Some spiders can be toxic to bearded dragons, so it is best to avoid feeding them spiders altogether. Stick to safe and nutritious insects like crickets, roaches, and superworms.
What You'll Learn
Why Shouldn’t Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?
It is important to consider what you feed your pet bearded dragon. Though they are omnivores, their diet should mainly consist of leafy greens and insects.
A common mistake made by new owners is feeding a beardie spiders, as this can be dangerous for the animal’s health. A great example of why not to feed a spider to a bearded dragon is when one owner tried it with his 3-year-old female beardie named Lola. After about ten minutes of eating the spider, Lola started showing signs of distress such as shaking her head rapidly. The owner immediately brought her to an emergency vet where she was diagnosed with toxicity from toxins in the spider’s body that were poisonous to beardies.
Here are some reasons why spiders should not be included in a bearded dragon’s diet:
- Spiders may contain toxic substances that can harm or even kill your pet if ingested
- Some types of spiders have sharp spikes on their legs which could cause injury if eaten
- Many species of spiders eat other animals so they might also carry parasites or bacteria inside them which could infect your pet
- It can be difficult to identify whether a particular spider is safe for consumption due to its size and coloration
Due to potential risks associated with consuming spiders, it is best practice for all pet owners to avoid feeding them altogether. Not only will this help keep your reptile friend healthy, but it will also ensure that you don’t make any costly mistakes like the one described above!
What Are The Potential Dangers Of Feeding Bearded Dragons Spiders?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles, which means they require a balanced diet of both animal and plant-based foods to stay healthy.
Spiders can be a tempting snack for bearded dragons due to the fact that they are an insect. However, since spiders do not offer much in terms of nutrition, it is important to understand the potential dangers associated with feeding them to your pet.
When considering spider toxicity as part of a bearded dragon’s insect nutrition, there are several factors to consider before introducing them into their diet. Spiders from certain areas have been known to carry toxins or other substances that may be harmful if ingested by a bearded dragon. Additionally, spiders may contain parasites or bacteria that could make your reptile ill if consumed.
For these reasons, it is wise to avoid giving live spiders to your beardie even though they might find them appealing. As such, it is best practice to stick with more nutritious insects like crickets and mealworms when planning out meals for your pet dragon instead of relying on wild critters like spiders for sustenance.
What Other Foods Make Up A Balanced Diet For Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards that require a balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. A typical diet for a bearded dragon should include plenty of vegetable sources, live prey, and occasional supplementation with vitamins and minerals.
As an example, one owner fed their pet bearded dragon crickets dusted with calcium powder three times per week as well as regular servings of collard greens, squash, mustard greens, carrots, bell peppers and sweet potatoes. A beardie’s diet should consist of the following:
- Vegetable Sources – Collard Greens, Squash, Mustard Greens, Carrots & Bell Peppers
- Live Prey – Crickets (dusted with calcium powder)
- Vitamin/Mineral Supplements – Calcium Powder
The variety in these foods will help ensure your bearded dragon gets all the nutrients they need to thrive. It is important to remember that even though some insects may be safe for them to eat in moderation; wild caught spiders should never be offered as some species can be toxic.
With this knowledge you can provide your pet with a nutritious meal plan tailored just for them! Now let’s take a look at other sources of protein which make up part of a balanced diet for bearded dragons.
What Other Sources Of Protein Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons require a diet rich in protein to remain healthy, and spiders are not the only source of this essential nutrient. Other sources of proteins for bearded dragons include live insects like crickets, silkworms, mealworms, wax worms, cockroaches, and super worms.
Leafy greens also have a place in a bearded dragon’s diet as they provide many important vitamins and minerals that help keep your beardie happy and healthy. Leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion leaves and turnip tops are some great options that can be included in their daily meals.
| Protein Sources | Calcium Content | Vitamin A Content |
|---|---|---|
| Crickets | Low | High |
| Silkworms | Moderate | High |
| Mealworms | Low | Low |
| Wax Worms | Low | Very low |
| Cockroaches | Low | Moderate |
| Super Worms | High | Moderate |–> |
It is important to vary the food that you offer your bearded dragon so they receive all the necessary nutrients from different sources. Feeding them one kind of insect or vegetable every day will eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies due to an inadequate variety of foods being offered. For instance, while crickets contain high amounts of vitamin A but little calcium; whereas leafy greens are higher in calcium content than most other vegetables but don’t contain very much vitamin A. Therefore it is recommended to feed your bearded dragon both types of food at least once per week – crickets along with leafy greens – for better nutrition balance.
Conclusion
To conclude, bearded dragons should not eat spiders. While some people may be tempted to feed their pet a spider due to their protein content, the risks of doing so are too great. Spiders can contain toxins that could make a beardie very ill or worse, and offer no nutritional value beyond protein.
A balanced diet for bearded dragons includes insects like crickets, mealworms, super worms, roaches, silkworms and waxworms as well as fruits and vegetables. These foods provide all the necessary nutrients a beardie needs to stay healthy and happy. A variety of proteins from other sources such as cooked lean meats and tofu is also beneficial in moderation.
In short, while it’s understandable why someone would want to give their beloved pet something they find outside – like a spider – it’s best to avoid them altogether when it comes to feeding your beardie.
By providing a varied diet with good quality bugs supplemented with occasional treats in small amounts you can ensure your dragon stays healthy for years to come!
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
