8 Finest Bearded Dragon Substrates – 2024 Evaluations & Prime Picks
One of the crucial essential features of caring for a bearded dragon is to make use of a secure, non-toxic, low-risk substrate of their tank or terrarium. Substrates, additionally referred to 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 perfect substrates, with our evaluations and prime picks. You’ll additionally discover our useful purchaser’s information to make the selection even simpler!
A Fast Comparability of Our Favorites in 2024
The 8 Finest Bearded Dragon Substrates
1. Zilla Floor Walnut Shell Reptile Bedding – Finest General
| Package deal Measurement: | 5 quarts |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
Our choose for the perfect total substrate is Zilla’s Floor English Walnut Shell Reptile Bedding as a result of it replicates the pure desert habitat fairly effectively. This substrate additionally permits your grownup beardie to dig or burrow and conducts warmth effectively.
Produced from English walnut shells, Zilla received’t scratch the glass in your beardie’s tank and received’t scratch your pet, both. It’s made in the US 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
Gained’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 – Finest Worth
| Package deal Measurement: | 10 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | No |
Should you’re on the lookout for a bearded dragon substrate that’s thought-about the perfect for the cash, you may’t go fallacious with the Zoo Med Vita-Sand All Pure Vitamin-Fortified Calcium Carbonate Substrate. You get a 10-pound bag for an inexpensive worth that gives a snug 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 comprise is simply as essential: fat-soluble nutritional vitamins, which will be poisonous to your beardie. You received’t discover synthetic colours on this substrate, both.
One trigger for concern that you must notice is that in case your bearded dragon swallows important quantities of this substrate, it may trigger impaction or GI points. Nevertheless, with its extra-fine texture, Zoo Med appears to have solved this concern.
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 Selection
| Package deal Measurement: | 5 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | Sure |
Bearded dragons love burrowing, hiding in caves, and digging beneath 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 chill out.
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 guardian since you may make a habitat for them along with your arms!
One downside is that it may possibly’t be used over your bearded dragon’s tank heater. It may turn out to be too scorching in your pet, so that you want to concentrate on the place you place it of their tank.
Mimics pure environment
Straightforward to make use of
Promotes burrowing
Give our beardie a spot to chill out
Made in USA
- Can get too scorching over a heater
4. Exo Terra Desert Sand Terrarium Reptile Substrate
| Package deal Measurement: | 10 kilos |
| All Pure?: | Sure |
| Eco-Pleasant?: | Sure |
| Mud-free?: | No |
There are some issues with utilizing sand for bearded dragons as a result of, if swallowed, it may possibly 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 dimension and eradicating any impurities from the sand.
What we like about this substrate is that it recreates the pure, reddish coloration of a bearded dragon’s pure habitat and doesn’t use any dyes to do it. It’s all-natural desert sand, which they will burrow into and can present glorious warmth conduction. You must also notice that Exo Terra is beneficial for egg-laying.
Actual pink desert sand
Homogenous-sized granules
Promotes burrowing and digging
Conducts warmth effectively
No dyes or chemical compounds added
5. Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber Reptile Substrate
| Package deal 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 made out of 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
Straightforward to deal with
- Not made within the USA
- Small threat of accidents
6. CaribSea Reptile Calcium Substrate
| Package deal Measurement: | Package deal 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 effectively. Greater than that, this substrate accommodates calcium. It’s not meant to be eaten, however your pet will get a dietary enhance whether it is. You must also notice that some calcium substrates have a compaction threat, however this one is secure to ingest.
CaribSea’s mild, spherical grains received’t hurt your bearded dragon like different merchandise can resulting from scratching them. It’s additionally freed from dyes and dust-free, so that you received’t inhale mud when utilizing it. One caveat is that it may not be the perfect substrate for child bearded dragons since there may be nonetheless a tiny threat of impaction and GI points.
Spherical grains received’t scratch
Comprise nutritionally obtainable calcium
Mud-free
Conducts warmth effectively
No synthetic dyes
7. Exoticare Desert Mix Reptile Substrate
| Package deal 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 identify 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. Which may not look like a giant deal, however in case you’ve ever had a bag of substrate spill throughout your ground, you already know it’s a invaluable bonus. The bag stands by itself, too!
Exoticare claims the substrate is hand-mixed, however we’re undecided what further worth that provides. Nevertheless, it’s 100% pure and means that you can have a bioactive beardie tank, which is usually a boon for his or her well being. The one downside is that it contains 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
- Could current an impaction threat
- Relatively costly
8. Exo Terra Sand Mat Desert Terrarium Reptile Substrate
| Package deal 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 be simple to take away and clear.
One of many greatest professionals of this product is that, for the reason that substrate is glued to the mat, your beardie can’t by chance swallow it. This reduces the chance of GI points and impaction significantly. Nevertheless, there was no notice on the packaging concerning the adhesives used and the way lengthy they’d adhere to the mat. Additionally, your bearded dragon wont be capable of burrow into this substrate.
Easy to arrange
Straightforward to take away and clear
Can’t be by chance swallowed
- Impedes digging and burrowing
- No information on sturdiness
Purchaser’s Information: Selecting the Finest Substrate For Your Bearded Dragon
It may not appear that troublesome to purchase a substrate in your bearded dragon’s tank or terrarium. Nevertheless, there are a number of manufacturers, and a few of them are reported to be unhealthy decisions in your pet. Beneath are a couple of stable tips about 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 Setting.
Utilizing a substrate that mimics the rocks and stones they encounter within the wild is right. This may present a snug setting that permits your beardie to thrive.
A substrate That Retains Moisture and Warmth
Each moisture and warmth are essential to the well-being of your bearded dragon. You desire a substrate that can preserve the moisture and warmth ranges optimum.
A Substrate That’s Straightforward to Clear
You’ll have to ceaselessly clear your beardie’s enclosure, so that you desire a substrate that’s simple to scrub, take away, and change. The Exo Terra Sand Mat is a superb alternative.
A Substrate That’s Not Straightforward to Swallow
One of many greatest well being dangers bearded dragons face in captivity is by chance swallowing the substrate. If this happens ceaselessly sufficient, it may trigger impaction or blockage in your pet’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which could possibly be life-threatening.
A Substrate That’s All-Pure and Eco-Pleasant
You’ll be utilizing and throwing away a big quantity of substrate when you’ve gotten a bearded dragon. Due to this fact, selecting one which’s all-natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly is important.
A Substrate That Doesn’t Produce A lot Mud
Substrate mud can impression 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 Presumably Keep away from
Though you would possibly discover them in pet shops, the substrates on the next record needs to be prevented if doable. The explanations embody 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 understood to snag on nails and trigger accidents.
- Calci-Sand: Impaction points are a giant 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 usually present in wooden shavings, particularly pine and cedar, are why you must give this substrate a go.
- Walnut shells: The abrasiveness of walnut shells could cause accidents to your bearded dragon if swallowed.
Last Ideas
Should you’re on the lookout for glorious substrates in your beaded dragon buddy, our greatest total alternative, Zilla’s Floor English Walnut Shell Reptile Bedding, received’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’d have within the wild.
All of the substrates for bearded dragons on right this moment’s record are extremely beneficial and can provide help 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