As a pet owner, you must ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy. Offering a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for their well-being. Additionally, providing a variety of food items is vital to keep them from getting bored.
One common question among pet owners is whether bearded dragons can eat mealworm beetles. The answer is yes—mealworm beetles are safe and nutritious for your beardie.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworm Beetles?
Bearded dragons can eat mealworm beetles, a great treat and supplement. While mealworm beetles are nutritious, pet owners should be cautious. Buying them from a reliable source and feeding them in moderation is essential. Overfeeding can lead to health issues for your bearded dragon.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworm beetles?
You should feed your bearded dragon only five or six mealworm beetles at a time. For an 18-month-old bearded dragon, offer the beetles every 2 to 3 days.
4 Benefits of Mealworm Beetles for Bearded Dragons
1: High Amount of Proteins for Growth
Protein is essential for bearded dragons, especially during their growth phase. It supports their overall development. Mealworm beetles provide a high protein level and can be a great addition to their diet. Pet owners can feed their bearded dragons these protein-rich beetles. Earthworms and superworms are also beneficial options for your pet dragon.
2: Low Sodium to Avoid Heart Issues
High sodium levels can lead to health problems like heart issues and high blood pressure in bearded dragons. However, mealworm beetles do not contain harmful amounts of sodium. As a result, mealworm beetles can be a healthy food option for bearded dragons.
3: High Levels of Fats Assist in the Liver’s Good Health
To keep your bearded dragon’s liver healthy, they must consume fat. Mealworm beetles, like ants, are rich in fat, making them an excellent food choice for your pet.
4: High Fiber for No Constipation
Constipation can be a serious issue for bearded dragons, and since they can’t communicate their discomfort, it’s up to you to monitor their health. Offering a well-balanced diet is essential to keep your pet healthy and content. Mealworm beetles are an excellent choice; they provide the necessary nutrients and help maintain proper digestive function.
2 Risks of Feeding Mealworm Beetles to Bearded Dragons
1: Too Much Can Cause Obesity
Feeding your bearded dragon too many mealworm beetles can cause obesity. Limiting their intake of these beetles is essential to prevent this issue.
Obesity can lead to serious health problems, including liver, heart, and digestive issues.
2: Too Much can Create Digestive Issues
Mealworm beetles have a tough outer layer, and bearded dragons must consume the entire beetle. If pet owners feed their bearded dragons too many mealworm beetles, it can cause digestive issues. Over time, this can lead to additional health problems.
How to Feed Mealworm Beetles to Your Bearded Dragons?
Feeding in a Bowl is a Good Idea
Mealworm beetles can escape from plates or utensils serving bearded dragons. To prevent this, feeding them in a shallow bowl is best. This way, the mealworm beetles stay inside, and it’s easier for the bearded dragon to eat comfortably.
Feeding With Fresh Mealworm Beetles
Pet owners should prioritize finding fresh mealworm beetles. Offering them fresh food ensures they receive optimal nutritional value.
Never Consider Mealworm Beetles as the Main Supplement
As a bearded dragon owner, providing them with a balanced diet is essential. Mealworm beetles should never be the primary food source. While they can be a part of the diet, mixing them with nutritious fruits or vegetables will help improve your pet’s nutrient intake.
Never Try to Overfeed
Overfeeding bearded dragons is harmful. It can cause unhealthy weight gain and lead to various health issues. You can mix their diet with other insects or plant-based foods. However, moderation is key to maintaining their well-being.
Conclusion
Mealworm beetles are black-colored adults of mealworms. They emerge after transitioning from the pupal case. But can bearded dragons eat mealworm beetles? Yes, they can. Mealworm beetles are rich in essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are necessary for bearded dragons’ health. Pet owners can safely feed their bearded dragon’s mealworm beetles.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat mealworm beetles?
Baby bearded dragons under 18 months old should not eat mealworm beetles. Pet owners should avoid feeding these insects to their baby beards.
Do bearded dragons like mealworm beetles?
Bearded dragons enjoy the taste of mealworm beetles. As a pet owner, you can feed your bearded dragon mealworm beetles.
Are mealworm beetles safe for beardies?
Mealworm beetles are safe, healthy, and nutritious for bearded dragons. They enjoy eating them as well.
Can bearded dragons eat dead mealworm beetles?
Pet owners should avoid giving their pet bearded dragons dead mealworm beetles.