Introduction

As a new bearded dragon owner, one of the most common concerns you might have is how to feed your pet. Bearded dragons have a healthy appetite and can eat a variety of foods, but you might wonder if it is safe to feed your bearded dragon dead crickets. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about feeding your bearded dragon and answer the question: Can I feed my bearded dragon dead crickets?

Bearded Dragon Nutrition

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. For adult bearded dragons, the diet should consist of about 75% vegetables and 25% protein. Baby bearded dragons, on the other hand, require more protein and should be fed more insects than vegetables. Some of the best vegetables to feed your bearded dragon include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and butternut squash. Protein sources for bearded dragons include crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.

Feeding Your Bearded Dragon

When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, you should offer food to your pet every day. Adult bearded dragons should be fed once a day, while baby bearded dragons should be fed twice a day. You should also make sure to remove any uneaten food from your bearded dragon’s enclosure, as this can attract pests and cause unnecessary mess.

Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Dead Crickets?

Yes, you can feed your bearded dragon dead crickets. In fact, many bearded dragon owners prefer feeding their pets dead insects because it eliminates the chance of the crickets biting or harming the bearded dragon. However, it is important to ensure that the dead crickets are fresh and have not been dead for more than a day. Dead insects can attract bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to your pet. You should also make sure that you are feeding your bearded dragon a variety of insects and not just relying on one source of protein.

Live Crickets vs. Dead Crickets

While it is safe to feed your bearded dragon dead crickets, there are some advantages to feeding live crickets instead. Live crickets provide more exercise for your bearded dragon and can also be entertaining for both you and your pet. Additionally, live crickets can be a fresher source of protein if you purchase them from a reliable source. However, if you choose to feed live crickets, you should be mindful of their escape and bite potential. Make sure to supervise your pet while it eats and remove any uneaten insects.

Conclusion

In summary, you can feed your bearded dragon dead crickets as long as they are fresh and not more than a day old. Feeding your bearded dragon a balanced diet of vegetables and protein sources like crickets is important for their health and well-being. Consider offering both live and dead crickets to keep your pet stimulated and ensure a variety of quality nutrition sources. With proper nutrition and care, your bearded dragon can be a happy and healthy pet for many years to come.