May 12, 2023

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms? The Ultimate Guide

If you wonder, “Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?” There are plenty of options for your bearded dragon; super worms seem to be a favorite among bearded dragons. But are they really safe for your pet?

Superworms are closely related to mealworms and are a great source of hydration and protein. However, their high fat and phosphorus content has left many pet owners wondering if they should be included in their bearded dragon’s diet.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of super worms and explore whether they are a healthy addition to your bearded dragon’s meals. We’ll answer the burning questions, such as can baby bearded dragons eat super worms, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your pet’s diet. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about feeding super worms to your bearded dragon!

Read more : Can bearded dragons eat oranges?

What Are Superworms?

Super worms are the larvae of the darkling beetle, Zophobas morio. These unique creatures are often called king worms or morio worms and are a popular food source for lizards.

One thing to remember is that super worms should not be confused with giant mealworms, which are regular mealworms sprayed with a juvenile growth hormone. While both may be available as food for your reptile friends, super worms offer different benefits.

Despite the name “super worms” being a bit of a misnomer, these larvae are still a super choice for your pet’s diet. Their high protein content and availability make them a great option for reptile owners looking to provide a nutritious meal for their scaly friends.

Are Superworms Good For Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets, and as a responsible owner, it’s important to ensure that your pet is getting a balanced and nutritious diet. One of the many food options for bearded dragons is super worms, but are they good for them? Let’s take a look at the nutritional facts to find out.
Protein and Fat Content

Superworms are a great source of protein, with a protein content of around 20-22%. This makes them ideal for bearded dragons, as protein is essential for their growth and overall health. However, super worms are also high in fat, with a fat content of around 17-20%. While fat is important for energy, too much of it can lead to obesity in bearded dragons.

Phosphorus Content

Another important factor to consider is the phosphorus content of super worms. While they are a good source of hydration, super worms have a high phosphorus content compared to other insects. Too much phosphorus can lead to metabolic bone disease, which is a serious health concern for bearded dragons.
Feeding Recommendations

A good rule of thumb is to feed super worms as an occasional treat rather than a staple food. It’s recommended to gut-load super worms before feeding them to your bearded dragon, meaning feeding them nutrient-rich foods to increase their nutritional value.

Nutrition Values of SuperWorms for Bearded Dragons

According to Healthline Nutrient Value per 100 grams

Nutrient Value per 100 grams
Phosphorus 200 mg
Protein 20.06 grams
Calcium 23 mg
Vitamin A 51 IU
Vitamin C 0 mg
Vitamin D 0 IU
Fiber 2.6 grams
Vitamin E 0.03 mg

It’s important to note that while super worms can be a good source of protein and other nutrients for bearded dragons, they should not make up the majority of their diet.

How to Prepare SuperWorms for Bearded Dragons?

Preparing super worms for your bearded dragon is an important part of ensuring that they get the proper nutrition and stay healthy. Here are some tips for preparing super worms for your bearded dragon:

Gut-loading

Gut-loading is the process of feeding the insects a nutritious diet before offering them to your bearded dragon. This helps ensure that the insects are packed with nutrients your pet needs. Some good options for gut-loading include fresh vegetables like carrots, kale, and squash.

Dusting

Dusting is another important step in preparing super worms for your bearded dragon. This involves dusting the insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement before feeding them to your pet. This helps ensure your bearded dragon gets all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

How to Feed Superworms to Your Bearded Dragon?

When it comes to feeding super worms to your bearded dragon, there are a few things to consider
For juvenile bearded dragons, it’s best to start with small super worms and gradually increase their size as they grow. Feed them 3-5 small super worms per day, spaced out in three meals.

Adult bearded dragons, on the other hand, should be fed 1-2 super worms once or twice a week, depending on their build and activity level. If your dragon is overweight, cutting back on treats is best.

Regardless of your dragon’s age, it’s important only to feed them small or medium-sized super worms. Anything larger than the space between their eyes can be difficult for them to eat and may cause digestion or impaction issues.

With the right feeding plan, super worms can be a great addition to your bearded dragon’s diet.

EXPERT TIP: I always make sure to feed my scaly friend super worms as a dessert after other insects or vegetables. This helps them avoid getting too used to the taste and becoming picky eaters, especially when they are juveniles.

How Often Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?

When it comes to feeding super worms to your bearded dragon, the age, size, and activity level of your pet, super worms contain a relatively high-fat content of 14-15%, which means they should be given in moderation as part of a varied diet. For adult dragons, feeding 1-2 super worms once or twice a week is a good rule of thumb. However, if your dragon is getting a little on the chunky side, you may need to reduce the number of treats you give them.

Juvenile bearded dragons can handle fatter in their diet since they are still growing. They can be fed 3-5 small super worms per day, spread out over three meals. It’s important only to feed your dragon small super worms no bigger than the space between their eyes to avoid any potential eating difficulties.

