
| Rapid weight loss | Illness or underfeeding |
Always pair proper diet with correct temperatures, lighting, and enclosure setup.
✅ Summary Table: Frilled Dragon Feeding Guide
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Main Diet | Insects: crickets, roaches, worms |
| Fruits | Occasional, 1–2× per week |
| Supplements | Calcium (3×/week), Vitamins (1×/week) |
| Feeding Frequency | Daily (juveniles), Every other day (adults) |