Do you own a Bearded Dragon? Then you know that they require a varied diet to be healthy and happy.
But did you know that you can feed them beetles? That’s right – beetles can provide essential nutrients for your Bearded Dragon, as well as a great source of entertainment.
In this article, we’ll discuss what types of beetles are safe for Bearded Dragons to eat, the nutritional benefits of feeding them beetles, and some safety and handling tips for feeding them.
Read on to learn more about feeding your Bearded Dragon beetles!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of beetles, including mealworms, superworms, waxworms, and roaches.
These should be fed in moderation as a treat, not as a regular part of their diet.
Bearded dragons can also eat pre-killed beetles, such as crickets, but they are not as nutritious as live insects.
In general, these beetles should be gut-loaded with nutritious foods before being fed to the bearded dragon.
What are Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that are native to Australia, but have become popular as pets around the world.
They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and can make wonderful companions.
They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals, and can be fed a variety of foods including insects, vegetables, and fruits.
Bearded dragons need a lot of heat and humidity to thrive, and should be kept in an enclosure with a temperature range of 90-110F and humidity levels of around 40-60%.
Additionally, they require a lot of UVB light to help them absorb calcium and other nutrients from their food, and should have either a UVB bulb or access to natural sunlight.
Bearded dragons can live for up to 15 years when cared for properly, making them a long-term commitment.
Types of Beetles Safe for Bearded Dragons to Eat
Bearded dragons are a popular type of lizard that are kept as pets, and they are omnivorous, meaning they can eat a variety of foods.
Among the things they can eat are certain types of beetles.
Mealworms, superworms, waxworms, and roaches are all types of beetles that are safe for bearded dragons to consume.
All of these insects should be fed in moderation, however, as they can be higher in fat and should only be given as a treat.
When feeding any type of beetle to a bearded dragon, it is important to gut-load them before feeding.
Gut-loading is a process where the beetle is fed a nutritious diet so that they provide additional nutrients and vitamins to the bearded dragon when they consume them.
The most common foods used for gut-loading beetles are fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and kale.
This will ensure that the bearded dragon is getting the most out of the beetle they are eating.
Another important consideration when feeding beetles to bearded dragons is the size of the beetle.
It is important to make sure that the beetle is not too large for the bearded dragon to eat, as this could lead to choking or other health issues.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the beetle is dead before feeding it to the bearded dragon, as live beetles can injure the lizard.
Overall, feeding beetles to bearded dragons can be a great way to provide them with additional nutrition.
Mealworms, superworms, waxworms, and roaches are all types of beetles that are safe for bearded dragons to eat, although it is important to remember to gut-load them and to only feed them in moderation.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the beetle is not too large for the bearded dragon and that it is dead before feeding it.
With these considerations in mind, feeding beetles to bearded dragons can be a great way to provide them with additional nutrients and vitamins.
Moderation is Key
When it comes to feeding beetles to a bearded dragon, moderation is key.
It is important to remember that these insects are higher in fat, so they should only be fed as occasional treats.
If a bearded dragon is given too many beetles, it can lead to health problems such as obesity and other nutritional deficiencies.
Additionally, if a bearded dragon is given too many beetles, it can lead to an increase in their prey drive, which can lead to more aggressive behavior.
To avoid these issues, it is important to feed beetles to bearded dragons in moderation.
It is also important to remember that all beetles should be gut-loaded before feeding to a bearded dragon.
Gut-loading involves adding additional nutrients and vitamins to the food to ensure that the lizard is getting the necessary nutrition.
This can be done by feeding insects a nutritious diet before feeding them to the lizard, or by dusting the insects with a calcium supplement.
Gut-loading will ensure that the bearded dragon is getting the nutrition it needs from the beetles.
Gut-Loading Beetles
Gut-loading is an essential step when feeding beetles to a bearded dragon.
This process involves feeding the beetles a nutrient-rich diet of fruits and vegetables before they are given to the lizard.
This ensures that the beetle is full of beneficial vitamins and minerals that can be transferred to the bearded dragon.
Gut-loading the beetles also encourages natural feeding behaviors in the bearded dragon, as they will need to actively hunt and capture the prey in order to consume it.