It’s important to remember that baby bearded dragons should not be fed super worms at all due to the risk of impaction and digestion issues.

EXPERT TIPS: Newly molted super worms are a great option for bearded dragons who struggle with the tough shells of older worms. These soft and easy-to-eat treats are a delicious way to mix up your pet’s diet.

Are Superworms Dangerous To Bearded Dragons?

Super worms are a great source of protein and hydration; many pet owners wonder if they are safe to feed their bearded dragons. Here are some potential risks associated with feeding super worms to your beloved pet.

Choking Hazard

One of the biggest risks associated with feeding super worms to bearded dragons is the possibility of choking. 

These worms are much larger than other insects like catalpa which are commonly fed to bearded dragons, such as crickets or mealworms. If your bearded dragon tries to swallow a super worm that is too large, it may become lodged in its throat, leading to a life-threatening situation.

Impaction

Another potential danger of feeding super worms to bearded dragons is the risk of impaction. Bearded dragons have delicate digestive systems, and eating too many super worms or ones that are too large may cause blockages in their intestines. This can lead to serious health issues, including lethargy, loss of appetite,
and even death.

Parasites and Bacterial Infections

Superworms are scavengers and may carry parasites or bacteria that can cause illness in bearded dragons. These can include salmonella and other harmful microorganisms that can cause gastrointestinal infections and other health issues.

How to Keep & Breed Superworms for Bearded Dragons?

With proper care, super worms can be a healthy source of nutrition for your pets. 

Here are some tips on how to keep and breed super worms:

Keeping Superworms:

  1. Keep super worms in a plastic bin with air holes at room temperature (65-80°F).
  2. Use bins with ventilated lids to prevent mold growth.
  3. Avoid refrigerating super worms as they will die instead of going into hibernation.
  4. Provide mealworm bedding, oatmeal, wheat middling, or dry bran as bedding and a source of food.
  5. Place slices of carrots or potatoes in the bin as a source of hydration if it gets too dry.
  6. Watch out for severed heads, which indicate that the worms are eating each other for hydration.

Breeding Superworms

  1. Separate bigger, fatter, and well-fed worms in film canisters or a tackle box with air holes and a bit of bran as bedding to force them to pupate.
  2. Look for curled-up worms, which indicate that they are pupating.
  3. Superworms remain in the pupae stage for about three months before becoming beetles.
  4. Separate beetles from larvae as they are cannibalistic.
  5. Each beetle can lay hundreds of eggs, so be prepared for a growing colony.

Following these tips, you can keep and breed healthy super worms for your pets. Remember to provide a balanced diet for your pets and offer super worms as a treat rather than a sole source of nutrition.

Where To Buy Superworms For Bearded Dragons?

Superworms for bearded dragons can be purchased at pet stores specializing in reptiles or online through various retailers. Some popular online sources for purchasing super worms include Amazon, Rainbow Mealworms, and Dubia Roaches. Choosing a reputable seller that offers high-quality insects is important when purchasing super worms.

It’s important to ensure that the super worms are appropriately sized for your bearded dragon and that they are healthy and active. Always read reviews and research before making a purchase to ensure that you get the best possible product for your pet.

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?

When it comes to feeding baby bearded dragons, it’s important to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. While super worms can be a nutritious food source, they can also be a choking hazard for baby bearded dragons and can cause impaction if not digested properly.

 It’s generally recommended to avoid feeding super worms to baby bearded dragons until they reach at least 4-6 months of age and are larger in size. Instead, baby bearded dragons should be fed small crickets, mealworms, earthworms or appropriately-sized Dubia roaches to ensure a healthy and balanced diet that promotes growth and development.

Read more : Can bearded dragons eat hibiscus flowers?

FAQS

How Many Superworms Should You Feed My Beardie Each Day?

The number of super worms to feed a bearded dragon varies depending on age, size, and overall health. Adult bearded dragons can be fed around 6-10 super worms per feeding, while younger and smaller bearded dragons should be given 2-5 worms per.

Can Feeding My Bearded Dragon Too Many SuperWorms Be Harmful?

Yes, feeding your bearded dragon too many super worms can lead to obesity and other health problems. It’s important to offer a varied diet and feed in moderation.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frozen SuperWorms?

No, bearded dragons should not be fed frozen super worms as they can be difficult to digest and may cause health problems.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms? Conclusion

Super worms delicious worms are sure to please your pet, and they’re a great way to mix up their diet. While they shouldn’t be a staple food due to their high-fat content, they’re perfect for occasional treats for both adult and juvenile bearded dragons. Plus, they’re affordable, widely available, and easy to care for if you’re interested in breeding them. However, it’s important to be careful when feeding super worms to your bearded dragon. These worms can bite, so it’s best to choose smaller ones to feed your pet and remove any leftover worms after feeding to avoid any accidental nips. With a little bit of caution and care, super worms can be a fantastic addition to your bearded dragon’s diet and a tasty way to show your pet some extra love.

Olivia Eva
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