Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

Can bearded dragons eat spiders? This is a question that many people have, and the answer is yes, bearded dragons can eat spiders. However, you should only give your bearded dragon small amounts of spiders, …

can bearded dragons eat spiders

Can bearded dragons eat spiders? This is a question that many people have, and the answer is yes, bearded dragons can eat spiders. However, you should only give your bearded dragon small amounts of spiders, as they can be high in fat. Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals and can eat both plants and insects. Spiders are a good source of protein for bearded dragons, but you should avoid giving them too many.

About Spiders

can bearded dragons eat spiders

Spiders are arthropods that have eight legs and can be found in nearly every corner of the world. There are over 35,000 species of spiders, and they can range in size from the tiny pygmy spider, which is only a few millimeters in length, to the giant goliath birdeater, which can have a leg span of over 30 centimeters. Spiders are predators and use their venom to kill their prey. Spiders are found in nearly every corner of the world.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?

Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards can grow to be over two feet in length and can live for up to 20 years. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means that they can eat both plants and animals.

Insects make up a large part of their diet in the wild, and spiders are a good source of protein for them. However, you should only give your bearded dragon small amounts of spiders, as they can be high in fat.

Bearded dragons may consume spiders, although only non-toxic varieties should be provided. House and jumping spiders are safe to feed your lizard, but don’t offer them as the primary meal because they aren’t particularly nutritious.

Because you weren’t able to keep an eye on them, bearded dragons can eat spiders if the opportunity arises. Spiders should not be incorporated into their diet for this reason. Other insects, such as crickets, have a lot of nutritional value; whereas some spider species might be deadly poisonous.

5 Types Of Venomous Spiders To Avoid

can bearded dragons eat spiders

There are a few species of spiders that you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon altogether, as their venom can be harmful or even deadly. These include:

Black Widow Spider

Black widow spider is native to the United States and can be found in southern and western states. This spider is black with a red hourglass shape on its abdomen. The venom of a black widow spider can be very harmful, and even deadly, to humans. Its venom can cause muscle pain, cramping, and nausea.

Brown Recluse Spider

The brown recluse spider is found in the United States and can be recognized by its brown color and the violin-shaped marking on its back. This spider’s venom can cause necrosis, which is tissue death, and can be very painful.

Hobo Spider

The hobo spider is found in Europe and can be recognized by its brown color and the V-shaped mark on its head. The venom of a hobo spider can cause necrosis and can be very painful.

Redbacked Spider

The Redbacked spider is found in Australia and can be recognized by its red color and the hourglass shape on its abdomen. The venom of a Redbacked spider can cause muscle pain, cramping, and nausea.

White-tailed Spider

The white-tailed spider is found in Australia and can be recognized by its white color and the hourglass shape on its abdomen. The venom of a white-tailed spider can cause necrosis and can be very painful.

As you can see, there are some spiders that you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon altogether.

Risks Of Feeding Spiders To Bearded Dragons

can bearded dragons eat spiders

While spiders can be a good source of protein for bearded dragons, there are some risks that you should be aware of before you start feeding them to your lizard.

Carry Parasites

Spiders can carry parasites, which can be passed on to your bearded dragon if they eat them. These parasites can cause health problems for your lizard, so it’s important to make sure that the spiders you feed them are free of parasites.

May Be Toxic

Some spider species can be toxic, and their venom can be harmful or even deadly to bearded dragons. It’s important to do your research and only feed your lizard spiders that are safe for them to eat.

Can Cause Health Problems

If you feed your bearded dragon too many spiders, they can become overweight and obese. This can lead to health problems such as diabetes and liver disease.

Not Nutritious

While spiders can be a good source of protein, they are not particularly nutritious and should not be the primary source of food for your bearded dragon.

Alternatives To Spiders For Bearded Dragons

If you’re looking for alternatives to spiders for your bearded dragon, there are plenty of other options. Here are some of the best:

Crickets

Crickets are a type of insect that is a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They are also relatively easy to find and can be purchased at most pet stores. Crickets are rich in nutrients and can help your bearded dragon grow and thrive.

Mealworms

Mealworms are a type of larva that is a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They can be purchased at most pet stores and are relatively easy to care for.

Waxworms

Waxworms are a type of caterpillar that is a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They can be purchased at most pet stores and are relatively easy to care for. Waxworms are high in fat and should only be fed to your lizard as a treat, not as a regular meal.

Locusts

Locusts are a type of grasshopper that is a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They can be found in the wild or purchased from some pet stores.

Silkworms

Silkworms are a type of caterpillar that is a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They can be purchased at most pet stores or online.

Superworms

Superworms are a type of beetle larva that is a good source of protein for bearded dragons. They can be purchased at most pet stores or online.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are both risks and benefits to feeding spiders to bearded dragons. It’s important to do your research and make sure that you are only feeding your lizard safe, non-toxic spiders. If you’re looking for alternatives to spiders, there are plenty of other options available that can provide your bearded dragon with the protein they need.

Do you have any questions about feeding spiders to bearded dragons? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer them!

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