Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms? Eating a live animal can be unpleasant, often causing a disturbing sensation when placed in the mouth. It can also be dangerous, especially if the animal fights back, potentially leading to harm.
Worms, commonly found in soil, are desirable to animals due to their wiggling bodies. They are a popular food source for animals like snakes, birds, and bearded dragons. Many have witnessed these animals consuming live worms.
Rich in fats and proteins, worms are an ideal snack for various creatures. But the question arises: can bearded dragons safely eat mealworms? Let’s explore the answer.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
Mealworms are safe for bearded dragons to eat in moderation. They are packed with protein but lower in calcium. Many animals enjoy them because they offer a healthy and tasty diet. While mealworms have a mild, soil-like taste, bearded dragons enjoy eating live animals.
Bearded dragons find mealworms fascinating and refreshing. In addition to mealworms, they can consume kingworms, crickets, and small insects. However, it’s essential to be cautious of mealworms’ high-fat content. Excessive fat intake can lead to health issues, including an increased risk of heart problems in beardies.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
Feeding your bearded dragon insects like mealworms, crickets, or earthworms one to three times a week is best. For adult beardies, insects aren’t a must. Ensure a balanced diet by including vegetation. If your beardie isn’t eating well, a mealworm might encourage them to eat. For optimal results, offer mealworms as an occasional treat.
3 Benefits Of Mealworms For Bearded Dragons
Every food item offers distinct benefits. Some are packed with protein and calcium, while others provide different essential nutrients. Mealworms, too, offer their advantages:
1: Excellent Fat Count
Worms are high in fats, which can help meet an organism’s fat requirements. Mealworms, in particular, are an excellent source of fat. While fats are essential for a healthy body, too much can be harmful and lead to obesity.
2: Right Amount Of Calcium
Mealworms contain 13.33 mg of calcium, which is considered low. However, this amount is enough for them to maintain proper calcium levels. Calcium is essential for the appropriate development of an organism.
3: Acts as a Moisturizing Agent
Mealworms are highly hydrated, with their skin retaining moisture. They provide a significant source of hydration as they burrow deep into the soil. Their skin helps transport oxygen, maintaining a 62% hydration level. Mealworms are excellent for hydrating internal organs.
2 Risks of Feeding Mealworms to Bearded Dragons
There are several risks linked to mealworms, including:
1: Obesity Issue
Mealworms are high in fats but low in calcium and other essential nutrients. This can lead to obesity in bearded dragons, as their owners often overfeed them.
Bearded dragons are active animals that enjoy running and roaming freely. Keeping them in a cage can result in weight gain and reduced activity.
2: Can Become Addicted
Mealworms can cause beardies to become addicted to them. Eating a live animal stimulates their senses, making it more likely for them to develop a habit of eating live worms.
How to Feed Mealworms to Your Bearded Dragons?
Feeding beardies is straightforward. Bearded dragons can quickly grab their food with their tongue from any location.
Pick with a Tweezer and Sprinkle Calcium Powder
The best way to feed mealworms to your beardie is by using tweezers to pick them up and offer them directly. You can also sprinkle calcium powder over the mealworms to ensure your beardie gets the necessary calcium.
Offer Live
Offer some mealworms to attract your bearded dragon. Their jiggling bodies will catch their attention, prompting them to move towards and grab them with their tongue. This is the most effective way to feed them mealworms. Alternatively, you can offer the mealworms; they will figure it out alone!
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworms, but only in moderation. Mealworms are a good food option for them, but controlling their consumption is essential. Overfeeding mealworms can lead to laziness and obesity, negatively impacting their health. While eating live insects excites many creatures, not all animals can digest everything.
FAQs
Can bearded dragons eat mealworms?
Yes, mealworms are safe for bearded dragons and are not toxic. However, they should be fed in moderation, as overfeeding may lead to health issues.
Do bearded dragons like mealworms?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating mealworms, as they are somewhat healthy and provide a fascinating live prey experience.
Are mealworms safe for beardies?
Mealworms are harmless and safe for bearded dragons as long as they are fed correctly.
Can bearded dragons eat dead mealworms?
It’s best not to feed dead insects to bearded dragons, which can lead to health problems. Dead mealworms or insects may carry infectious diseases harmful to your pet.
Can bearded dragons eat mealworm beetles?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworm beetles. Beetles are safer and healthier than mealworms, especially in their larva form. Larvae have softer bodies, making them easier to break down and digest.