Top 7 Best Substrate for Bearded Dragons

When choosing the best substrate for bearded dragons, you can consider things like safety, ease of cleaning, and the natural feel that mimics their environment.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Safety

Some products, like Reptile Carpet such as Zoo Med Eco Cage, are designed to minimize the risk of impaction, a common concern with loose substrates.

Reptile Carpet is a non-loose substrate that provides a solid surface, reducing the chance of your bearded dragon ingesting harmful particles. However, it may require frequent cleaning and replacement to maintain hygiene.

2. Ease of Cleaning

Some substrates, like Tiles (e.g. SunGrow, Reptile Mat, slate or ceramic tiles), are incredibly easy to clean. Tiles are non-absorbent and can be easily wiped down or removed for thorough cleaning.

Additionally, they help in keeping your bearded dragon’s claws trimmed. However, they might lack the natural feel of loose substrates.

3. Natural Feel

Some products, like Play Sand, provide a more natural feel that closely mimics the desert environment of bearded dragons. Play Sand is loose and allows for natural digging behavior, which is beneficial for the mental stimulation of your pet.

However, it can pose a risk of impaction if ingested and may require regular monitoring and cleaning to avoid bacterial growth.

4. Temperature Regulation

Some substrates, like Coconut Fiber (e.g., Eco Earth), offer good insulation and help maintain humidity levels within the enclosure. Coconut Fiber retains moisture well, which can be beneficial in dry climates.

However, it may not be ideal for desert-dwelling reptiles like bearded dragons, who require lower humidity levels.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

Some substrates, like Paper Towels, are highly cost-effective. Paper Towels are inexpensive, easy to replace, and do not pose a risk of impaction.

However, they do not provide a natural appearance and may require frequent changes to maintain cleanliness.

Top 5 Product Recommendations

1. Zoo Med Eco Cage Bearded Dragon Carpet Substrate

Features: Made from durable, non-toxic fibers; available in various colors; provides a soft surface that’s easy on the dragon’s belly.

• • Benefits: Reduces the risk of impaction; washable and reusable, making it eco-friendly.
  • Cons: Needs regular washing to prevent bacteria buildup; may fray over time.

Related: Do Beardies eat grapes?

2. SunGrow, Reptile Mat, Terrarium Floor Liner

Features: Natural stone material; helps in filing down the bearded dragon’s claws; retains heat well, aiding in thermoregulation.

• • Benefits: Easy to clean and maintain; durable and long-lasting; aesthetically pleasing.
  • Cons: Can be expensive upfront; heavier to handle and install.

3. Zoo Med ReptiSand®, 10 Pounds, Desert White

Features: Fine-grain, natural sand; closely mimics the bearded dragon’s natural habitat; available in different colors.

• • Benefits: Encourages natural digging behavior; visually appealing and creates a realistic desert environment.
  • Cons: Risk of impaction if ingested; requires regular cleaning to avoid bacterial growth.

4. Coconut Fiber (Eco Earth)

• • Features: Made from natural coconut husks; retains moisture and helps maintain humidity; biodegradable.
  • Benefits: Environmentally friendly; can be used in dry and humid setups; allows burrowing behavior.
  • Cons: May not be ideal for bearded dragons due to higher humidity retention; can be messy if it sticks to the dragon.

Related: Do Beardies ear tomatoes?

5. 3dRose Bearded Dragon Lizard Paper Towel

Features: Inexpensive and readily available; easy to replace; provides a clean and safe surface.

• • Benefits: Zero risk of impaction; highly cost-effective; easy to monitor waste for health checks.
  • Cons: Lacks aesthetic appeal; requires frequent changes to maintain cleanliness.

6. Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate

Zoo Med Excavator is a soft substrate that is manufactured from ultra-fine clay grains/grades suitable for your beardie’s excellent comfort. The treated clay won’t cause any impaction when swallowed/ingested by beardies (safe) or lead to indigestion problems.

Zoo med doesn’t have any artificial colors, dyes or additives that may harm your beardie or create permanent marks on its skin while burrowing.

This product is ideal to form small hills and terraces for your beardies to burrow through during leisure hours. You can easily spot clean soiled areas without necessarily cleaning the entire cage/enclosure.

The moldable clay doesn’t harden when dry and thus will maintain soft texture while wet or dry for your beardies to play on.

7. Zilla Alfalfa Meal Beardie’s Substrate

Zilla Alfalfa is an ultra-slim bearded dragon’s substrate that will offer unlimited comfort to your pet lizard due to its smooth and soft grades. The product is 100% natural and made from the alfalfa.

Your beardie will enjoy continuous safety from easier to digest product (when swallowed) that is harmless to its digestive track.

The biostatic agent in Zilla Alfalfa will highly reduce bacteria and germs that may encroach or be present in the cage thus maintaining a continuous healthy existence. Moreover, the product is manufactured with air sacs (act as heat absorbents), which help cool your beardie during hot weather. 

The air gaps in Zilla can also hold heat that will keep your beardie warm for sometimes during the cold season. The Zilla Alfalfa is biodegradable thus can decompose naturally in the farm or compost pit without emitting odor.

Conclusion

Choosing the best substrate for your bearded dragon is crucial for their health and well-being.

By considering factors like safety, ease of cleaning, natural feel, temperature regulation, and cost-effectiveness, you can find the substrate that best suits your pet’s needs and your preferences.