Bearded dragons can indeed consume mealworms, but they should not form a significant part of their diet. This is due to the high-fat content of mealworms.
Mealworms are the larvae of the yellow mealworm beetle. They are widely available and are often used as feeder insects for various pets, including bearded dragons.
Mealworms are high in fat and relatively low in protein. They can range from a centimeter to almost two inches in length, and are readily available as live prey or in freeze-dried form.
Adult bearded dragons can have mealworms in moderation, with a recommended serving of around five to six mealworms per week.
This should be part of a varied diet that includes a mix of other insects, leafy greens, and fruit.
Mealworms are not recommended for baby and juvenile bearded dragons. Their still-developing bodies are more susceptible to obesity and developmental problems, and the tough exoskeleton of mealworms can increase the risks of compaction in their digestive systems.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworms. However, it’s important to note that mealworms should never be a staple of the lizard’s diet.
Like superworms and other high-fat food, it’s best to view mealworms as a snack more than anything else.
A few mealworms a week won’t do any harm, but feeding your beardie too many could lead to significant health problems.
How Many Mealworms Should You Feed Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragons need a balanced diet that’s roughly 80 percent insects and 20 percent leafy greens and vegetables. That 80 percent should consist of many different types of insects.
Mealworms can contribute to these pet lizard’s diet, but they should only make up a tiny part of their overall dietary intake.
Veterinarians and experienced reptile enthusiasts recommend feeding adult bearded dragons no more than five or six mealworms a week.
Moreover, it’s best to break up that allowance over several days instead of supplying it all at once. A simple rule is to simply allow your beardie to enjoy one or two mealworms every few days.
Are Mealworms Good For Bearded Dragons?
While it’s wise to think of mealworms as a treat for your bearded dragon rather than a diet staple, these feeder insects still have a lot to offer. Bearded dragons love to eat mealworms because they have a relatively high fat content. The fatty nature of mealworms has its pros and cons.
On the positive side, many reptile enthusiasts use mealworms as a way to coax lizards to eat. It can restore the creature’s appetite and encourage them to eat more food. The fat content is also an excellent energy source that can perk up a lethargic beardie.
Feeding Mealworms To Bearded Dragons
When feeding mealworms to your bearded dragon, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it is better to offer mealworms that are alive. Bearded dragons are attracted to the movement of their prey, and dead mealworms may not be as appealing.
Second, consider gut-loading or dusting the mealworms with calcium before feeding them to your bearded dragon. This can help supplement your dragon’s calcium intake, which is crucial for their bone health.
Freeze-dried mealworms can be an occasional treat but are not a suitable alternative for live feedings, as they lose many nutrients, particularly proteins, during the freeze-drying process.
It is also not possible to gut-load dried mealworms, although you may still dust them with calcium powder and multivitamins before offering them to your pet.
Best Insects for Bearded Dragons
| Insect | Protein (%) | Fat (%) | Calcium (mg/kg) | Phosphorus (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubia Roaches | 21.4 | 3.1 | 700 | 2600 |
| Goliath Worms | 9 | 3.07 | 464 | 1394 |
| Waxworms | 14.1 | 24.9 | 243 | 1650 |
| Superworms | 19.7 | 17.7 | 177 | 2370 |
| Mealworms | 18.7 | 13.4 | 169 | 2950 |
| Crickets | 15.4 | 3.3 | 275 | 2520 |
| Black Soldier Fly Larvae | 17.5 | 14 | 9340 | 3560 |
| Butterworms | 15.5 | 29.4 | 125 | 2250 |
| Silkworms | 9.3 | 1.1 | 177 | 2370 |
Dubia Roaches
Dubia roaches are a popular choice for bearded dragon owners because they are high in protein and calcium, low in fat, and easy to care for. They can be purchased online or at most pet stores.
Hornwarms / Goliath Worms
Hornwarms aka Goliath worms are another good option for bearded dragons. They are high in moisture and nutrients, and they are also a good source of beta-carotene, which can help to improve the color of your dragon’s skin.
Waxworms
Waxworms are a high-fat insect, so they should only be fed as a treat. However, they are a good source of energy and can be helpful for dragons that are recovering from illness or surgery.
Superworms
Superworms are similar to mealworms, but they are larger and have a softer exoskeleton. This makes them easier for bearded dragons to digest.
Mealworms
Mealworms are a good source of protein and calcium, but they can be hard for young bearded dragons to digest. They should only be fed as part of a varied diet.
Crickets
Crickets are a common feeder insect, and they are a nutritious choice for bearded dragons which is very low in fat. They are however not the easiest to keep, as and they can be noisy and messy.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Black soldier fly larvae are an excellent feeder insect for bearded dragons. They have a high calcium content and are easy to gut-load. They can be a bit more expensive than other feeder insects, but they are worth the investment.
Butterworms
Butterworms are another good option for bearded dragons. They are high in protein and calcium, and they are also a good source of fat. They can be a bit messy, but they are a popular choice for dragons.
Silkworms
Silkworms are not as common as other feeder insects, but they can be a good option for bearded dragons. They are high in protein and calcium, and they are also a good source of fiber. However, they can be difficult to find and can be expensive.
Calcium Supplementation
Bearded dragon are susceptible to metabolic bone disease and other health conditions related to a lack of calcium in their diet.
Because of htis, it is recommended to dust feeder insects with calcium powder before feeding them to your pet.
Choose a calcium supplement that is formulated specifically for reptiles, and ideally a finely ground, a phosphorus-free formulation without Vitamin D3.
Bearded Dragon & Mealworms FAQs
How many mealworms can a bearded dragon eat a day?
An adult bearded dragon should only consume around one or two mealworms every few days.
This is because mealworms are high in fat and should be considered more of a treat than a staple in their diet.
It’s important to remember that a bearded dragon’s diet should be varied and balanced. This includes a mix of insects, leafy greens, and fruit.
Overfeeding mealworms could lead to health problems due to their high fat content.
Can bearded dragons eat mealworms every day?
No, bearded dragons should not eat mealworms every day.
Mealworms have a high fat content, which can lead to health issues if consumed in large quantities or too frequently.
While mealworms can be a tasty treat for bearded dragons, they should not form a significant part of their diet.
It’s always best to provide a balanced diet for your bearded dragon, including a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Can I feed mealworms to baby bearded dragons?
Feeding mealworms to baby bearded dragons is not recommended.
Their bodies are still developing and are more prone to obesity and developmental issues.
The tough exoskeleton of mealworms can also pose a risk of compaction in their digestive systems.
It’s crucial to provide baby bearded dragons with a diet that supports their growth and development.
This includes smaller, softer insects that are easier for them to digest.
Can I feed my bearded dragon dried mealworms?
Technically yes, you can feed dried mealworms to your bearded dragon.
While freeze-dried mealworms can serve as an occasional treat, they are not a suitable alternative for live feedings.
The freeze-drying process causes them to lose many nutrients, particularly proteins.
Therefore, live mealworms are always a better option for your bearded dragon’s diet.
They are more nutritionally balanced and provide the movement that stimulates the bearded dragon’s natural hunting instincts.
BEARDED DRAGON QUICK LINKS
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.