Can bearded dragons eat cockroaches?

If you’re wondering “Can bearded dragons eat cockroaches?” the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, bearded dragons can eat cockroaches daily and it’s one of the best insects for them. 

In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional value of cockroaches for bearded dragons and how to feed them properly. As well, see our full guide to Bugs for bearded dragons. 

Can bearded dragons eat cockroaches?

Cockroach Nutritional Value for Bearded Dragons: 

Cockroaches provide immense nutritional value to bearded dragons – in the form of protein, vitamins, and fiber. These vitamins commonly include iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium,   vitamin A, C, and E, and phosphorus. 

A note on phosphorus: In bearded dragons, it’s important to always be aware of the phosphorus and calcium content in food you feed them. Why? Bearded dragons need a good amount of calcium to grow and to maintain bone and muscle health in adulthood. However, phosphorus inhibits the absorption of calcium if there’s too much of it, relative to the calcium amount. 

You should aim for a 2:1 ratio of 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. Luckily, roaches have a LOT of protein and calcium that bearded dragons can absorb, so they’re a great daily feeder insect for them. We’ve outlined ways to increase your beardie’s calcium intake below. 

What type of cockroaches should you give your bearded dragon?

Most types of cockroaches will be delicious and nutritious for your bearded dragon. They particularly love Dubia roaches, which are readily available at virtually all pet supply stores. Note: It’s generally better to give your bearded dragon live insects instead of dead insects, as dead insects start losing water and nutrients as soon as they die. 

How often should you give cockroaches to your beardie? 

You can feed your bearded dragon cockroaches daily. The quantity depends on how old your beardie is and their overall health and fitness. Growing bearded dragons should eat more insects, about 80% of their diet should be insects and 20% plant materials. As they grow into adulthood, this should be reserved, so that 20% of their diet is insects and 80% plants. 

This comes out to adult dragons eating about three times a day with between four to five roaches per servings. Young and growing bearded dragons should eat about five times a day, with between five to ten roaches per serving.  

Should I feed my baby bearded dragon cockroaches?

Yes! It’s great for baby bearded dragons to eat cockroaches. In fact, they need roaches and other insects like crickets so that they can grow properly into adult bearded dragons. Insects for bearded dragons are like milk for humans, they need it to grow strong and for proper bone health. 

Try to give growing beardie smaller roaches if possible, as larger ones might pose a choking hazard for them. 

Potential risks with feeding cockroaches to your bearded dragon: 

If you give your bearded dragon a cockroach you find outside, there’s always a chance it’s covered in insecticide or pesticide. When your dragon ingests this pesticide, it could poison them and cause them serious harm and distress. That’s why store bought or home raised roaches are safest. 

As well, large roaches can pose choking hazards if they’re too big for the bearded dragon. Try to feed them roaches no bigger than the size between the space between their eyes. 

What to do if your bearded dragon eats pesticide covered cockroaches accidentally?

Don’t panic. Immediately stop your bearded dragon from eating the roach, and closely monitor them closely for symptoms of a strong reaction. This reaction could include: 

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Spitting up 
• Abnormal behaviors 

Give them lots of water to flush out the chemicals as well as a warm bath to calm them down and to encourage a bowel movement. If the reaction worsens or you’re noticing anything out of the ordinary, call a vet immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Can bearded dragons eat cockroaches?

How often can bearded dragons eat roaches? 

Bearded dragons can eat roaches daily! Adult dragons should eat  about three times a day with between four to five roaches per servings. Young and growing bearded dragons should eat about five times a day, with between five to ten roaches per serving.  

Are roaches or crickets better for bearded dragons?

Roaches are considered by many vets to be the most nutritious insect for bearded dragons to eat daily. 

What is a bearded dragon’s favorite bug?

Bearded dragons have different tastes but Dubia roaches are beloved by all bearded dragons. Crickets are probably a close second. 

Can bearded dragons eat German cockroaches?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat farmed German cockroaches. They’re a great source of protein. However, wild caught cockroaches might contain parasites that could seriously harm your bearded dragon. 

Can bearded dragons eat spiders? 

Yes, bearded dragons can eat spiders, but they should only eat them occasionally due to their high phosphorus content. To learn more, read our article on feeding spiders to bearded dragons. 

Can bearded dragons eat rolly pollies? 

Bearded dragons can safely eat rolly pollies as they have a lot of protein and calcium, which are great for beardies. However, their shells have a high level of chitin, which can be hard for bearded dragons to digest in large quantities. 

Foods bearded dragons can eat: 

If you’re wondering what you should feed a bearded dragon, read our guidelines below. Bearded dragons are insectivores, which just means they thrive on insects as well as plant materials.  

If you have a juvenile bearded dragon (between six and eighteen months old), give them about 80% vegetables and 20% live insects. 

As your bearded dragon transitions into adulthood, give them the inverse, so 20% plant materials and 80% insects. 

Getting your bearded dragon calcium: 

Calcium is especially vital to a bearded dragon, especially a young one that is still growing. There are several ways to introduce more calcium into your beardie’s diet: 

• Add in more high calcium vegetables like dandelions, bok choy, and collard greens. 
• Dust calcium powder over their insects and vegetables to increase calcium levels. 
• Make sure they’re getting their 12 hours of UVB exposure as they need this light to be able to properly absorb nutrients. 

Vegetables to feed your bearded dragon: 

• Peas
• Dandelion
• Green beans
• Cabbage
• Zucchini
• Pumpkin
• See our full list of vegetables to feed your bearded dragon

Note: Bearded dragons can also eat fruit in moderation. See here for a complete list of fruits bearded dragons can eat. 

Insects to feed your bearded dragon: 

• Crickets 
• Kingworms 
• Waxworms 
• See our full guides to insects you can feed your bearded dragon and worms to feed your bearded dragon 

Quick note: Live insects raised by you or bought from the pet store are best because they’re definitely pesticide free. 

How often should you feed a bearded dragon?

During the first 3-6 months of your beardie’s life, try to feed them four to five times a day by giving them as many insects as they’d like in 10 minutes. They’re growing and need lots of protein during this stage. 

Reduce the number of feedings to about two to three times a day when they’re growing into their juvenile years (between six and eighteen months). 

As they become an adult, you can feed them once daily. 

What should a bearded dragon not eat? 

Avoid feeding your bearded dragon: 

• Onions 
• Leeks 
• Chives 
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Acidic fruit like oranges, lemons
• Rhubarb (can be toxic to them) 
• Avocados (surprisingly, these make them ill) 
• Eggplant
• Insects caught in the wild (there may be pesticides covering them) 
• Venomous insects 
• Dairy of any kind
• Rice and grains of any kind
• Frogs or toads
• Ham or other processed meats 

Recap: Can bearded dragons have cockroaches? 

• Yes, bearded dragons can eat cockroaches regularly. They love the taste of them, especially Dubia roaches, and they’re highly nutritious for them. 
• Try to get roaches from your local pet store instead of from the wild to avoid pesticides. 

For our full list of food to feed a bearded dragon, see our guide here.