As omnivores, bearded dragons eat both plants and animals. But can they eat grasshoppers? Are all types of grasshoppers safe?
Grasshoppers are an excellent food choice for bearded dragons, even if they may not initially seem appealing. Insects comprise a large part of a bearded dragon’s natural diet, and grasshoppers are a favourite. They offer valuable protein, which supports growth and development. Let’s dive deeper into whether bearded dragons can eat grasshoppers and explore the benefits and risks of feeding them this insect.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grasshoppers?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat grasshoppers. However, they should only be purchased from a trusted pet store or retailer. Only feed insects that are raised explicitly for reptile consumption. Avoid giving your bearded dragons wild-caught insects, as they may contain harmful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grasshoppers?
You can offer grasshoppers once a week, which is recommended. For baby bearded dragons, feeding them grasshoppers twice a week is ideal. Small reptiles require more protein than adults.
Providing a nutrient-rich diet is crucial for your bearded dragon’s health. Like humans, they can get bored or upset from eating the same food daily. Therefore, it’s essential to offer a variety of meals regularly.
Bearded dragons enjoy fruits, veggies, and insects, which are their best foods. Grasshoppers and other insects like slugs and beetles are a great occasional treat.
4 Benefits of Grasshoppers for Bearded Dragons
Grasshoppers provide bearded dragons with a rich protein source, essential vitamins like B12 and B9, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Including grasshoppers in their diet offers numerous benefits. Here are a few advantages of feeding grasshoppers to your bearded dragon.
- Fiber Promotes Regular Digestion
Grasshoppers are a good source of fibre for your bearded dragon. Fibre helps support regular digestion, making it an essential part of their diet.
- Calcium Protects from Metabolic Bone Diseases
Grasshoppers can provide a great source of calcium for your bearded dragon when adequately fed. The calcium content supports your dragon’s skeletal growth and helps prevent metabolic bone diseases.
- Protein is Essential for Immunological Function
Bearded dragons should consume no more than 20 per cent insect-based food to meet their protein needs. Grasshoppers are a good source of protein. Owners of young or baby bearded dragons know these reptiles require more insect-based diets to support their growing protein needs. Protein is essential for immune function, muscle and organ health, growth, energy levels, and bone strength. However, it’s important to feed in moderation.
- Vitamins A and C are for a Healthy Immune System
Grasshoppers are rich in vitamins A, B, and C while being low in cholesterol. Vitamins A and C support a healthy immune system, vision, reproduction, and growth.
In addition to these key nutrients, several others benefit your bearded dragon. These include vitamins B12 and B9, zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
2 Risks of Feeding Grasshoppers to Bearded Dragons
Grasshoppers are a good option for your bearded dragon, offering health benefits. However, there are some risks to consider. Keep these factors in mind before feeding grasshoppers to your pet dragon.
- Risk of Teeth and Gum Injury
Before feeding your bearded dragon grasshoppers, make sure to remove their wings. This helps prevent the wings from getting stuck between their teeth, which could lead to injury.
- Risk of Obesity
Grasshoppers are rich in protein and fat. A diet too high in these nutrients can cause obesity and other health issues in bearded dragons. Always offer them in moderation.
How to Feed grasshoppers to Your Bearded Dragons?
Feeding grasshoppers to your bearded dragon is simple—no need to chop or boil. Just catch a grasshopper and let your bearded dragon enjoy its meal.
Offer Live
You can feed your bearded dragon live grasshoppers, but catching them can be difficult due to their jumping. To make it easier, cover the cage with a small net. Place a live grasshopper inside so your bearded dragon can enjoy hunting and eating its prey.
Dried Grasshoppers
If live insects aren’t available, dried grasshoppers can be used as a substitute. Serving them is more straightforward than living ones. Place them in a bowl for your reptile to eat. For fun, scatter some dried grasshoppers around the cage during feeding time.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat grasshoppers, Which offer nutritional benefits and are tasty treats. Always feed grasshoppers from pet stores or ones you’ve bred yourself. This prevents your bearded dragon from consuming harmful pesticides or herbicides. Research any food before adding it to your bearded dragon’s diet to ensure it’s safe and healthy.
FAQ
Can baby bearded dragons eat grasshoppers?
Yes, baby dragons can eat grasshoppers, but only after proper preparation.
Can bearded dragons eat wild grasshoppers?
Wild grasshoppers are unsafe for your reptile as they might have been exposed to fungicides and pesticides. Additionally, many wild grasshoppers carry parasites that can harm your bearded dragon.
Can bearded dragons eat canned grasshoppers?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat canned grasshoppers in moderation.
Can your bearded dragon eat black grasshoppers?
Bearded dragons can safely eat black grasshoppers. These insects don’t contain harmful toxins or chemicals that could affect your dragon’s health.
Can bearded dragons eat lubber grasshoppers?
Bearded dragons can eat lubber grasshoppers, but it’s not recommended. Feeding them can lead to serious digestive issues for your dragon.