Should Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
Table of Contents
Discover the truth about feeding mealworms to your bearded dragon in our updated guide. We debunk myths and provide a balanced perspective based on expert advice and years of experience. Learn about the nutritional content of various food items and how to provide a varied diet for your pet. Your bearded dragon’s health is our priority!
Introduction
“Should Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?” is a question that has sparked much debate among bearded dragon owners. The answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. It’s more nuanced, and the key lies in understanding the role of mealworms in a bearded dragon’s diet and how to feed them properly. The question “Should bearded dragons eat mealworms?” was settled for me by a video from Cold Blood Creations. They provide a comprehensive discussion on the topic and share their professional insights as breeders. You can watch their video here.
“The key to a healthy bearded dragon is a balanced diet. This includes a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables. And remember, everything in moderation!”
The Mealworm Controversy
When it comes to feeding bearded dragons, mealworms have been a topic of heated debate. Some argue that mealworms are a nutritious and convenient food source, while others warn of potential health risks. The truth, as with many things in life, lies somewhere in the middle.
The Role of Mealworms in a Bearded Dragon’s Diet
Mealworms can play a part in a bearded dragon’s diet, but they shouldn’t be the only food source. They are easy to acquire, easy to breed, and can be stored readily in a refrigerator, making them a convenient option. However, a balanced diet for a bearded dragon should also include a variety of other insects, fruits, and vegetables.
The Expert Opinion: What Professional Breeders Say
Professional breeders have weighed in on the mealworm debate, and their insights might surprise you. According to a video by Cold Blood Creations, a reputable breeder, mealworms are a part of their bearded dragons’ diet. They stress the importance of a varied diet and caution against using mealworms as the sole food source.
“As a part of a varied diet, mealworms should not be avoided. However, just because some people have raised bearded dragons to sexual maturity using only mealworms, we don’t believe that that is the healthiest way to go.” – Cold Blood Creations
| Pros of Feeding Mealworms | Cons of Feeding Mealworms |
|---|---|
| Easy to acquire and breed | Risk of overfeeding |
| Convenient to store | Need to ensure proper sizing |
| Part of a varied diet | Not to be used as the sole food source |
The Danger of Overfeeding and Importance of Proper Sizing
While mealworms can be a nutritious part of a bearded dragon’s diet, overfeeding and improper sizing can lead to health issues. Bearded dragons can easily gorge themselves on mealworms, leading to undigested mealworm parts in their cage. This is not a sign of digestion issues but rather a result of overeating.
Here are some tips to avoid overfeeding:
- Monitor your bearded dragon’s eating habits.
- Limit the number of mealworms per feeding.
- Ensure the mealworms are appropriately sized for your bearded dragon.
Debunking the Impaction Myth
One of the biggest myths about feeding mealworms to bearded dragons is that they cause impaction. However, according to Cold Blood Creations, this is not the case. The outer layer of mealworms, often blamed for causing impaction, is actually a form of fiber that can help your bearded dragon’s digestion.
Alternatives to Mealworms
While mealworms can be a part of a bearded dragon’s diet, it’s important to provide a variety of other foods as well. Other insects like crickets, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae are excellent sources of protein. Fruits and vegetables should also be included in their diet for a balanced nutritional intake.
Super worms are a good source of protein and fat, making them a suitable food item for bearded dragons, especially for younger ones that require more protein. However, they should be given as part of a varied diet, not as the sole food source.
| Food Item | Protein (%) | Water (%) | Fat (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crickets (Baby) | 15 | 78 | 3 |
| Crickets (Adult) | 21 | 70 | 7 |
| Mealworms | 19 | 62 | 13 |
| Super Worms | 20 | 58 | 18 |
| Wax Worms | 14 | 62 | 25 |
| Roaches | 19 | 70 | 6 |
The Importance of Hydration and Fiber
Beyond the mealworm debate, there are other crucial factors to consider for your bearded dragon’s health, such as hydration and fiber. Dehydration can lead to impaction, so it’s essential to ensure your bearded dragon gets enough water. This can be achieved through misting the vegetables that the bearded dragon eats, as they get most of their moisture from their food. They can also absorb water through their vent (located at the base of their tail), which can help with hydration. However, contrary to what some might think, it’s not recommended to put a water dish in their enclosure. This is because the high humidity can lead to respiratory problems in bearded dragons. Instead, focus on providing hydration through their diet and occasional baths.
