How Many Mealworms to Feed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are popular pets known for their friendly nature and unique appearance. As a responsible bearded dragon owner, it’s crucial to provide your pet with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Mealworms are a common food item for bearded dragons, but knowing how many to feed can be tricky. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors affecting mealworm feeding and provide you with the information you need to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.

What Are Mealworms?

Mealworms are the larval stage of the darkling beetle (Tenebrio molitor). These small, segmented larvae are a popular feeder insect for many reptiles, including bearded dragons. Mealworms are high in protein and fat, making them an excellent energy source for growing and active bearded dragons.

Nutritional Value of Mealworms per 100g:

Mealworms offer several advantages as a food source for bearded dragons:

• They are easy to store and have a longer shelf life compared to other feeder insects.
• Mealworms are less likely to escape and can be easily contained in a dish.
• They are readily available at most pet stores and online retailers.

Factors Affecting the Number of Mealworms to Feed

When determining how many mealworms to feed your bearded dragon, consider the following factors:

1. Age and size of the bearded dragon: Younger and smaller bearded dragons require more frequent meals and a higher proportion of insects in their diet compared to adults.
2. Activity level and overall health: More active bearded dragons may require additional calories from mealworms, while less active or overweight individuals may need fewer.
3. Other food items in the bearded dragon’s diet: Mealworms should be part of a varied diet that includes other feeder insects, vegetables, and greens.
4. Frequency of feeding: Juvenile bearded dragons may need to be fed insects daily, while adults can be fed insects every other day or a few times a week.

Recommended Mealworm Feeding Guidelines

Hatchlings and Juvenile Bearded Dragons (0-4 months)

• Offer mealworms once or twice daily, as part of a varied diet that includes other small feeder insects like crickets and dubia roaches.
• Provide 5-10 mealworms per feeding, depending on the size of your bearded dragon.
• Dust mealworms with calcium supplement at each feeding.

Juvenile Bearded Dragons (4-12 months)

• Feed mealworms once daily, alongside other feeder insects and an increasing amount of vegetables and greens.
• Offer 10-20 mealworms per feeding, depending on the size of your bearded dragon.
• Dust mealworms with calcium supplement every other feeding.

Adult Bearded Dragons (12+ months)

• Provide mealworms every other day or a few times a week, as part of a diet that consists primarily of vegetables and greens.
• Offer 20-30 mealworms per feeding, depending on the size of your bearded dragon.
• Dust mealworms with calcium supplement once or twice a week.

“Variety is key when feeding bearded dragons. While mealworms can be a nutritious part of their diet, it’s important to offer a range of feeder insects and plant-based foods to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.” – Dr. Mark Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM (Herpetology)

Risks of Overfeeding Mealworms

While mealworms can be a healthy addition to your bearded dragon’s diet, overfeeding them can lead to several issues:

1. Nutritional imbalances: Mealworms are high in fat and phosphorus, which can lead to obesity and metabolic bone disease if fed in excess.
2. Impaction risk: The chitin in mealworm exoskeletons can cause impaction if consumed in large quantities, especially in dehydrated bearded dragons or those housed on loose substrates like sand.

To minimize these risks, follow these tips:

• Offer mealworms as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of feeder insects and plant-based foods.
• Ensure your bearded dragon stays well-hydrated by providing a clean water dish and misting their enclosure regularly.
• Use a safe, digestible substrate like newspaper, tile, or reptile carpet to reduce the risk of impaction.

Preparing and Serving Mealworms

To ensure your bearded dragon receives the most nutritional benefits from mealworms, follow these steps:

1. Choose healthy mealworms: Select mealworms that are active, plump, and free from any signs of disease or damage. Avoid mealworms treated with hormones or pesticides.
2. Gut-load mealworms: Feed mealworms a nutritious diet for 24-48 hours before offering them to your bearded dragon. This process, known as gut-loading, enhances the nutritional value of the mealworms. Some recommended gut-loading foods include:

• High-quality commercial gut-loading formula
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots, sweet potato, apples)
• Whole-grain cereals or bran

1. Dust mealworms with calcium and vitamin supplements: Before feeding, dust the mealworms with a calcium supplement containing vitamin D3. This helps prevent metabolic bone disease and ensures proper bone growth. For adult bearded dragons, dust mealworms once or twice a week, while juveniles require more frequent dusting.

Alternatives to Mealworms

In addition to mealworms, offer your bearded dragon a variety of other feeder insects to ensure a well-rounded diet. Some alternatives include:

• Crickets
• Dubia roaches
• Black soldier fly larvae
• Silkworms
• Hornworms

Vegetables and greens should make up a significant portion of your bearded dragon’s diet, especially as they reach adulthood. Some recommended options include:

• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Dandelion greens
• Squash
• Bell peppers
• Carrots

Monitoring Your Bearded Dragon’s Health

Regular monitoring of your bearded dragon’s health is essential to ensure they are thriving on their diet. A healthy bearded dragon should exhibit the following signs:

• Active and alert behavior
• Clear, bright eyes
• Healthy, smooth skin
• Regular bowel movements
• Consistent appetite

If you notice any sudden changes in your bearded dragon’s behavior, appetite, or appearance, consult a reptile veterinarian for guidance.

Conclusion

Determining how many mealworms to feed your bearded dragon requires careful consideration of their age, size, activity level, and overall diet. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and offering a varied, balanced diet, you can help ensure your bearded dragon receives the nutrition they need to thrive.

Remember, while mealworms can be a nutritious part of your bearded dragon’s diet, they should be offered in moderation and alongside a variety of other feeder insects and plant-based foods. Regular monitoring of your pet’s health and consulting with a reptile veterinarian can help you make informed decisions about their care.

FAQs

1. Can I feed my bearded dragon mealworms every day?
   It’s best to offer mealworms as part of a varied diet, rather than every day. Juvenile bearded dragons can be fed mealworms once daily, while adults should be offered mealworms every other day or a few times a week, alongside a variety of other feeder insects and plant-based foods.
2. How do I store mealworms?
   Mealworms can be stored in a ventilated container with a substrate of wheat bran, oats, or commercial mealworm bedding. Keep the container in a cool, dry place between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Provide fresh vegetables like carrots or potatoes for moisture and additional nutrition.
3. Can I breed my own mealworms for my bearded dragon?
   Yes, breeding your own mealworms is possible and can be a cost-effective way to provide a steady supply of feeder insects. To breed mealworms, you’ll need a container with a substrate, a heat source, and a few adult darkling beetles. The beetles will lay eggs in the substrate, which will hatch into mealworms.
4. What should I do if my bearded dragon isn’t interested in mealworms?
   If your bearded dragon shows little interest in mealworms, try offering them at different times of the day or using a different feeding method (e.g., tong-feeding or placing them in a shallow dish). You can also try offering other feeder insects or focusing on plant-based foods to ensure your bearded dragon receives a balanced diet.
5. Are there any signs that my bearded dragon is being overfed mealworms?
   Signs of overfeeding mealworms may include:

• Obesity or rapid weight gain
• Decreased interest in other food items
• Frequent regurgitation or diarrhea
• Lethargy or decreased activity level If you notice any of these signs, reduce the number of mealworms offered and consult a reptile veterinarian for guidance.