When it comes to deciding how many worms a bearded dragon should eat, there are several factors to consider. Age, size, activity level, type of worms being fed, and overall diet all play a role in determining the number of worms a bearded dragon should consume.
Mealworms, superworms, and waxworms are all safe for beardies to eat, but their nutritional content varies greatly. Young dragons should have a higher protein intake than adults, so they should be fed more worms accordingly. Adult dragons also need to have plenty of other foods in their diet, such as vegetables, to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
What You'll Learn
Factors That Affect How Many Worms a Bearded Dragon Should Eat
Age
The age of your bearded dragon is a key factor in determining how many worms they should eat. Young bearded dragons should not be fed worms, as they are still growing and developing and need a different kind of nutrition. Juveniles and younger bearded dragons should stick to a diet of 20% insects and 80% vegetables. Adult bearded dragons can consume 1 to 2 mealworms a maximum of twice weekly once they’re five months old. Superworms, however, can be safe for healthy adult bearded dragons and can be given 7 to 10 on an every other day basis.
Size & Activity Level
The size of your bearded dragon and their activity level will also affect how many worms you should feed them. Smaller, less active dragons may need fewer worms than larger, more active dragons. As your dragon grows and becomes more active, you can slowly increase the number of worms.
Type of Worms Being Fed
When it comes to the type of worms being fed, Superworms are generally considered safe for healthy adult bearded dragons. They are one of their favorite treats and should be offered in moderation. Mealworms are also an option, but they should only be given to dragons that are five months old or older and no more than twice a week.
Overall Diet
The overall diet of a bearded dragon is essential when it comes to determining how many worms they should eat. A balanced diet that is high in protein, essential fatty acids and minerals, will ensure that your beardy is getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
You should also ensure that you are providing a variety of foods, such as vegetables and fruits, as well as other insects like crickets and cockroaches. This will help to provide a more balanced diet for your bearded dragon, which will help them to remain healthy and active.
The Role of Worms in a Bearded Dragons Diet
Protein and Amino Acids
Worms are an excellent source of protein and amino acids for bearded dragons. Protein is necessary for the growth and maintenance of muscle, skin, organs, and bones. Amino acids provide the building blocks for proteins and are used by the body to make new proteins. The amino acid profile found in worms is similar to what is found in other animal proteins like chicken, beef, and fish.
When feeding worms, it is important to consider the size of the worms being fed as well as the quantity. Smaller worms can be easier to digest and have a higher nutrient content than larger ones. For example, mealworms are smaller than nightcrawlers, so they provide more nutrition per bite.
Essential Fatty Acids
Worms can be an excellent source of essential fatty acids for your dragon. Superworms, for example, contain high amounts of linoleic acid and linolenic acid, both of which are important for proper growth and development.
Wax worms are also a good source of these fatty acids, though you should feed them in moderation due to their high fat content. Feeding your dragon a variety of worms will ensure they get the essential fatty acids they need while avoiding overfeeding.
Variety of Minerals
Worms contain a variety of essential minerals that are important for the overall health of your bearded dragon. This includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
Calcium is especially important for proper bone and muscle development, while phosphorus helps with metabolism and nerve function.
Magnesium plays a role in energy production, while the iron in worms helps with red blood cell formation.
All of these minerals are essential for bearded dragons to develop and grow properly, and should be included in their regular diet. It’s important to note that the type of worm being fed will also affect the amount of minerals they offer, so make sure to choose nutritious worms such as superworms or mealworms.
Common Mistakes When Feeding Worms to Your Dragon
Overfeeding
A common mistake that many owners make is overfeeding worms. You should never give them too many worms at once, as this can lead to overfeeding and cause health problems.
Incorrect Worm Size
It’s also essential to provide the correct size of worms for your bearded dragon. Mealworms, for example, should be no larger than the distance between your dragon’s eyes. Superworms should not be longer than the width of their head. This is because worms that are too big can be difficult for your dragon to swallow and digest. Phoenix/Repti Worms are a good choice, as they are the right size for bearded dragons.
Feeding The Wrong Type of Worms
It is also important to make sure you are feeding the correct type of worms to your bearded dragon. Waxworms and superworms should only be fed once or twice a week, and in small amounts.
Mealworms are a good everyday food for older dragons, but juveniles should not be given too many. Hornworms are also popular, but should not be fed daily to adults.
Variety is key when it comes to feeding worms to your dragon, so make sure you mix it up and give them different types of worms. This will help ensure your dragon gets the essential proteins, minerals, and fatty acids it needs.
Making Worms The Only Food Source
Worms are meant to be a supplement, not the only source of food for your bearded dragon. In most cases, their diet should still be composed of fresh vegetables and occasional fruits, as well as crickets, mealworms, and other insects.
By offering a variety of food sources, you can make sure your dragon is getting a balanced diet. If you only feed them worms, they will be missing out on vital nutrients that are necessary for their health and well-being.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
