Mealworms and superworms are two different types of critters that you can feed your bearded dragon. Both have the same nutritional profile, with mealworms containing roughly the same amount of protein and fat as their counterparts. However, superworms are considerably larger, with 20% protein and 13% fat. However, they may be too large for a juvenile bearded dragon. If you want to give your beardie a mealworm, you can purchase one that is larger than the average mealworm.
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Mealworms
Mealworms are one of the most popular foods for bearded dragons. They are easy to raise and maintain. Mealworms are larvae of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae), a family of more than 20,000 species. While mealworms are not actual worms, they have a high fat content, making them an ideal food for bearded dragons.
The main disadvantages of mealworms are that they contain fat and lack any nutritional value. They are also a major source of undigested shells, so only a few should be fed per day. Mealworms should make up less than 5% of your beardie’s diet, and you can easily replace them with healthier alternatives. Here are some of the pros and cons of mealworms:
Mealworms contain high levels of fat and should be fed as a treat. However, the diet should be varied and you should feed mealworms to adult bearded dragons only once or twice per week. The diet of adult bearded dragons should contain an equal amount of calcium and phosphorus. Adding live mealworms to your beardie’s diet can help prevent impaction.
Butterworms
If you’ve ever kept beardies, you probably know how beneficial butterworms are for your pet. Butterworms contain calcium and water, and are great for your beardie’s diet. They are also gut-loading feeder insects, which means they will help your beardie thrive. Butterworms should be stored in the refrigerator, where the temperature is right for them. Keeping them cold will help them stay healthy and alive for feeding time.
To feed your beardie worms, be sure to choose those with a high protein and low fat content. Many types of feeder worms are rich in protein, but also high in fat. Those with a high protein content may not be as nutritious for your beardie. Look for easy-to-digest worms that contain high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals. If you find a feeder worm with a high fat content, try another insect instead.
Earthworms
If you want to feed your bearded dragon a diet rich in worms, you can buy earthworms from a pet store. Be sure to choose gut-fed earthworms from a reputable source to prevent them from acquiring harmful contaminants. You can also purchase earthworms from bait stores that are bred for use as fishing bait. In either case, the earthworms will be free of chemicals and additives.
Insects have high levels of dietary fat, and this can lead to obesity and fatty liver disease in bearded dragons. However, earthworms are also high in calcium, and bearded dragons need this mineral to build strong bones. It also serves important functions in the body, including nerve communication. It is recommended that you add some calcium dust to the earthworm bowl. However, be sure to check with your veterinarian before feeding your beardie worms.
Hornworms
Hornworms are excellent bearded dragon receptacles. These worms are low in fat and are a good choice for those reptiles that are on a diet-change or have become exhausted. They are also a great source of calcium, but not as high as some other insects. They’re also a better choice than many staple insects, which contain more fat.
They’re sold in feeding pods that contain food and a filtration system. The worms will double in size as they grow. Once your reptile has reached its desired size, you can remove the food and clean the hornworm’s habitat. If your bearded dragon is particularly fussy, hornworms are a great option. Despite being high in calcium and low in fat, hornworms are also low in fat. Their high water content means they’re easily digested by bearded dragons.
While superworms are considered safe for adult dragons, superworms are not recommended for baby bearded dragons. They also pose a risk of gastrointestinal impaction, and should be offered only as a treat. Superworms are good for coaxing picky eaters to eat greens. And if you’re dealing with a malnourished beardie, superworms are great supplemental food for your dragon.
