Can Bearded Dragons Eat Isopods?

Bearded dragons are fascinating pets that require a balanced and nutritious diet to thrive. As a responsible pet owner, you may be concerned about the best food options for your bearded dragon. One common question that arises is whether bearded dragons can eat isopods.

Isopods, also known as pill bugs or roly-polies, are small crustaceans that are commonly found in gardens and other outdoor areas. While they may seem like a potential food source for your bearded dragon, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of including isopods in their diet. Let’s dive deeper into this topic to better understand if isopods are a safe and healthy food option for your bearded dragon.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Isopods?

H2: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Isopods?

Bearded dragons are popular reptile pets that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. While they primarily feed on insects and vegetables, there are other food options that can be added to their diet for variety. One such option is isopods. But the question is, can bearded dragons eat isopods? Let’s find out.

H3: What are Isopods?

Isopods, also known as pill bugs, roly-polies, or woodlice, are small crustaceans that are commonly found in damp environments such as gardens, forests, and beaches. They have a hard exoskeleton and can roll up into a ball for self-defense. Isopods are often used as a food source for other reptiles and amphibians.

Isopods are available in different sizes and species, and it is essential to ensure that the isopods you feed your bearded dragon are appropriate for their size and age. The most common species of isopods used for feeding reptiles are the common pill bug and the dwarf white isopod.

H3: Nutritional Value of Isopods

Isopods are a good source of protein, fiber, and calcium, making them a nutritious food option for bearded dragons. They are also low in fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for bearded dragons that are prone to obesity. Isopods also contain chitin, which is an essential component of the exoskeleton of crustaceans. Chitin helps to maintain healthy digestive function in bearded dragons.

However, it is important to note that isopods should not be the primary source of food for bearded dragons, as they lack some of the essential nutrients that bearded dragons require for optimal health. Isopods should be offered as a treat or occasional food option.

H3: Benefits of Feeding Isopods to Bearded Dragons

Feeding isopods to bearded dragons can provide several benefits. Firstly, they are a great source of variety in the bearded dragon’s diet. Offering different food options can help to prevent boredom and encourage a healthy appetite. Secondly, isopods are low in fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for bearded dragons that require a low-calorie diet.

Thirdly, isopods are easy to digest and can help to promote healthy digestive function in bearded dragons. Lastly, isopods are an affordable and readily available food option that can be purchased from most pet stores or online.

H3: Risks of Feeding Isopods to Bearded Dragons

While isopods are generally safe to feed to bearded dragons, there are some risks associated with feeding them. Firstly, isopods can carry parasites, which can be harmful to bearded dragons. It is essential to ensure that the isopods you feed your bearded dragon are free from parasites and other harmful pathogens. Secondly, some species of isopods contain high levels of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and prevent its absorption.

This can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons, which can cause metabolic bone disease. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the isopods you feed your bearded dragon are low in oxalates.

H3: How to Feed Isopods to Bearded Dragons

If you decide to feed isopods to your bearded dragon, there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the isopods you feed your bearded dragon are appropriate for their size and age. Offer small isopods to hatchlings and juveniles, and larger isopods to adults.

Secondly, ensure that the isopods are healthy and free from parasites and other harmful pathogens. Thirdly, offer isopods as a treat or occasional food option, and do not make them the primary source of food for your bearded dragon. Lastly, dust the isopods with calcium powder before feeding them to your bearded dragon.

H3: Isopods Vs Other Food Options for Bearded Dragons

Isopods are just one food option that can be offered to bearded dragons. Other food options include crickets, mealworms, superworms, dubia roaches, and vegetables. Each food option has its pros and cons, and it is essential to offer a balanced and varied diet to your bearded dragon.

Crickets and mealworms are high in protein and are a good source of nutrition for bearded dragons. However, they are also high in fat and can lead to obesity if fed in excess. Superworms are a good source of protein and are low in fat, but they are also high in chitin, which can be difficult to digest for some bearded dragons.

Dubia roaches are a great source of protein and are low in fat, making them an excellent food option for bearded dragons. They are also easy to digest and are less likely to carry parasites than crickets and mealworms.

Vegetables such as kale, collard greens, and carrots are a good source of vitamins and minerals and should be included in the bearded dragon’s diet. However, vegetables should not be the primary source of food for bearded dragons, as they lack some of the essential nutrients that bearded dragons require.

H3: Conclusion

In conclusion, isopods can be a nutritious and beneficial food option for bearded dragons when offered as a treat or occasional food option. They are low in fat and calories, easy to digest, and can help to promote healthy digestive function in bearded dragons. However, it is crucial to ensure that the isopods you feed your bearded dragon are healthy and free from parasites and other harmful pathogens.

It is also essential to offer a balanced and varied diet to your bearded dragon, including a variety of insects and vegetables. By following these guidelines, you can provide your bearded dragon with a healthy and nutritious diet that will help to maintain their overall health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bearded dragons are a popular type of pet reptile and their owners often have questions about their dietary needs. One common question is whether or not bearded dragons can eat isopods, also known as woodlice or roly-polies.

Can bearded dragons eat isopods?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat isopods. In fact, they are a great source of protein and other nutrients for your pet. However, it’s important to make sure that the isopods you are feeding your bearded dragon are clean and free from any harmful chemicals or parasites.

When feeding your bearded dragon isopods, it’s best to purchase them from a reputable source or to collect them yourself from areas that have not been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. You should also avoid feeding your bearded dragon too many isopods at once, as they can be high in fat and could lead to obesity if eaten in excess.

Are isopods a good staple food for bearded dragons?

While isopods can be a nutritious addition to your bearded dragon’s diet, they should not be the only food that your pet eats. Bearded dragons require a balanced diet that includes a variety of different foods, including vegetables, fruits, and other protein sources such as crickets and mealworms.

In addition, some bearded dragons may not be interested in eating isopods, so it’s important to offer a variety of different foods to ensure that your pet is getting all of the nutrients they need. If you are unsure about whether or not isopods should be a regular part of your bearded dragon’s diet, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or an experienced reptile owner for advice.

Bearded Dragon VS Isopod


In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat isopods as part of their diet. However, it is important to make sure that the isopods are fed a nutritious diet themselves and are not collected from the wild, where they may have been exposed to harmful substances.

It is also recommended to feed isopods as a occasional treat rather than a staple in the bearded dragon’s diet. This will ensure a balanced and varied diet for your pet.

Overall, isopods can be a healthy and tasty addition to your bearded dragon’s diet if given in moderation and sourced from a reliable and safe source. As with any new food item, it is important to monitor your pet’s health and behavior after introducing isopods to their diet.