Can Bearded Dragons Eat Slugs? Benefits, Risks & How to Feed Slugs

Slugs are terrestrial gastropod mollusks that lack a shell. Mostly they are land slugs, but there are several types, such as sea slugs and semi-slugs, that might have reduced shells, internal shells, or none. They are similar to snails but lack when it comes to shells, and they resemble very obese worm and looks just like snails. Similar to snails, slugs also secrete a layer of mucus to cover the area they are moving through. 

The secretion helps them protect their sensitive skin, maintain moisture, and shield them from most predators, as the smell generally repels them. They mainly feed on other insects and their larvae. But they can often have a surprising diet consisting of rodents, small lizards, small frogs, and so on. But who can include these slugs in their diet? 

To be precise, the question arises can bearded dragons eat slugs? It is a known fact that bearded dragons are omnivores, so they can easily consume plant-based and meat diets. But will feeding them slugs be beneficial to them? And if it does, what might be its possible benefits? 

The brief answer to these queries is that, yes, bearded dragons can eat slugs, and if fed a healthy amount in the right size, it has nutritional benefits stored in them for the bearded dragons. 

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Slugs?

Bearded dragons are fed a diet where they consume a lot of leafy plants, but there is uncertainty when it comes to eating slugs. Yes, pet bearded dragons can feed on slugs. 

The smell of the secretion might repel them from eating it, but as every bearded dragon has its curated taste, they might like this addition to their diet.  

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat slugs?

Well, there is no precise information as every bearded dragon might react differently to being fed slugs; some might even refuse to eat them. It is better to feed them slugs as snacks and occasionally. 

4 Benefits of Slugs for Bearded Dragons

1: Reduces Stress Level

As slugs are easy prey, it would ultimately provide them with peace of mind, and pet owners can serve slugs for a healthy and happy mind of their pet bearded dragons.

2: Great Source of Protein

Slugs are full of protein which can ultimately help them in their diet. Proteins are known to assist the organism in growing healthy, and slugs are a good source of protein for bearded dragons. The high level of protein the slugs contain can help a young developing bearded dragon. 

3: Low in Fat

The slugs are known to be low in fat compared to other prey, which is why this can be less likely to cause obesity in your bearded dragon.

4: High-Level Water Content

The high water level contained by slugs can help in hydrating your bearded dragon. Beardies can only achieve these benefits if the quantity is of the right amount. Avoid overfeeding them the slugs. And this is also why pet owners should never feed their pet bearded dragons with a lot of slugs because it will cause them to have diarrhea.

2 Risks of Feeding Slugs to Bearded Dragons

1: No Nutritious Value

Slugs are known to have no nutritional elements, making them less valuable than other healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables. And so, when pet owners will feed their pet bearded dragons with slugs as food, then it will occupy the space where pet owners can feed them other healthy food items.

2: High Amounts Can Cause Obesity 

Bearded dragons can suffer from obesity if they are fed with a lot of proteins. And slugs are known to have a decent amount of protein, so pet owners should avoid feeding their bearded dragons with many slugs. Also, they should not be serving it daily. 

How to Feed Slugs to Your Bearded Dragons?

Choose the Clean Slugs 

Pet owners should always select clean and fresh slugs for their adorable pet bearded dragons. 

Chop Them Into Small Pieces 

Pet owners should never feed their adorable pet bearded dragons without chopping the slugs. First, the slugs should be chopped into small pieces and then served to beardies.

Cook Them Nicely 

Before feeding slugs to bearded dragons, pet owners should cook those properly before serving them. 

Conclusion 

To sum up, can bearded dragons eat slugs? We can conclude that you can feed slugs to your bearded dragons. The only thing to remember is the quantity and quality provided, and the portion must be in a healthy quantity and of the right size. So, bearded dragons can safely eat the store-purchased slugs to keep a close watch on how they respond to this addition to their meal. 

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