If you own a bearded dragon, then at some point you will hear the question of whether or not they can eat maggots. The answer to this question is Yes, however, there are limitations on what size and how many your beardie can eat without any negative consequences. Check out the insects.
Maggots are fly larvae that hatch from eggs deposited by the mother fly. Most maggots are harmless, however, some can secrete a toxin that is harmful to animal and human health. To supplement is dangerous to animals and humans.
The question of whether or not your beardie can eat maggots depends on the circumstances that you find yourself in. Is the maggot from a harmful species? If so then it cannot be eaten by your bearded dragon. The maggots that are safe to feed to a bearded dragon are the fly larvae found in rotting, organic matter.
Bearded Dragons eat mostly plant matter but insects make up about 20% of their diet. Crickets, mealworms and silkworms all make good food for your beardie.
Insects Bearded Dragons Can Consume
How Many Maggots Should My Bearded Dragon Eat at Once?
There are different opinions on the number of maggots that should be fed to your beardie. Some individuals believe that one or two small maggots are sufficient whereas others say that only a few larger maggots should be given at once.
One thing to keep in mind with feeding your bearded dragon any type of insect is how often it is fed. If you give your beardie large amounts of maggots daily, then it probably won’t be able to eat all of them because too many will make it sick. It is recommended that your bearded dragon only be given one or two small maggots once a week.
Bearded Dragons cannot eat maggots found outside. The maggots that live in rotting organic matter have a different nutritional profile than the maggots found outside. In order to give your bearded dragon a complete and nutritious diet, it should be fed crickets or other insects along with its plant matter.
Are Maggots Bad for My Bearded Dragon?
No, they just don’t provide any nutritional value to your dragon. They can be a treat but need to be supplemented by other foods such as grubs, silkworms and worms. While you can mix a maggot or two into your beardie’s diet. The fact of the matter is that there are many other alternatives far more nutritious that you should incorporate into your bearded dragon’s diet.
In summary, in moderation maggots are not harmful to your bearded dragon, they just don’t provide a substantial level of nutritional value. Very little bang for your buck.