Can Bearded Dragons Eat Cockroaches? SEE HERE!

Live animals make up a portion of the bearded dragon’s diet. Insects are the primary source of protein for infant and juvenile beardies.

Bearded dragons are capable of consuming a wide range of insects, including roaches. Not all roaches, on the other hand, are safe and healthy for bearded dragons.

So, are bearded dragons capable of eating cockroaches?

Cockroaches are a food source for bearded dragons. Indeed, roaches make an excellent addition to the salad, particularly for young beardies. Ensure, however, that the roaches are clean and appropriate for ingestion by bearded dragons.

Although cockroaches are edible to bearded dragons, they must be kept clean. Never feed your beardies cockroaches that you have caught in your home. Those bugs are not designed to be fed to beardies.

Having said that, I recommend that you get roaches from a pet store. Commercial cockroaches are raised specifically for reptile consumption. They are clean and hazard-free.

Are Roaches Good For Bearded Dragons?

There are numerous advantages using cockroaches as a food source for your bearded dragon. They are regarded as a great option of bug for this lizard species.

Bearded dragons prefer eating cockroaches because they are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and can be preserved for an extended period of time.

A bearded dragon’s nutritional requirements are quite specific.

It is critical that kids consume the recommended quantity of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals – all of which should be proportionate to their age and size.

The following table details the suggested feeding regimen for a bearded dragon based on its age:

Bearded Dragon Age	Diet Ratio	Feeding Frequency
0-3 Months	70% Insects 30% Plant Material	3-5 Feedings, Daily
3-8 Months	70% Insects 30% Plant Material	2 Feedings, Daily
8-12 Months	70% Insects 30% Plant Material	1 Feeding Per Day
1 Year +	30% Insects 70% Plant Material	Cyclical Feeding (First Day Plant Matter, Second Day Insects, Third-Day Nothing and Repeat)

Bearded dragons, in general, require a diet heavy in protein and low in fat.

Additionally, they have a higher calcium demand, which should be balanced with phosphorous (often referred to as the calcium to phosphorous ratio – which should be approximately 2:1) and vitamin D3.

This enables the creation of strong bones and the efficient use of all proteins and fats consumed in the diet.

Now, returning to cockroaches, how do they fit in?

Cockroaches consume more food than the majority of other insects. They are, in many ways, one of the best insects to dine on.

They offer more benefits than drawbacks, being more nutrient-dense, easier to digest, and also more flavorful than other dietary mainstays.

Let us now examine the nutritional profile of cockroaches in further detail.

ALSO SEE: Does Killing A Cockroach Attract More?

Nutrition In Cockroaches

According to this dissertation, cockroaches are one of the best feeder species to supply a reptile.

They have a high protein content, a soft body, and more meat and less shell than other insects.

They are an excellent source of calcium (with a favorable calcium-to-phosphorous ratio) and are mineral-dense.

Additionally, they are low in fat and high in water.

The following table compares Dubia Roaches to the other most popular feeder insects for bearded dragons:

Dubia Roach

Insect	Cal:P Ratio	Moisture %	Protein %	Fat %	Mineral %	Chitin
0.66/1	59.8	21.8	7.7	1.7	3.5
Cricket	0.14/1	73.2	64	22	0.42	1.5
Mealworm	0.14/1	62.9	18.2	35.2	1.6	5.95
Superworm	0.05/1	68.7	22.2	17	0.34	3.62
Butterworm	0.07/1	62.4	14.9	14.9	1.3	3.9
Earthworm	1.58/1	75.8	12.25	2.57	0.7	5.06
Locust	0.13/1	62.1	22.5	8.03	2.12	20.8

As you can see, cockroaches contain a higher proportion of protein than fat.

This eliminates the difficulty that the majority of other insects – such as mealworms – have with being fatter and poorer in protein.

Chitin is the scientific term for the exoskeleton of an insect (outer shell).

Thus, we can see that cockroaches are really less fibrous than the majority of other insects in this context.

It also makes them easier to swallow and digest – another advantage.

Thus, we can see why they are a suitable dietary choice for bearded dragons, but are there any other benefits or drawbacks?

Indeed, there are a number of them, which we will examine presently.

