Can Bearded Dragons Eat Millipedes?

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 Pickles to Bean Sprouts to Edamame.

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 millipedes?

So, let’s get started!

Can bearded dragons have millipedes?

No, bearded dragons should not eat millipedes. Millipedes contain toxins that can harm or even be fatal to bearded dragons. These toxins can cause digestive issues, illness, or even death in some cases.

Instead, provide a diverse diet of vegetables, fruits, and insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms. These options are safer and more nutritious for bearded dragons, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing risks associated with toxic prey.

Now, let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding millipedes to bearded dragons in more detail.

Potential risks of feeding millipedes to beardies

While millipedes can offer some benefits to your bearded dragon, there are also some potential risks to keep in mind:

Chitin indigestion: Millipedes have a high chitin content, which can lead to impaction or difficulty in digestion for bearded dragons.
Toxin ingestion: Some millipedes release toxins as a defense mechanism, which can be harmful to bearded dragons if ingested.
Parasite transmission: Wild-caught millipedes may carry parasites, which can potentially infect bearded dragons if fed to them.

Alternatives to millipedes for bearded dragons

If you’re searching for alternatives to millipedes, 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 a staple food for bearded dragons, promoting growth, energy, and overall health when fed regularly.
Dubia Roaches: High in protein and essential nutrients, Dubia Roaches promote healthy growth and development for your bearded dragon, serving as a staple feeder insect in their diet.
Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium, collard greens support bearded dragon’s bone health, immune system, and vision, and can be served as a staple part of their diet.
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries enhance your bearded dragon’s immunity and support skin health, serving as a weekly treat.
Hornworms: High in moisture and protein, hornworms are an excellent treat for bearded dragons promoting hydration and muscle growth, recommended to be fed occasionally due to their high growth rate.

FAQs

1. Can baby bearded dragons eat millipedes?

No, baby bearded dragons should not eat millipedes due to their toxic secretions.

2. How often can bearded dragons eat millipedes?

Bearded dragons should not eat millipedes, as they can be toxic to them.

3. Do bearded dragons like millipedes?

No, bearded dragons should not eat millipedes as they can be toxic to them.

Other foods for bearded dragons worth checking:

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!

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