One of the vital necessary features of caring for a bearded dragon is to make use of a protected, non-toxic, low-risk substrate of their tank or terrarium. Substrates, additionally known as “bedding, ” are placed on the ground of your dragon’s enclosure. There are a number of sorts of substrate, nevertheless, which may make selecting one a bit troublesome.
That can assist you select correctly, beneath, you’ll discover eight of the most effective substrates, with our critiques and prime picks. You’ll additionally discover our helpful purchaser’s information to make the selection even simpler!
A Fast Comparability of Our Favorites in 2024
The 8 Greatest Bearded Dragon Substrates
1. Zilla Floor Walnut Shell Reptile Bedding – Greatest General
| Bundle Measurement: | 5 quarts |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
Our choose for the most effective total substrate is Zilla’s Floor English Walnut Shell Reptile Bedding as a result of it replicates the pure desert habitat fairly nicely. This substrate additionally permits your grownup beardie to dig or burrow and conducts warmth nicely.
Produced from English walnut shells, Zilla gained’t scratch the glass in your beardie’s tank and gained’t scratch your pet, both. It’s made in america and can preserve your bearded dragon snug and heat year-round. There’s a small threat of impaction and gastrointestinal points with this product, nevertheless, so monitoring your beardie intently once they eat is beneficial.
All-natural
Received’t scratch glass
Promotes burrowing
Made in USA
- Potential for impaction if swallowed
- Potential for GI harm if swallowed
2. Zoo Med Vita-Sand Vitamin-Fortified Substrate – Greatest Worth
| Bundle Measurement: | 10 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | No |
For those who’re searching for a bearded dragon substrate that’s thought of the most effective for the cash, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the Zoo Med Vita-Sand All Pure Vitamin-Fortified Calcium Carbonate Substrate. You get a 10-pound bag for an reasonably priced value that gives a cushty materials in your bearded dragon.
First, this substrate is all-natural, which is all the time a plus. It’s fortified with nutritional vitamins, calcium, and beta-carotene. What it doesn’t include is simply as necessary: fat-soluble nutritional vitamins, which could be poisonous to your beardie. You gained’t discover synthetic colours on this substrate, both.
One trigger for concern that it’s best to be aware is that in case your bearded dragon swallows important quantities of this substrate, it might trigger impaction or GI points. Nonetheless, with its extra-fine texture, Zoo Med appears to have solved this situation.
All-natural
Vitamin fortified
No fat-soluble nutritional vitamins
Extremely-fine texture
Will increase calcium supply
3. Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Reptile Substrate – Premium Alternative
| Bundle Measurement: | 5 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
Bearded dragons love burrowing, hiding in caves, and digging below rocks. Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Reptile Substrate permits your pet to do precisely that, as it may be simply molded into tunnels, burrows, and different shapes. As soon as molded, this substrate stays in place, giving your beardie many locations to discover and loosen up.
This very good substrate is all-natural and has no dyes or different chemical compounds. It additionally encourages burrowing and digging, which your beardie wants to remain wholesome. Greater than that, it mimics your pet’s pure environment, which will help them keep calm. Zoo Med is made within the USA and enjoyable for you as a beardie mum or dad since you may make a habitat for them together with your palms!
One downside is that it might’t be used over your bearded dragon’s tank heater. It might change into too sizzling in your pet, so that you want to pay attention to the place you place it of their tank.
Mimics pure environment
Simple to make use of
Promotes burrowing
Give our beardie a spot to loosen up
Made in USA
- Can get too sizzling over a heater
4. Exo Terra Desert Sand Terrarium Reptile Substrate
| Bundle Measurement: | 10 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | No |
There are some considerations with utilizing sand for bearded dragons as a result of, if swallowed, it might trigger your pet gastrointestinal points and blockages. To take care of that, Exo Terra Desert Sand Terrarium Reptile Substrate is sifted, offering a homogenous grain measurement and eradicating any impurities from the sand.
What we like about this substrate is that it recreates the pure, reddish colour of a bearded dragon’s pure habitat and doesn’t use any dyes to do it. It’s all-natural desert sand, which they’ll burrow into and can present glorious warmth conduction. You also needs to be aware that Exo Terra is beneficial for egg-laying.
Actual purple desert sand
Homogenous-sized granules
Promotes burrowing and digging
Conducts warmth nicely
No dyes or chemical compounds added
5. Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Reptile Substrate
| Bundle Measurement: | 3 Bricks (21 to 23 liters of substrate) |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
One other glorious substrate from Zoo Med is the Eco Earth Compressed Coconut Fiber Expandable Reptile Substrate. It’s simple to move because it’s dried and compacted. Even higher, it’s 100% recyclable. You’ll be able to compost it or use it in your vegetation after your bearded dragon is completed with it.
It’s constructed from compressed coconut husks and fiber and can be utilized dry or damp to both improve or lower humidity in your pet’s tank. It recreates their pure atmosphere whereas additionally absorbing odors by breaking them down into their primary substances.
All pure and recyclable
Absorbs odors
Will increase or decreases humidity
Simple to deal with
- Not made within the USA
- Small threat of accidents
6. CaribSea Reptile Calcium Substrate
| Bundle Measurement: | Bundle Measurement: 20 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
CaribSea Reptile Calcium Substrate is ideal for desert-dwelling lizards just like the bearded dragon because it conducts warmth very nicely. Greater than that, this substrate accommodates calcium. It’s not meant to be eaten, however your pet will get a dietary increase whether it is. You also needs to be aware that some calcium substrates have a compaction threat, however this one is protected to ingest.
CaribSea’s light, spherical grains gained’t hurt your bearded dragon like different merchandise can because of scratching them. It’s additionally freed from dyes and dust-free, so that you gained’t inhale mud when utilizing it. One caveat is that it may not be the most effective substrate for child bearded dragons since there may be nonetheless a tiny threat of impaction and GI points.
Spherical grains gained’t scratch
Comprise nutritionally out there calcium
Mud-free
Conducts warmth nicely
No synthetic dyes
7. Exoticare Desert Mix Reptile Substrate
| Bundle Measurement: | 12 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | No |
Most bearded dragon substrates are made with a single substance like coconut husks or sand. Exoticare Desert Mix Reptile Substrate, because the title suggests, is made with a mix of a number of substrate supplies. It’s additionally pre-mixed, natural, and is available in a resealable bag. That may not seem to be an enormous deal, however for those who’ve ever had a bag of substrate spill throughout your ground, it’s a helpful bonus. The bag stands by itself, too!
Exoticare claims the substrate is hand-mixed, however we’re undecided what additional worth that provides. Nonetheless, it’s 100% pure and means that you can have a bioactive beardie tank, which could be a boon for his or her well being. The one downside is that it consists of sand, which may result in GI tract and impaction points in your bearded dragon.
A mixture of a number of substrates
Natural
Bioactive
Resealable, standing bag
- Might current an impaction threat
- Relatively costly
8. Exo Terra Sand Mat Desert Terrarium Reptile Substrate
| Bundle Measurement: | Made for 40-gallon tanks |
| All Pure?: | No |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | No |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
The Exo Terra Sand Mat is an uncommon substrate in that it is available in a rolled mat that you simply unroll and place on the ground of your bearded dragon’s tank. It’s made for a 40-gallon tank. Exo Terra’s substrate mat can also be simple to take away and clear.
One of many largest execs of this product is that, for the reason that substrate is glued to the mat, your beardie can’t unintentionally swallow it. This reduces the chance of GI points and impaction significantly. Nonetheless, there was no be aware on the packaging in regards to the adhesives used and the way lengthy they might adhere to the mat. Additionally, your bearded dragon wont have the ability to burrow into this substrate.
Easy to arrange
Simple to take away and clear
Can’t be unintentionally swallowed
- Impedes digging and burrowing
- No knowledge on sturdiness
Purchaser’s Information: Selecting the Greatest Substrate For Your Bearded Dragon
It may not appear that troublesome to purchase a substrate in your bearded dragon’s tank or terrarium. Nonetheless, there are a number of manufacturers, and a few of them are reported to be dangerous decisions in your pet. Beneath are a couple of stable recommendations on what to purchase and what to keep away from.
What To Search for in a Bearded Dragon Substrate
Substrates That Simulate a Bearded Dragon’s Pure Surroundings.
Utilizing a substrate that mimics the rocks and stones they encounter within the wild is good. It will present a cushty setting that permits your beardie to thrive.
A substrate That Retains Moisture and Warmth
Each moisture and warmth are vital to the well-being of your bearded dragon. You desire a substrate that may preserve the moisture and warmth ranges optimum.
A Substrate That’s Simple to Clear
You’ll have to ceaselessly clear your beardie’s enclosure, so that you desire a substrate that’s simple to wash, take away, and substitute. The Exo Terra Sand Mat is a superb alternative.
A Substrate That’s Not Simple to Swallow
One of many largest well being dangers bearded dragons face in captivity is unintentionally swallowing the substrate. If this happens ceaselessly sufficient, it might trigger impaction or blockage in your pet’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which might be life-threatening.
A Substrate That’s All-Pure and Eco-Pleasant
You’ll be utilizing and throwing away a major quantity of substrate when you’ve got a bearded dragon. Subsequently, selecting one which’s all-natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly is crucial.
A Substrate That Doesn’t Produce A lot Mud
Substrate mud can affect your bearded dragon’s lungs, irritate yours, or trigger an allergic response. A substrate that’s dust-free or creates minimal mud is thus beneficial.
Some Substrates to Probably Keep away from
Though you would possibly discover them in pet shops, the substrates on the next record ought to be prevented if potential. The explanations embrace the chance of impaction and GI points, accidents to your bearded dragon, and the chance of harsh chemical compounds.
- AstroTurf: This safe-looking materials is thought to snag on nails and trigger accidents.
- Calci-Sand: Impaction points are an enormous threat with this substrate.
- Plain Sand: Impaction points and micro organism threat are the explanations to keep away from this substrate. Each common and silica sand are potential dangers.
- Wooden shavings: The oils and chemical compounds typically present in wooden shavings, particularly pine and cedar, are why it’s best to give this substrate a move.
- Walnut shells: The abrasiveness of walnut shells may cause accidents to your bearded dragon if swallowed.
Ultimate Ideas
For those who’re searching for glorious substrates in your beaded dragon buddy, our greatest total alternative, Zilla’s Floor English Walnut Shell Reptile Bedding, gained’t scratch your pet and is all-natural. Our greatest worth choice, Zoo Med Vita-Sand All Pure Vitamin-Fortified Calcium Carbonate Substrate, is vitamin-fortified and has an ultra-fine texture to stop unintended impaction if ingested. Lastly, Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Reptile Substrate means that you can create an atmosphere in your bearded dragon that mimics what they might have within the wild.
All of the substrates for bearded dragons on in the present day’s record are extremely beneficial and can make it easier to create a unbelievable residing atmosphere in your dragon. Better of luck selecting a substrate your beardie enjoys that retains them wholesome and completely happy for a few years!
Featured Picture Credit score: Gatot Adri, Shutterstock
