Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles with voracious appetites, and their diet plays a crucial role in their overall health and well-being. While these beloved pets are known for their affinity for leafy greens and fruits, they also thrive on a diet that includes insects. Not all bug bearded dragons can eat, and some can even be harmful or toxic. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of bugs that bearded dragons can safely eat, as well as those they should avoid at all costs.
Bug Bearded Dragons Can Eat
Bearded dragons are known to be voracious eaters, but it’s important to know which bugs are safe for them to consume. A variety of insects can be offered to your beardie as part of their diet, including crickets, roaches, mealworms, and grasshoppers. These bugs are not only a great source of protein for your bearded dragon but also provide essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins.
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are an excellent choice, as they are high in protein and easy to digest for your beardie. These roaches also have a low fat content, making them a healthy option for maintaining your pet’s weight. In addition, the soft exoskeleton of Dubia roaches makes them suitable for bearded dragons of all ages, from hatchlings to adults.
Goliath Worms
Another noteworthy insect that bearded dragons can feast on is the goliath worm. These large worms are rich in nutrients and offer a delectable treat for your pet reptile. Goliath worms can help diversify your dragon’s diet while providing essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in their regular meals. These worms provide mental stimulation for your bearded dragon as they hunt and chase their wriggling prey. Introducing these unique insects into your dragon’s diet not only adds excitement to feeding time but also contributes to their overall well-being.
Waxworms
Wax Worms are a good food for bearded dragons because they are easy to get and your dragon will like them. But don’t give too many waxworms because they are very high in fat. Give your bearded dragon only two to six worms a day. If your bearded dragon is overweight or has weight problems, waxworms may not be the best choice.
Mealworms
Bearded dragons enjoy eating mealworms as a tasty and nutritious part of their diet. Feeding five to six mealworms per day, in addition to their regular food, will keep adult bearded dragons happy. But it’s not good to give mealworms to baby bearded dragons because their bodies may have trouble digesting the hard exoskeleton, which could cause digestive issues.
Superworms
Superworms are an excellent source of protein and can be offered to bearded dragons as part of a balanced diet. These worms provide essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, contributing to the overall health and well-being of these reptiles.
Crickets
Crickets are another popular food choice for bearded dragons due to their high protein content and easy availability. Feeding crickets to your bearded dragon can also stimulate natural hunting instincts, promoting mental stimulation and physical activity. It’s crucial to ensure that the crickets provided are gut-loaded with nutritious foods before being offered to the bearded dragon, thereby increasing their nutritional value.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Black Soldier Fly Larvae are not only rich in protein, but they also contain calcium and fiber, making them an excellent choice for your beardie’s diet. These larvae are low in fat, making them a healthy option while providing essential nutrients for your pet’s overall health
Butterworms
Butterworms should be avoided in a bearded dragon’s diet. While they may seem like a tasty treat, butterworms contain high levels of fat, which can lead to obesity and other health issues in bearded dragons if consumed regularly. It is important to carefully consider the nutritional value of insects before introducing them into your pet’s diet.
Silkworms
Silkworms are a fantastic option for bearded dragons due to their high calcium content and soft bodies, making them easy to digest. These nutritious insects also provide essential protein and moisture for your pet lizard, ensuring a well-rounded diet that promotes overall health.
Earthworms
Another excellent bug choice for bearded dragons is earthworms. Not only are they rich in protein, but they also offer a natural source of fiber and beneficial gut bacteria for your reptile. Earthworms provide an engaging feeding experience for bearded dragons, stimulating their natural hunting instincts while offering a diverse nutritional profile. Including these wiggly critters in your dragon’s diet can help maintain proper digestive function and support their overall well-being.
Locusts
Locusts are good food for bearded dragons because they have lots of protein. They can be big, so make sure they’re small enough for your dragon. In the United States, you can’t feed locusts to your bearded dragon because they’re banned. But you can buy them in the United Kingdom and other countries.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches may not seem like the most appealing choice of food, but they are actually an incredibly nutritious option for bearded dragons. They’re rich in protein and fat, which can help support your pet’s energy needs and overall health. Some species of cockroaches, such as Dubia roaches, have a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio that is essential for maintaining strong bones in bearded dragons. When properly sourced and prepared, cockroaches can offer valuable nutrition that supports the well-being of your beloved reptile companion.
Morioworms
Morioworms are a fantastic option due to their high protein content, which is crucial for the growth and development of bearded dragons. These worms also offer a good balance of calcium and phosphorus, contributing to bone health in these reptiles.
Orange Head Roach
Orange Head Roaches are another excellent choice as they are rich in essential vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which plays a vital role in a bearded dragon’s overall well-being.
Discoid Roach
Discoid roaches are good food for adult bearded dragons. They have a lot of fat and are easy to digest. But be careful not to feed your bearded dragon too many, as it could cause weight problems.
Turkistan Roach
If your bearded dragon enjoys eating crickets, it will also enjoy Turkistan roaches. These bugs are about the same size as crickets but have more protein and calcium. They would be great regular food for your bearded dragon if they were easier to find.
What Insects Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon Daily?
Bearded dragons have a varied diet, and it’s important to include a variety of insects to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients. Some insects that you can feed your bearded dragon daily include crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae. These insects are high in protein and are readily accepted by most bearded dragons.
What Is a Bearded Dragon’s Favorite Insect?
A bearded dragon’s favorite insect is often crickets. These insects are a good source of protein and can be easily found in pet stores. Bearded dragons also enjoy other insects such as mealworms, superworms, and dubia roaches. It’s important to offer a variety of insects to ensure a balanced diet for your pet bearded dragon.
In addition to insects, bearded dragons also enjoy eating leafy greens and vegetables. Providing a diverse diet is key to keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy. Always make sure the insects you offer are appropriately sized for your dragon’s age and size.
What Bugs Should I Not Feed My Bearded Dragon?
There are several bugs that you should avoid feeding to your bearded dragon. Fireflies, lightning bugs, and boxelder bugs are toxic to bearded dragons and should never be fed to them. These bugs contain a chemical called lucibufagins which can be harmful or even fatal to your pet.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can consume a wide variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables as part of their diet. It is important for owners to be aware of the specific bug bearded dragons can eat and those that should be avoided. In general, avoiding insects that are high in fat or have hard exoskeletons is recommended to prevent digestive issues. It’s crucial to research and consult with a reptile veterinarian to ensure that your bearded dragon’s diet is balanced and suitable for their health. By providing a proper diet, you can help ensure the well-being and longevity of your beloved pet reptile.