Your pet’s diet is a significant concern for every owner. Finding the safest diet is always a priority, whether it’s a cat, dog, or any omnivorous animal. For smaller pets like bearded dragons, the variety of food options becomes trickier, and choosing the proper diet is challenging.
Ants are also insects, and some animals consume them as food. There are various types of ants, such as red, black, carpenter, and fire ants. But are they safe feeder insects for your beardie? Let’s explore both sides.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they have more food options than other pets. They eat both insects and plants. Insects like grasshoppers and cockroaches are safe for beardies. But what about ants?
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?
Bearded dragons can sometimes eat ants, but it’s a topic of debate. While ants contain beneficial nutrients, they also have harmful substances like folic acid and formic acid, which can be dangerous for your pet. Not all ants are safe for beardies. Red, carpenter, and occasionally black ants are generally less harmful. While ants can provide some health benefits, they aren’t the best food choice for your bearded dragon.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?
Beardies should avoid consuming ants regularly. While feeding ants as an occasional treat is okay, they should not be a primary food source. Ants aren’t the safest or best option for your beardie’s diet.
There’s no specific guideline on how often to feed ants to beardies, but some experts recommend offering them once a week or every other month. Giving your pet 2 to 3 ants at a time is safe.
6 Benefits of Ants for Bearded Dragons
Ants contain some nutritious compounds that can be beneficial. Despite their less appealing side, the nutrients they provide are adequate. Your bearded dragon can reap the benefits if you feed them to your pet with proper regulation and within set limits.
1: Protein Aids in Overall Growth
Bearded dragons eat a mix of plants, fruits, and insects. Young beardies need more protein, like insects, compared to plants. However, adult beardies need more plants in their diet.
Ants are a good source of protein and can be fed to your pet in moderation. Black ants, in particular, are rich in protein, making them a suitable choice.
2: Fat Enhances Physical Appearance
Excessive fat can harm both humans and animals. However, a moderate amount of fat helps improve physical appearance. If your bearded dragon is healthy and well-built, ants can be a good fat source.
3: Phosphorus Assists in the Formation of Bones & Teeth
Ants are rich in phosphorus, essential for forming bones and teeth. The phosphorus in ants can benefit your pet dragon if consumed in small amounts. It also helps in producing energy.
4: Calcium Cares for Bone-Health
Ants have a low amount of calcium. However, a balanced diet can help your pet develop healthy bones and a strong skeleton. You can add calcium powders or supplements like calcium worms to their food to balance their calcium intake. Just be sure not to overfeed them.
5: Magnesium Helps in Absorbing Phosphorus & Calcium
Ants are rich in magnesium, an essential mineral for all living organisms. It regulates the secretion of parathyroid hormone, which aids in absorbing phosphorus and calcium. Additionally, magnesium can help prevent severe conditions like metabolic bone disease.
6: Potassium Aids in Muscle-Contraction & Controls Blood Pressure
Potassium plays a vital role in your pet’s body, supporting muscle contraction and helping to regulate blood pressure. It also maintains fluid balance.
While fire ants contain a lot of potassium, they are unsafe for your beardie. Fire ants sting very hard, so avoid feeding them to your beardie.
5 Risks of Feeding Ants to Bearded Dragons
The negative aspects of ants are unavoidable. Their harmful acids and the imbalanced ratio of compounds can harm birds.
1: Folic Acid Harms Severely
Ants contain high levels of folic acid, which can harm your pet. Folic acid may cause gastrointestinal issues in bearded dragons. This harmful compound can also lead to intoxication, anemia, birth defects, and other health problems.
2: Formic Acid Causes Irritation
Ants use formic acid as a weapon to defend themselves from predators. This acid can cause severe irritation, including skin discomfort and respiratory problems.
3: Imbalanced Ratio of Phosphorus and Calcium
Ants contain beneficial minerals like calcium and phosphorus, but their ratio is not ideal. Similar to superworms, ants have less calcium compared to phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can hinder calcium absorption, leading to metabolic bone disease.
4: Insecticides Dangerous for Your Pet’s Health
After purchasing ants from the market for your beardie, it’s essential to ensure they are free from insecticides. Residual insecticides on the ants can harm your pet and cause severe health issues.
5: Beardies Sometimes Cannot Digest Ants
Ants are tiny, but beardies can sometimes struggle with digestion after eating them. Digestive problems often indicate an unhealthy lifestyle.
How to Feed Ants to Your Bearded Dragons?
Choose the Right Ant for Your Pet
After weighing the pros and cons of ants, you should select the right type for your pet. Remember, they should not be a primary food source.
Purchase from A Well-Known Shop
When buying ants for your pet, always choose a reputable shop. Avoid feeding your pet ants that you catch from your garden.
Feeding Immediately is Better
When buying ants for your pet, always choose a reputable shop. Avoid feeding your pet ants that you catch from your garden.
Dust with Supplements
Dust the ants with calcium powder or mix it with other supplementary insects. This will help balance the calcium levels and keep your pet dragon healthier.
Observe Your Beardie
If your bearded dragon eats ants, monitor your pet closely for any signs of discomfort. Avoid feeding ants to your pet if it shows any signs of distress.
Conclusion
Can bearded dragons eat ants? The answer depends on various factors. If you’re unsure which ants are safe, it’s better not to feed them to your beardie. Many other insect options are safer. It’s OK if your pet occasionally eats ants, but avoid making it a regular part of their diet.
In addition to insects, veggies, and fruits make great treats for your bearded dragon. They find them tasty, and they are nutritious too. Consider your beardie’s age, needs, and preferences before offering food.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat ants?
No, ants are harmful to baby bearded dragons.
Do bearded dragons like ants?
Bearded dragons enjoy ants, but they should be given in moderation.
Are ants safe for beardies?
It is not safe food for your pet dragon. However, moderate consumption—once a week or even once a month—will not harm them.
Can bearded dragons eat dead ants?
Dead ants lose their nutritional value, so it’s best not to feed them to your pet.
Can bearded dragons eat carpenter ants?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat carpenter ants, but only in moderation. The protein in carpenter ants can contribute to their overall health.
Can bearded dragons eat black ants?
Bearded dragons can eat black ants in moderation since they are not toxic.
Can bearded dragons eat red ants?
Yes, red ants are nutritious so that bearded dragons can eat them.
Can ants kill a bearded dragon?
No, they don’t kill, but they could harm your pet severely.