Introduction
Bearded dragons need a healthy amount of insects to grow. We all know that they can eat crickets and that they love different worms. But can they eat just about any creepy crawlies? Can bearded dragons eat spiders?
In this article, we will go over the answer to your question. Reading this will also help you decide if you want to add this to their diets. So, will it be safe for them to eat the eight-legged creeper you want to give your dragon? Let’s find out.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?
You may have seen several videos on YouTube where a bearded dragon eats a spider. Some of these spiders may be household arachnids a dragon keeper found around their house and fed them to their dragons. And, there are several instances that a dragon stayed healthy after eating the spider.
So, it’s not a question of whether or not your beardie can eat a spider. After all, bearded dragons will eat just about anything you give them. But, should they? They may be able to eat it, but it’s better not to add this to their diets. There are better options out there, and eating them will be more beneficial for your dragons as well.
Pro-Tip: If you found a common house spider you want to give your dragon, add a little multivitamin supplement to make them healthier.
Why Should You Avoid Giving Spiders to Your Bearded Dragon?
There are several issues about bearded dragons. One of them is that they lack the nutrition your beardie needs to stay healthy. They may fill up your bearded dragon quickly, but they won’t benefit enough from this food.
Another issue with spiders is that several of these creepies are venomous and will hurt your dragon. Some of these are:
- Brown Recluse: These spiders look like they have a violin or fiddle on their backs. These spiders tend to live in attics, boxes, rocks, and woodpiles. Your bearded dragon may not go to places like these often, but it will be very dangerous for them when they do. If you see a brown recluse near your beardie’s enclosure, call a vet as soon as possible.
- Hobo Spiders: These spiders are commonly found in buildings and houses. You may confuse these for the common house spider, but you can tell them apart using their webs. If you see horizontal webs close to the ground, it’s best to call exterminators to keep you and your dragon safe.
- Black Widow: These are black spiders with a reddish hourglass on their back ends. They are venomous when touched and will be more dangerous when eaten. Keep this spider away from your bearded dragon at all costs.
- Yellow Sac Spiders. These are small spiders found all over the world. They are usually pale yellow, green or pink. This spider’s bite may not be as toxic as the others, but it will be very painful and can lead to irritation. Do not try feeding this to your dragon.
There is another critter that your dragon can eat, and they are much safer for your dragon. You can read about them here.
What Should Your Bearded Dragon Eat Instead?
Other foods will be more beneficial for your bearded dragon. And, you can add these to their diets without worrying about the adverse effects spiders offer. Let’s go over some of them:
Crickets and Locusts
These two insects will give your bearded dragon the nutrients it needs to grow and stay healthy. And they are some of the favorite meals of most bearded dragons. Another better option compared to spiders is Dubai roaches. You can get some of the best here.
A bearded dragon needs to eat bugs and insects throughout their lives. And since crickets and locusts are easily accessible, you can give these to your dragons as often as necessary. Plus, compared to spiders, these insects mirror what they eat in the wild.
Vegetables
To make your beardie’s meals more balanced, you need to add plants to their meals. And, since there are several options you can choose from, your bearded dragon will not get bored of these plants at all. Here are some veggies to get you started.
- Escarole
- Bok Chou
- Collard Greens
- Turnip Greens
- Okra
- Mustard Greens
- Bell Peppers
Fruits
Fruits shouldn’t be a part of their usual diets, but they are perfect as treats. Your beardie will love the crunch and sweetness that these fruits have. And, they will benefit from them as well. Just make sure not to feed your dragon fruits too often. Here are some options you can choose from:
- Apple
- Mango
- Papaya
- Plum
- Kiwifruit
- Pears
- Strawberry
If you want to know more about what they should eat, you can check this article out.
Conclusion
Your bearded dragon can eat spiders, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should give these to your pets. Not only are they not very nutritious, but there are also high chances that these spiders will hurt your dragon as well, especially since most spiders are venomous and will fight back when threatened.
Eating the common house spider may not hurt your dragon. But, this is not enough for spiders to be considered safe for your pet. And, since many insects will be better for your dragon, it will be best if you choose from those instead.
