Can Bearded Dragons Eat Other Bearded Dragons? Everything You Need to Know

Bearded dragons are a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts due to their friendly nature and easy-to-maintain diet. However, as a beginner owner, you may have certain questions about the dietary habits of bearded dragons, particularly, whether bearded dragons can eat other bearded dragons. In this blog post, we will dive deep into this topic and provide you with everything you need to know about bearded dragons eating bearded dragons.

The Basics of Bearded Dragon Diet

Before we answer the question of whether bearded dragons can eat other bearded dragons, let’s understand the basics of their diet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both animal and plant-based food. In the wild, bearded dragons feed on a variety of insects, small rodents, fruits, and vegetables.

As a pet owner, it is essential to mimic the natural diet of your bearded dragon to ensure its proper growth and development. A typical bearded dragon diet should consist of 70% animal-based proteins and 30% plant-based matter. Some common animal-based proteins include crickets, mealworms, superworms, roaches, and dubia.

On the other hand, bearded dragons can feed on a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as collard greens, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, strawberries, and blueberries. Vegetables should make up around 20% of their diet.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Other Bearded Dragons?

The short answer is no, bearded dragons cannot eat other bearded dragons. It is a common misconception that bearded dragons are cannibals and feed on their own species. However, this is far from the truth. Eating other bearded dragons can result in serious health risks and even death.

Bearded dragons are territorial animals and may display aggressive behavior towards other bearded dragons. In the wild, they live alone and only come together during mating season. As a pet owner, it is essential to house bearded dragons separately to prevent any instances of fighting or injury.

The Danger of Feeding Bearded Dragons with Insects Found in the Wild

Although bearded dragons are omnivorous, they cannot eat any insect or prey item found in the wild. Many insects are carriers of parasites, pesticides, and worms, which may be harmful to your pet’s health. Avoid feeding your bearded dragon with insects caught in the wild or sourced from a questionable vendor.

It is best to buy insects from a trustworthy vendor that specifically breeds insects for reptile consumption. These insects are usually gut-loaded, which means they are fed with high-quality and nutrient-dense foods before being sold to ensure that the nutrition levels are optimal for your pet’s health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bearded dragons cannot and should not eat other bearded dragons. As a responsible pet owner, you should provide your pet with a well-balanced diet consisting of both animal-based proteins and plant-based matter. It is essential to house bearded dragons separately to prevent any instances of fighting or injury. Lastly, only feed your bearded dragon commercially-bred insects to avoid any potential health risks associated with wild-sourced insects.