Superworms for Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons eat insects like dubia roaches, bloodworms, and crickets. But what about superworms? Can bearded dragons eat superworms? 

This article will cover everything you need about superworms for bearded dragons.

What Are Superworms?

Superworms, scientifically known as Zophobas morio, are the larval stage of a darkling beetle species originating from Central and South America.

They are frequently utilized as live feeders for reptiles, amphibians, and other insect-eating pets commonly kept by enthusiasts.

Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?

The answer is yes, bearded dragons can eat superworms occasionally, but they should not be a staple part of their diet.

Superworms are high in fat and lower in nutritional value compared to other feeder insects like crickets or dubia roaches. 

How to Feed a bearded dragon superworms?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to Feed a bearded dragon superworms:

Age and size considerations: You can only feed superworms to an adult bearded dragon. Avoid feeding superworms to a baby or juvenile bearded dragons, as they can pose a choking hazard.

Purchase healthy superworms: When purchasing superworms, choosing reliable sources like reputable pet stores or breeders is essential. It ensures you’re getting healthy worms without any concerns about parasites or diseases.

Gut-loading: Before feeding superworms to your bearded dragon, you should gut-load them. It means feeding the superworms with nutritious foods to enhance their nutritional value for your dragon. To ensure they are packed with essential nutrients, offer them fresh vegetables, fruits, and commercial insect gut-loaders.

Dusting calcium powder: Just like with other feeder insects, you need to provide essential vitamins and minerals to your bearded dragon. Dust the superworms with calcium powder or calcium with vitamin D3 supplement before feeding them to your dragon.

Offer in a Shallow Dish: Place the superworms in a shallow dish in your bearded dragon’s enclosure, and watch as they eagerly gobble them up.

Use Tweezers: Using tweezers to feed superworms to your bearded dragon can be a good idea, as it allows you to control the number of insects your dragon consumes and can also prevent accidental bites.

Observe your bearded dragon: Always watch your bearded dragon while they eat to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties or choking. If a superworm appears to be too large for your dragon to handle, remove it and offer a smaller one instead.

Benefits of Superworms for Bearded Dragons

Here are some benefits of feeding superworms to bearded dragons:

Hydration: Superworms have a high moisture content, making them an excellent hydration source for bearded dragons.

Favorite Snack: Bearded dragons love superworms, and they are an excellent treat to offer as a reward for good behavior or as a special snack. 

Protein: Superworms are a great source of protein, which is essential for bearded dragons’ growth and development. 

Entertainment: Superworms can entertain bearded dragons as they chase and capture their prey. This activity can help stimulate their natural hunting instincts, providing them with mental and physical stimulation.

Variety in Diet: Bearded dragons enjoy a varied diet, and feeding superworms can provide a different texture and taste than other foods, which can help keep them interested in eating.

Drawbacks of Superworms for bearded Dragons

While superworms can provide many benefits for bearded dragons, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

Calcium Deficiency: Bearded dragon needs a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1 to stay healthy and thrive. Unfortunately, superworms have a much lower ratio of 1:14. It can negatively impact your dragon’s health, making it essential to choose other calcium-rich foods for their diet.

Obesity: Superworms contain a lot of fat and calories, and if bearded dragons eat too many, they might gain too much weight and become overweight.

Potential impaction risk: Feeding many superworms all at once or giving them to bearded dragons when they’re too big can raise the chances of gastrointestinal impaction. The undigestible parts of the insects, like their tough outer covering, may build up in the digestive system and lead to blockages.

FAQS

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?

No, baby bearded dragons should not eat superworms. They are quite large and can be difficult for them to eat.

How many superworms to feed a bearded dragon?

The recommended amount of superworms to feed a bearded dragon is generally 2-3 superworms once or twice a week.

Are superworms good for bearded dragons?

Superworms can be a suitable part of a bearded dragon’s diet when offered in moderation and as part of a balanced and varied feeding routine.

Can bearded dragons eat superworms everyday?

No, bearded dragons should not eat superworms daily.

Can superworms kill a bearded dragon?

Superworms can potentially harm a bearded dragon if not fed appropriately. If the superworms are too large, they may cause choking or digestive issues if swallowed whole. 

Can juvenile bearded dragons eat superworm?

Yes, juvenile bearded dragons can eat superworms, but they should be offered with caution and in moderation.

What Age Can Bearded Dragons Eat Superworms?

Bearded dragons can typically start eating superworms when they reach 4-6 months of age.

Conclusion

Including superworms in a bearded dragon’s meals can contribute positively by offering hydration, protein, and a source of engagement.

Yet, being mindful of the amount given is crucial since their higher fat content can lead to weight issues if consumed excessively.

Alongside this, it’s important to remember that a well-rounded diet for bearded dragons involves a mix of different insects and nutritious foods. This variety is essential to avoid problems like calcium deficiency and digestive blockages.

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