If you’re a proud owner of a bearded dragon, you know how important it is to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. With so many food options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the endless possibilities of what you can or cannot feed your beardies – from Apricots to Rainbow Chard to Daisies.
However, today we’ll be focusing on a particular food item, or rather a particular question, that often sparks confusion in the mind of a bearded dragon owner – can my bearded dragon eat ants?
So, let’s get started!
Can bearded dragons have ants?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat ants. However, it is not recommended to feed them ants regularly as they can bite and harm the bearded dragon. Moreover, ants can carry parasites or harmful bacteria that could negatively affect your pet’s health.
Instead, a bearded dragon’s diet should consist of a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits. Common insects to feed them include crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches, while vegetables and fruits should be provided occasionally.
Now, let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding ants to bearded dragons in more detail.
Benefits of feeding ants to beardies
Here are 3 benefits of feeding ants to bearded dragons:
- Natural diet: Feeding ants to bearded dragons mimics their natural diet in the wild, promoting better digestion and overall health.
- Enrichment activity: Hunting and eating ants provides bearded dragons with mental and physical stimulation, preventing boredom and encouraging natural behaviors.
- High protein source: Ants are a great source of protein and essential nutrients, contributing to the bearded dragon’s growth and overall well-being.
Potential risks of feeding ants to beardies
While ants can offer some benefits to your bearded dragon, there are also some potential risks to keep in mind:
- Impaction Risk: Ants have hard exoskeletons that can cause impaction if ingested in large quantities by bearded dragons.
- Possible Poisoning: Some ants secrete formic acid or other toxins, which can be harmful to bearded dragons if consumed.
- Bacterial Infection: Ants may carry harmful bacteria on their bodies, which could lead to infections in bearded dragons after ingestion.
Alternatives to ants for bearded dragons
If you’re searching for alternatives to ants, there are plenty of other fruits, vegetables and insects that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Here are five options to consider, along with their potential benefits and how to incorporate them into your beardie’s diet:
- Crickets: High in protein and essential nutrients, crickets are an excellent staple food for bearded dragons, promoting their overall health and growth. They can be fed daily or every other day.
- Dubia Roaches: High in protein and easy to digest, Dubia roaches are a nutritious feeder insect for bearded dragons, promoting growth and overall health. They can be fed as a staple part of their diet.
- Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins A and C, Collard Greens provide essential nutrients for your bearded dragon, promoting healthy growth and supporting their immune system. They can be fed up to three times a week.
- Butternut Squash: High in fiber and vitamin A, butternut squash can support your bearded dragon’s digestive health and maintain good vision, occasionally offered as a nutritious addition to their diet.
- Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries can enhance your bearded dragon’s immunity and support healthy skin, suitable as a weekly treat.
FAQs
1. Can baby bearded dragons eat ants?
No, baby bearded dragons should not eat ants due to their aggressive nature and potential to cause injury or harm.
2. How often can bearded dragons eat ants?
Bearded dragons should not eat ants, as they can be harmful or toxic to them.
3. Do bearded dragons like ants?
No, bearded dragons should not eat ants due to their aggressive nature and potential to harm your pet.
Other foods for bearded dragons worth checking:
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Apricots?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rainbow Chard?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Daisies?
You can check other interesting information about your beardies by clicking here.
Also, do you have any special recipes or food tips for feeding bearded dragons? I’d love to hear from you! Share with me your beardie’s favourite in the comments below!
Reference:
