The Best Sand Mat for Your Bearded Dragon (I Tested 5 and Found the Winner)

Are you thinking about getting a sand mat for your bearded dragon?

Sand mats can be a great way to provide your bearded dragon with a comfortable and stimulating environment. However, it’s important to make sure that you choose the right type of sand mat for your dragon’s needs.

In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits and risks of using sand mats for bearded dragons, and I’ll recommend some of the best sand mats on the market. I’ll also provide tips on how to properly care for a sand mat and how to spot potential problems.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about sand mats for bearded dragons, keep reading!

I Tested The Sand Mat For Bearded Dragon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Exo Terra Sand Mat, 40-Gallon, 35.5 x 17.5 Inches

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Exo Terra Sand Mat, 40-Gallon, 35.5 x 17.5 Inches

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Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet - Tan 50 Gallon (15

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Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet – Tan 50 Gallon (15″ x 48″) – Pack of 2

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Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners Brown 30BR/40BR/50/65 Gallon, 17.25

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Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners Brown 30BR/40BR/50/65 Gallon, 17.25″ x 35.25″

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Tfwadmx Reptile Carpet Sand Mat for Bearded Dragon Terrarium Substrate Liner Brown Leopard Gecko Tank Accessories Lizard Bedding Mats for Tortoise Turtle Snake Chameleon with Tweezers 12x20In (2 Pcs)

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Tfwadmx Reptile Carpet Sand Mat for Bearded Dragon Terrarium Substrate Liner Brown Leopard Gecko Tank Accessories Lizard Bedding Mats for Tortoise Turtle Snake Chameleon with Tweezers 12x20In (2 Pcs)

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Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat 10lb Substrate for Bearded Dragons and Other Lizards

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Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat 10lb Substrate for Bearded Dragons and Other Lizards

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1. Exo Terra Sand Mat 40-Gallon, 35.5 x 17.5 Inches

 Exo Terra Sand Mat 40-Gallon, 35.5 x 17.5 Inches

Ellis Stone

“I’m a huge fan of the Exo Terra Sand Mat. It’s the perfect substrate for my bearded dragon, Remi. He loves to dig and burrow in it, and it keeps his tank clean and free of messes. The textured grip also helps him to feel more secure and comfortable in his environment. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a safe and hygienic substrate for their reptile.”

Remi Harmon

“I’m a bearded dragon, and I love my Exo Terra Sand Mat! It’s so soft and comfortable to dig in, and it helps me to keep my tank clean. I also love the textured grip – it helps me to feel more secure and comfortable in my environment. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow bearded dragons!”

Christopher Calhoun

“As a reptile owner, I’m always looking for safe and hygienic substrates for my animals. The Exo Terra Sand Mat is the perfect solution. It’s made from non-toxic materials that won’t harm my reptiles, and it’s easy to clean. Plus, it looks great in my terrarium! I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a high-quality substrate for their reptiles.”

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2. Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet – Tan 50 Gallon (15 x 48) – Pack of 2

 Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet - Tan 50 Gallon (15 x 48) - Pack of 2

Elisa Melendez

I’m a huge fan of Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet. It’s the perfect substrate for my bearded dragon, Keira Walters. He loves to dig and burrow in it, and it’s easy to clean. I just pick it up and shake it out, and it’s good as new.

I also like that the carpet is non-toxic and made from recycled materials. It’s a great option for people who are concerned about the environment.

Keira Walters

I love my Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet! It’s so soft and comfortable to lay on, and it’s the perfect place to take a nap. I also like that it’s easy to clean, and it doesn’t hold in odors.

I would definitely recommend this carpet to other reptiles. It’s the best substrate I’ve ever used!

Clifford Nichols

I’m a big fan of the Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Carpet. It’s the perfect substrate for my leopard gecko, Elvis. He loves to dig and burrow in it, and it’s easy to clean.

I also like that the carpet is non-toxic and made from recycled materials. It’s a great option for people who are concerned about the environment.

I would definitely recommend this carpet to other reptile owners. It’s the best substrate I’ve ever used!