Benefits Of Feeding Cockroaches

Benefits Of Feeding Cockroaches Cockroaches are a favorite food of bearded dragons. This makes them great for finicky eaters or individuals who have formed preferences and are oblivious to the available plant material.

Natural Foraging Activities — being fed live can also assist your bearded dragon in engaging in natural foraging behaviors, such as hunting for and consuming live insects. Because cockroaches are plentiful, bearded dragons quickly recognize them as possible food.

Cockroaches can be gut laden. This simply means that you can feed these insects specialized diets in the days preceding their consumption by your bearded dragon (up to three days!). This improves the profile and availability of calcium/nutrients.

It’s an excellent approach to boost the diet of your bearded dragon (which is generally recommended regardless of how optimal their diet is). This eliminates the need for additional supplementation, such as calcium food sprinkling. Most insects cannot be gut loaded in the same way or with the same effectiveness.

Negatives Of Feeding Cockroaches

Expensive: Cockroaches typically cost more than other feeder insects, particularly mealworms and crickets.

Cockroaches are not as readily available in stores as other feeding insects. The majority of pet stores are unlikely to sell them. As a result, you’ll almost certainly need to shop from a reputable internet retailer, such as Amazon.

Specially Harvested: You must ensure that you are only providing cockroaches that have been reared and harvested specifically for human use. Wild cockroaches should not be fed since they may contain parasites and other pathogens that might create problems in your beardie.

Cockroaches are not easy to handle, and they can bite, so you and your bearded dragon must exercise caution.

What Is The Maximum Number Of Roaches That A Bearded Dragon Can Consume?

The amount of roaches that your bearded dragon can consume is determined by numerous factors:

Your bearded dragon’s age

Your bearded dragon’s size

The size of the given cockroach.

It is commonly recognized that younger bearded dragons have a greater protein demand and should consume more insects.

However, it is also understood that insects larger than the area between the eyes should not be offered. This is critical.

Considering these conditions, a baby or adolescent bearded dragon can consume up to 50 tiny cockroaches every day, spread across multiple feedings.

Adult bearded dragons can consume larger roaches (up to 3 inches in length), but should do so sparingly.

Offer them 3-5 cockroaches every three days (on the insect/protein day of the food cycle).

They can consume them as part of their everyday meal.

How To Feed A Bearded Dragon Cockroaches

Feeding your bearded dragon cockroaches should be similar to feeding any other insect.

You may, however, choose to gut load them ahead of time. If this is the case, you should feed the cockroaches the recommended meal for 1-3 days prior to offering them to your bearded dragon.

On the day of feeding, place one live cockroach in the enclosure of your bearded dragon.

Do it somewhat close to your beardie’s mouth, preferably in line with it.

Prior to doing so, ensure that the cockroach is the suitable size for your beardie. Prior of releasing the roach, you may always briefly inspect it to ensure it is no larger than their eyes.

Place the cockroach in the enclosure and your beardie will immediately attempt to eat it. They shouldn’t have to wait long!

Once consumed, you can go on to the next cockroach.

Never feed more than one cockroach at a time.

This reduces the likelihood of your bearded dragon overeating, becoming overwhelmed by the cockroaches, and biting.

You’ll want to continue feeding until your bearded dragon loses interest in the new cockroach.

Babies and younger bearded dragons will consume more food – yet you should provide them bugs throughout the day.

Adults are likely to consume about 3-5 cockroaches.

Remove any cockroaches from the enclosure that your bearded dragon does not consume.

Additionally, feed only live insects – if you come across a dead cockroach during feeding, discard it!

Are Dubia Roaches Really Good for Bearded Dragons?

When it comes to providing your bearded dragon with a good amount of protein and nutrients, the Dubia roach is hard to beat. It’s one of the healthiest things you can feed your bearded dragon. And, fortunately, Dubia roaches are one of the most manageable feeding insects.

How to Prepare Dubia Roaches for Bearded Dragons?

To do so, place the Dubia roaches and a supplement powder in a sealed bag. After that, gently shake the bag. This will provide a healthy covering of additional nutrients for your bearded dragon’s Dubia roaches. In comparison, stomach loading Dubia roaches can be just as beneficial for bearded dragons.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hissing Cockroaches?

