When feeding your bearded dragon, variety is critical to ensuring a well-balanced diet. Red worms, also known as red wigglers, are popular among reptile enthusiasts.
Yes, bearded dragons can eat red worms, also known as red wigglers, but only in moderation. They should be part of a varied diet to avoid imbalances in phosphorus and calcium.
Let’s dive into the details to keep your bearded dragon thriving!
An Overview of Bearded Dragon Dietary Needs
Bearded dragons thrive on a varied diet that supports their unique nutritional requirements. Omnivores need a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and fruits. Specifically, their diet should include:
- High Animal Protein: Essential for growth and overall health.
- Moderate Calcium: Vital for bone development and egg production.
- Low Fat: To prevent obesity and related health issues.
- High Fiber: From leafy greens and vegetables to support digestion.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: To maintain optimal health.
- Hydration: Clean water is crucial for proper bodily functions.
Young bearded dragons need more protein than adults, while adult dragons benefit from a slightly reduced protein intake and more greens.
Are Earthworms Suitable Feeders?
Earthworms, including red wigglers, have been used as feeders for various reptiles. However, they come with some pros and cons:
- Nutritional Benefits: Earthworms offer a good source of protein.
- Downsides: They have a higher phosphorus-to-calcium ratio, which can be problematic if fed less frequently. High phosphorus levels can interfere with calcium absorption, potentially leading to health issues like metabolic bone disease.
Despite these concerns, earthworms can be fed occasionally as part of a varied diet. They should not replace primary feeders like crickets or dubia roaches.
Also Read: Bearded Dragon Rubbing Face On Ground – Common Reasons
Evaluating Red Wigglers for Bearded Dragons
Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are a popular choice among reptile owners, but it’s essential to understand their nutritional profile:
- Protein Content: Red wigglers contain about 50-60% protein, decent but less than crickets or roaches.
- Phosphorus Levels: Red wigglers are high in phosphorus, almost double the calcium they provide. If fed too often, this imbalance can affect bone health.
- Fat Content: They are low in fat, making them a leaner choice than other worms.
- Digestibility: Their soft bodies are accessible for juvenile and adult bearded dragons to digest.
Given their high phosphorus levels, red wigglers should be fed sparingly. They are better suited as occasional treats rather than staple feeders.
Best Practices for Feeding Red Wigglers
To ensure your bearded dragon benefits from red wigglers without any downsides, follow these best practices:
- Source Ethically: Purchase red wigglers from reputable breeders to avoid parasites.
- Portion Control: Limit red wigglers to 2-3 worms per feeding, 1-2 times a week. They should make up at most 20% of the diet.
- Gut Loading: Feed worms nutritious foods like sweet potatoes or carrots before offering them to your dragon. This enhances their nutritional value by increasing calcium and vitamin content.
- Mix with Other Feeders: To balance the phosphorus intake, combine red wigglers with calcium-rich feeders like crickets or roaches.
Introducing red wigglers should be done gradually. Monitor your bearded dragon’s response to ensure they tolerate this addition well.
Top 5 Best Feeders for Bearded Dragons
While red wigglers can be a tasty treat, here are the top five feeder insects that should form the core of your bearded dragon’s diet:
1. Dubia Roaches
- Benefits: High calcium, low fat, easy to breed, and digestible.
- Downsides: Not available in all regions due to legal restrictions.
2. Crickets
- Benefits: High in protein and calcium, stimulate natural hunting behaviours.
- Downsides: It can be noisy and may bite.
Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Black Beans – Ultimate Guide – 2024!
3. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
- Benefits: Rich in calcium, small, and easy for young dragons to handle.
- Downsides: Higher cost compared to other feeders.
4. Hornworms
- Benefits: High in moisture and protein, soft-bodied.
- Downsides: Expensive and can cause loose stools if overfed.
5. Silkworms
- Benefits: High in protein and essential amino acids, low in fat.
- Downsides: High perishability and cost.
Healthy Feeding Practices
To ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy, follow these general feeding practices:
- Gut Load Feeders: Always feed your insects nutritious foods before offering them to your dragon.
- Calcium Powder: Dust feeders with calcium powder to prevent deficiencies.
- Fresh Greens: Offer fresh vegetables daily to complement the insect diet.
- UVB Lighting: Provide UVB light to help your dragon metabolize calcium and maintain overall health.
- Monitor Intake: Observe your dragon’s reactions to new foods and adjust their diet accordingly.
Do Bearded Dragons Eat Mealworms And Superworms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat mealworms and superworms, but only occasionally. Mealworms and superworms are high in fat and can cause digestive issues if fed too often. They should be part of a varied diet, not a staple.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Worms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat worms, such as red wigglers and earthworms. However, worms should be fed in moderation due to their high phosphorus content, which can affect calcium absorption. Offer them occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Red Worms Everyday
No, bearded dragons should not eat red worms every day. Red worms have high phosphorus levels, which can disrupt calcium balance. They should be fed only 1-2 times a week, alongside other nutritious foods.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Nightcrawlers
Yes, bearded dragons can eat nightcrawlers, but they should be offered in moderation. Nightcrawlers are high in phosphorus and should not make up much of their diet. Use them occasionally as part of a varied feeding regimen.
Must Read: Bearded Dragon Bleeding From Anus – Causes & How To Treat!
