Can Red-eared Sliders eat Dubia Roaches?

Q: Can Red-eared Sliders eat Dubia Roaches?

Dubia Roaches is rated caution for Red-eared Sliders. ReptiFiles explicitly lists Dubia Roaches as a safe protein source for Red-eared Sliders, noting good Ca:P ratios for an insect. Gut-loading and calcium dusting are recommended prior to feeding to optimize nutritional value.

Trachemys scripta elegans · Blaptica dubia

Caution

Daily for juveniles

Specialist resource

ReptiFiles explicitly lists Dubia Roaches as a safe protein source for Red-eared Sliders, noting good Ca:P ratios for an insect. Gut-loading and calcium dusting are recommended prior to feeding to optimize nutritional value.

Feeding frequency

DailyWeeklyOccasionalNever

Caution

Daily for juveniles

OmnivoreVegetableLow oxalateNot toxic

The short answer

Feeding it safely

How much / how often

Daily for juveniles; 2–3×/week for adults

Backed by sources

Specialist resourceReptiFiles

Reviewed by basking_research · June 2026

Basking is here to help you learn — it isn't veterinary advice. For anything specific to your animal, talk to a qualified exotic-animal vet.

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