So the big question is, can bearded dragons eat centipedes? What about housed centipedes?
First of all, before answering whether bearded dragons can eat centipedes, one has to consider that several kinds of centipedes are ever documented, and it is difficult to distinguish them. In addition, another factor to consider is whether the centipede in question is wild or housed (farmed/bred) type.
It is important to know the type/species of centipede because certain species can be very toxic to bearded dragons, especially when they accidentally get stung by it. That is because the venom from a centipede can be quite harmful and even life-threatening to our bearded friends.
Therefore, it’ll be wise to be cautious of what goes into your bearded dragon’s digestive tract. Consequently, it would be best and benefit your bearded dragon if you avoided feeding centipedes, regardless of wild or housed, to it in the first place.
So the answer to whether it’s safe for bearded dragons to eat centipedes is yes, but I advice you to read on for the best accident-free ways to feed centipedes to your dragons.
Centipedes are high in fat and low in nutrients, and they can also bite and inject venom. If you do choose to feed your bearded dragon a centipede, be sure to remove the head and stinger first.
Generally speaking, Feeding your bearded dragon with wild insects in the first place is not recommended, as they may house different kinds of parasites on their bodies.
The number of times a month a bearded dragon should be fed centipedes depends on several factors, which include the age, size, and general health state of the said dragon. It is generally recommended to feed bearded dragon centipedes no more than once a month.
The nutritional value of centipedes varies depending on the species. However, in general, centipedes are a good source of protein and fat. They also contain some vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. However, centipedes are also high in cholesterol and have a low nutrient content.
Here is a table of the nutritional value of a typical centipede:
Here’s an estimated nutritional table for a typical centipede, based on the assumption that its nutritional profile may be similar to that of other edible insects like crickets or mealworms:
| Nutrient | Estimated Value per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 450-500 kcal |
| Protein | 20-25 g |
| Fat | 20-30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-10 g |
| Fiber | 2-5 g |
| Calcium | 100-200 mg |
| Iron | 2-5 mg |
| Zinc | 2-5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | Significant amounts |
| Other B Vitamins | Variable amounts |
| Essential Amino Acids | Present |
| Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) | Present |
It is important to note that the above values are just general guidelines. The actual nutritional value of a centipede will vary depending on the species, size, and diet of the centipede.
Can bearded dragons eat centipedes and get poisoned by it?
Accidents do happen, and sometimes, your bearded dragon, when he isn’t under your supervision, may come in contact with and eat unwanted or inedible substances but do not fret.
It’s relatively safe and with no severe adverse reactions when your bearded dragon eats one or two centipedes unless it was bitten/stung at the time of the feeding; then you may have a serious problem that may become fatal if overlooked.
What can you do if your beloved bearded dragon eats a centipede?
When consumed, ants, bees, wasps, hornets, and centipedes alike are no more dangerous to bearded dragons than mealworms.
If your dragon has eaten toxic plants/insects such as a centipede, an excellent way to help them is to feed them with activated charcoal. Or a mixture of kale, parsley, and cilantro.
Risks of feeding centipedes to your bearded dragon
- As mentioned above, centipedes are high in fat and low in nutrients. This can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies in bearded dragons.
- Centipedes can bite and inject venom. Centipede venom can be harmful to bearded dragons, and it can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Centipedes can be difficult to digest. Centipedes have a hard exoskeleton that can be difficult for bearded dragons to digest. This can lead to digestive problems, such as constipation and diarrhea.
- Toxicity: Some Centipedes can carry toxins that are harmful to bearded dragons. These toxins can cause health issues or even be fatal to your pet.
- Parasites and Pesticides: Wild-caught centipedes may carry parasites and have been exposed to pesticides, both of which can be harmful to bearded dragons.
Here are some other foods that you can feed your bearded dragon:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Superworms
- Silkworms
- Hornworms
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Turnip greens
- Kale
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Berries
- Melons
It is important to provide your bearded dragon with a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. You should also offer them fresh water every day.
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Fun facts about centipedes
Here are some fascinating facts about centipedes
How many of these fun facts did you know already?
Centipedes never have 100 legs.
The number of legs of a centipede can change during its lifetime.
Centipedes are carnivorous hunters.
People have kept centipedes as pets for centuries.
Centipedes are good mothers to their litters.
Centipedes are fast; I mean, who wouldn’t with that many legs?
Centipedes prefer dark and humid environments.
