Why Dubia Roaches Are the Best Feeder Insects (and How to Use Them Effectively)
When it comes to live food for reptiles, dubia roaches are one of the most nutritious, reliable, and low-maintenance options available. Many reptile keepers and breeders now see them as a better alternative to crickets or mealworms, not just for their nutritional value, but for their convenience and cleanliness too.
If you’ve never tried them before, or want to get the most from them, here’s everything you need to know about why dubia roaches make the best feeder insects, and how to use them effectively in your feeding routine.
What Are Dubia Roaches?
Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are tropical insects native to Central and South America. They’re widely used as live reptile food because they’re clean, quiet, and easy to care for. Unlike other feeder insects, they don’t climb smooth surfaces or fly, and they rarely smell. That makes them ideal for anyone feeding reptiles at home or running a breeding setup.
At Live Foods Direct, we supply dubia roaches for sale in a range of sizes to suit different reptiles, from small geckos to adult bearded dragons. Each one is bred on a clean, plant-based diet for safety and nutritional consistency.
Why Dubia Roaches Are the Best Feeder Insects
1. Excellent Nutrition Dubia roaches are packed with protein and low in fat. They also have a favourable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio compared with mealworms and crickets, helping to support bone and muscle health in reptiles. They’re also high in moisture, which helps prevent dehydration, especially in species that don’t drink regularly from standing water.
2. Easier to Digest The exoskeleton of a dubia roach is thinner than that of a cricket or mealworm, which means reptiles can digest them more easily. This reduces the risk of impaction in younger or smaller reptiles.
3. Cleaner and Quieter Crickets are known for being noisy and smelly. Dubia roaches, on the other hand, are quiet and odourless. They’re also less likely to escape, making them far easier to manage and store.
4. Ideal for a Variety of Species Dubia roaches are suitable for most insect-eating reptiles, amphibians, and even some bird species. They’re popular among owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, and skinks, but can also be used as part of a mixed diet for other exotics.
5. Long Shelf Life When kept correctly, dubia roaches can live for months, meaning you can buy in bulk and reduce waste. They tolerate transport well, making them reliable all year round.
How to Feed Dubia Roaches to Your Reptiles
Choose the Right Size
Always select a roach smaller than the space between your reptile’s eyes. This reduces the risk of choking and helps with digestion.
Gut-Load Before Feeding
Feed the roaches a nutrient-rich diet 24–48 hours before offering them to your reptile. This is called gut-loading, and it ensures your pet gets the full benefit of the vitamins and minerals from what the roach has eaten. Vegetables, grains, and specialist roach feeds work best.
Use Supplements
Even though dubia roaches are nutrient-dense, reptiles still need extra calcium and vitamins. Lightly dust the insects with a supplement powder before feeding, especially for species like bearded dragons and geckos.
Feed in Moderation
Offer a few roaches at a time to encourage natural hunting behaviour. Most reptiles enjoy chasing their prey, and live feeding helps stimulate activity and appetite.
Store Them Correctly
Keep dubia roaches in a clean, ventilated container with egg-card trays for hiding. Maintain them at a warm room temperature and provide fresh food every few days. Avoid refrigeration, as it can shorten their lifespan.
Dubia Roaches vs Other Feeder Insects
As the table shows, dubia roaches score highest overall for nutrition, shelf life, and cleanliness, which is why they’re now considered one of the best options for live food for reptiles.
Why Buy Dubia Roaches from Live Foods Direct
- UK-bred for freshness and quality
- Clean, safe, plant-based diet
- Available in multiple sizes Tracked 24-hour delivery
- Live arrival guarantee
Final Thoughts
Dubia roaches are a dependable, nutrient-rich, and easy-to-manage option for feeding reptiles. They promote natural feeding behaviour, support long-term health, and simplify care for keepers. If you’re searching for live reptile food or want to upgrade your reptile’s diet with one of the best feeder insects available, buy dubia roaches online from Live Foods Direct today, and see the difference in your animals’ health and activity.