Bearded dragons make wonderful pets. They are fun to watch, fairly independent, and an excellent companion. But, finding what to feed your bearded dragon can be a real chore.
Some people feed their lizard the same thing for every meal, every single day. Can you imagine living life like that?
Even if you started off with your favorite meal, you would quickly grow bored (probably by the end of day 2). And your bearded dragon probably feels the same.
This is why it is so important that you do not get repetitive with meal time, even if you are giving them something that they seem to enjoy.
Bearded dragons need a balanced diet, and this balance normally comes from feeding them different types of bugs. When it comes to feeding your bearded dragon, worms are, without a doubt, the superfood for these lizards.
With that in mind, in this guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best worms that you can feed your bearded dragon to keep them healthy and happy. Let’s get started.
How to Switch up Meal Time for your Bearded Dragon
As we have said, it is very important that your bearded dragon eats a balanced diet. Their main source of food will be worms, but they will also need to eat greens if they are going to be healthy. In that sense, lizards really aren’t that different from us human beings.
The vegetable part of your bearded dragon’s diet is easy to access, as you can pick up fresh vegetables in almost all grocery stores. Bearded dragons can eat most vegetables, so every week you can pick a different vegetable to add to their meal and switch it up as you please.
But, accessing the protein part of your bearded dragon’s diet is a lot more difficult. Due to this, switching up this part of their diet is also difficult.
Most people choose to feed their bearded dragon’s fresh protein, by this we mean alive, and this isn’t something that you can simply pick up at your weekly grocery shop.
Even in most pet stores, you will find the selection of feeder insects is very limited. A lot of stores only stock crickets, and this is why a lot of bearded dragons end up solely eating these insects.
But as we said earlier, feeding your lizard the same insect all the time isn’t ideal, so is there another way that you can get them protein?
Yes, there is! With the rise of the internet, you can now order insects for your bearded dragon to eat online. These bugs will then be delivered to your home ready for your lizard to eat. You might expect this to stop you from feeding your bearded dragon live insects, but it won’t.
Most online insect sellers will allow you to order live bugs that will then be shipped to your home while they are alive, allowing your lizard to enjoy fresh protein.
These websites usually offer a wide range of different bugs for you to choose from, also allowing you to switch up your dragon’s meals. One week you might order crickets, but the following you could opt for roaches or worms.
In particular, we think worms are the best source of protein for bearded dragons. So, let’s take a look at some of the worms that are safe to feed your lizard.
Worms that are Safe to Feed your Bearded Dragon
As we have said, we think that worms are one of the best sources of protein that you can feed your bearded dragon. This is mainly because they are packed with protein, making them a very healthy source.
They also come in lots of varieties, so you can switch up your bearded dragon’s diet by giving them different types of worms.
The list of worms that you can feed your bearded dragon is seemingly endless, but we’ve put together this quick list of some of the safest and most flavorful options. So, if you want to start feeding your bearded dragon worms, we would recommend trying:
- Mealworms
- Silkworms
- Butter worms
- Waxworms
- Hornworms
- Super worms
- Black soldier fly larvae (also sold under the branded names: Nutri grubs, repti worms, calci worms, phoenix worms)
All of these worms are very tasty, but your bearded dragon will have their own flavor preferences. You might find that they love some while they hate others, so a lot of it will be trial and error.
Each of these worms also comes with pros and cons, so these could sway your decision on which to feed your bearded dragon. To help you choose the right worms for your bearded dragon, we’re going to take a look at all of these worms individually.
Some of these worms are clearly better than others, but it is very important that you do not fall into the habit of feeding just one type of worm to your bearded dragon. This will cause them to grow bored, so remember to always switch up their diet.
The Best Feeder Worms for your Bearded Dragon
Mealworms
First, on this list, we’ve got mealworms. These are a worm that you almost definitely will have heard of before, even if you are only new to owning a bearded dragon. These are a fairly well-known type of worm, and one of the few that you might find some pet stores stocking.
Mealworms have very small bodies that are recognizable by the golden color of their skin. In comparison to the earthworm, mealworms aren’t really worms at all.
This is because they are actually the offspring of the darkling beetle. So, if these worms were to survive past childhood, they would completely transform from worms into beetles.
Standard feeder mealworms measure roughly half an inch in size, but some bigger ones can stretch to ¾ of an inch. There is also a larger variety of these worms that actually grow up to 1.5 inches in length, but these are much rarer.
As they are fairly common, mealworms are generally quite affordable. Compared to some other bugs that you can buy for your lizard, you might even find yourself describing these worms as cheap. They also have a fairly long shelf life.
They are semi-active and will survive for up to 45 days if you store them in your fridge. We recommend storing them in the door compartment to keep them separate from the rest of your food.
While they might look bland and rather boring, these worms are usually a success among most lizards. So, if you want to start introducing worms into your bearded dragon’s diet, then mealworms are a great place to begin.
Pros:
- Inexpensive – these worms are one of the cheaper options available, and can also be bought in bulk due to their long shelf life. So they are very affordable.
