Can Bearded Dragons Eat Worms?

If you’re a proud owner of a bearded dragon, you know how important it is to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. With so many food options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the endless possibilities of what you can or cannot feed your beardies – from Pumpkin to Corn to Mung Bean Sprouts.

However, today we’ll be focusing on a particular food item, or rather a particular question, that often sparks confusion in the mind of a bearded dragon owner – can my bearded dragon eat worms?

So, let’s get started!

Can bearded dragons have worms?

Yes, bearded dragons can eat worms. Worms can be a nutritious part of their diet, providing protein and essential nutrients. Some popular worms for bearded dragons include mealworms, superworms, and waxworms, which can be fed to them as treats or supplements to their regular diet.

However, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet for your bearded dragon by also providing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and other insects. Overfeeding worms can lead to health issues, such as obesity and nutritional imbalances.

Now, let’s dive into the benefits and potential risks of feeding worms to bearded dragons in more detail.

Benefits of feeding worms to beardies

Here are 3 benefits of feeding worms to bearded dragons:

Nutritional Value: Worms provide essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals for bearded dragons, promoting their overall health and growth.
Enrichment Activity: Hunting and eating worms simulates a bearded dragon’s natural feeding behavior, which provides mental stimulation and reduces stress.
Easy Digestion: Worms are soft-bodied and have less chitin than other insects, making them easier for bearded dragons to digest and process.

Potential risks of feeding worms to beardies

While worms can offer some benefits to your bearded dragon, there are also some potential risks to keep in mind:

Impaction risk: Feeding worms that are too large or have hard exoskeletons can cause impaction in bearded dragons, leading to severe digestive issues.
Parasite transmission: Worms can carry parasites that may infect bearded dragons when ingested, potentially causing illness and discomfort.
Nutritional imbalance: Some worms may lack the proper nutrients needed for a bearded dragon’s balanced diet, leading to malnutrition and health problems.

Alternatives to worms for bearded dragons

If you’re searching for alternatives to worms, there are plenty of other fruits, vegetables and insects that your bearded dragon can enjoy. Here are five options to consider, along with their potential benefits and how to incorporate them into your beardie’s diet:

Crickets: High in protein and essential nutrients, crickets provide a well-balanced diet for bearded dragons, making them a staple food source for these reptiles.
Dubia Roaches: High in protein and essential nutrients, Dubia roaches promote bearded dragon growth, health, and digestion, making them a staple feeder insect in their diet.
Collard Greens: Rich in vitamins and nutrients, collard greens offer a healthy staple for your bearded dragon’s diet, supporting their growth and overall well-being.
Dandelion Greens: Rich in calcium and fiber, dandelion greens support bearded dragon’s bone health and digestion, making them an excellent addition to their diet in moderation.
Blueberries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries enhance your bearded dragon’s immunity and skin health, serving as a weekly treat.

FAQs

1. Can baby bearded dragons eat worms?

Yes, baby bearded dragons can eat worms, but they should be small, soft-bodied worms like mealworms or waxworms, and offered in moderation due to their high-fat content.

2. How often can bearded dragons eat worms?

Bearded dragons can eat worms two to three times per week.

3. Do bearded dragons like worms?

Yes, bearded dragons enjoy eating worms, such as mealworms and waxworms, as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Other foods for bearded dragons worth checking:

You can check other interesting information about your beardies by clicking here.

Also, do you have any special recipes or food tips for feeding bearded dragons? I’d love to hear from you! Share with me your beardie’s favourite in the comments below!

Reference: