Can Bearded Dragons Eat Katydids?

by

can bearded dragons eat katydids

Bearded dragons are fun-loving pets and like to wander off and chomp on any insect they come across. While insects are a significant source of nutrients to the beardie, some insects may be detrimental to your pet’s health.

So, can bearded dragons eat katydids? No! Do not feed your bearded dragon with katydids. Katydids are potentially poisonous.

As a general rule, we advise you never to feed your beardie insects on which you have no sufficient toxicity knowledge.

However, we provide other alternatives and insightful information to grow your bearded dragon to maturity. Read on to know more about your pet.

 

Alternative Insects for Bearded Dragon

 

Some Insects sourced from the wild contain toxins that are detrimental to a bearded dragon’s growth. However, since these creatures love insects, it is imperative to understand the various insects you can feed your beardie in its enclosure. A blend of insects and worms provides essential nutrients to build immunity. Some alternatives you can consider are:

 

  • Goliath worms

 

  • Phoenix worms

 

  • Dubia roaches

 

  • Cowpea weevil

 

  • Grasshoppers

 

  • Crickets

 

  • Houseflies

 

  • Cicada

 

The diet varies according to the age of the beardie. Young beardies require calcium and protein-rich foods for growth. In the intermediate growth phase, bearded dragons transit from being carnivorous to omnivorous.

Matured bearded dragons mainly feed on vegetative material. However, it is crucial you follow the directives we recommend on the insects that are safe for your pet.

See also  Can Bearded Dragons Eat Pumpkin Puree?

 

Some insects have a variety of species, of which some are poisonous. Some simple guidelines to follow when selecting insects to feed the beardie are:

 

1) Select pesticide and herbicide-free insects. Some of the pesticide components cling onto insects and cause gastrointestinal infections when ingested.

 

2) Please do not give your bearded dragon an insect larger than its eye area. Large insects may cause impaction in the gut.

 

3) Carefully scrutinize the underside of insects to check for parasites.

 

4) Avoid feeding your bearded dragon with too many wild insects.

 

While insects provide most nutrients, they are addictive, and you do not want your bearded dragon declining other foods. We strongly advise you to incorporate different food groups in the beardie’s dietary plan.

 

Fruits and Vegetables to Feed the Bearded Dragon

 

A balanced diet for your pet comprises fruits and vegetables as well as insects. However, the proportions for each food group differ. Another factor to consider when choosing the portion of fruits and veggies to add is age.

The bearded dragon owners’ association states that for a young beardie, give it 20% veggies, 40% juvenile beardies, and 80% vegetative material for adult bearded dragons.

Fruits and vegetables detoxify the beardie’s body and provide essential growth nutrients. It is important to manage how frequently you feed them fruits; once a month is enough for the bearded dragon.

You can feed them on the various fruits and vegetables humans eat except lettuce, spinach, beet tops, and avocado.

See also  Can Bearded Dragons Eat Jade Plants?

 

Planning a Feeding Schedule

 

Bearded dragons are hardy creatures and can survive up to two days without food. However, it is inhumane not to feed your favorite pet.

A feeding schedule aids in tracking and managing the quantity and nutritional value your beardie gets from its diet. For a well-developed bearded dragon, we recommend you feed it two to three times a day at intervals of 6 hours between each feed.

In its cage, provide constant water in a feeder or trough. However, do not cramp up its space. In your schedule, remember to add calcium supplements weekly to the insects and vegetables.

You can also sparingly add multivitamins. Following the right feeding schedule will make your bearded dragon happy and aid in its growth.

 

Emergency care for toxins and poisons

 

It is human to forget to close the cages of our pets. Suppose your pet accidentally wanders off, and bearded dragons do wander off and eat poisonous insects.

In that case, we advise you to give it adequate water with a pinch of salt to mitigate gastrointestinal complications. You can take some antibiotics in your medicine cabinet and ground them into the water as a primary response to poison.

After stabilizing your bearded dragon, it is imperative you schedule a visit to the veterinary immediately.

 

Summary

 

Always contact your pet care provider to separate the fact from the fiction about dietary plans and food. Do not feed your bearded dragons on katydids.

There are equally nutritious insects available in the market and the wild. The above guide provides insightful information you can use to take care of your bearded dragon.

See also  Do Bearded Dragons Eat Cockroaches?

Happy petting partner.

 

Related Posts:

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Jicama? (Benefits)

Latest posts by Brad (see all)