Yes I've heared that live is best, and agree, however freeze-dried seems cheaper I think, and if it's possible to avoid taking care of stinky insects that die easily, that would be best.

I've also heard you can soak the bugs in hot water to give them back their moisture (for the beardies as they don't tend to drink water)

I'm thinking phoenix worms might be best. I might see if I can get more than 1 kind of insect.