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 Nightcrawlers to Red Kale to Hot Dogs.
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 june bugs?
So, let’s get started!
Can bearded dragons have june bugs?
Yes, Bearded Dragons can eat June Bugs. June Bugs can be an occasional treat for your pet, as they are a good source of protein. However, they should not be the main staple of their diet.
It is essential to limit the number of June Bugs your Bearded Dragon eats, as their hard exoskeleton can be difficult to digest. Additionally, wild-caught June Bugs may carry parasites or pesticides, which can harm your reptile.
Now, let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding june bugs to bearded dragons in more detail.
Benefits of feeding june bugs to beardies
Here are 3 benefits of feeding june bugs to bearded dragons:
- High Protein Content: June Bugs are a good protein source for Bearded Dragons, supporting muscle growth and overall health.
- Natural Prey Item: As a natural part of their diet, June Bugs provide a familiar and instinctually satisfying food source for Bearded Dragons.
- Enrichment Activity: Capturing and consuming June Bugs stimulates Bearded Dragons’ natural hunting instincts and provides mental stimulation in captivity.
Potential risks of feeding june bugs to beardies
While june bugs can offer some benefits to your bearded dragon, there are also some potential risks to keep in mind:
- Chitin indigestion: June Bugs have a high amount of chitin in their exoskeleton, which can be difficult for Bearded Dragons to digest and may cause impaction.
- Parasite transmission: June Bugs can carry parasites or harmful bacteria, which can be transmitted to Bearded Dragons when consumed, potentially causing illness.
- Allergic reaction: Bearded Dragons may have an allergic reaction to the proteins found in June Bugs, leading to symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or other health issues.
Alternatives to june bugs for bearded dragons
If you’re searching for alternatives to june bugs, 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:
- Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins and minerals, collard greens support bearded dragon’s overall health and can be fed as a staple part of their diet multiple times a week.
- Dandelion Greens: Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and fiber, dandelion greens support your bearded dragon’s bone health, digestion, and overall wellbeing when fed in moderation.
- Dubia Roaches: High in protein and easy to digest, Dubia roaches are an excellent staple feeder for bearded dragons, promoting healthy growth and strong bones.
- Waxworms: High in protein and fat, waxworms are a tasty treat for bearded dragons, providing essential nutrients for growth and energy, best offered occasionally due to their high-fat content.
- Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries enhance your bearded dragon’s immunity and skin health, serving as a weekly treat.
FAQs
1. Can baby bearded dragons eat june bugs?
No, it is not recommended for baby bearded dragons to eat June Bugs.
2. How often can bearded dragons eat june bugs?
Bearded dragons can eat June Bugs occasionally, such as once or twice a week, due to their high chitin content.
3. Do bearded dragons like june bugs?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat June Bugs, but they should be fed in moderation due to their hard exoskeleton.
Other foods for bearded dragons worth checking:
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Nightcrawlers?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Red Kale?
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hot Dogs?
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:
