Bearded dragons can eat silkworms. This is not a myth, the animal eats them with no problem. If you are wondering if this is true or not then read on to find out more about it.
They should be able to eat other types of worms too but they don’t usually do that because they prefer eating insects for their diet. When it comes to bugs and lizards, there are many different things that bearded dragons like to eat so we will go over what the lizard likes in this article so keep reading!
What Are Silkworms?
Silkworms are the larval form of the domesticated silk moth, Bombyx mori. They are widely used in the textile industry to make natural silk. Silk is spun by the adult moth to make its cocoon.
The silkworm’s entire life cycle (from hatching until spinning) lasts about 45 to 60 days, during which time the silkworm eats up to 90 times its original weight in leaves.
Silkworms are a popular feeding choice for small reptiles, especially young ones that need a lot of protein.
Are Silkworms Good For Bearded Dragons?
Yes, silkworms are a good food source for bearded dragons. They are high in protein and vitamins, and they’re low in fat. Be sure to give your bearded dragon a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects to get the most complete nutritional diet possible.
Do Bearded Dragons Like To Eat Silkworms?
Yes, bearded dragons like to eat silkworms. Silkworms are a high-quality, nutritious food that bearded dragons love. They’re a great source of protein, and they also contain important vitamins and minerals.
For a well-balanced diet, silkworms should only be given as a treat. This is because they have very high levels of fat and little fiber.
Bearded dragons can eat silkworms but they shouldn’t make up more than 10 percent of their total diet.
The Health Benefits Of Silkworms For Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons can eat silkworms, which are a great source of protein. Silkworms also contain important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and calcium. Eating silkworms can help bearded dragons stay healthy and strong.
Bearded dragons can eat silkworms, but don’t make them a staple of your dragon’s diet. Feed silkworms as a treat now and again to give your bearded dragon some beneficial protein.
The Risks Of Feeding Silkworms To Bearded Dragons
There are a few risks associated with feeding silkworms to bearded dragons.
First and foremost, silkworms can be difficult to digest, and they can also cause blockages in the digestive system. In addition, silkworms may contain parasites that can make your bearded dragon sick.
Possible Parasites In Silkworms
Silkworm larvae are often infested with parasitic mites and nematodes (roundworms), and these organisms can be passed on to the bearded dragon if they are eaten. These parasites can make your bearded dragon very sick and lead to death, so if you feed your pet silkworms, be sure to de-worm them first.
Proper Treatment Of Silkworms
Soaking the silkworms in a salt bath (1 tbsp of sea salt per cup of water) for five minutes will kill off these parasites. You can also feed silkworms that have been commercially raised on an insect-only diet, which is free of pesticides and parasites.
The Problems With Silkworms As A Food Source For Bearded Dragons
Silkworms are difficult to digest and may cause blockages in the digestive system if not properly prepared before feeding them to your bearded dragon. They are extremely high in fat, so feeding your bearded dragon too many silkworms can lead to obesity.
How To Safely Feed Your Bearded Dragon Silkworms
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they can eat both plant and animal-based foods. Silkworms are a great source of protein for bearded dragons, and they’re easy to find and safe to feed.
When feeding silkworms to your bearded dragon, make sure to only give them silkworms that have been cooked. Raw silkworms can contain harmful bacteria that can make your bearded dragon sick.
Also, make sure to only give your bearded dragon a limited number of silkworms per day. Too many silkworms can upset your bearded dragon’s stomach.
After you’ve given your bearded dragon the silkworms, make sure to remove any uneaten worms after twenty minutes. Uneaten worms can also make your bearded dragon sick.
What Else You Can Feed Your Bearded Dragon Instead Of Silkworms
Other items you can feed your bearded dragon include crickets, mealworms, super worms, waxworms, fruit flies, and hornworms. All these insects are safe for bearded dragons.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can eat silkworms but they should not make up more than 10% of their total diet. The health benefits and risks associated with feeding your bearded dragon silkworms have been discussed in this article, along with the proper way to do so.
Be sure to only feed them cooked worms or ones that were grown on an insect-only diet free of pesticides and parasites. Uncooked worms may contain harmful bacteria which could cause stomach upset for your pet!
Bearded Dragons also need other food sources such as crickets, mealworms, super worms, waxworms, fruit flies, and hornets (to name a few). They should never be fed exclusively one type of insect because it will lead to malnutrition.