Fiber is another crucial aspect of a bearded dragon’s diet. Leafy green vegetables like mustard greens, collard greens, and kale are excellent sources of fiber. Not only do they help with digestion, but they also provide necessary nutrients for your bearded dragon’s overall health. Remember, a varied diet is key to a healthy bearded dragon.
Dietary Differences Between Young and Adult Bearded Dragons
Young bearded dragons, also known as juveniles, require a diet that is high in protein. This is because they are in a rapid growth phase and need the protein to support their development. As a result, the majority of their diet should consist of insects, including mealworms, crickets, and roaches. However, it’s important to ensure that the insects are appropriately sized for the young dragon. A good rule of thumb is to never feed your dragon anything larger than the space between its eyes.
On the other hand, adult bearded dragons require a diet that is primarily made up of vegetables, with insects making up a smaller portion. This is because adult dragons are no longer growing as rapidly and thus do not require as much protein. Too much protein can actually be harmful to adult dragons and lead to health issues such as kidney disease.
Buying from Credible Sources
Where you source your bearded dragon from can have a significant impact on its health and dietary habits. Buying from a credible source ensures that your dragon has been fed a balanced diet from a young age.
Conclusion
So, should bearded dragons eat mealworms? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Mealworms can be a part of a bearded dragon’s diet, but theyshouldn’t be the only food source. It’s essential to provide a varied diet, monitor feeding habits, and ensure your dragon stays hydrated.
As a bearded dragon owner myself, I’ve navigated the mealworm controversy firsthand. I’ve found that mealworms, when fed appropriately, can be a beneficial part of my dragon’s diet. However, I also make sure to provide a variety of other foods and keep my dragon well-hydrated.
Sources
This article was informed by several reputable sources. You can learn more about bearded dragon diet and nutrition from these resources:
- Cold Blood Creations – Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
- Cholelithiasis in adult bearded dragons: retrospective study of nine adult bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) with cholelithiasis between 2013 and 2015 in southern Germany – This study discusses the impact of a high-protein, high-fat diet (like one heavy in mealworms) on the health of bearded dragons.
Call to Action
I hope this article has helped answer your question, “Should Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?” Remember, every bearded dragon is unique, and what works for Gilbert might not work for your bearded dragon. Always monitor your bearded dragon’s health and adjust their diet as needed.
If you want to learn more about bearded dragon health and wellness, check out my other posts in the Bearded Dragon Care category. You might find my posts on What Active Bearded Dragon Behavior Looks Like in Healthy Bearded Dragons and Alfalfa pellets for a bearded dragon? particularly interesting. And don’t forget to follow the series Your Bearded Dragon’s Health and Wellness for more tips and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms?
Bearded dragons can eat mealworms. However, mealworms should not be the only food source for your bearded dragon. They should be part of a varied diet that includes other insects, fruits, and vegetables.
How often should I feed mealworms to my bearded dragon?
The frequency of feeding mealworms can depend on the age and health of your bearded dragon. Younger dragons require more protein, so they can be fed mealworms more frequently. However, always ensure that the mealworms are appropriately sized for your dragon to prevent choking or impaction.
Can mealworms cause impaction in bearded dragons?
While there’s a common belief that mealworms can cause impaction, this is largely a myth. The outer shell of mealworms, often blamed for causing impaction, is actually a source of fiber. However, overfeeding or feeding improperly sized mealworms can lead to health issues, including impaction.
How can I prevent impaction in my bearded dragon?
To prevent impaction, ensure your bearded dragon is properly hydrated and has a diet rich in fiber. Also, make sure the insects you feed your dragon, including mealworms, are appropriately sized.
Do I need to provide a water dish for my bearded dragon?
It’s not recommended to put a water dish in a bearded dragon’s enclosure as it can lead to high humidity and respiratory problems. Bearded dragons get most of their water from their food, especially from vegetables. You can also mist the vegetables for additional hydration.
What other foods should I include in my bearded dragon’s diet?
A bearded dragon’s diet should be varied and balanced. This includes a mix of insects (like mealworms, crickets, and roaches), fruits, and vegetables. Leafy green vegetables like mustard greens, collard greens, and kale are particularly beneficial.
Where should I source my bearded dragon from?
It’s important to source your bearded dragon from a credible breeder who can ensure the dragon is healthy and has been fed a proper diet. This can help prevent dietary issues down the line.
Why does my bearded dragon love mealworms so much?
Bearded dragons are often attracted to the movement of live prey, which includes mealworms. Additionally, the high-fat content of mealworms can make them taste appealing to bearded dragons, much like junk food might taste good to us!
