Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they can eat almost any insect. When kept as pets, they often consume insects found in their owners’ homes. This raises concerns for many pet owners about whether their bearded dragon eats safely. One common question is whether bearded dragons can eat spiders. The answer is yes, they can eat them, as long as the spiders are not poisonous or harmful.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat spiders, but they should not rely on them as a regular meal. Only non-toxic spiders should be given to them. Pet owners need not worry if their bearded dragons eat non-toxic spiders. Earthworms, ants, and flies are also great treats for bearded dragons.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat spiders?
Bearded dragons should only eat spiders occasionally, not as a regular meal. Spiders are not suitable for daily feeding and should generally be avoided. Pet owners often cannot tell if spiders are toxic, which can pose a risk. While spiders provide some nutritional value, like protein, chitin, and calcium, these are not enough for a balanced diet. Minimizing direct contact is essential when handling spiders, and tweezers should be used if needed. Large spiders should always be avoided for your bearded dragon’s safety.
Which Spiders Can I feed My Bearded Dragons?
It is important to avoid feeding your pet beardie spiders. While spiders offer some nutritional benefits for bearded dragons, certain types should be avoided. Pet owners should be cautious and know which spiders are safe and which are not. Here is a list of spiders that bearded dragons can eat:
House Spiders
House spiders are tiny spiders commonly found in homes. They are not poisonous to bearded dragons. Pet beardies can safely be eaten without health issues or poisoning.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are safe for bearded dragons to eat and won’t poison them. However, feeding jumping spiders regularly can lead to health problems. Pet owners should avoid giving jumping spiders to their beardies.
5 Toxic Spiders Not to Feed to Your Bearded Dragon
Apart from the non-toxic spiders in the house, many are poisonous and harmful to bearded dragons. Some toxic spiders can roam in areas where bearded dragons may encounter and attempt to eat them.
Hobo Spiders May Lead to Vomiting
Hobo spiders are highly toxic to bearded dragons. These black and brown spiders seek shelter inside homes during winter, often near doors and windows. Bearded dragons may try to eat them, leading to severe health issues. A bearded dragon consuming a hobo spider may experience vomiting, shaking legs, and other harmful symptoms. Pet owners should be cautious to prevent their dragons from encountering these spiders.
Brown Recluse Causes Death
A brown recluse is another spider species that can harm bearded dragons if they feed on it. Contact with these spiders can lead to the dragon’s death.
Yellow Sac Spider May Cause Difficulty in Breathing
Yellow sac spiders are toxic to bearded dragons and can be fatal if consumed. A bite from these spiders can cause severe reactions, including difficulty breathing and, in some cases, death.
Wolf Spider Leads to Cramps
The size of wolf spiders varies based on their environment. Pet owners must protect their bearded dragons from these harmful and poisonous creatures. If bearded dragons consume wolf spiders, they may experience breathing problems, cramps, and other serious health issues, which could ultimately lead to death.
Black Widow Spider Makes Body Senseless
As their name suggests, these harmful spiders are red. If a black widow spider bites a bearded dragon, it causes pain and numbness in the affected area. The harm they could cause if bearded dragons consume them is significant.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat spiders, as long as the spiders are not toxic. Toxic spiders can harm them and even be fatal. Therefore, pet owners must keep their bearded dragons away from potentially dangerous spiders.
FAQ
Can bearded dragons eat daddy’s long legs?
Bearded dragons can eat daddy’s long legs, and pet owners need not worry about it.
Can I feed my bearded dragon a wolf spider?
No, bearded dragons should never eat wolf spiders. Pet owners must avoid feeding their bearded dragons and wolf spiders.
What happens if a bearded dragon eats a huntsman spider?
No, bearded dragons cannot eat huntsman spiders. These spiders are toxic to beardies and can cause serious illness. Pet owners should be concerned if their beardies are consuming them.
Can bearded dragons eat black widows?
No, black widow spiders are highly toxic. If a bearded dragon eats a black widow, it can lead to serious health issues.
Do bearded dragons eat cicadas?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating cicadas, and it’s safe to do so. There is no harm in feeding your pet beardie cicadas.
Would a tarantula kill a bearded dragon?
No, bearded dragons should never be harmed. Pet owners need not worry about such concerns.
Can bearded dragons eat house spiders?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat house spiders. Pet owners need not worry if their bearded dragon feeds on them.