Can Bearded Dragons Eat Locusts

Bearded dragons are popular pets that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. One of the staple foods for bearded dragons is insects, and locusts are a common choice for many owners. However, it is important to know whether locusts are a suitable food for your bearded dragon.

In this article, we will explore the question of whether bearded dragons can eat locusts. We will discuss the nutritional value of locusts, the potential risks and benefits of feeding them to your bearded dragon, and any other important considerations you should keep in mind. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of whether locusts are a good choice for your bearded dragon’s diet.

Understanding Bearded Dragons’ Diet

Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles that require a balanced diet to maintain good health. A proper diet for a bearded dragon should consist of both animal protein and plant matter. In the wild, bearded dragons feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables. As a result, it is important to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible when feeding them in captivity.

When it comes to feeding bearded dragons, it is important to keep in mind their age and size. Younger bearded dragons require more protein than older ones, and they should be fed more frequently. As they grow older, they will require more plant matter in their diet.

In terms of animal protein, bearded dragons can eat a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, and locusts. However, it is important to ensure that the insects are properly gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and other vitamins and minerals. This will help ensure that the bearded dragon receives all the necessary nutrients from its diet.

In addition to animal protein, bearded dragons require a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet. Some good options include collard greens, mustard greens, squash, and berries. It is important to avoid feeding bearded dragons fruits and vegetables that are high in oxalates, such as spinach and kale, as these can interfere with calcium absorption.

Overall, a balanced diet for a bearded dragon should consist of 70% plant matter and 30% animal protein. By providing a varied diet that includes a mix of insects, fruits, and vegetables, you can help ensure that your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy.

Locusts as a Food Source

When it comes to feeding our bearded dragons, we want to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. One potential food source that we may consider is locusts. In this section, we will discuss the nutritional value of locusts as well as the risks and precautions associated with feeding them to our bearded dragons.

Nutritional Value of Locusts

Locusts are a good source of protein and other nutrients that are essential for our bearded dragons. They are also low in fat, making them a healthy option. Here is a table showing the nutritional content of locusts per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	20.6g
Fat	3.3g
Calcium	33mg
Phosphorus	274mg
Vitamin A	0.05mg
Vitamin C	11mg

As we can see, locusts are a good source of protein and phosphorus, which are important for muscle and bone development. They also contain some vitamin A and vitamin C, which are essential for overall health.

Risks and Precautions

While locusts can be a good food source for our bearded dragons, there are some risks and precautions we need to be aware of. First, we need to make sure that the locusts are not too large for our bearded dragons to eat. Large locusts can cause choking or impaction, which can be fatal.

We also need to make sure that the locusts are not carrying any parasites or diseases that could harm our bearded dragons. It is important to buy locusts from a reputable supplier and to quarantine them for a few days before feeding them to our bearded dragons.

Finally, we need to make sure that we are not overfeeding our bearded dragons with locusts. While they are a good source of protein, too much protein can be harmful to our bearded dragons. We should aim to feed them a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including vegetables and fruits.

In summary, locusts can be a good food source for our bearded dragons, but we need to be aware of the risks and precautions associated with feeding them. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our bearded dragons are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Feeding Locusts to Bearded Dragons

How to Feed

When feeding locusts to bearded dragons, it’s important to ensure that the locusts are the appropriate size for your dragon. This means that the locusts should be no larger than the space between your dragon’s eyes. If the locusts are too big, they can cause digestive issues or even choking.

Before feeding your dragon, make sure to gut-load the locusts with nutritious foods such as leafy greens, carrots, and sweet potatoes. This will ensure that your dragon is getting the most nutrients possible from their food.

When offering the locusts to your dragon, it’s best to use tongs to avoid accidentally getting bitten. Place the locusts in a shallow dish or directly on the ground, and allow your dragon to hunt and eat them at their leisure.

Frequency of Feeding

Bearded dragons should be fed a variety of insects as part of their diet, including locusts. However, it’s important to not solely rely on locusts as a food source. A varied diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits is essential to keep your dragon healthy.

