Yes, bearded dragons can eat silkworms. In fact, they are a popular reptilian food in the wild. More importantly, silkworms can be a staple of your bearded dragon, not only an occasional treat. However, if you’re considering getting silkworms for your bearded dragon then it’s important that you know everything there is to know about them.
What Are Silkworms?
Silkworms are actually the larvae stage of the domesticated silk moth species – Bombyx mori. It’s a member of the butterfly family and the only commercially reared insect in the world. They live in China and Japan but have also been raised in some European countries since not too long ago.
They’re considered very nutritious which makes them good for feeding to animals like reptiles, fish, birds or even other insects. Silkworms contain protein12%), fiber (8%) and fat (8%), as well as calcium, phosphorus and iron. In total, they contain about 12% of a bearded dragon’s daily nutritional requirements!
Although silkworms are usually raised for commercial purposes, since they’re one of the most effective and easiest to rear insects in the world, you can order them through pet shops. Check out the insect.
Are Silkworms Good For Bearded Dragons?
Silkworms make a good staple food for bearded dragons and can provide them with all the nutrients they need.
However, there’s one thing you should know about silkworms: since they’re raised commercially, their nutritional value varies depending on what kind of diet they receive. This is why it’s important that you check the nutritional value of the silkworms before feeding your bearded dragon with them.
Insects Bearded Dragons Can Consume
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Frogs
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Grasshoppers
- Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms/
How Many Silkworms Should I Feed My Bearded Dragon?
Most breeders of silkworms recommend that you feed your bearded dragon with 10-20 silkworms per day.
You can find out more about the nutritional value of silkworms and how to prepare them by checking out this article. Also, before feeding your bearded dragon with silkworms, make sure they’re alive. This means you should never order a package of dead, canned or pre-packed ones!
What’s The Best Way To Feed Silkworms To My Bearded Dragon?
Silkworms are usually fed live as this is one of their favorite ways to eat them. You can do this by using tweezers to hold the worm in place while your bearded dragon catches it with its mouth.
For smaller dragons, you might need to use tweezers to help the dragon catch the silkworm.
It’s important that your bearded dragon eats its food within 30 minutes so if you’re using live food like silkworms, make sure to feed them early in the morning or at night since it will take your pet time to eat them.
What If My Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat Silkworms?
Occasionally there might be a beardie that won’t eat silkworms, no need to worry, there are other alternatives that you can try instead of giving up on this nutritious staple food. You should also keep an eye on how much protein is in the silkworm diet since too much protein may cause your bearded dragon’s diet to be unbalanced.
Overall, silkworms are a mainstay for your bearded dragon’s diet. Their nutritional makeup is perfect for bearded dragons and they love them!