Is there anything tastier than live insects for bearded dragons? Probably not! For your beardie, insects are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They need more insects than plants to support their development during their growth phase. However, as they grow older, adult and senior bearded dragons require more plant-based foods than insects.
When considering insects to feed your beardie, superworms might come to mind. These worms are well-known as food for various creatures. Superworms are the larvae of darkling beetles, scientifically called Zophobas morio. Many people confuse superworms with mealworms, but they’re not the same.
So, can bearded dragons eat super worms? If you’re planning to include them in your pet’s diet, it’s essential to understand their safety and feeding guidelines.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?
Bearded dragons can eat super worms, but only if they are sub-adults or adults. Bearded dragons younger than four months should avoid superworms. These worms can bite and are challenging to digest, making them unsuitable for baby beardies.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?
Feed 2 to 3 superworms once or twice a week for adult beardies. Younger beardies, needing more insects in their diet, can handle slightly more if appropriate. The quantity and frequency depend on their age and dietary needs. Since superworms are high in fat, monitor the amount carefully. Watch your pet’s physical appearance—if they start gaining too much weight, reduce or stop feeding superworms.
5 Benefits of Superworms for Bearded Dragons
- Moisture Hydrates Your Pet
Superworms comprise over 50% water, providing excellent hydration for your bearded dragon. Their high moisture content helps prevent dehydration, diarrhoea, gut impaction, and other health problems like nightcrawlers.
- Moderate-Protein Aids in Growth
Superworms, like wax worms, offer a moderate protein essential for your bearded dragon’s growth. Younger dragons require more protein, making superworms an ideal choice for their diet. However, adult dragons need less protein, so adjust their intake accordingly.
- Moderate-Fat Helps in Physical Development
If you consistently feed your pet superworms, their fat content supports physical development. For growing beardies, fat is essential. With 14%-15% fat, superworms contribute to a balanced diet and a healthy physique.
- Beardies Enjoy the Chase
Superworms differ from calcium and mealworms, offering higher activity levels than other feeder worms. Since bearded dragons enjoy chasing and catching their prey, superworms make an excellent choice. These worms constantly move and even fight with rivals, making the hunt more engaging for your pet!
- Bearded Dragon Get to Munch
Supersowms have exoskeletons that are more rigid than earthworms or calci worms. Their more complex surface offers a crunchy, entertaining treat for your beardie. Superworms make a delicious snack for your pet.
4 Risks of Feeding Superworms to Bearded Dragons
Apart from a few nutrients, superworms can pose risks to your beardie. Feed them only in moderation to minimise adverse effects and ensure they suit your pet’s age. Always consider the potential downsides before offering these worms.
- A Lot of Phosphorus Causes Calcium Deficiency
Superworms have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio unsuitable for your pet, with 13 times more phosphorus than calcium. Excess phosphorus hinders calcium absorption, vital for bone and skeletal development. A calcium deficiency can lead to severe problems like metabolic bone disease, paralysis, and even death.
- Excessive Fat Could Obese Your Beardie
Superworms contain about 14% to 15% fat. Feeding your beardie too much may cause a struggle to process the fat, leading to weight gain. However, feeding them in moderation is safe and won’t harm your pet.
- Hard Exoskeleton May Lead to Gut Impaction
Superworms have more rigid shells or exoskeletons than other insects, making them difficult for your beardie to digest. If your pet can’t chew them properly, it could lead to digestive issues or gut impaction.
- Worms Aggressive Nature Hurts
Superworms are not like other worms; they are active and will fight their enemies by biting. Yes, you read that correctly. Superworms bite to protect themselves.
These small feeder worms are more likely to bite when given to your pet or when your pet tries to eat them.
To be safe, use tweezers and gloves while handling them. Also, watch your pet while they eat the more aggressive worms.
How to Feed Superworms to Your Bearded Dragons?
Superworms don’t require additional facilities to survive, which simplifies the process of feeding them to your pet. There are just a few considerations to consider when offering these worms as food.
Prefer Small Sized Worms
First, search for a reliable pet-food seller and purchase small-sized worms. The size of the worms should match the gap between your beardie’s eyes.
Store at an Appropriate Temperature
After receiving the feeder worms, store them at a temperature between 70°-80°F rather than refrigerating them, as they will die in cold temperatures. If you need to keep them for a few weeks, provide them with some food, like potato slices or other veggies. Don’t worry—they eat very little. When feeding the worms to your bearded dragon, use tweezers to handle them, as they may bite you otherwise.
Serve in an Enclosure
You can place the worms in an enclosure and allow your pet to chase and hunt them. Alternatively, you can feed the worms individually using tweezers. Remember to dust the worms with calcium powder to ensure proper calcium levels.
Crush or Serve with Supplemental Insects
Some owners worry about biting. If you’re concerned, you can crush the worm’s head to prevent injury to your pet. For variety, you can also feed superworms alongside other insects, such as crickets.
Conclusion
Beardies are often picky eaters, and while various foods are available, certain fruits and veggies are safe for them. However, they generally prefer insects over other foods. Tiny worms and insects rich in vitamins and minerals are a good option. Superworms can also make a great treat, but they should be fed with some restrictions. Whether bearded dragons can eat super worms depends on their age and ability to handle them.
If your beardie refuses to eat super worms, try introducing them slowly. With training, they will eventually learn to enjoy the worm, making it a safer option.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat superworms?
No, it is harmful to baby beardies and can bite young ones.
Do bearded dragons like superworms?
Yes, they enjoy eating super worms.
Are superworms safe for beardies?
It is safe for adult bearded dragons and can be given moderately.
Can bearded dragons eat dead superworms?
Dead worms lose their nutrients, so avoid giving them to your pet.