Feeding an exotic pet can be challenging; for bearded dragon owners, providing the proper meals can be particularly difficult. Many owners struggle to understand which foods are healthy and which are not due to a lack of knowledge.
Insects may come to mind when considering food, but the question remains: Are they safe for bearded dragons? Can they eat insects?
Various insects, such as grasshoppers, mealworms, silkworms, and beetles, are available. Since lizards primarily rely on insects for their nutrition, the question arises: Can bearded dragons eat silkworms? Are silkworms nutritious for them? Let’s explore this by examining the nutritional value of silkworms for bearded dragons.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Silkworms?
Bearded dragons can safely eat silkworms, and they provide excellent nutrition. Silkworms are rich in calcium, vitamins A and B, and moisture, making them a great addition to your beardie’s diet. You can offer as many silkworms as you like.
Silkworms are a good snack for bearded dragons, especially since they are easy to digest. They’re suitable for both baby and juvenile beardies as well. While silkworms are safe and easy for your bearded dragon to eat, it’s best not to feed them exclusively. With their higher fat content, larvae should be given in moderation to avoid potential health imbalances.
How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Silkworms?
Adult bearded dragons can be fed silkworms twice a week or as a diet staple. This helps strengthen their internal organs. Silkworms can be added to their regular diet but should make up no more than 10% of the total intake. While silkworms offer many benefits, they also pose certain risks.
Including silkworms with other foods, such as fruits and veggies, is a good option. To incorporate silkworms into your beardie’s routine, start by offering one silkworm and gradually increase the amount based on their preference. Be sure to remove any uneaten silkworms, which can pose health risks, including parasites. This ensures the safest introduction of silkworms to your bearded dragon.
3 Benefits of Silkworms for Bearded Dragons
Feeding silkworms to beardies offers numerous health benefits. No other insect can match their nutritional value. Silkworms are packed with essential nutrients that support healthy growth. Some key benefits include:
1: Low-Fat Count Helps In Weight Maintenance
Silkworms provide essential nutrients for beardies but are not a significant source of fat. The low-fat content can help beardies maintain their body weight. However, fat is necessary for growth, so including silkworms in the diet of baby beardies may not be as beneficial as for adults. Adult beardies should also exercise to maintain their health and avoid excess fat intake.
2: Mineral Content is Good for Growth
Many feeders, like beetles, strive to provide an optimal diet for their pets. Including all essential nutrients is key, as growth is the most noticeable result of a quality diet. Calcium plays a crucial role in building the body, while phosphorus is needed to absorb calcium from the food the beardie consumes. Experts recommend a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1 to support proper body functions.
3: Moisture Maintaining Capacity
Silkworms are soft and squishy, with a jiggly, moist body. Their high moisture content makes them a safe food for bearded dragons. During the dry season, bearded dragons need extra moisture to stay healthy, and silkworms provide an easy way to meet that need. Adding silkworms as a staple in their diet can help ensure they stay hydrated. These are just a few benefits of feeding silkworms to bearded dragons.
2 Risks of Feeding Silkworms to Bearded Dragons
Feeding any food comes with side effects. No matter the benefits, overfeeding can negatively affect the body. Silkworms can be difficult for some bearded dragons to digest, potentially causing blockages in their digestive system. Here are several risks associated with feeding silkworms to bearded dragons:
1: Possible Parasites Presence
Worms are often infested with parasites and nematodes, which can pose a significant risk to silkworm larvae. This increases the chance of silkworms carrying parasites, and bearded dragons are also vulnerable to such parasitic infections.
2: Dragons Can Become Obese
Feeding a bearded dragon too many insects can lead to health problems. While silkworms are low in fat, excess bugs can cause obesity. Obesity impacts an animal’s organ function, including the reproductive, digestive, and excretion systems, and cannot be reversed. It also affects bone health due to excess weight. It’s crucial to feed your bearded dragon carefully, keeping their health in mind. Adding insects to their diet can have positive and negative effects, so it’s essential to consider the balance.
How to Feed Silkworms to Your Bearded Dragon
To attract any animal to food, use feeding techniques that simplify the process. Feeders should apply specific methods to help establish consistent feeding patterns for the dragon.
Pick with Tweezers and Offer Them
Silkworms are small, soft, and squishy larvae of the Bombyx Mori moth. When feeding them to bearded dragons, use tweezers to pick them from the storage container and bring them near the dragon. The silkworm’s wiggling movement will catch the bearded dragon’s attention. It will then use its tongue to grab and eat the worm.
Mix Them With Fruits And Other Insects
Adding fruits and bugs like mealworms, superworms, and caterpillars can engage your bearded dragon with different tastes. This variety helps your pet explore new foods and maintain a healthy diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores, primarily insectivores, and rely on insects for nutrition.
Conclusion
Yes, bearded dragons can eat silkworms, one of the healthiest insects you can include in your pet’s diet. They are rich in calcium and proteins, which support your bearded dragon’s growth and overall health. Bearded dragons enjoy eating silkworms and will happily consume them at any time.
FAQs
Can baby bearded dragons eat silkworms?
Baby bearded dragons need essential nutrients for healthy growth, and silkworms are excellent food choices. These wriggly insects are packed with calcium and protein, which benefit their overall health.
Do bearded dragons like silkworms?
Bearded dragons enjoy eating silkworms and often include them in their meals. They are particularly fond of these insects. However, feeding them in moderation is essential, as the feeder mist recommends.
Are silkworms safe for beardies?
Silkworms are entirely safe for bearded dragons to eat. They provide unmatched nutritional value, helping maintain healthy fat levels and enriching beardies with calcium and protein.
Can bearded dragons eat dead silkworms?
Bearded dragons can eat dead insects, but the timing of the insect’s death matters. If the insect died recently, it’s generally safe for them to consume. However, if it’s been dead for a while, avoid feeding it to your dragon, as it may carry parasites.