Skip to Content

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

It’s a common question that pet owners ask: can bearded dragons eat spiders? The answer, as it turns out, is yes – bearded dragons can eat spiders. In fact, they may even enjoy them! But before you go out and start feeding your bearded dragon spiders, there are a few things you should know.

With a little bit of care and knowledge, you can safely feed your bearded dragon spiders as part of a healthy diet.

So, in this article, we’ll answer the question “can bearded dragons eat spiders?” and explore some of the things you should know about feeding spiders to your pet.

Let’s go!

What Are Spiders?

Spiders are a type of arachnid. They have eight legs and two body parts. They are predators and eat other insects. There are various types of spiders, and some can be poisonous to humans as well as animals.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

Bearded dragons can eat spiders, but it is not recommended that they do so. Spiders can be a good source of protein for bearded dragons, but they can also contain harmful toxins. It is important to only feed bearded dragon spiders that have been properly identified and are known to be safe.

What Types of Spiders Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Types of non-poisonous spiders that bearded dragons can eat include:

  • Wolf spiders
  • Jumping spiders
  • House spiders
  • Garden spiders
  • Crab spiders

Bearded dragons usually eat small to medium-sized spiders. However, some large spiders can also be eaten if they are properly prepared.

It is not recommended to feed your bearded dragon wild-caught spiders due to the risk of pesticides and other chemicals. Spiders should be fed as part of a varied diet and not as the main food source.

How to Prepare Spiders for Your Bearded Dragon

If you’re looking to add spiders to your bearded dragon’s diet, there are a few things you need to know. First, not all spiders are safe for bearded dragons to eat – only those that are specifically listed as safe on a reputable website or in a book on reptile care should be fed to your beardie.

Next, even safe spiders need to be prepared properly before they’re fed to your dragon. This means removing the spider’s fangs and venom glands, as well as any other sharp body parts that could hurt your pet.

Once the spider is safe to eat, you can either offer it alive or dead. If you choose to feed your bearded dragon a live spider, be sure to supervise closely to make sure the spider doesn’t hurt your pet. It is best to feed spiders to your bearded dragon one at a time to avoid any potential problems.

If you opt to feed your bearded dragon a dead spider, you’ll need to gut the spider first. This means removing the spider’s internal organs, which can be poisonous to reptiles.

To gut a spider, make a small incision in the spider’s abdomen and carefully remove the insides. Once the Spider is gutted, it can be offered to your bearded dragon either whole or cut into smaller pieces.

As with any new food, introduce spiders to your bearded dragon’s diet slowly and in small quantities. Watch your pet closely for any signs of illness or distress after eating spiders. If you notice any problems, stop feeding spiders to your bearded dragon and consult a veterinarian.

Finally, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling spiders, whether alive or dead. Some spiders can be harmful to humans, so it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself.

With some knowledge and preparation, spiders can be a safe and nutritious part of your bearded dragon’s diet. Just be sure to do your research and take all necessary safety precautions to ensure a happy and healthy pet.

How Often Should Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

Bearded dragons can eat spiders as often as they like, but it is best to offer them as part of a varied diet. This means that they should only make up a small part of their overall diet.

How Many Spiders Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?

Bearded dragons can eat quite a few spiders. In fact, they may even eat up to 20 spiders per day. While spiders may not be the most common food that bearded dragons eat, they can still provide your pet with a good source of nutrition. Spiders are a good source of protein and fat, and they can also help your bearded dragon get rid of any parasites that may be in its system.

What Are the Benefits of Spiders for Bearded Dragons?

Spiders offer a number of benefits for bearded dragons, including:

  • They are a good source of protein.
  • They help to keep the beardie’s teeth clean.
  • They can provide enrichment and stimulation.
  • They can help to reduce stress levels.

What Are the Risks of Feeding Spiders to Bearded Dragons?

There are a few risks to consider before feeding spiders to your bearded dragon, including:

  • Some spiders may be poisonous. It is important to only feed your beardie spiders that are safe for them to eat.
  • Spiders can be a choking hazard. It is important to make sure that the spiders you feed your beardie are an appropriate size for them to eat safely.
  • Some spiders may have parasites that could infect your bearded dragon. It is important to source your spiders from a reputable source to minimize the risk of parasites.

As you can see, there are both benefits and risks to consider before feeding spiders to your bearded dragon. You will need to weigh these factors and make the decision that is best for your pet.

Do Bearded Dragons Like to Eat Spiders?

Yes, bearded dragons love to eat spiders! They are a favorite food for these lizards. Bearded dragons will also eat spiders in captivity. If you have a pet bearded dragon, you can give them live or frozen/thawed spiders as a treat. You can also give them dead spiders, but they may not be as enthusiastic about eating them.

What if My Bearded Dragon Doesn’t Eat Spiders?

If your bearded dragon isn’t interested in eating spiders, there could be a few reasons why. It could be that they are not used to eating them, or it could be that they don’t like the taste. Some bearded dragons also prefer to eat smaller prey, so if the spider is too big, they may not be interested in it. If you think your bearded dragon would like to try eating a spider, you can offer them one and see if they are interested. If not, don’t worry, there are plenty of other things that bearded dragons can eat.

Other Food Sources of Protein for Bearded Dragons

There are many other food sources of protein that bearded dragons can eat, such as:

As you can see, there are many different options for the protein that bearded dragons can eat. If your bearded dragon isn’t interested in eating spiders, there are plenty of other options available.

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to the question “can bearded dragons eat spiders?” You also know about the benefits and risks of feeding spiders to your bearded dragon. If you decide that you would like to give your beardie spiders as a treat, you can do so safely by following the guidelines above.

With a little bit of knowledge and care, feeding spiders to your bearded dragon can be a fun and enriching experience for both you and your pet! Happy feeding!