How Many Mealworms to Feed a Bearded Dragon | A Guide From Experts 2024

We’ve got you covered! A quick start guide on how many mealworms to feed a bearded dragon…

 

Mealworms are one of the most common insects that bearded dragons eat, but giving them too many of them can be bad for their health.

 

 

How Many Mealworms to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons eat both animals and plants, which is called being omnivorous. Mealworms and other feeder insects are an important part of their diet because they give them the protein and fat they need to stay healthy. Too many mealworms, on the other hand, can cause health problems like constipation, obesity, and a lack of nutrients. So, it’s important to know how many mealworms to give your bearded dragon to make sure it gets the right amount of food without getting too much.

 

Understanding What a Bearded Dragon Needs to Eat

Before we talk about how many mealworms to feed a bearded dragon, let’s look at what they need to eat. Bearded dragons need a healthy diet that includes protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals…

Mealworm Nutritional Value

Because of their high protein and fat content, mealworms are a popular feeder insect for bearded dragons. They are also widely available and reasonably priced, making them an appealing option for pet owners.

Mealworms have about 20% protein, 13% fat, and 47% carbohydrates in terms of nutrition. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the health of a bearded dragon.

 

 

The Best Mealworm-Bearded Dragon Ratio

Let’s talk about the best mealworm to bearded dragon ratio now that we’ve covered the nutritional needs of bearded dragons and the nutritional value of mealworms.

As a general rule of thumb, mealworms should make up no more than 10% of a bearded dragon’s diet. This means that for every ten feeder insects, only one should be a mealworm. Feeding a bearded dragon too many mealworms can lead to health problems because they are high in fat and can cause obesity and impaction.

 

Considerations for Determining the Mealworm to Bearded Dragon Ratio

The ideal mealworm to bearded dragon ratio depends on a number of factors, including age, weight, activity level, and other foods fed.

 

 

Bearded Dragon Age

• Because they are still growing and developing, young bearded dragons needs more protein than adult bearded dragons. As a result, they may require a greater proportion of mealworms to other feeder insects.

 

Weight

• The mealworm to bearded dragon ratio can also be affected by the weight of your bearded dragon. Overfeeding mealworms to an overweight bearded dragon can be harmful to its health.

 

Bearded Dragon Activity Level

• The activity level of your bearded dragon can also influence the mealworm-to-bearded dragon ratio. More active bearded dragons may require more protein than less active bearded dragons.

 

Other Foods Being Fed To a Bearded Dragon

• It’s important to consider other foods being fed to your bearded dragon when determining the mealworm to bearded dragon ratio. If your bearded dragon is eating a varied diet of other feeder insects, fruits, and vegetables, he or she may require fewer mealworms.

 

 

Mealworm Overfeeding Symptoms

Too many mealworms can be harmful to your bearded dragon’s health.

Here are some signs that you may be feeding mealworms too much:

• Your bearded dragon is obese.
• Your bearded dragon is sluggish or has a low activity level.
• Your bearded dragon has runny or loose stools.

Symptoms of Mealworm Malnutrition

Feeding your bearded dragon too few mealworms can also cause health issues. The following are some indicators that you may be underfeeding mealworms:

• Your bearded dragon’s appetite has diminished.
• Your bearded dragon is slimming down.
• Your bearded dragon is not developing or growing properly.

 

Mealworm Feeding Instructions for Your Bearded Dragon

When feeding mealworms to your bearded dragon, make sure they’re gut-loaded and seasoned with calcium and vitamin D3.

Here’s how to feed mealworms to your bearded dragon in detail:

• Find high-quality mealworms from a reputable vendor.
• Feed the mealworms nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables to help them digest.
• The mealworms should be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplement powder.
• Feed your bearded dragon mealworms in a feeding dish or by hand.
• Keep an eye on your bearded dragon’s consumption and adjust the mealworm-to-bearded dragon ratio as needed.

 

 

Consider Other Feeder Insects

While mealworms are a popular feeder insect for bearded dragons, there are other choices on their food list.

To help ensure your bearded dragon receives a balanced diet, provide a varied diet of different feeder insects.

Here are some other insects:

• Dubia roaches
• Crickets
• Superworms
• Black soldier fly larvae

 

Conclusion

Feeding mealworms to your bearded dragon can nourish them with essential protein and fat, but do so sparingly. The ideal mealworm to bearded dragon ratio is less than 10%, but this can vary depending on age, weight, activity level, and other foods fed. Observing your bearded dragon’s intake and adjusting the ratio as needed can help ensure proper nutrition is received without overfeeding or underfeeding.

 

Also read:

>>120 Gallon Bearded Dragon Tank | How To Setup an Enclosure

>>Mealworms For Bearded Dragons | Where to Buy

>>Bearded Dragon Substrate | Good vs. Bad 

>>Bearded Dragon Fat Pads | Normal vs. Abnormal

 

FAQs

Can bearded dragons consume mealworms on a daily basis?

• A: No, feeding bearded dragons mealworms every day is not recommended because they are high in fat and can cause health problems if overfed.

How often to feed a bearded dragon?

• A: The number of mealworms you should feed your bearded dragon each day will vary depending on factors like age, weight, and activity level. To determine the best care for your bearded dragon, consult with a veterinarian or an experienced bearded dragon owner.

Is it possible to breed my own mealworms for my bearded dragon?

• A: Yes, you can raise your own bearded dragon mealworms. To provide optimal nutrition for your bearded dragon, it is critical that they are properly cared for and fed a nutritious diet.

How big can a bearded dragon get?

• A: They can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm), but the majority reach 18-22 inches (45-55 cm). Beardies weigh around 300–600 grams (0.7–1.3 pounds), typically male bearded dragons are heavier than females.

Can bearded dragons eat bananas?

• A: Yes, bearded dragons can eat bananas but only once or twice a month as part of their diet. They can benefit from the vitamins and minerals found in bananas.