Yes, Bearded dragons can eat rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs, woodlice, or potato bugs, in a very small amount. Rolly pollies are part of a wild bearded dragon’s typical diet and are found in their natural environment.
They mostly eat vegetation or smaller insects such as mites and their eggs.
Rolly pollies raised in captivity for the purpose of being sold as reptile food don’t eat anything that could be dangerous for bearded dragons.
On the other hand, potato bugs are not recommended for bearded dragons to eat.
While they’re technically edible for beardies, they’re not nutritious and only serve as a small protein source with almost no other nutrients.
Potato bugs measure at about the same diameter as a quarter and can cause choking hazards for your pet.
Bearded dragons are used to eating insects that can fit into their mouth without issue, so it’s not ideal for them to eat potato bugs.
Nutritional Value of Potato Bugs
Potato bugs, also known as Jerusalem crickets, are a delicious source of food for Bearded Dragons and most other insectivorous reptiles.
Potato bugs are a species of large underground-dwelling cricket commonly found in the Western parts of the United States and Mexico.
They are packed with proteins, fine fats, carbohydrates and fibers that make them an excellent food choice for Bearded Dragons.
In terms of nutritional value per 100g/3.
5 oz serving of potato bugs, these high-protein insects contain 14.
2g protein; 6.
6g fat; 10–11g carbohydrates; 2–3g dietary fiber; 27mg calcium; 776mg potassium; 150mg phosphorous; 0.
27mg iron and 1mg sodium — all important nutrients needed by a carnivorous Beardie to stay healthy and thrive in captivity.
Potato bugs are also naturally low in fat, making them an ideal choice if you’re trying to keep your pet’s weight under control during the winter months or when they’re not being exercised as much as during their summer outdoors time.
It is important to note that although potato bug can be fed to Bearded Dragons in moderation (up to 3 per week), too much consumption might lead to Urates that can cause life-threatening issues if left untreated.
Potential Health Risks of Feeding Potato Bugs to Bearded Dragons
Although potato bugs, more properly known as Jerusalem crickets, may look like an interesting and tasty snack for your bearded dragon, there are significant risks involved in feeding these insects to your pet.
This is because potato bugs can contain parasites and bacteria that could harm your pet, including bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Many sources such as the New Mexico State University’s Department of Entomology note that Jerusalem crickets secrete a poisonous substance onto their skin as a defense mechanism which may be toxic to dragons.
Before introducing any new food item into your dragon’s diet it is important to educate yourself on the potential risks so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is safe to feed them to your reptile.
How to Feed Potato Bugs to Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons can consume potato bugs as part of their diet. However, it is important to ensure that the potato bugs are adequately prepared before providing them to your bearded dragon.
Here are some tips and guidelines for feeding potato bugs to your pet:
- Source fresh and organic potato bugs from a reliable source.
- Rinse off any visible dirt, insecticides, and other contaminants from the potato bug before offering them to your bearded dragon.
- Chop up the potato bug into small pieces or mash them into a paste before offering them as food for your bearded dragon.
- Add supplements such as calcium and multivitamins in order to provide additional nutrients for your bearded dragon.
- Monitor closely the amount you are offering each day as too much can increase obesity levels in reptiles like bearded dragons over time.
Following these steps when feeding potato bugs will ensure that you provide safe feeders which are high in essential nutrition content so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle for your beloved Beardie.
Alternatives to Feeding Potato Bugs to Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons should not be fed potato bugs (aka Jerusalem crickets).
Potato bugs contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can cause health problems for bearded dragons if ingested in large amounts.
Additionally, the unfamiliar texture and size of potato bugs can be intimidating and potentially harmful to your pet.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative sources of protein that you can feed to your bearded dragon depending on their age and nutritional needs.
Adult bearded dragons require calcium-rich insects such as crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, waxworms, earthworms, and grasshoppers.
Baby and juvenile bearded dragons should also have an assortment of these insects but additionally should eat the occasional soft-bodied insect such as moths or flies to provide them with a wider variety of minerals.
Leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens are also beneficial as they provide additional vitamins your pet needs for a balanced diet.
Fruits like apples or cantaloupes are sometimes added as a special treat since many bearded dragons love the taste.
