Can Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Last Updated on January 19, 2025 by Miranda

Most bearded dragons are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they will eat just about anything that they can fit into their mouths. This includes a variety of insects, small mammals, and even other reptiles. While many people believe that bearded dragons are strictly vegetarian, this is not the case. In fact, some Beardies have been known to eat the occasional piece of meat – including beef. But the question is, can bearded dragons eat ants?

Natural Diet of Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons in the wild are omnivorous, primarily consuming a variety of insects, small invertebrates, and vegetation. In arid environments, they feed on insects like crickets, locusts, and small spiders, as well as plant matter such as leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their diet naturally varies based on what is regionally available, providing them balanced nutrition essential for growth and health.

So, can bearded dragons eat beef? The answer is yes, but it is not necessarily the best option for them. Beef is not a natural part of a beardie’s diet and should only be given as an occasional treat. When feeding your dragon beef, make sure that it is cooked and cut into small pieces to prevent choking. As with all treats, moderation is key. Too much beef can lead to obesity and other health problems. Bearded dragons can eat ants depending on the bearded dragon’s diet.

If you’re looking for a more nutritious option for your bearded dragon, there are plenty of insect and vegetable-based foods that will provide them with the nutrients they need. Give them a variety of different options to choose from and let them enjoy a healthy, well-rounded diet.

Nutritional Content of Ants

Protein: 6.4-7.5%

Fat: 0.4-0.5%

Carbohydrates: 2.2-2.6%

Calcium: 0.21-0.23%

Phosphorus: 0.16-0.17%

Potassium: 0.27-0.29%

Sodium: 0.02-0.03%

Zinc: 0.003-0.004%

As you can see, ants are a good source of protein and other essential nutrients. However, they are also quite high in fat. This means that they should be given in moderation to avoid obesity and other health problems.

Risks of Feeding Ants

While ants can be part of a bearded dragon’s diet, it is crucial to be cautious with wild-caught ants as they may have been exposed to pesticides or other toxins. Additionally, some ants possess venomous properties which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. These risks highlight the importance of choosing ants that are free from environmental contaminants and ensuring variety in their diet to avoid dependency on a single food source.

Different Species of Ants

There are over 12,000 species of ants found all over the world. While most of them are not suitable for human consumption, there are a few that are commonly eaten by people in different cultures.

Some of the most popular edible ant species include:

• Red harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) – found in the southwestern United States

• Leafcutter ants (Atta spp.) – found in Central and South America

• Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) – found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile

• Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) – found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa

Suitable Insects for Bearded Dragons

While most species of ants are not harmful to bearded dragons, there are a few that can be dangerous. These include fire ants, bullhorn acacia ants, and honeypot ants. If you’re not sure whether or not a particular species is safe for your dragon, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them. Bearded dragon ants have formic acid which is good for their health. Young bearded dragons eat sugar ants, goliath worms, and other insects.

Fire ants, in particular, can be very dangerous. They are known to attack and sting both humans and animals, and their venom can be fatal. If you live in an area where fire ants are found, it’s important to keep your dragon away from them.

Bullhorn acacia ants

The bullhorn acacia ant (Pseudomyrmex gracilis) is a species of ant that is found in Central and South America. These ants are known to defend the bullhorn acacia tree (Acacia cornigera) from herbivores.

While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, they can be dangerous if provoked. Their sting is extremely painful and can cause swelling, redness, and itching. If you are stung by one of these ants, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Honeypot ants

Honeypot ants (Myrmecocystus spp.) are a type of ant that is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. These ants store honey in their abdomens, which they use to feed the rest of the colony.

While they are not typically aggressive, they can sting if they feel threatened. Their stings are not usually harmful to humans, but they can be painful. If you are stung by a honeypot ant, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

As you can see, there are a variety of different species of ants that are safe for bearded dragons to eat. If you’re not sure whether or not a particular species is safe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them.

Discussion on Bearded Dragon Health Indicators

Knowing what to look for in terms of health indicators can help you identify potential dietary issues in your bearded dragon. Signs of a healthy bearded dragon include bright eyes, a robust appetite, and energetic behavior. Lethargy, weight loss, or changes in stool consistency could indicate dietary imbalances or health problems. Regularly consulting with a veterinarian can ensure your dragon maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Different Types of Ants

There are a variety of different types of ants that your bearded dragon may encounter. While most of them are harmless, there are a few that can be dangerous.

The most common type of ant is the worker ant. These ants are responsible for gathering food and caring for the colony. They are typically not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened.

The next type of ant is the soldier ant. These ants are responsible for protecting the colony from predators and intruders. They are typically more aggressive than worker ants and can sting if they feel threatened.

The last type of ant is the queen ant. The queen ant is responsible for laying eggs and growing the colony. While she is not typically aggressive, she can sting if she feels threatened. If you are stung by a queen ant, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

As you can see, there are a variety of different types of ants that your bearded dragon may encounter. While most of them are harmless, there are a few that can be dangerous. If you’re not sure whether or not a particular species is safe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them.

Can Adult Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Yes, adult bearded dragons can eat ants. In fact, ants are a good source of protein and other nutrients that your dragon needs. However, it’s important to be careful when feeding ants to your dragon. Some species of ants can be dangerous, and their venom can be fatal. If you’re not sure whether or not a particular species is safe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Ants?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat ants. In fact, ants are a good source of protein and other nutrients that your dragon needs. However, it’s important to be careful when feeding ants to your dragon. Some species of ants can be dangerous, and their venom can be fatal. If you’re not sure whether or not a particular species is safe, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding them.