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Nightcrawlers From Petsmart
Yes, bearded dragons can eat nightcrawlers purchased from PetSmart, provided they are sourced from reputable suppliers. Ensure they are fresh and have not been exposed to harmful chemicals or pesticides before feeding them to your dragon.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Earthworms
Yes, bearded dragons can eat earthworms, but they should be fed in moderation. Earthworms have high phosphorus levels, which can affect calcium absorption if fed too often. Offer them occasionally as part of a varied diet.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat Wax Worms
Yes, bearded dragons can eat wax worms, but only as an occasional treat. Wax worms are high in fat and should not be a regular part of their diet. Limit their intake to prevent obesity and digestive issues.
Red Wigglers Bearded Dragon
Red wigglers can be fed to bearded dragons, but only in moderation. They have high phosphorus content, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Offer them occasionally and balance them with other feeder insects to ensure a nutritious diet.
Can I Feed My Bearded Dragon Night Crawlers?
Yes, you can feed night crawlers to your bearded dragon, but do so in moderation. Nightcrawlers are high in phosphorus, so they should not be the central part of their diet. Use them as an occasional treat.
Can Beardies Eat Red Wigglers?
Yes, beardies can eat red wigglers, but they should be offered sparingly. Red wigglers are high in phosphorus, which can affect calcium balance. Feed them only 1-2 times weekly and ensure a varied diet.
Must Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Coconut? – The Ultimate Guide 2024!
Beardie Food From Worm Bin?
Feeding beardies food from a worm bin is okay, provided the worms are healthy and clean. Ensure the worms are free from contaminants and gut-load them with nutritious food before offering them to your bearded dragon.
Red Wigglers/Night Crawlers?
Both red wigglers and night crawlers can be fed to bearded dragons, but only occasionally. They have high phosphorus content, so they should not be fed daily. Please include them in a varied diet to maintain proper calcium balance.\
Redworms/Red Wigglers
Redworms, or red wigglers, can be fed to bearded dragons but should be offered in moderation. They are high in phosphorus, which can affect calcium absorption. Feed them occasionally and mix with other insects for a balanced diet.
Read Also: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Tomato Leaves? – Safe Or Toxic?
Can I Feed Spike Earthworms
Yes, you can feed Spike earthworms, but only occasionally. Earthworms should be part of a varied diet, not a daily staple. They are high in phosphorus, so feed them sparingly to avoid disrupting calcium balance.
Little Red Worms With Homebred Crickets
Yes, little red worms can be fed with homebred crickets. Red worms should be given in moderation due to high phosphorus levels, while crickets provide balanced nutrition. Combining both can offer variety but ensure a balanced diet.
Earthworms Are A “Regular Treat”?
Earthworms should not be a regular treat for bearded dragons. They are high in phosphorus and can upset calcium balance if fed too often. Offer them occasionally, alongside other nutritious foods, to maintain a healthy diet.
9 Best Types Of Worms For Bearded Dragons To Eat
Top worms for bearded dragons include dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, silkworms, mealworms, superworms, red wigglers, and night crawlers. Ensure variety and balance to provide a nutritious diet while avoiding excess phosphorus or fat.
FAQs
1. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Red Earthworms?
Yes, bearded dragons can occasionally eat red earthworms. However, they are high in phosphorus, so feed them sparingly and include other feeder insects for balance.
2. What Kind Of Worms Can Bearded Dragons Eat?
Bearded dragons can eat worms like crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae and red wigglers. To maintain a balanced diet, ensure variety and moderation.
3. What Reptiles Eat Red Wigglers?
Various reptiles, such as turtles, frogs, and some lizards, eat red wigglers. They are a good food option but should be offered in moderation.
4. Can Earthworms Be Red?
Yes, earthworms can be red. Red wigglers, a type of earthworm, are commonly used as food for reptiles and should be fed occasionally due to their phosphorus content.
5. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Too Many Worms?
Yes, bearded dragons can eat too many worms. Overfeeding worms can cause health issues due to high phosphorus and fat. Feed them in moderation as part of a varied diet.
6. Are Red Worms Harmful?
Red worms are not harmful if fed in moderation. They are high in phosphorus, so they should be fed a balanced diet and not too often.
7. What Is The Difference Between Worms And Red Worms?
Worms are a general term for various species, while red worms (red wigglers) are a specific type. Red wigglers are often used for composting and as reptile food.
8. What Are The Benefits Of Red Worms?
Red worms provide protein and are easy to digest. However, due to their high phosphorus content, which can affect calcium levels, they should be fed in moderation.
9. My Bearded Dragon Will Not Eat Anything But Superworms. What Should I Do To Help Him?
Try offering a variety of other insects and gut-loading them with nutritious food. Gradually mix super worms with other feeders to encourage a balanced diet.
10. Pab’s First Time Trying A Nightcrawler. He Seems Mighty Confused About This Whole Experience…
It’s normal for a bearded dragon to be cautious with new foods. Allow Pab to explore the Nightcrawler at his own pace and try different presentation methods.
Closing Thoughts
Feeding your bearded dragon a diverse diet is crucial for their health and well-being. While red worms and nightcrawlers can be occasional treats, ensure moderation and balance with other nutritious foods. Monitor your dragon’s health and adjust their diet to keep them thriving.