- Easy to Buy – as we have said, mealworms are generally one of the easiest worms to source, they are even available in some pet stores.
- High in Protein – they make an excellent source of meat for your lizard because they have a very high protein content, making a great part of a balanced diet.
- High in Vitamin A and B – these insects also help keep your lizard healthy as they are high in both vitamin A and B.
Cons:
- Use infrequently – these worms must be used rarely as part of your bearded dragon’s diet. They have an exoskeleton that is difficult to digest, so they shouldn’t be fed in excess or too regularly.
- They have to be room temperature – unlike some other insects, you cannot feed cold mealworms to your bearded dragon. So, you will have to leave them out of the fridge for 24 hours before serving, which isn’t for everyone.
Silkworms
When you think about feeding your bearded dragons, one of the last insects that might jump to mind is the silkworm. As these insects play a vital part in producing silk, it is difficult to imagine them doing anything other than this.
But, silkworms make an excellent source of protein for your bearded dragon, and they are supposedly very yummy too.
Just like mealworms, silkworms aren’t really worms either. Silkworms are the offspring of silk moths, and if they are allowed to live, they will transform into silk moths.
These worms are a lot more difficult to get hold of than mealworms, but they are arguably the best option for your bearded dragon.
This is because silkworms are very high in protein and nutrients, so eating them will hugely benefit your bearded dragon. They are also low in the bad things that you wouldn’t want to feed your bearded dragon, including fat, and are high in all the things you do want to feed them.
These key nutrients include high calcium levels and also high moisture. If this wasn’t enough, they are also packed with nutrients that make them a great choice.
Silkworms are one of the most popular worms to feed your bearded dragon, and this is partly what makes them so difficult to source. This is also made more difficult by the fact that a lot of insect companies do not source these bugs.
But, if you can get your hands on silkworms, then they are a great choice for your lizard. They grow up to 3 inches in length and grow very quickly. They also store at room temperature, making them easier to keep.
But, if you choose to feed your lizard silkworms, you are essentially taking on another pet as you will have to feed them mulberry leaves every day until you feed the silkworms to your lizard.
However, this extra effort is definitely worth it for the nutrients they offer your bearded dragon.
Pros:
- High in Calcium – which will help ensure that your bearded dragon remains big and strong throughout its lifetime.
- High in Moisture – ensures that your bearded dragon will never become dehydrated, and will also help improve their skin.
- Grow Quickly – you can buy these insects when they are very young, and they will quickly grow to the perfect size for your bearded dragon to eat.
- High in Protein – these worms are extremely nutritious and an excellent source of protein for your bearded dragon.
Cons:
- Difficult to Look After – if you order silkworms to feed your bearded dragon, then you will also have to feed the silkworms up until the day you feed them to your lizard.
- They Grow Quickly – this is a good thing, but it is also a bad thing, as they can exceed a safe size for your bearded dragon to eat.
- Short Lifespan – silkworms will need to be eaten a lot quicker than mealworms, so they are better used as a treat than a regular source of protein.
Butter Worms
Another great worm for your bearded dragon that descends from a moth is butter worms. These worms are the offspring of the Chilean moth and due to this, they are rather large in size.
The worms that we have looked at so far are rather slim in shape, but butter worms are much plumper, which completely transforms the eating experience for your lizard.
This change in consistency is a wonderful way to ensure that your bearded dragon does not grow bored with their meals. If you have been feeding them mealworms, then butter worms are a total change, and the chances are that they will really enjoy this.
Butter worms are a treat that your lizard can really sink their teeth into, and they are also a very healthy choice too.
Typically, butter worms will grow up to 1.5 inches in length, but they will look shorter due to their plump bodies. They are soft to the touch, unlike the other worms we have looked at, and are usually bright yellow or orange.
Despite their chunky shape, these are actually one of the most active worms around. Their shape and coloring make them very attractive to your bearded dragon, so they are likely to be an instant hit.
Unlike the silkworms that we just looked at, butter worms can last a rather long time as long as they are kept cold in the fridge. There is no set amount of time that they will last, instead, you should simply keep an eye out for mold in their container.
As long as there is no mold, then these bugs are safe to feed your bearded dragon.
Pros:
- Very Appetizing – their color, shape, and movement, make these insects very appetizing to your bearded dragon, so they will definitely be a success.
- Effortless – you do not need to do anything to look after these bugs, simply place their container in the fridge until you want to use them.
- Live up to 2 Months – when stored in the refrigerator, these insects will last up to 2 months, so they will not go to waste.
- Full of Nutrients – high in calcium and protein for your bearded dragon to be healthy and happy.
Cons
- Don’t Add Water – these insects cannot get wet, as soon as they get wet, they will die. So they must be kept dry at all times.
- High in Fat – they should only be fed in moderation as they are very high in fat, and this could make them unhealthy for your bearded dragon.
- They may be Illegal – it is against the law in some States to ship these worms, including Hawaii, Oregon, West Virginia, and Louisiana.
