Why Feed Dubia Roaches to Your Bearded Dragon?
May 07, 2025
If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you know how tricky it can be to find the right food for them. Crickets can be noisy, mealworms are messy, and some other insects just don’t seem to cut it.
But what about dubia roaches? Are they really that good?
Here is the good news: Yes, they are!
Dubia roaches are not only a cleaner and quieter option, but they also offer superior nutrition that can benefit your dragon’s health in the long run.
But don’t just take our words for scientific studies backing up the benefits of feeding dubia roaches to your reptile. For instance, the National Library of Medicine highlights the crucial role of proper nutrition, like calcium and Vitamin D, for reptiles in preventing conditions like metabolic bone disease. This is something Dubia can help combat.
So, let’s find out why these roaches might be the best choice for your bearded dragon.
Nutritional Superiority of Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are renowned for their impressive nutritional profile, making them an ideal choice for bearded dragons. Here’s how they compare to other common feeder insects:
Nutrient |
Dubia Roaches |
Crickets |
Mealworms |
Protein (%) |
20-25 |
17-20 |
14-18 |
Fat (%) |
7-15 |
6-9 |
13-20 |
Calcium (mg/kg) |
700-800 |
275 |
133 |
Phosphorus (mg/kg) |
2600 |
2520 |
3450 |
The high protein content supports muscle development and growth. And the low fat percentage helps prevent obesity, which is a common issue in captive reptiles. Additionally, the favorable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio helps build up bone health. This reduces the risk of metabolic bone disease. Therefore, it’s very important to know how to care for dubia roaches to keep your bearded dragon healthy.
Digestibility and Ease of Consumption
Unlike some feeder insects with hard exoskeletons, Dubia roaches have a soft body. This makes them easier for bearded dragons to chew and digest. Roaches also reduce the risk of impaction, a serious health concern where indigestible material blocks the digestive tract. Their moderate size and slow movement also make them easy targets.
Low Maintenance and Odor-Free
One of the significant advantages of Dubia roaches is their ease of care. They don’t chirp like crickets. Moreover, they produce minimal odor. This keeps your home smelling fresh. Dubia roaches are also less likely to escape, and even if they do, they cannot infest your health, unlike some other feeder insects.
Safety and Hygiene
Safety is the first thing to consider when selecting your dubia roaches. They are less likely to carry parasites or diseases that can harm your bearded dragon. However, it is important to buy high-quality and healthy dubia roaches from a reputable supplier. This makes sure they’re raised in hygienic conditions.
Cognitive and Behavioral Benefits
Feeding your bearded dragon live Dubia roaches helps bring out its natural hunting instincts. It keeps your pet active and mentally sharp. This kind of stimulation is important because it prevents boredom and bad behavior, which can happen when reptiles are kept in a tank with nothing to do.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Dubia roaches are more environmentally friendly compared to other feeder insects. They require less space, water, and food to breed. This results in a smaller ecological footprint. Additionally, their breeding and harvesting processes are more humane, which aligns perfectly with the ethical feeding practices.
How Often Should You Feed Dubia Roaches?
Feeding frequency depends on the age and size of your bearded dragon:
Hatchlings (0-3 months)
Frequency - 3 times daily |
Juveniles (3-9 months)
Frequency - 2 times daily |
Adults (9+ months)
Frequency - Once daily or every other day |
➤ Ensure the size of the roach is appropriate, no longer than the space between your dragon’s eyes.
Is It Safe to Feed Them Daily?
Feeding dubia roaches daily is generally safe, provided you maintain a balanced diet. Incorporate a variety of vegetables and occasional fruits to ensure the bearded dragon receives all necessary nutrients. Regularly monitor your pet’s weight and adjust feeding quantities as needed to prevent obesity.
Tip ● Dusting - Lightly dust roaches with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements 2-3 times a week. ● Variety - Occasionally introduce other feeder insects like black soldier fly larvae or silkworms for dietary variety. |
Conclusion
Incorporating Dubia roaches into your bearded dragon’s diet offers numerous benefits. BY choosing Dubia roaches, you ensure your pet receives high-quality nourishment while simplifying your feeding routine.