Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals that can eat a variety of different things. While they prefer to eat insects, they can also eat fruits, vegetables, and even small rodents. Mealworms are a popular food choice for bearded dragons, and they can be found at most pet stores. So, can bearded dragons eat mealworms?
The answer is yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworms. Mealworms are a good source of protein for bearded dragons and they are easy to digest.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about feeding mealworms to your bearded dragon. We will cover topics such as what kind of mealworms to feed, how many mealworms to feed, and when to feed them.
Let’s get started!
What Are Mealworms? The Nutrition of Mealworms
Mealworms are the larval form of the darkling beetle, Tenebrio Molitor. They are typically found in soil or under logs and stones. These insects are a common food source for many animals, including reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.
Mealworms are high in protein and fat, and they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. When fed as part of a bearded dragon’s diet, mealworms can help promote growth and development.
Mealworms are also a good source of essential amino acids, which are necessary for many bodily functions.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworms. Mealworms make a nutritious and healthy addition to a bearded dragon’s diet. They are high in protein and fat, and they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.
When fed as part of a bearded dragon’s diet, mealworms can help promote growth and development. Mealworms are also a good source of essential amino acids, which are necessary for many bodily functions.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Bearded Dragons Mealworms?
Mealworms are a good source of protein and fat, and they also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. When fed to bearded dragons, mealworms can help promote growth and development. They are also a good source of essential amino acids, which are necessary for many bodily functions.
Are Mealworms Dangerous to Bearded Dragons?
No, mealworms are not dangerous to bearded dragons. In fact, they are a common food source for these reptiles and can provide many nutritional benefits. However, it is important to only feed bearded dragons mealworms that have been properly cleaned and dried. Unwashed or un-dried mealworms can contain harmful bacteria that could make your bearded dragon sick.
Do Bearded Dragons Like Mealworms?
Some bearded dragons do like mealworms, while others do not. It is important to offer your bearded dragon a variety of food items so that they can decide what they like to eat.
If you’re not sure whether or not your bearded dragon will like mealworms, you can try offering them a small number of worms to see if they show an interest. If they seem to enjoy eating the mealworms, then you can continue to offer them as part of their diet.
What Is the Best Way to Feed Bearded Dragons Mealworms?
The best way to feed bearded dragons mealworms is to offer them live worms. Live mealworms are more active and can provide your bearded dragon with some mental stimulation. In addition, live mealworms are a good source of nutrients.
If you are unable to find live mealworms, you can also offer your bearded dragon frozen or dried mealworms. However, it is important to note that frozen and dried mealworms may not be as nutritious as live mealworms.
What Kind of Mealworms to Feed
When it comes to feeding mealworms to bearded dragons, there are two main types of mealworms you can feed: live mealworms and freeze-dried mealworms.
Live mealworms are the preferred type of mealworm for bearded dragons. They are more nutritious than freeze-dried mealworms and they are also more appealing to bearded dragons. Bearded dragons like to hunt and chase their food, so live mealworms are a great way to keep them entertained while they eat.
Freeze-dried mealworms are a good option for people who don’t want to deal with live mealworms. They are also a good option for people who live in areas where it is cold or snowy year-round. Freeze-dried mealworms can be stored at room temperature and do not need to be refrigerated.
If you decide to feed freeze-dried mealworms to your bearded dragon, make sure to rehydrate them before feeding. To do this, simply place the freeze-dried mealworms in a bowl of warm water and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will help them soften up and be more appealing to your bearded dragon.
How Many Mealworms to Feed
When it comes to how many mealworms to feed, it is important to remember that bearded dragons are omnivorous animals. This means that they can and will eat a variety of different things.
That being said, most bearded dragons will be happy with 2-3 mealworms per day. If you have a younger bearded dragon, you may want to start with 1-2 mealworms per day and increase the amount as they get older.
It is important not to overfeed your bearded dragon. Doing so can lead to health problems such as obesity and liver disease.
When to Feed Them
Bearded dragons should be fed a mealworm every day. However, you don’t need to feed them a mealworm every day at the same time. Some people prefer to feed their bearded dragon a mealworm in the morning, while others prefer to feed them one at night.
As long as your bearded dragon is getting a mealworm every day, you can feed them at any time that is convenient for you.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Other Types of Worms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat other types of worms. In addition to mealworms, bearded dragons can also eat superworms, earthworms, and waxworms. These worms can all provide your bearded dragon with a good source of nutrition.
When feeding bearded dragons other types of worms, it is important to only offer a small number of worms at first. This will allow your bearded dragon to test out the new food item and see if they like it. If they do, you can then continue to offer them as part of their diet.
What if Your Bearded Dragon Doesn’t Like Mealworms
If your bearded dragon doesn’t like mealworms, there are plenty of other things that he or she can eat.
Bearded dragons can eat crickets, waxworms, and other insects. You can also give your bearded dragon fruits and vegetables. Some good options include grapes, apples, carrots, and broccoli.
Bearded dragons also like to eat different kinds of bugs, so you can try feeding them different types of insects to see which ones they like the best.
A Few Other Things to Consider
When it comes to feeding bearded dragons, there are a few other things to consider:
- First, you should never feed your bearded dragon raw onions. This can be poisonous to them.
- Second, you should always provide your bearded dragon with a water dish so that they can drink when they are thirsty.
- Third, you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon insects that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. These chemicals can be poisonous to your bearded dragon.
- Fourth, you should avoid feeding your bearded dragon insects that are too big for them to eat. This can be a choking hazard.
- Finally, you should always wash your hands after handling insects. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bearded dragons can eat mealworms. Mealworms are a good source of protein for bearded dragons and they are easy to digest.
There are two main types of mealworms you can feed: live mealworms and freeze-dried mealworms. Live mealworms are the preferred type of mealworm for bearded dragons.
When it comes to how many mealworms to feed, most bearded dragons will be happy with 2-3 mealworms per day. Bearded dragons should be fed a mealworm every day.
However, you don’t need to feed them a mealworm every day at the same time. Some people prefer to feed their bearded dragon a mealworm in the morning, while others prefer to feed them one at night.