Wax Worms
Another plump type of worm to feed your bearded dragon is the wax worm. Waxworms are thick in shape because they are caterpillar larvae of a moth, so they have a lot of transforming to do.
Their thick shape often means that these worms are a hit with bearded dragons, as they can clearly see them when you add them to their bowl.
They look similar to butter worms, but there is one striking difference, and that is their color. While butter worms are yellow and bright, wax worms are white and dull, with little brown/black feet that are noticeable due to the stark difference in color to their bodies.
They may make a good meal for your bearded dragon, but in the wild, these insects are pests that live in bees’ nests.
These worms shouldn’t be used as a regular part of your bearded dragon’s diet, as they aren’t all that healthy. As their large bodies suggest, these insects are high in fat, so if you feed a healthy bearded dragon too many it could be detrimental to their health.
But, if you are trying to get your lizard to gain weight, then they are perfect.
You should never store your wax worms in the refrigerator, but they will need to be kept cool. They should be stored at a regulated temperature of between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
At this temperature, they will last for up to 2 months, which is perfect when they are only being used in moderation.
Pros:
- They don’t require Maintenance – aside from being kept at a cool temperature, these bugs are easy to keep alive as they do not need to be fed
- Easy to Breed – if you don’t want to keep ordering new insects for your bearded dragon’s food, you can easily breed wax worms to make more.
- Great for Weight Gain – if your bearded dragon is underweight, these are the perfect bug to introduce to their diet, as they will begin gaining weight immediately.
Cons:
- High Fat Content – makes them unsuitable for bearded dragons who are already on the larger side, as this could cause them to become obese.
- They Spin Cocoons – this adds a little extra maintenance onto this type of insect, as you will have to remove these cocoons before you can feed any of these worms to your bearded dragon.
Black Soldier Larvae
Finally, let’s move away from insects with the word ‘worm’ in their name and speak about black soldier larvae. These insects have the official name ‘Hermetia illucens’, and they are the larvae of the Black Soldier fly.
These are the insects that we mentioned earlier which are sold under lots of different branded names, including Nutri grubs, repti worms, calci worms, phoenix worms.
If your bearded dragon is still young, then black soldier larvae might be the perfect thing to feed them. This type of bug isn’t that successful with older bearded dragons, but with younger lizards, they are incredibly popular.
This is mainly because they are high in calcium, and have very small insects that are soft to the bite.
We love black soldier larvae as a food source for bearded dragons because they are good for your lizard, and also for you, the owner. By this, we don’t mean that you should start eating these insects, instead we mean that they are pretty effortless.
You do not need to dust them with calcium and protein, because they are already high in it. Likewise, they are highly mobile, easy to control and breed, and very easy to keep alive.
A lot of people credit black soldier larvae as the ideal feeder worm for the bearded dragon. Silkworms are great because your bearded dragon will be attracted to them, but they do not have all the vitamins and nutrients that black soldier larvae do.
While you shouldn’t feed your bearded dragon the same insect for every meal, you could feed your lizard black soldier larvae every day, and it would have no negative effect on their health.
This is why this is the perfect worm to choose if you are new to owning a bearded dragon, or your bearded dragon is still very young.
Pros:
- Full of Nutrients – they are packed with protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to keep your bearded dragon healthy no matter what age they are.
- Small and Easy to Chew – these insects are easy to bite into and very easy to chew, so there is no need to worry about your lizard choking on them.
- Easy to Keep – black soldier larvae are effortless to look after, and also very easy to breed, so you will not need to keep ordering more.
- Possibly the Best Option – a lot of people argue that this is the perfect worm to feed your bearded dragon because they are so nutritious and safe.
Cons:
- They are Small – this is why they are better suited to younger bearded dragons. However, bigger and older lizards can eat them, they will just need to eat a lot more.
- They become Flies – these are fly larvae, so it is very easy for your black soldier larvae to transform into flies if you do not feed them to your lizard in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap this up, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions regarding feeding your bearded dragon worms.
Can I feed my bearded dragon worms I found in my backyard?
Absolutely not! This is a hard no for so many different reasons. The only insects that you should even consider feeding your lizard are ones that have been purchased from a reputable breeder.
You should never feed your lizard any insects that you have found outside because you do not know where they have come from. They could be diseased or covered in pesticides that would be very harmful to your bearded dragon, so you should never do this.
How many worms should I feed my bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are generally very easy to feed because they will eat until they are full. So, if you fill up their bowl with worms, and they finish the lot, it is always best to add some more.
Due to the fact that you are feeding your bearded dragon on their terms, we would recommend adding small amounts of worms to their bowl at a time. That way, when they are full, there won’t be too much wastage.
Summary
In short, this has been a complete guide to the worms that you should feed your bearded dragon. We have looked at 5 different types of feeder worms in detail, and we have also looked at the pros and cons of these different types to help you.
So, if you are finding it difficult to decide which to feed your bearded dragon, check out this guide to help make your decision more stress-free and easy.