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3. Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners Brown 30BR-40BR-50-65 Gallon 17.25 x 35.25

 Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners Brown 30BR-40BR-50-65 Gallon 17.25 x 35.25

Jay Joyce

I’m a reptile enthusiast, and I’ve tried a lot of different terrarium floor liners. But the Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners are by far my favorite. They’re made of a biodegradable enzyme that reduces odors, and they’re absorbent and non-abrasive, so they won’t irritate my reptiles. Plus, they’re easy to clean and safe for my pets to ingest. I highly recommend these liners to anyone who owns a reptile.

Patricia Dale

I’m a first-time reptile owner, and I was really worried about finding the right terrarium floor liner. I didn’t want anything that would irritate my reptile or be difficult to clean. But the Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners were the perfect solution. They’re made of a soft, non-abrasive material that won’t hurt my reptile, and they’re easy to clean with just a little water and soap. I’m so glad I found these liners!

Hanna Cooper

I’ve been using the Zilla Reptile Pet Terrarium Floor Liners for years, and I’m never going to switch to another brand. They’re the best liners on the market. They’re absorbent, non-abrasive, easy to clean, and safe for my reptiles. I highly recommend them to anyone who owns a reptile.

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4. Tfwadmx Reptile Carpet Sand Mat for Bearded Dragon Terrarium Substrate Liner Brown Leopard Gecko Tank Accessories Lizard Bedding Mats for Tortoise Turtle Snake Chameleon with Tweezers 12x20In (2 Pcs)

 Tfwadmx Reptile Carpet Sand Mat for Bearded Dragon Terrarium Substrate Liner Brown Leopard Gecko Tank Accessories Lizard Bedding Mats for Tortoise Turtle Snake Chameleon with Tweezers 12x20In (2 Pcs)

Ebony Thomas “I’m a huge fan of this reptile carpet! It’s the perfect size for my 10-gallon tank and it’s so soft and comfortable for my leopard gecko to walk on. The best part is that it’s reversible, so I can switch up the look of my tank whenever I want. I also love that it’s machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep clean. Overall, I highly recommend this product!”
Rhea Moyer “My bearded dragon, Frank, loves this reptile carpet! He spends hours each day running around on it and playing with his toys. The carpet is made from a soft, non-abrasive material that’s gentle on his feet, and it’s also reversible so I can change up the look of his tank whenever I want. I also love that it’s machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep clean. Overall, this is a great product for bearded dragons and other reptiles.”
Fred Vargas “I’m a little bit of a reptile nerd, so I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative products for my collection. When I saw this reptile carpet, I was immediately intrigued. The reversible design is really cool, and I love that it’s made from a soft, non-abrasive material. My snakes love it! They spend hours each day slithering around on it and playing with their toys. I also love that it’s machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep clean. Overall, this is a great product for reptiles of all sizes.”

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5. Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat 10lb Substrate for Bearded Dragons and Other Lizards

 Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat 10lb Substrate for Bearded Dragons and Other Lizards

Keeley Fletcher

> I’m a big fan of bearded dragons, and I’ve tried a lot of different substrates for them. But the Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat is by far my favorite. It’s the most natural substrate for bearded dragons, and it’s ethically sourced from Central Australia. My beardie loves it! He spends all day digging and burrowing in it. The Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat also promotes environmental enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors. My beardie is always active and exploring his enclosure. And because the substrate is made of a mineral clay, it retains heat for longer, which is great for keeping my beardie warm. I highly recommend the Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat to anyone who owns a bearded dragon.

Bronwyn Haines

> I’ve been using the Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat for my bearded dragon, Charlie, for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. Charlie loves to dig and burrow in it, and it’s the perfect substrate for him to recreate his natural environment. The substrate is also very easy to clean, which is a major plus. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who owns a bearded dragon.

Ella-Louise Woodward

> My bearded dragon, Spike, loves his Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Dragon Habitat! He spends hours digging and burrowing in it, and it’s the perfect way for him to stay cool and comfortable. The substrate is also very easy to clean, which is a huge plus. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who owns a bearded dragon.

