Prekilled insects?

[Iridium]

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Are prekilled insects or even pinkies an option for feeding an adult bearded dragon as an alternative for live insects? My girlfriend is considering an a beardie, but doesn't seem to be comfortable with the idea of feeding it live insects, so I'm asking for her sake.

[Daigga]

They have canned and/or freeze dried insects, but they're more expensive and a tend to be ignored. I have heard of giving pinky mice to beardies(sparingly and only as treats, never a diet staple), but I don't think it's actually good for them so we've never done it with our girl.

If shes getting an adult beardie, most of its nutrition should be coming from greens and veggies anyway. Insects should still be part of their diet, but you would be fine offering a dozen crickets once a week or so and just keeping a salad available otherwise.

[Iridium]

Thank you! She (nor I) didn't know that they only had to be fed live insects only about once weekly. She sounds a lot happier with that idea then having to feed them bugs every day, lol. Thank you!

[hungba]

Do those canned insects lose nutrients after a while?

[Daigga]

Do those canned insects lose nutrients after a while?

I'm not 100% certain, I only ever bought them once. They're more hydrated, so I would imagine they have more nutrients than the freeze dried kinds, which are mostly carapace anyway. If you have access to them, live insects are certainly best.