Adult bearded dragons can be fed locusts 2-3 times per week, while younger dragons may need to be fed more frequently. It’s important to monitor your dragon’s weight and adjust their feeding schedule accordingly.

In addition, it’s important to remember that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. Always feed your dragon an appropriate amount of food based on their size and age.

Alternatives to Locusts

If you’re looking for alternatives to feeding your bearded dragon locusts, there are a few options available. We’ll explore some of these options below.

Other Insects

Bearded dragons can eat a variety of insects, so if you’re looking for an alternative to locusts, there are many options to choose from. Here are a few:

• Crickets: Crickets are a popular alternative to locusts. They are easy to find and can be purchased at most pet stores. They are also a good source of protein and can be fed to bearded dragons of all ages.
• Dubia Roaches: Dubia roaches are a great alternative to locusts. They are high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy option for your bearded dragon. They are also easy to digest and can be fed to bearded dragons of all ages.
• Mealworms: Mealworms are another popular alternative to locusts. They are high in protein and can be fed to bearded dragons of all ages. However, they are also high in fat, so they should be fed in moderation.

Vegetables and Fruits

Bearded dragons also require a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet. Here are a few options:

• Collard Greens: Collard greens are a great source of calcium and vitamin A. They are also low in oxalates, which can be harmful to bearded dragons. Collard greens can be fed to bearded dragons of all ages.
• Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It can be fed to bearded dragons of all ages, but should be fed in moderation as it is high in sugar.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and can be fed to bearded dragons as a treat. They should be fed in moderation as they are high in sugar.

Remember, when feeding your bearded dragon, it’s important to provide a variety of foods to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, can bearded dragons eat locusts? Yes, they can! In fact, locusts are a great source of protein and other essential nutrients for bearded dragons. However, it is important to ensure that the locusts are properly gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and other supplements before feeding them to your bearded dragon.

While locusts can be a healthy addition to your bearded dragon’s diet, it is important to remember that they should not be the sole source of nutrition. Bearded dragons require a varied diet that includes a mix of insects, vegetables, and fruits. Additionally, it is important to monitor your bearded dragon’s weight and overall health to ensure that they are getting the proper nutrition.

When feeding your bearded dragon locusts, it is important to choose the right size based on the size of your bearded dragon. As a general rule of thumb, the locust should be no larger than the space between your bearded dragon’s eyes. This will help prevent choking and other digestive issues.

Overall, locusts can be a great addition to your bearded dragon’s diet when fed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. As always, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or other reptile expert if you have any questions or concerns about your bearded dragon’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I feed my bearded dragon?

Bearded dragons are diurnal animals, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. It is best to feed them during the day when they are most active. We recommend feeding your bearded dragon in the morning or early afternoon.

How often should I dust my bearded dragon’s food?

Dusting your bearded dragon’s food with calcium and vitamin D3 is important to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients. We recommend dusting their food with calcium powder every other feeding, and with vitamin D3 powder once a week.

When should I feed my baby bearded dragon?

Baby bearded dragons require more frequent feedings than adults. We recommend feeding them 2-3 times a day, with a mix of protein and vegetables. Make sure to dust their food with calcium powder at every feeding.

How much salad should I feed my bearded dragon?

Salad should make up about 20-30% of your bearded dragon’s diet. We recommend feeding them a variety of leafy greens and vegetables, such as collard greens, kale, and carrots. Make sure to chop the salad into small pieces to make it easier for them to eat.

What is the ideal diet for an 8-month-old bearded dragon?

At 8 months old, your bearded dragon should be eating a mix of protein and vegetables. We recommend feeding them 80% protein (such as crickets, mealworms, or locusts) and 20% salad (such as collard greens, kale, and carrots). Make sure to dust their food with calcium powder at every feeding.

Are crickets or locusts a better choice for bearded dragons?

Both crickets and locusts are good sources of protein for bearded dragons. However, locusts are larger and have a higher protein content, making them a better choice for adult bearded dragons. Baby bearded dragons may have trouble eating larger locusts, so crickets may be a better choice for them.