Bearded dragons can consume hissing cockroaches if they are properly supplied. Never feed wild hissing cockroaches or other insects to a bearded dragon, as they may carry parasites or other hazardous compounds. Younger hissing cockroaches have a softer shell and are therefore simpler to consume. Additionally, you must verify that they are the proper size for your beardie – being less than the width between the eyes.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches?

Bearded dragons can consume hissing cockroaches if they are properly supplied. Never give wild hissing cockroaches or other insects to a bearded dragon, as they may carry parasites or other hazardous compounds. Younger hissing cockroaches are simpler to eat, as their shell is less rigid.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat German Cockroaches?

Earthworms, cockroaches, silkworms, crickets, and roaches are all common bugs and insects to feed your dragon. While both options are healthy for bearded dragons, dubia roaches are preferable because they are less likely to carry parasites and contain twice the protein that crickets do.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat American Cockroaches?

Earthworms, cockroaches, silkworms, crickets, and roaches are all common bugs and insects to feed your dragon. Both options are good for bearded dragons, however dubia roaches are preferable because to their lower parasite risk and twice the protein content of crickets.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wild Cockroaches?

Earthworms, cockroaches, silkworms, crickets, and roaches are all common bugs and insects to feed your dragon. While both options are healthy for bearded dragons, dubia roaches are preferable because they are less likely to carry parasites and contain twice the protein that crickets do.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat House Cockroaches?

Both options are good for bearded dragons, however dubia roaches are preferable because to their lower parasite risk and twice the protein content of crickets. After all, if owning a bearded dragon isn’t frightening, feeding it bugs shouldn’t be difficult.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Regular Cockroaches?

Earthworms, cockroaches, silkworms, crickets, and roaches are all common bugs and insects to feed your dragon. Both options are good for bearded dragons, however dubia roaches are preferable because to their lower parasite risk and twice the protein content of crickets.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Cockroaches?

Both options are good for bearded dragons, but dubia roaches are preferred since they are less likely to transmit parasites and provide twice the protein than crickets do. After all, if owning a bearded dragon isn’t frightening, feeding it bugs shouldn’t be difficult.

Can Pet Bearded Dragons Eat Cockroaches?

Both options are good for bearded dragons, however dubia roaches are preferable because to their lower parasite risk and twice the protein content of crickets. After all, if owning a bearded dragon isn’t frightening, feeding it bugs shouldn’t be difficult.

How often can bearded dragons eat roaches?

A fully developed bearded dragon can consume three to five Dubia roaches in two to three daily feedings. In comparison, you will require a greater number of Dubia roaches for baby bearded dragons. They consume between 25 and 50 of these insects each day and may be fed many times throughout the day.

Can bearded dragons eat dead cockroaches?

All bearded dragons, regardless of age, require live insects as part of their diet. Adult dragons require only 20% live protein, whereas younger dragons require 80% live protein; your dragon will never cease needing to consume live bugs. Dead insects are not nearly as nutritious as live insects.

What type of roaches can bearded dragons eat?

A fully developed bearded dragon can consume three to five Dubia roaches in two to three daily feedings. In comparison, you will require a greater number of Dubia roaches for baby bearded dragons. They consume between 25 and 50 of these insects each day and may be fed many times throughout the day.

What bugs are poisonous to bearded dragons?

This includes fireflies, lightning bugs, and other glow-in-the-dark worms. The toxin that gives these insects their glowing appearance is extremely harmful to bearded dragons. Avocados should also be avoided, as they are toxic to bears.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons are capable of consuming cockroaches. Indeed, they are among the best feeder insects available. They are vitamin and mineral dense, have a high calcium-to-phosphorous ratio, and provide an ideal source of protein while remaining low in fat.

They’re more easily digestible than some other insects and provide an excellent source of flavor for bearded dragons. Having said that, the amount of roaches your bearded dragon should consume should be proportional to their age, size, and weight.

While newborn and juvenile beardies may consume a greater number of cockroaches to meet their increased insect and protein requirements, they must be adequately sized and no larger than the area between their eyes. Generally, 25-50 roaches each day can be provided in various feedings.

Adults should consume 3-5 larger roaches every three days on their insect/protein day of eating. Always present them alive and avoid feeding wild or captured cockroaches. You have no idea what they may be carrying!