If you are new to keeping bearded dragons as pets, you might have a lot of questions in your head right now. And most of it might be related to which foods you can and can’t offer to these reptiles. One question might be, can bearded dragons eat spiders?
Bearded dragons can eat spiders. However, spiders can never be a primary food for these reptiles. And when it comes to feeding spiders, you must ensure that the spider is not poisonous.
Now, the room’s elephant is, which spiders are toxic and which are not? And what will happen if you accidentally feed poisonous spiders to the bearded dragons? This discussion will answer all of these questions in detail.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spiders?
Spiders are safe for bearded dragons as long as they are not poisonous. Even so, as mentioned, spiders should not be one of the primary foods in the diet of bearded dragons. The reason is that spiders do not have the same nutrients as dubia roaches or crickets.
That said, it is important to consider which spider you include in the feed. And it is not just about being poisonous. In addition, spiders can also carry parasites, which will have a detrimental effect on the overall health of the bearded dragon.
Moreover, if you happen to collect spiders from the wild, there’s a risk of them carrying pesticides and other chemicals. Again, these chemicals will not have good effects on the health of the reptiles.
Nutritional Values of Spiders for Bearded Dragons
Spiders do not usually have many nutritional values, especially compared to the staple insects for bearded dragons. Yes, spiders are rich in protein, but they do not have much of minerals and vitamins to bring to the table.
Moreover, you have to consider all the risks that spiders associate with when it comes to being in the feed of bearded dragons.
Health Risks of Feeding Spiders to Bearded Dragons
As hinted earlier, spiders in the feed of bearded dragons pose health risks. Among all, the most significant risk is spider poisoning, which can happen for several reasons. For example, some spiders can give venomous bites while defending themselves.
Those bites will make the bearded dragons injured. They can even lead to death if you do not take proper action. Additionally, some spiders are generally exposed to certain toxins and chemicals.
Once ingested by the bearded dragons, those chemicals will harm the reptile’s health. Also, many spiders tend to carry parasites, which can be a severe health risk for bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat House Spiders?
House spiders are considered to be the safest option for bearded dragons. First, these spiders’ chances of being exposed to chemicals and pesticides are pretty low. Secondly, if you keep your house clean, the spiders might not carry parasites.
Finally, house spiders tend not to be venomous. For that reason, if you were to add spiders to the feed of the bearded dragons, house spiders would be the safest option.
Even so, you should only let your adult bearded dragons eat spiders. For baby bearded dragons, the risks outweigh the nutritional value. So, for them, it would be a good idea to stick with a regular diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wolf Spiders?
Bearded dragons can eat wolf spiders. Wolf spiders are not generally toxic or harmful. However, no matter what, wolf spiders should not be given in large amounts to bearded dragons.
Instead, you can treat the wolf spiders as a treat for the bearded dragons. Even so, it is recommended to avoid spiders as a whole. You can add more crickets, dubia roaches, and other nutritional insects to the feed instead.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Spider Plants?
Even though spider plants have “spider” in the name, they are a houseplant. And unlike actual spiders, spider plants are completely safe for bearded dragons. But that does not mean you can include a lot of it in the feed of the bearded dragons.
The thing is, spider plants offer relatively fewer essential nutrients. Instead, relying on collard greens, turnip greens, cilantro, and other nutrient-packed leafy greens is better.
Precautions and Tips for Feeding Spiders to Bearded Dragons
So, if you really have to feed spiders to bearded dragons, you need to stick to some precautionary steps. They are:
Avoid Feeding Spiders Exclusively
Even if spiders are abundantly available to you, you should only include them in the feed of bearded dragons occasionally. As mentioned earlier, it could act like a treat. Instead of spiders, stick with safe and beneficial insects for these reptiles.
Monitor Their Health After Feeding
You never know whether the spider you fed is safe for the bearded dragon or not. So, keep a close eye on the activity and behavior of the reptile. See whether there are any signs of abnormality. If so, consult with a vet immediately.
Avoid Feeding Wild-Caught Spiders
As you know, spiders in the wild can carry a lot of things. Wild spiders are very risky for bearded dragons, from parasites to chemicals to being venomous. So, it would be best if you avoid wild-caught spiders.
Prepare the Spiders Accordingly
Most of the spiders will be too large for the bearded dragons. Remember, you should not offer any food that’s longer than the distance between the eyes of these reptiles. So, you should cut the spider in small sizes.
Moreover, to make sure that the spider is safe, you can blanch the spider in boiling water for a short amount of time. That will get rid of the chemicals that might be on the skin.
Feed Alongside Leafy Greens and Insects
Offer the spider alongside vegetables and other insects that are nutritious to the bearded dragon. This will ensure the reptile gets the nutrients it needs to maintain health.
Final Words
So, can bearded dragons eat spiders? Bearded dragons can eat spiders, but they should not be included in their regular diet. Instead, rely on other nutritious insects, such as crickets, silkworms, and dubia roaches.
