No, bearded dragons should not eat dragonflies. Dragonflies are not a natural part of a bearded dragon’s diet, and the insect’s hard exoskeleton could cause digestive issues for the reptile. There is also the risk of parasites or bacteria that could harm the dragon.
Dragonflies eat other insects, fish, and even small mammals, and their larvae can resemble small fish or large tadpoles, which means they actively hunt prey larger than themselves.
It is recommended to feed baby bearded dragons a diet containing 80% insects and 20% vegetation and to avoid feeding them certain foods, including wild-caught insects and any insects that have been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals.
Baby bearded dragons should be fed insects three times a day, and they should be allowed to eat as many insects as they want in a 10-15 minute period each time.
Can Bearded Dragons Safely Eat Dragonflies?
No, it is not safe for bearded dragons to eat dragonflies. Dragonflies can contain parasites, and other harmful organisms, which can be dangerous for bearded dragons.
Dragonflies are very hard for a bearded dragon to digest and can cause serious health problems.
Bearded dragons should only be fed food sources that are safe for their species. It is best to stick to insects like crickets, mealworms, and waxworms that are specifically designed for feeder insects and are free from parasites and other contaminants.
It is important to provide a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving the nutrients it needs.
Wild bearded dragons have a diet that consists mainly of insects like crickets, locusts, and small spiders.
Dragonflies are also part of their wild diet but in captivity, things may be different.
Captive bearded dragons don’t usually get the opportunity to hunt for prey items as they would do in the wild due to confinement or lack of space.
As such, their diets should consist primarily of commercially available food which does not include dragonflies.
But if you happen to find some flying around your garden or home, you could offer them to your pet with caution as long as you make sure these dragonflies are free from pesticides or other contaminants.
How To Safely Prepare Dragonflies For Feeding My Beardie?
But before you start feeding your beardie these insect delicacies, it’s important to know how to properly prepare them.
Here are some tips for ensuring a safe and nutritious meal:
- First off, make sure the dragonflies you’re buying are raised in clean conditions with no pesticides or chemicals used in their diet.
- If possible, try to get organic insects from a reputable source.
- This will help guarantee that the dragonflies still have all of their nutritional value intact.
- Next, remove any wings or legs that may be attached.
- These pieces can be hazardous if ingested by your pet. You should also inspect the body of the dragonfly for any parasites or contaminants which could cause an infection in your lizard.
- Finally, make sure to rinse the insect thoroughly under running water before offering it as food.
Doing so will reduce bacteria levels and ensure a healthier meal for your beardie.
Following these steps is essential when preparing dragonflies for feeding safety purposes; otherwise, there’s a risk of illness or injury occurring due to contamination or ingestion of hazardous materials.
Wild Vs Captive-Raised Dragonflies: Which One Should I Feed To My Beardie?
When considering which type of dragonfly to feed your bearded dragon, it can be tempting to think that wild dragonflies are the way to go.
After all, they’re free-range and you don’t have to buy anything.
But before you jump in and start picking up these little critters from your garden, there are a few things worth considering.
Firstly, safety is always paramount when it comes to feeding reptiles. Wild insects may carry parasites or diseases that could harm your pet – so unless you are 100% sure about their source, we recommend avoiding them altogether.
Secondly, preparation and storage are also very important with any insect food for your beardie.
Captive-raised insects ensure fewer risks associated with contamination and disease transmission compared to wild ones.
Here are a few points to consider:
- Look for captive-raised insects as opposed to wild ones for maximum nutrition and safety
- Make sure all bugs are washed carefully prior to feeding
- Store leftovers correctly between meals following manufacturer guidelines
Common Concerns With Feeding Dragonflies
Dragonfly nutrition varies depending on what they’re eating and where they’re from, so you’ll want to ensure that whatever type of insect you choose for your beardie is nutritionally suitable.
Be sure to research the nutritional content of any feeder insect before buying it for your pet.
Make sure you provide a varied diet with other insects as well; this will help ensure your beardie gets all the nutrients he needs in order to stay healthy.
When considering safety concerns related to feeding dragonflies, always purchase from reputable breeders who have taken proper care and precautions with their feeder insects.
Make sure also that they are properly fed and housed prior to being offered up as food for your pet.
Give extra attention to how long the insects were stored in captivity—the longer an insect has been in storage or a container, the less likely it is nutritious and safe to eat by your bearded dragon.
Lastly, be aware of potential toxins associated with certain types of dragonflies; some species may contain toxic chemicals which can cause harm if ingested by reptiles like bearded dragons.