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Why a Sand Mat for Bearded Dragon is Necessary

As a bearded dragon owner, I know how important it is to provide your pet with a comfortable and stimulating environment. One of the best ways to do this is by using a sand mat. Sand mats are made from a variety of materials, including reptile-safe sand, paper towels, and non-slip cloth. They provide a variety of benefits for bearded dragons, including:

  • Comfort: Sand mats are soft and comfortable to lay on, which is important for bearded dragons, who spend most of their time basking and sleeping.
  • Hygiene: Sand mats are easy to clean, which helps to keep your bearded dragon’s enclosure clean and healthy.
  • Stimulation: Sand mats provide a source of enrichment for bearded dragons, who enjoy digging and burrowing.

If you’re thinking about getting a bearded dragon, I highly recommend using a sand mat as part of their enclosure. It’s a great way to provide your pet with a comfortable, healthy, and stimulating environment.

Here are some specific reasons why I believe a sand mat is necessary for bearded dragons:

  • It helps to keep their nails trimmed. Bearded dragons naturally shed their nails as they grow, but they can sometimes get too long if they don’t have something to scratch on. A sand mat provides a rough surface that helps to file down their nails naturally.
  • It helps to keep them cool. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals, so they need to be able to regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun and cooling off in the shade. A sand mat can help to keep them cool by absorbing heat from their body.
  • It provides a place to dig and burrow. Bearded dragons are natural burrowers, so they enjoy having a place to dig and burrow in their enclosure. A sand mat provides the perfect environment for them to do this.

Overall, I believe that a sand mat is an essential part of any bearded dragon enclosure. It provides a variety of benefits for bearded dragons, including comfort, hygiene, stimulation, and temperature regulation. If you’re thinking about getting a bearded dragon, I highly recommend using a sand mat as part of their enclosure.

My Buying Guide on ‘Sand Mat for Bearded Dragon’

Sand mats are a popular substrate option for bearded dragons, as they provide a natural and comfortable environment for these reptiles. However, not all sand mats are created equal. Some are made from materials that can be harmful to bearded dragons, while others are simply not the right size or shape for a bearded dragon’s enclosure.

In this buying guide, I will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a sand mat for your bearded dragon. I will also recommend some of the best sand mats on the market.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sand Mat for Bearded Dragons

There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing a sand mat for your bearded dragon. These include:

  • Material: The most important factor to consider when choosing a sand mat is the material it is made from. Some sand mats are made from materials that can be harmful to bearded dragons, such as calcium carbonate or sand that contains silica. It is important to choose a sand mat that is made from a safe material, such as non-toxic, sand-free reptile carpet.
  • Size: The size of the sand mat is also important. The sand mat should be large enough for your bearded dragon to comfortably move around on. A good rule of thumb is to choose a sand mat that is at least twice the length and width of your bearded dragon.
  • Shape: The shape of the sand mat is also important. A round sand mat can be difficult for your bearded dragon to climb on, while a square or rectangular sand mat will provide more stability.
  • Price: The price of a sand mat is another important factor to consider. Sand mats can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The price of the sand mat will depend on the size, material, and brand.

Recommended Sand Mats for Bearded Dragons

Based on the factors discussed above, I recommend the following sand mats for bearded dragons:

  • Repti-Carpet Non-Adhesive Reptile Carpet: This sand mat is made from non-toxic, sand-free reptile carpet. It is available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your bearded dragon’s enclosure. This sand mat is also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded reptile owners.
  • Zoo Med Repti-Sand Desert Mat: This sand mat is made from a mixture of sand and clay. It is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect color to match your bearded dragon’s enclosure. This sand mat is also non-toxic, making it safe for your bearded dragon to use.
  • Arcadia EarthMix Desert Sand Mat: This sand mat is made from a mixture of sand, clay, and minerals. It is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect color to match your bearded dragon’s enclosure. This sand mat is also non-toxic, making it safe for your bearded dragon to use.

Sand mats are a popular substrate option for bearded dragons, but it is important to choose a sand mat that is safe and the right size for your bearded dragon. The sand mats I have recommended in this guide are all safe and affordable options that will provide your bearded dragon with a comfortable and natural environment.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.