It is important to avoid feeding wild-caught beetles to a bearded dragon, as these can contain parasites or other dangerous contaminants.
Gut-loading commercial beetles is a safe and effective way to provide your bearded dragon with healthy and nutritious food.
Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Beetles to Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that are popular as pets, and they are omnivorous, meaning they can eat a variety of foods.
Among the things that bearded dragons can eat are certain types of beetles, such as mealworms, super worms, waxworms, and roaches.
Although these insects are safe for bearded dragons to eat, it is important to feed them in moderation, as they can be higher in fat and should only be fed as occasional treats.
To ensure that the beetles provide the maximum nutritional benefit to the bearded dragon, they should be gut-loaded before feeding.
Gut-loading is a process where the beetle is fed a nutrient-rich diet, such as fruits and vegetables, for 24-48 hours prior to being fed to the lizard.
This will provide additional nutrients and vitamins for the bearded dragon.
In addition to providing essential nutrients and vitamins, beetles can also provide a great source of protein for bearded dragons.
Mealworms, for example, are an excellent source of protein, as they are composed of 50% protein and 20% fat.
Waxworms, on the other hand, are higher in fat but still provide a good source of protein.
It is important to remember that all beetles should be fed in moderation, as they can be higher in fat than other foods.
Additionally, all beetles should be gut-loaded prior to feeding, as this will provide additional nutrients and vitamins for the bearded dragon.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the essential nutrients it needs while enjoying a tasty treat!
Other Food Items for Bearded Dragons
In addition to the types of beetles mentioned above, there are a variety of other food items that are safe and healthy for bearded dragons to eat.
Fruits and vegetables should make up the bulk of a bearded dragons diet, and can include items like apples, oranges, grapes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.
Protein sources such as cooked lean meats and boiled eggs can also be offered in moderation.
Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms should be fed as occasional treats.
All food items should be chopped into small pieces and dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement before feeding.
It is also important to provide bearded dragons with plenty of fresh water throughout the day.
A shallow dish should be filled with water and changed daily.
Reptile water conditioners can also be added to the water to ensure that it is safe for your bearded dragon to drink.
Finally, it is important to provide your bearded dragon with adequate heat and light in order to keep them healthy.
A basking light should be used to provide warmth and UVB light, and the temperature should be monitored to ensure that it is within the ideal range for your particular species of bearded dragon.
By providing your bearded dragon with a balanced and nutritious diet, plenty of fresh water, and the right type of heat and light, you can ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy.
Safety and Handling Tips for Feeding Beetles to Bearded Dragons
When feeding beetles to your bearded dragon, it is important to ensure that they are safe for your pet. All beetles should be gut-loaded before offering them to your dragon, as this will provide additional nutrients and vitamins for the lizard. Additionally, it is important to handle beetles with care, as they can be delicate and easily damaged. Here are a few tips for safely and properly handling and feeding beetles to your bearded dragon:
1. Make sure that the beetles are the appropriate size for your dragon. Typically, mealworms, super worms, waxworms, and roaches should all be no longer than the width of your dragons head, as larger insects can be difficult for them to eat.
2. Wash the beetles with warm water before offering them to your dragon. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the beetles.
3. Feed your dragon beetles in moderation. While they can be a nutritious and tasty treat for bearded dragons, they should only be offered as an occasional treat, as they can be higher in fat than other items in their diet.
4. Always gut-load the beetles before feeding them to your dragon. Gut-loading is the process of feeding the beetles nutrient-rich foods before offering them to your dragon, as this will provide additional vitamins and minerals to the lizard.
By following these safety and handling tips, you can ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving safe, nutritious, and tasty beetle treats.
Final Thoughts
Feeding beetles to your bearded dragon can be a great way to provide them with additional nutrients and vitamins.
Mealworms, super worms, waxworms, and roaches are all safe for bearded dragons to eat, but moderation is key.
Gut-loading the beetles before feeding them to your dragon will also ensure they get the most out of their meals.
Be sure to also include other food items in your dragon’s diet in order to give them a balanced and nutritious meal.
Lastly, always be sure to exercise caution when handling and feeding beetles to your dragon for their safety.