Can Salamanders Eat Dubia Roaches?

Dubia roaches are one of the most popular feeder insects used for reptiles and amphibians in captivity. They are clean, quiet, easy to breed, and packed with nutrients. But if you have a salamander, you might ask: can salamanders eat Dubia roaches?

The short answer is yes. Salamanders can eat Dubia roaches, but only if the roach is small enough to swallow. Dubia roaches are safe, nutritious, and easy to digest for many salamander species, especially those that live on land and eat insects.

Why Dubia Roaches Are a Good Food Source

Dubia roaches have several qualities that make them excellent feeder insects. They contain high protein and moisture content, which is important for energy and hydration.

Another important feature is that Dubia roaches are soft-bodied, especially when young.

This makes them easy for salamanders to swallow and digest, reducing the risk of choking or digestive blockages.

Unlike some other feeder insects, their softness helps juvenile and smaller salamanders feed comfortably.

These roaches are non-aggressive and slow-moving, so they are less likely to harm the salamander during feeding.

Some feeder insects can bite or scratch, but Dubia roaches usually just stay calm and slow, making feeding less stressful for your pet.

Dubia roaches also have a longer shelf-life when kept alive.

This makes them economical for keepers and breeders because they don’t need to be replaced as often as other feeder insects like crickets.

Plus, they are clean and odor-free, unlike crickets, which can smell bad or make noise. This makes them a better choice for indoor pet environments.

All these qualities combine to make Dubia roaches a solid choice for feeding both captive pet salamanders and breeders who want an efficient, nutritious food source.

What Size Dubia Roach Should You Use?

The golden rule for feeding Dubia roaches to salamanders is simple: don’t feed a roach that is wider than the salamander’s head. Feeding prey that is too large can cause choking or digestive problems.

Dubia roaches come in a range of sizes, from tiny nymphs to large adults. For salamanders, only small or medium-sized nymphs should be offered.

Small nymphs are suitable for juvenile or small salamanders, while medium nymphs are better for adult salamanders with wider mouths.

Avoid feeding full-grown adult Dubia roaches unless your salamander is large, like a tiger salamander. Adult roaches have tougher exoskeletons, which are more difficult to digest.

They may also pose a higher choking risk for smaller salamanders. Large roaches can have thicker, more rigid shells that your pet may struggle with.

Choosing the right size roach is crucial for your salamander’s health and feeding success. Offering appropriately sized prey helps avoid digestive issues and makes mealtime safer and more enjoyable.

Are There Any Risks?

Dubia roaches are generally safe to feed salamanders, but there are a few risks to be aware of. Larger roaches contain more chitin, which is the tough outer shell.

Chitin is difficult to digest in excess and can cause digestive discomfort or blockages in some amphibians.

Overfeeding is another concern. Like any high-protein food, feeding too many Dubia roaches can lead to obesity or digestive stress.

Salamanders need a balanced diet that includes various food sources to maintain good health.

There is also the risk of roaches escaping. If a Dubia roach hides in the enclosure and isn’t eaten, it may survive for a long time.

While this is not harmful to the salamander directly, it can be frustrating for keepers if roaches multiply or hide in the habitat.

By offering the right size prey and controlling feeding amounts, you can minimize these risks and keep your salamander safe and healthy.

Are Dubia Roaches Better Than Crickets?

In many ways, Dubia roaches offer advantages over crickets. Crickets can smell bad and make noise, while Dubia roaches are silent and odor-free.

Dubia roaches also have a longer lifespan and a lower escape risk.

Nutrition-wise, Dubia roaches are high in protein compared to the moderate protein content in crickets. They are less likely to bite your pet, which can be a problem with crickets.

Here’s a quick comparison: 

Feature	Dubia Roaches	Crickets
Smell	Little to none	Can smell bad
Sound	Silent	Noisy
Lifespan	Long	Short
Escape risk	Low	High
Nutrition	High in protein	Moderate
Bite risk	Very low	Can bite pets

For salamanders that accept them, Dubia roaches are often the better option.

How Often Should You Feed Dubia Roaches?

Dubia roaches can be part of a varied feeding routine. Adult salamanders can be fed Dubia roaches once or twice a week. These roaches can be combined with other foods such as earthworms, waxworms, or small crickets.

If your salamander is semi-aquatic, Dubia roaches can also supplement aquatic foods like bloodworms. Variety is key for a balanced diet and good health, so do not rely solely on Dubia roaches.

Tips for Feeding Dubia Roaches

If your salamander doesn’t hunt actively, use feeding tongs to present the roach. If the roach moves too fast, gently crush the head or legs to slow it down.

Feed only freshly molted or soft-bodied nymphs for smaller species. Remove uneaten roaches after 15 to 20 minutes to prevent overpopulation or escape.

Gut-load the roaches 24 hours before feeding for added nutrition. Gut-loading means feeding the roaches nutritious vegetables or commercial gut-load formulas, so your salamander gets extra vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Salamanders can eat Dubia roaches, and many enjoy them. These roaches are clean, quiet, high in protein, and easy to digest when offered in the correct size.

Avoid large adults and feed only appropriately sized nymphs to reduce choking or indigestion risks.

As part of a varied diet, Dubia roaches are an excellent choice for keeping your salamander healthy and satisfied.