Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies?

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 Hard Boiled Eggs to Pansies to Earthworms.

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 rolly pollies?

So, let’s get started!

Can bearded dragons have rolly pollies?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat Rolly Pollies. These small creatures are a good source of protein and can be a part of their varied diet. Make sure to provide them with other insects and greens for a well-rounded nutrition plan.

However, it is essential to feed Rolly Pollies in moderation, as they can contain high amounts of chitin. Excessive chitin consumption can lead to impaction, a severe health issue for bearded dragons.

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

Benefits of feeding rolly pollies to beardies

Here are 3 benefits of feeding rolly pollies to bearded dragons:

Nutritional Value: Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs or isopods, are a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients for bearded dragons.
Stimulates Hunting: Providing live rolly pollies to bearded dragons encourages their natural hunting instincts and provides mental stimulation.
Low Fat Content: Rolly pollies have a lower fat content compared to other feeder insects, which can help maintain a healthy weight for bearded dragons.

Potential risks of feeding rolly pollies to beardies

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

Chitin Overload: Rolly pollies (pill bugs) have a high chitin content, which can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest and lead to impaction or other digestive issues.
Pesticide Exposure: Rolly pollies can carry pesticides, which could harm your bearded dragon if ingested in large quantities or over prolonged periods.
Parasite Transmission: Wild-caught rolly pollies may contain parasites, which can be transmitted to bearded dragons, causing health problems or even death.

Alternatives to rolly pollies for bearded dragons

If you’re searching for alternatives to rolly pollies, 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 provide an excellent staple food for bearded dragons, promoting growth and overall health with daily feeding.
Mealworms: High in protein and essential nutrients, mealworms are a staple food for bearded dragons, aiding in growth and overall health, and can be fed regularly as part of a balanced diet.
Waxworms: Nutritious and high in protein, waxworms serve as an occasional treat for bearded dragons, promoting growth and overall health.
Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and fiber, collard greens provide essential nutrients for your bearded dragon’s growth, bone health, and overall well-being; they can be included as a staple in their diet.
Butternut Squash.: Rich in nutrients and fiber, butternut squash can support your bearded dragon’s digestive health and overall well-being when offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

1. Can baby bearded dragons eat rolly pollies?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat Rolly Pollies as an occasional treat, but they should not be a staple in their diet due to their high chitin content.

2. How often can bearded dragons eat rolly pollies?

Bearded dragons can eat Rolly Pollies occasionally, about once or twice per week as a treat.

3. Do bearded dragons like rolly pollies?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat Rolly Pollies as an occasional treat.

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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