Reptiles

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Isopods? Exploring The Benefits And Risks Of This Diet

Curious about whether bearded dragons can eat isopods? Check out our latest blog post to learn more about this topic and get the answers you need!


Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards in the world. They are known for their gentle and friendly personalities, as well as their unique look. As a pet owner, it is important to understand what your bearded dragon can and cannot eat in order to keep them healthy and happy. One of the questions that many owners have is whether or not bearded dragons can eat isopods. In this article, we will discuss what insects you can feed a bearded dragon, which bugs they should not eat, if they can eat powder orange isopods, and if they can have a bioactive enclosure.

can bearded dragons eat isopods

What Insects Can You Feed a Bearded Dragon?

Bearded dragons are omnivorous lizards that require a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. Insects are an important part of their diet, providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Common insects that can be fed to bearded dragons include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, roaches, and isopods.


Crickets

Crickets are one of the most popular feeder insects for bearded dragons due to their availability and nutritional value. They should be dusted with calcium powder before being offered to the dragon. Crickets should also be gut-loaded with nutritious vegetables and fruits prior to feeding them to your dragon.


Mealworms

Mealworms are small larvae of the darkling beetle species. They are high in protein and easy to find in pet stores or online. Mealworms can be offered as treats but should not make up the majority of your dragon’s diet due to their low calcium content.


Waxworms

Waxworms are small caterpillars that have a higher fat content than other feeder insects. They should only be offered as occasional treats due to their high fat content. Waxworms should not make up more than 10% of your dragon’s diet as they lack essential nutrients found in other feeder insects.


Superworms

Superworms are large larvae of the darkling beetle species that have a similar nutritional profile to mealworms but with higher calcium content. They can be offered as occasional treats but should not make up more than 10% of your dragon’s diet due to their low nutrient content compared to other feeder insects.


Roaches

Roaches are another popular feeder insect for bearded dragons due to their high protein and calcium content. Roaches can be found in pet stores or online and should be gut-loaded prior to feeding them to your dragon. Roaches should not make up more than 20% of your dragon’s diet due to their high fat content.


Isopods

Isopods are small crustaceans that can also be fed to bearded dragons as occasional treats or supplements. Isopods provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that may not be found in other feeder insects such as crickets or mealworms. Isopods should not make up more than 10% of your dragon’s diet due to their low nutrient content compared to other feeder insects

What Bugs Can Bearded Dragons Not Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles, meaning they can eat both plants and animals. While they do enjoy a variety of insects, there are some bugs that bearded dragons should not eat. These include fireflies, which can be toxic to reptiles, as well as houseflies and other flying insects that may carry bacteria or parasites.

In addition, bearded dragons should not eat wild-caught bugs, as these can contain parasites or other contaminants that could be harmful to the reptile. It is best to feed them only commercially-raised insects that have been specifically designed for reptile consumption.

One of the most popular insects for bearded dragon diets is isopods. Isopods are small crustaceans related to shrimp and crabs, and they make an excellent food source for bearded dragons. However, it is important to note that not all isopods are safe for bearded dragons to consume.

Isopods such as Giant Canyon Isopods (Porcellio dilatatus) are safe for bearded dragons to eat in moderation. These isopods have been specifically bred for reptile consumption and lack the parasites or toxins found in wild-caught bugs. In addition, they provide a great source of protein and calcium for your beardie’s diet.

However, it is important to note that there are some species of isopods that should not be fed to bearded dragons. These include pillbugs (Armadillidium spp.), sowbugs (Oniscus spp.) and woodlice (Asellus spp.), which can contain toxins or parasites that could be harmful to your pet reptile.

Overall, while isopods can make an excellent food source for bearded dragons when given in moderation, it is important to ensure you are feeding them only safe species of this bug. Commercially-bred Giant Canyon Isopods are generally considered safe for beardies, but it is best to avoid wild-caught bugs or any other species of isopod not specifically designed for reptile consumption.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Powder Orange Isopods?

Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals that can eat a variety of foods, including insects. Isopods, or pill bugs, are one type of insect that bearded dragons may eat. However, it is important to be aware that not all isopods are safe for bearded dragons to consume. In particular, powder orange isopods should not be fed to bearded dragons.

According to a Reddit post from a user with experience in keeping bearded dragons, powder orange isopods contain high levels of calcium carbonate and should not be fed to bearded dragons as they can cause health issues. The user also noted that other types of isopods such as giant canyon feeder isopods may be safe for bearded dragons to consume in moderation.

It is important for owners of bearded dragons to research the types of food they plan on feeding their pet before doing so. A good resource for learning more about what types of insects are safe for bearded dragons to eat is the article Safe Insects for Your Bearded Dragon. This article provides information on which types of insects are safe for bearded dragons and how often they should be fed these insects.

Can Bearded Dragons Have a Bioactive Enclosure?

Bearded dragons can have a bioactive enclosure, which is an enclosure that includes live plants, soil, and other natural elements. This type of enclosure provides a more natural environment for the bearded dragon and allows them to explore and forage for food. Isopods are small insects that can be added to the enclosure as food for the bearded dragon.


What Are Isopods?

Isopods are small insects that are related to pillbugs and sowbugs. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be found in many different habitats. Isopods are also known as “feeder” insects because they are often used as food for reptiles such as bearded dragons.


Can Bearded Dragons Eat Isopods?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat isopods. Isopods provide a nutritious source of protein and other essential nutrients for bearded dragons. They should be offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is important to make sure that the isopods you feed your bearded dragon are safe and free from parasites or other contaminants.


How To Feed Isopods To Your Bearded Dragon?

If you choose to feed isopods to your bearded dragon, it is important to make sure that they are safe and free from parasites or other contaminants. You can purchase pre-packaged isopod feeders from pet stores or online retailers such as Rubber Ducky Isopods. These feeders come with instructions on how to properly care for them before feeding them to your bearded dragon. Additionally, you should always wash your hands after handling the feeders or any other type of insect before handling your beardie.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat a variety of insects, including isopods. Isopods are an excellent source of protein and calcium for bearded dragons and should be fed in moderation. However, it is important to note that not all isopods are safe for bearded dragons to eat. Some species, such as powder orange isopods, are toxic and should be avoided. Additionally, bearded dragons can benefit from having a bioactive enclosure with live plants and isopods that can help keep the enclosure clean.

Overall, it is essential to do your research before introducing any new food or bug into your bearded dragon’s habitat. Be sure to consult a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about what your pet can and cannot eat.

We hope this article has been helpful in answering the question “can bearded dragons eat isopods”. Thank you for following along! Please share any thoughts or information on the topic in the comments below.

Happy Beardie-ing!

Nicholas English

Nicholas English is a professional writer and lifelong pet lover. After completing his Animal Sciences bachelor's degree, Nickolas has worked as a pet sitter, dog walker, and volunteer at animal shelters. He is passionate about helping pet owners provide the best care for their furry friends and is excited to share his knowledge and experiences with the Pet Expert Advice community.

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