Can Bearded Dragons Eat Roaches, Bearded dragons are popular and lovable pets. However, feeding and caring for them can concern many owners. A common question among pet owners is what food items are safe for their bearded dragons.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they can eat plant-based foods and insects. Many owners struggle to choose the right insects for their pets.
A frequent question is whether bearded dragons can eat roaches. The answer is yes. Roaches are a nutritious food option supporting bearded dragons’ growth, health, and overall well-being.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Roaches / Cockroaches?
Bearded dragons can eat roaches, and they enjoy the taste of them. While some may find roaches smelly or dangerous, they are a healthy food option for your pet. Like crickets and centipedes, roaches are rich in proteins, fats, calcium, and vitamins.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Roaches?
The number of roaches you feed your bearded dragon depends on the roach size and your dragon’s age. For example, if you’re feeding 2″ Dubia roaches, you can give your bearded dragon 4-5 of them.
For baby bearded dragons, you’ll need to feed more roaches, up to 20-25. However, these roaches should be smaller in size.
What Kind of Roaches Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
There are several types of roaches to feed your bearded dragon, but they prefer certain ones. Dubia roaches, and Giant islander roaches are two favorites. Baby bearded dragons can enjoy Dubia roaches, but only a quarter of one at a time. Adult dragons can eat a whole Dubia roach. When feeding your pet beardie, keeping a few key considerations in mind is essential.
4 Benefits of Roaches for Bearded Dragons
1: Beardies Love the Taste of Roaches
Bearded dragons enjoy eating roaches because of their taste. Pet owners can use this to offer their pets other healthy foods alongside cockroaches. This ensures that no food goes to waste.
2: Roaches Consist of Proteins
Roaches provide a great source of protein for bearded dragons, with some species containing up to 50% protein. This makes them a highly beneficial food option for pet beardies.
3: Roaches are Also a Good Source of Fat
Fats are essential for bearded dragons, along with other key nutrients. Roaches are a good source of fat, supporting their growth and overall health.
4: Roaches Contain Other Additional Nutrients Too
In addition to protein and fat, roaches are also packed with other essential nutrients. Certain species, like the Dubia roach, are exceptionally high in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and more.
4 Risks of Feeding Roaches to Bearded Dragons
Apart from the benefits, there are also risks that pet owners should be aware of.
1: Roaches are Very Pricey
Cockroaches are more expensive to feed than other insects. Pet owners may feed their bearded dragons roaches, crickets, worms, and other insects.
2: Roaches are Not So Easy to Get
Roaches are hard to find and feed to pet beardies. Few shops sell them, but online websites offer a convenient option for purchasing them for your pet.
3: Roaches are the Special Harvested Ones
At first, you might think it’s OK to feed your bearded dragon any roaches, even those in your home. However, this is not the case. Only specific roaches are safe for feeding. Pet owners must be careful. Never feed your bearded dragon wild roaches, as they can be poisonous.
4: Roaches Can Bite
Raches can bite the handler and even bearded dragons when not appropriately handled. Pet owners should exercise caution when dealing with them.
How to Feed Roaches to Your Bearded Dragons?
Before feeding your bearded dragon with roaches, shake the packet first. This helps add nutrients to the Dubia roaches. Always aim to feed your beardie fresh roaches, though they can also be given other food items or fed solely roaches.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat roaches. Roaches provide a balanced, nutritious option for your pet dragon. They are easy to store, allowing you to feed your beardie for an extended period. Additionally, they are easily digestible for bearded dragons. Pet owners should consider roaches an excellent food choice, especially for baby bearded dragons during their growth phase.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat roaches?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat roaches. They are highly nutritious and make a great food option for your pet.
Do bearded dragons like roaches?
Yes, bearded dragons love roaches and enjoy eating them.
Are roaches safe for beardies?
Yes, roaches are safe for bearded dragons. Pet owners can feed their bearded dragons roaches as part of their diet.
Can bearded dragons eat dead roaches?
If the roaches are dead shortly after being offered, pet owners can feed them to their beardies. However, if the roaches have been dead for several hours or are old, it’s best not to feed them to your pet.